Velebit is also magical in winter: there is little life for Velebit

Apart from Plitvice Lakes, Lika is also known for its gigantic stone rampart that connects land and sea - Velebit. Velebit or the Velebit massif is the longest and the fourth highest mountain in Croatia. Its length is as much as 145 kilometers, its width is between 10 and 30 kilometers, its area is about 2.200 square kilometers, and the highest peak is Vagan peak 1.757 meters high.

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Photo: Josip Tomaić

Velebit belongs to the Dinarides system. It stretches along the Velebit Channel, part of the Adriatic Sea, from the Vratnik pass above Senj in the northwest to the Zrmanja river canyon in the southeast. On the land side, it is surrounded by Gacko, Ličko and Gračačko polje with the rivers Gacka, Lika and Otuča. Velebit is divided into North, Central, South and Southeast. So much for geography.

- What is especially interesting is that Velebit covers the area Velebit Nature Park, Northern Velebit National Park and Paklenica National Park which contributes to the fact that we freely call the destination Lika an ecological oasis - stand out in the Lika Destination Cluster.

The cluster, among other things, deals with branding the destination of Lika as a destination of protected natural areas, connecting protected areas in Lika in which almost 60% of the total area is protected by some form of protection under the Nature Protection Act. Lika's destination is also included in the list TOP 100 world green sustainable destinations and the winner Green Destination awards.

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Photo: Marija Maras

Velebit - the largest protected area in Croatia

Velebit is special in many ways because in the same day you can enjoy conquering the mountain peaks and getting to know the Velebit underground. in the Cerovački caves and soaking up the sun's rays in one of the most beautiful Croatian bays - Zavratnica.

The location of Velebit, its geological structure, and even three different climates (Mediterranean, continental and mountain) that are intertwined in this area, influenced the development very rich flora and fauna. Climate change in the peak areas causes unpredictable weather conditions, so the meteorological station at Zavižan is of great importance.

Velebit Nature Park was declared a park in 1981. UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve in 1978, and it is also the largest protected area in the Republic of Croatia. Northern Velebit was declared a National Park in 1999.

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Photo: Marija Maras

///On Velebit you can enjoy mountain peaks, caves and one of the most beautiful bays in one day

On Velebit there are strict reserves Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi and botanical reserves: Visibaba and Zavižan - Balinovac - Velika kosa, shepherd's apartments Alan and Lubenovac and a monument of park architecture Velebit Botanical Garden where you can see the famous Velebit endemic - Velebit degeneration. The southern part of Velebit includes the area of ​​the Paklenica National Park, which was declared a National Park in 1949.

snow on velebit - thunderstorm
Photo: Gromovača Mountaineering Society

Cerovec caves and Zavratnica bay

Cerovac caves, located in the southern part of the Velebit Nature Park, are among the most famous and most significant speleological objects in Croatia. The complex consists of as many as three caves (Lower, Middle and Upper) with over seven kilometers of explored canals. The first 700 meters of the Lower and Upper Caves have been arranged for a tourist visit. In addition to a large amount of archaeological remains are also one of the larger sites cave bear in Croatia. The remains of a cave lion (Panthera spelaea) and many others, especially smaller rodents and birds, were found.

Bone remains of the Paleolithic man Homo sapiens fossilis have also been found. Archaeological artifacts (fragments of pottery, metal, bone and stone finds) show that the Lower Cerovčka Cave has been used since the Middle Bronze Age (1400 - 1200 BC). Due to its unique natural beauty and numerous finds from the ancient past, the Cerovac Caves were protected by law in 1961 as geomorphological monument of nature.

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Photo: Marija Maras

Along with the Cerovac caves, Velebit also has a special value Zavratnica bay. One of the most beautiful bays on our coast is located near Jablanca, opposite the island of Rab. 129 plant species were counted in Zavratnica. At the beginning of the 20th century, an upper path with a lookout point and a promenade by the sea were built.

Zavratnica Bay is part of NATURA 2000 - an ecological network composed of areas important for the conservation of endangered species and habitat types of the European Union. The writer Vjenceslav Novak found inspiration for his works here, and in the bay there are the remains of a German warship from the II. World War II sunk by Allied planes.

snow on the velebit
Photo: Josip Tomaić

Favorite destination for hikers

As an additional attraction when visiting Velebit is also House of Velebit. It is a modern and interactive visitor and information center. In it you can learn more about the climate, species and habitats, cultural heritage, geology and underground of North Velebit.

snow on the velebit
Photo: Josip Tomaić

With its specific position, Velebit offers a variety of vacation opportunities. Lovers of active holidays, untouched nature and pristine wilderness can try hiking, walking on educational trails, touring caves, cycling, rafting and canoeing, sport fishing, mountaineering, horseback riding…

It is available over 30 hiking trails, marked with markings. It stands out in particular Premužić's path, a masterpiece of architecture. It was built in stone - drywall, and laid out in a very simple way leads us to the harshest and most rugged parts of northern Velebit - Hajdučka and Rožanska kukova.

snow on velebit - thunderstorm
Photo: Gromovača Mountaineering Society

"A little is one life for Velebit" - this is how the best connoisseurs of the mountain describe the splendor of the diversity of Velebit in a few words. In order to truly understand it, you have to visit Velebit in all seasons and you will be drawn into every corner of it. If you plan to visit Velebit this winter, we recommend the areas at the foot of Velebit, Velebit House and Zavratnica Bay.

Due to the extremely large amount of snow and low passability, hiking in winter is recommended exclusively for professional mountaineers and Velebit connoisseurs who have the necessary quality winter equipment.

Source: Lika Destination Cluster

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