Skip to content 
WALKING & HIKING CROATIA NATIONAL PARKS
WALKING & HIKING CROATIA NATIONAL PARKS
This week-long holiday was designed for all those who love to walk through beautiful nature while exploring local culture, history and gastronomy. We have put together an amazing itinerary that includes 5 of the best Croatian national parks and 1 nature park with an accent on a rich variety of landscapes you will get a chance to admire along the way – mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, Adriatic Sea and coast.
Apart from famous hiking trails and hidden gems like the Gorski Kotar area, you will also visit Zadar and Sibenik, real masterpieces of urban art and architecture. Time in between the hikes will be spent enjoying the local atmosphere and experiencing how the people in these regions live, while savoring some tasty berry strudel and forest soup or Mediterranean fish, wine and olive oil.
Come and discover Croatia’s incredibly preserved nature, medieval towns, rustic villages, old monuments, folklore, music, history and tradition more than 2000 years old. Join us on this trip of a lifetime and discover why Croatia is called a small country for a big adventure…
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Risnjak National Park hiking
- Day 3: Northern Velebit National Park hiking
- Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park walking
- Day 5: Velebit Nature Park – Krupa River hiking. Zadar visit.
- Day 6: Paklenica National Park hiking
- Day 7: Krka River National Park walking. Sibenik visit.
- Day 8: Departure
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Risnjak National Park hiking
- Day 3: Northern Velebit National Park hiking
- Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park walking
- Day 5: Velebit Nature Park – Krupa River hiking. Zadar visit.
- Day 6: Paklenica National Park hiking
- Day 7: Krka River National Park walking. Sibenik visit.
- Day 8: Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY – Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks
Day 1: Arrival day
Our first encounter for Croatia National Park Hiking Tour will be in Zagreb or Rijeka. You will be picked up at the airport, bus/train station or your hotel and head to Gorski Kotar.
Gorski Kotar is the mountain region popularly known as the „Green Lungs of Croatia“ because of its magical dense forests and fresh air. The charm of this area also lies in the fact that it’s not very touristy. It’s a real jewel still waiting to be discovered, ideal for a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation.
We will all get together for a welcome dinner, meet our fellow travelers and learn more about the adventures that are waiting for us this week.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Gorski Kotar
Driving: 1h-1h45, depending on the airport
Day 2: Risnjak National Park hiking
This first morning we wake up near the entrance to Risnjak, the National Park that was named after its most popular inhabitant – the lynx or “ris” in Croatian. It encompasses Risnjak and Snjeznik mountain ranges and the source area of the River Kupa. The Park is equally attractive in all seasons: in winter, when covered with snow; in spring, when its meadows transform into carpets of flowers; in summer, when it offers relief from the heat, and in autumn, when the trees bathe in a myriad of colors.
Our goal will be Big Risnjak (1528 m), its highest peak, and we will have time for a deserved break in the hut just below it. Weather permitting, we will be able to admire the views of the Adriatic Sea, neighboring Slovenia and even the Alps. An alternative is a gentler hike in the Kupa River Valley, often described as the magnificent valley of butterflies.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Gorski Kotar
Driving: up to 25 min each way; Hiking: 5-6 hours for the Big Risnjak hike
Day 2: Risnjak National Park hiking
This first morning we wake up near the entrance to Risnjak, the National Park that was named after its most popular inhabitant – the lynx or “ris” in Croatian. It encompasses Risnjak and Snjeznik mountain ranges and the source area of the River Kupa. The Park is equally attractive in all seasons: in winter, when covered with snow; in spring, when its meadows transform into carpets of flowers; in summer, when it offers relief from the heat, and in autumn, when the trees bathe in a myriad of colors.
Our goal will be Big Risnjak (1528 m), its highest peak, and we will have time for a deserved break in the hut just below it. Weather permitting, we will be able to admire the views of the Adriatic Sea, neighboring Slovenia and even the Alps. An alternative is a gentler hike in the Kupa River Valley, often described as the magnificent valley of butterflies.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Gorski Kotar
Driving: up to 25 min each way; Hiking: 5-6 hours for the Big Risnjak hike
Day 3: Northern Velebit National Park hiking
While we like to say that we will conquer a mountain, Velebit is a kind of a mountain that conquers its visitors. Northern Velebit, the youngest Croatian national park, is just one small part of this magnificent mountain and recognized for its preserved biodiversity, richness of the natural phenomena and pristine wilderness.
We will hike along one part of the famous Premuzic Trail which was built at the beginning of the 20th century and named after its constructor. It runs along the mountain ridge through the most beautiful and inaccessible parts of the mountain with the Adriatic Sea and islands stretching on one side and the continental Croatia on the other. Since the trail was engineered to provide gentle hiking without any steep ascents or descents, we will have an easy and pleasant day enjoying beautiful nature.
After the trip we will head to Plitvice Lakes National Park surroundings where we will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Croatian countryside.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Driving: 2h+2h30; Hiking: 3-4 hours
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park walking
This morning we don’t have to go too far, we are just a short drive away from the oldest Croatia national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.
We will walk by the lakes, past the waterfalls and the trails will occasionally lead us up to amazing viewpoints where you will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Driving: 15 min; Walking: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes National Park walking
This morning we don’t have to go too far, we are just a short drive away from the oldest Croatia national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sequence of 16 turquoise lakes linked together with beautiful waterfalls and travertine pools are really as beautiful as in the photos, even more. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife.
We will walk by the lakes, past the waterfalls and the trails will occasionally lead us up to amazing viewpoints where you will be able to admire the complete picture of this amazing natural attraction.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Plitvice National Park area
Driving: 15 min; Walking: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Velebit Nature Park – Krupa & Zrmanja Rivers hiking. Zadar.
Today we head south to explore the gorgeous canyons of Krupa & Zrmanja rivers which are a part of Velebit Nature Park. It’s a real western movie setting and a perfect destination for all trekking lovers.
Our hike starts in Golubici, a small village with a mere population of thirty. From there we head towards Kuda’s Bridge over the Krupa River. There is an intriguing and romantic legend about that bridge. After we tell you the story we will continue to the big 13 m waterfall on the Zrmanja River and back to Golubici.
We stay overnight in a little coastal town enjoying the special energy that the fusion between the mountain and the sea creates. If you want, you can spend a free evening in Zadar, an old city on the coast with interesting Roman and Venetian ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants.
Night: 3* guesthouse in Starigrad or surroundings
Driving: 2 hours; Hiking: 5 hours
Day 6: Paklenica National Park hiking
Paklenica National Park encompasses the small and the big Paklenica canyons and their surrounding area. We will hike along the big one (Velika Paklenica) and make our way to one of the nicest huts in the canyon.
Apart from being a paradise for hikers, Paklenica is a worldwide known climbing destination due to its amazing rock formations. If you prefer, you can also decide to rock climb instead of hike (optional).
After the hike we move south to the small charming town of Skradin situated at the doorstep of the Krka River National Park. Skradin is situated on Prokljan, a lake with brackish water formed by the Krka River before reaching the sea. You are welcome to take a swim on the local beach, hike up to the 14th century fortress and check out the town’s marina, some nice local shops, bars and restaurants.
Night: 3* hotel in Skradin
Driving: 1 hour; Hiking: 4 hours
Day 6: Paklenica National Park hiking
Paklenica National Park encompasses the small and the big Paklenica canyons and their surrounding area. We will hike along the big one (Velika Paklenica) and make our way to one of the nicest huts in the canyon.
Apart from being a paradise for hikers, Paklenica is a worldwide known climbing destination due to its amazing rock formations. If you prefer, you can also decide to rock climb instead of hike (optional).
After the hike we move south to the small charming town of Skradin situated at the doorstep of the Krka River National Park. Skradin is situated on Prokljan, a lake with brackish water formed by the Krka River before reaching the sea. You are welcome to take a swim on the local beach, hike up to the 14th century fortress and check out the town’s marina, some nice local shops, bars and restaurants.
Night: 3* hotel in Skradin
Driving: 1 hour; Hiking: 4 hours
Day 7: Krka River National Park walking. Sibenik.
With its seven travertine waterfalls and total drop of 242 m, the Krka River is one of the most beautiful natural and karst phenomena in Croatia. The main attractions are the big Skradinski Buk waterfall, the small island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery and the Roski waterfall. We will explore the area walking by the refreshing waterfalls and maybe even take a swim in the river if you feel like it.
Since Sibenik town is very close, we will use the opportunity to make a short afternoon visit to walk along the town’s narrow streets, admiring the old stone houses and the famous St Jacob’s Cathedral.
Night: 3* hotel in Skradin
Driving: 20 min one way to Sibenik; Walking: 2-3 hours (Krka NP)
Day 8: Departure
Today is the last day of our Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks tour and we transfer you to the airport, bus station or your next hotel. Closest airports are Zadar and Split.
If you wish to spend more time in Croatia feel free to contact us for recommendations. We can organize an extension that can include Mt Dinara (the highest peak of Croatia), Mt Biokovo Nature Park, walking & island hopping, Dubrovnik or any other location in Croatia.
NOTE
The itinerary of this Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks tour is subject to change without prior notice. Our primary concern is the safety and comfort of our guests. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but alterations may still occur due to weather conditions, water levels, group preferences and abilities and other exceptional situations.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTO GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION EXAMPLES
INTERACTIVE MAP
PRICES & DATES – Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks
April, October
- Children 8-12 years: 1250 € per person
- Single room: 1670 € per person
May-September
- Children 8-12 years: 1340 € per person
- Single room: 1790 € per person
April, October
- Children 8-12 years: 1250 € per person
- Single room: 1670 € per person
May-September
- Children 8-12 years: 1340 € per person
- Single room: 1790 € per person
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
– 7 nights’ accommodation
– 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
– transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport
– transfer to Zadar, Split, Zagreb or Rijeka airport
– private transport throughout the trip
– activities and equipment
– National Parks entrances
– English speaking guide
– use of walking poles (upon request)
– basic insurance
– local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
– airfare to/from Croatia
– beverages
– optional rock climbing (D6)
NOTES ON PRICES
– Prices are fixed in Euros
If you wish to pay in another currency than the Euro, the exact value will be calculated according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank on the day of booking.
– Base price is per person in a Double/Twin or Triple room, minimum group size 4 persons
Child discount (6-12 years) is approximately -10% and Single room supplement is approximately +20%, as marked in the pricelist above
– Children price: 6-12 years old
Please note that all children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to participate in Croatia National Park Hiking Tour. One child enjoying discount shares the room with parents; two or more children can have their own room.
– Single room price
If you are travelling alone and wish to share a room with another fellow traveller to avoid paying the single room supplement, that might be possible – please contact us for details.
– Family and group discount
Feel free to send us your family/group details and we’ll let you know if we can offer a discount for those dates and group size.
DEPARTURE DATES 2025 (standard = Saturdays)
MAY: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
JUNE: 7, 14, 21, 28
JULY: 5, 12, 19, 26
AUGUST: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
SEPTEMBER: 6, 13, 20, 27
OCTOBER: 4, 11
DEPARTURES CAN BE ORGANISED ON ANY DATE OF YOUR CHOICE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY.
If the majority of you trip happens on summer dates (Jun-Sept), summer prices apply.
The trip can be organised all year round, with some itinerary modifications in winter time.
DETAILS – Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks
- Group size: 2-8 persons (we usually work with small groups in order to provide high quality service, but we can also accommodate bigger groups on request).
- If you are interested in a private customized trip please contact us for details and quote.
- Meals: The price of Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. Sometimes our guides might offer to pay for lunch instead of dinner in case you prefer to have dinner on your own. Our guides will be happy to recommend a local restaurant or grocery store for meals that are not included in the tour. We can provide vegetarian or vegan meals with advance notice. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Accommodation: private ensuite rooms in charming 3-star hotels and guesthouses. For families or groups of friends it’s possible to get a whole private house or apartment with advance notice. If you prefer to upgrade to a 4 or 5-star hotel stay throughout the Walking & Hiking Croatia National Parks tour, please contact us to check availability and surcharge.
