What better way to discover rewilding than by living it directly?

Hiking trip to Northern Velebit National Park, featuring a scenic circular route to the main peaks Veliki Zavižan and Veliki Pivčevac, including stops at the Zavižan Mountain Hut, nearby minor summits, the Botanical Garden, and passing by the Vukušić Snježnica cave along the way, offering a rich and rewarding mountain experience.

Program

📍 Starting Point: Parking area near Zavižan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRY4ZbMpA4rosrFY9) Elevation: ~1594 m Accessible via gravel road from Oltari or Krasno 🏡 Zavižan Mountain Hut (1594 m) A brief visit to the oldest mountain hut on Velebit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, islands, and surrounding peaks. The hut is also home to Croatia’s highest meteorological station, adding a unique scientific touch to the experience. 🏞️ Velika Kosa (1622 m), Balinovac (1602 m) and Velebit Botanical Garden (1480 m) The hike begins with an ascent of Velika Kosa, right in front of the Zavižan Mountain Hut, and continues to Balinovac, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the sea. The route then leads to the Botanical Garden, featuring educational trails and showcasing the region’s unique endemic alpine flora. 🏔️ Ascent to Veliki Zavižan (1676 m) A gentle climb of about 30–45 minutes from the hut rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lika, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. 🗻 Continue to Veliki Pivčevac (1676 m) The trail then passes by the Vukušić Snježnica Cave and continues along a rocky ridge, leading to a rocky summit that offers spectacular panoramic views. 🏡 Return to Zavižan Mountain Hut Take a rest break with refreshments and enjoy the stunning views from the viewpoint. 🕓 Total Duration: 5 to 7 hours Elevation gain: approx. 300–400 m Distance: 10 km

What's Included?

Experienced Local Tour Guide Park Entry Tickets (valid for three days)

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

By being part of the Rewilding Velebit network, we contribute to restoring Velebit's natural ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable future for both nature and local communities. Using "Leave No Trace" principles we educate the public on sustainable outdoor practices, emphasizing the importance of minimizing human impact on nature. Through creative activities and outdoor learning experiences, participants gain insights into the biological and cultural values of the area, which enhances their awareness and behavior concerning nature preservation. By integrating historical education with environmental awareness we support the development of a balanced relationship between biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic needs of local communities. We encourage local production and craftsmanship, guiding guests through authentic local tastings and collaborative experiences. Our accommodations are carefully selected partners who share our commitment to rewilding and sustainable practices, promoting simpler, eco-friendly and green use of resources. In addition, we personally participate in volunteer activities organized by the Rewilding Velebit Foundation, directly contributing to the conservation and rewilding of the region.

Rewilding landscape

Rewilding vision

Velebit Mountains | Croatia

Situated on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, with 145-kilometre long Velebit massif, two national parks and a biosphere reserve, the area boasts a diverse range of habitats: from barren Mediterranean landscapes at sea level, to vast beech forests, to almost boreal systems and alpine grasslands at higher altitudes.

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This experience involves

• Hiking
• Wildlife tracking
• Wildlife photography
• Educational experience

Wildlife in this landscapePlease note that the presence of wildlife doesn’t guarantee sightings — these animals live freely and may remain out of view.

Location