This three-day tour offers a scenic hiking experience through the heart of Velebit, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll visit a botanical garden and enjoy stunning views, all while immersing yourself in the principles of rewilding - encouraging nature to thrive in its wild state. Evening includes sunset watching and stargazing, and the journey continues on a beautiful trail that leads to a mountain cabin surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Details
CountryCroatia
Duration (in days)3
Itinerary
📍 Starting Point:
Parking area near Zavižan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRY4ZbMpA4rosrFY9)
Elevation: ~1594 m
Accessible via gravel road from Oltari or Krasno
Day 1 🏞️ Visit to Balinovac Peak and Botanical Garden, Ascent to Veliki Zavižan (4,5 km)
We’ll meet at the parking lot by 10 AM at the latest. Please come dressed in comfortable hiking gear to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start of our adventure. The tour begins with a gentle but scenic hike up to Veliki Zavižan, one of the highest and most famous peaks of Velebit. On our way to the summit we will stop at the botanical garden, where you can enjoy unique endemic plants of Velebit and learn more about this rich natural heritage.
We’ll also visit Balinovac Peak for stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. After reaching Veliki Zavižan, we’ll explore the area behind the hut at Vučjak peak, near the meteorological station, enjoying panoramic views safely right by the hut.
Evening ⭐ Sunset and Stargazing
In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset from Velika Kosa, offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the sun sets, the night is perfect for stargazing right in front of the Hut, far from light pollution, providing a unique celestial experience.
Day 2 🏔️ Circular Hike to Mali Rajinac via Veliki Pivčevac (12,3 km)
On the second day, we’ll embark on a circular hike starting from the mountain hut. The route begins with a scenic ascent to Veliki Pivčevac, following a rocky ridge that offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Adriatic Sea.
From there, we’ll continue towards Mali Rajinac, enjoying the varied alpine landscapes along the way. During the hike, we’ll stop at the Vukušić Snježnica Cave, a hidden gem nestled along the trail, perfect for a short exploration and photos.
The return leg takes us over Buljevac, offering a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of Northern Velebit before heading back to the mountain hut. This circular route provides a full day of hiking, combining challenging ascents, breathtaking vistas, and unique natural landmarks.
Evening 🌠 Sunset and Stargazing
In the evening, we’ll relax and soak in a breathtaking sunset, followed by stargazing under the clear Velebit skies, where the Milky Way and countless stars create a magical alpine spectacle.
Day 3 🛖 Premužić Trail to Rossi's Shelter (14,9 km)
The last day takes you along one of the most famous and beautiful hiking trails in Croatia – the Premužić Trail. This path offers gentle ascents and descents with stunning panoramic views of Velebit, lush vegetation, and magical scenery. The goal of today’s hike is Rossi's Shelter, located in the heart of Velebit, a perfect place to rest and enjoy nature before heading back.
What's Included?
Experienced Local Tour Guide
Park Entry Tickets (valid for three days)
Breakfast x2 + Dinner x2 + Lodging x2 nights
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.
Dates & Duration
3 days
Seasonal Availability
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Food & Stay
🏡 ZAVIŽAN MOUNTAIN HUT
The Zavižan Mountain hut is a two-storey building built on the foundations of the former Krajač's house. The hut offers minor drinks service, as well as possibility to prepare your own food. On the ground floor there is a kitchen, a group dormitory (14 beds) and a dining room with 40 seats. The first floor comprises rooms with two, four, and eight beds. Rooms and dormitories are furnished with bunk beds and bedding, no sleeping bags are required. The house has electricity and telephone. The building has a water cistern with limited capacity and the water should be used only sparingly. The accommodation should be booked in advance. during the season. A terrace in front of the hut has about 50 seats.
🍽️ MEALS & KITCHEN USE
Due to regulations, the Mountain Hut cannot provide prepared meals, but all visitors
are welcome to use the shared kitchen. Since the kitchen is very small, breakfast and
dinner will be prepared by the guides for convenience: for breakfast mainly eggs
and coffee or tea and simple meals like pasta or rice for dinner.
For lunch, please bring your own ingredients for sandwiches. Fridge space is
available to store items, and lunch will be enjoyed outdoors during the hikes.
Languages spoken
English
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Group size
We prefer small private groups, minimum 2, and up to 8 people.
The price per person is €345. If the group has four or more people, the price is €320 per person.
What to Bring
🎒 BASIC HIKING GEAR:
Daypack (20–30 L)
Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles
Layered clothing: quick‑dry short‑sleeve base layer, long‑sleeve or fleece mid‑layer, windproof/waterproof jacket (soft‑ or hardshell), full‑length hiking trousers, hat or buff + sunglasses, lightweight gloves (if in cooler season), spare socks and shirt (for hygiene or in case you get wet)
🥤 FOOD & HYDRATION:
Water, at least 2 L
Energy snacks, like bars, nuts, dried fruit, light meal or sandwich for lunch
🧭 SAFETY & NAVIGATION:
Fully charged phone
Basic first‑aid kit
Headlamp
☀️ WEATHER & SUN PROTECTION:
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Lip balm with UV protection
Insect & tick repellent (e.g. Autan or similar)
🎫 DOCUMENTS & MISCELLANEOUS:
ID or passport
Cash (in case you want to buy something in the Hut)
Mountaineering book (if you collect summit stamps)
Frequently Asked Questions
⚠️ TIPS & PRACTICAL INFO
Weather: Velebit weather changes quickly. Bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, and sun protection.
Mobile signal: Expect weak or no reception in many parts of the mountain.
Water: Water is not available on all trails - carry enough for the day.
🏥MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, accidents and hospital care during your stay in Croatia.
If required, we can arrange the insurance for you at an additional cost.
🚗 GETTING TO ZAVIŽAN PARKING
🛣 Starting from Krasno
From Krasno, drive 5 km along a gravel (macadam) road through the small village of Vukelići to reach the Babić Siča entrance of the park.
Once you reach Babić Siča, continue another 7 km over dirt road up to the Zavižan parking area near the chapel.
🛣 Starting from Oltari/Senj (coastal approach)
Drive on a 12 km winding asphalt road uphill from Senj to the mountain pass Oltari (~1,018 m elevation).
At Oltari, turn sharply left at the sign for Babić Siča and continue 10 km on paved road up to the park entrance, then proceed over 7 km of gravel to the Zavižan parking lot.
🚗 ROAD CONDITIONS & VEHICLE ADVICE
The final stretch to Zavižan parking is unpaved, rocky, with bumps and potholes, but passable by normal cars — no SUV required, though caution is needed
The unpaved road can be narrow and winding. Larger vehicles, campers, or motorcycles should proceed carefully.
🏕 GEAR FOR OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HUT
Essential: Sleeping bag, Towel (preferably small and quick-drying), Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tissues, deodorant, etc.), Indoor shoes or lightweight slippers, Sleepwear (e.g. leggings and a t-shirt), Phone charger (and possibly a power bank if electricity is limited), Water bottle (also useful in the evening), Small bag for dirty clothes
Recommended:
Travel sheet/sleeping bag liner (for extra hygiene), Earplugs (if you're sensitive to noise), Small flashlight or headlamp, Evening snacks
❗WE ARE OPEN FOR YOUR IDEAS & WISHES
In addition to the standard offer, we are open for the option of custom-made tours in order to best adapt to our guests' needs, so if you have an idea feel free to suggest and we will try to put together something meaningful.
This experience involves
Hiking
Wildlife tracking
Wildlife photography
Educational experience
Dark skies & stargazing
Herbivores in this landscape
Wild horse
Red deer
European rabbit
Carnivores in this landscape
Grey wolf
Brown bear
Eurasian lynx
Wildcat
Scavengers and other large birds in this landscape
Griffon vulture
Eagle owl
Location
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About the listing author
Hello, I'm Majda.
I’m Majda, your local guide to Croatia’s wild side.
I’m a certified tour guide with over 10 years of experience in outdoor tourism, licensed across 8 Croatian counties. But more than anything, I’m passionate about being outside – combining my love for nature and history into meaningful, small-scale adventures.
Mass tourism never felt right to me. That’s why I focus on sustainable travel – sharing Croatia’s natural beauty in a way that respects the land and supports local communities.
Through my work with the Rewilding Foundation, I help promote a new, more conscious way of exploring the outdoors.
My favorite mountain is Velebit.
Come and discover its magic with me – let’s hike, learn and fall in love with nature all over again.
I’m Majda, your local guide to Croatia’s wild side.
I’m a certified tour guide with over 10 years of experience in outdoor tourism, licensed across 8 Croatian counties. But more than anything, I’m passionate about being outside – combining my love for nature and history into meaningful, small-scale adventures.
Mass tourism never felt right to me. That’s why I focus on sustainable travel – sharing Croatia’s natural beauty in a way that respects the land and supports local communities.
Through my work with the Rewilding Foundation, I help promote a new, more conscious way of exploring the outdoors.
My favorite mountain is Velebit.
Come and discover its magic with me – let’s hike, learn and fall in love with nature all over again.
