HIKING PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK
3-Day Velebit Hiking Adventure to the Highest Peak of the Mountain
TRIP INFORMATION:
DURATION: 3 days/2 nights
HIKING STYLE: guided hiking tour
ACTIVITY LEVEL: moderate to challenging
SEASON: April to October
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hike to Vaganski vrh (1,752 m), the highest peak of Velebit
- Spend nights in a traditional mountain hut overlooking the canyon
- Enjoy local mountain cuisine and warm hut atmosphere
- Small group experience with a flexible pace
- A perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and breathtaking scenery
Discover the wild heart of Velebit Mountain
Velebit is not a mountain you simply hike — it is a mountain you experience. Powerful, raw, and unexpectedly gentle, it leaves a deep impression on everyone who walks its trails.
This three-day hiking adventure takes you into the heart of Paklenica National Park, where dramatic canyons, ancient forests, and high mountain ridges meet. Step by step, you will explore one of Croatia’s most spectacular landscapes and stand on the highest peak of the Velebit range.
Why Paklenica?
Within a relatively small area, Paklenica offers an incredible diversity: towering limestone cliffs, deep canyons carved by water, shady beech forests, and wide open mountain views stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea. It is a place where wildlife thrives, nature feels untouched, and silence still exists.
Known as a paradise for hikers and climbers, Paklenica is perfect for those who want an active, authentic mountain experience — far from crowds and mass tourism.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Into the Paklenica Canyon
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Zagreb or Zadar and a scenic drive towards the southern slopes of Velebit.
We start hiking through Velika Paklenica Canyon, surrounded by impressive rock walls and lush forest. As we gradually gain height, the noise of everyday life disappears, replaced by mountain silence and fresh air.
By afternoon, we reach our mountain hut, beautifully positioned above the canyon at 555 m. After settling in, we enjoy a well-deserved dinner — including the famous traditional meal “under the bell”, prepared by our welcoming hosts.
Night: Mountain hut Ramica Dvori
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Day 2 – The Highest Peak of Velebit
After breakfast, we set off towards Vaganski vrh, the highest point of the Velebit Mountain and one of the highest peaks in Croatia.
The trail leads us through changing landscapes, opening up to wide mountain views. Reaching the summit is a true highlight — a moment of achievement, with views stretching across the Velebit range and, on clear days, towards the sea.
For those who prefer a less demanding option, alternative nearby peaks can be chosen. In the afternoon, we return to the hut, relax, share stories, and enjoy the peaceful mountain evening.
Night: Mountain hut Ramića Dvori
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Day 2 – The Highest Peak of Velebit
After breakfast, we set off towards Vaganski vrh, the highest point of the Velebit Mountain and one of the highest peaks in Croatia.
The trail leads us through changing landscapes, opening up to wide mountain views. Reaching the summit is a true highlight — a moment of achievement, with views stretching across the Velebit range and, on clear days, towards the sea.
For those who prefer a less demanding option, alternative nearby peaks can be chosen. In the afternoon, we return to the hut, relax, share stories, and enjoy the peaceful mountain evening.
Night: Mountain hut Ramića Dvori
Hiking: 7-8 hours
Day 3 – Descent and Hidden Gems
Today we descend back through the park, with options to adapt the route to your wishes. Depending on conditions and group preference, we can:
- Visit Manita pec Cave
- Hike a smaller panoramic peak
- Enjoy a shorter, relaxed descent through the canyon
Optional climbing activities can be arranged for experienced climbers.
In the afternoon, we return to Zagreb or Zadar. Drop-off in Split available for a supplement.
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Prefer a self-guided hiking experience?
This tour can also be organized as a self-guided Paklenica & Velebit hiking adventure.
The self-guided option is ideal for experienced hikers who prefer to walk independently while still enjoying professional organization and local support.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTO GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION EXAMPLES
INTERACTIVE MAP
PRICES & DATES
Guided
Self-guided
ALL PRICES INCLUDE
– 2 nights in a mountain hut
– 2 breakfasts
– 2 picnic lunches
– 2 dinners
– 3-day National Park entrance
– English speaking guide
– round trip transfer from/to Zagreb/Zadar (guided)
– basic insurance
– local taxes
NOT INCLUDED
– airfare to/from Croatia
– beverages
– optional rock climbing
DEPARTURE DATES 2026 (standard = Sundays and Wednesdays)
APRIL: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
MAY: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
JUNE: 3, 7, 10, 14,17, 21, 24
JULY: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
AUGUST: 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
SEPTEMBER: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
OCTOBER: 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
DEPARTURES CAN BE ORGANISED ON ANY DATE OF YOUR CHOICE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY.
The trip can be organised all year round, with some itinerary modifications in winter time.
DEPARTURE DATES 2026 (standard = Sundays and Wednesdays)
APRIL: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
MAY: 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
JUNE: 3, 7, 10, 14,17, 21, 24
JULY: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
AUGUST: 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
SEPTEMBER: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
OCTOBER: 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
DEPARTURES CAN BE ORGANISED ON ANY DATE OF YOUR CHOICE, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR AVAILABILITY.
The trip can be organised all year round, with some itinerary modifications in winter time.
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.
– Children: welcome
Please note that all children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to participate in Hiking Adventure in Paklenica National Park.
– 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.
DETAILS – Hiking Adventure in Paklenica National Park
- Group size: 1-8 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: all meals are included. We can provide vegetarian meals with advance notice. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Accommodation: mountain hut Ramica Dvori with 6 or more beds in each room. If you are interested in having a private room that’s possible, please contact us for details.
