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

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.

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

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)

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.

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
• Dark skies & stargazing

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