Croatia National Parks and Premuzic Trail Trekking Tour by Real Croatia

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

8 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

1751mHighest point reached

Starts

Northern Velebit National Park, Croatia

Ends

Paklenica National Park, Croatia

Highlights

Challenging hikes on the Via Dinarica trails of Velebit Mountain with an expert guide

Breathtaking views from various vantage points on Velebit mountain

Walk the legendary drystone Premuzic Trail

Stay at mountain huts and lodges along the trail

Itinerary

Calling all seasoned hikers and adventurous spirits! The "Croatia National Parks and Premuzic Trail Trekking Tour" is your gateway to the wild heart of Croatia. Designed for young adults and experienced travelers, this trip delivers a thrilling exploration of the country’s most celebrated national parks, with overnight stays deep in nature.

Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Velebit Mountain, traversing some of the most exciting stages of the Via Dinarica trail. From gentle walks to more demanding ascents, each day brings new panoramas and pristine wilderness. The unique selling point is the immersive trekking experience—offering both challenge and reward, with expert guidance and logistical support throughout.

If you crave new horizons and the camaraderie of fellow hikers, this tour package is your ticket to Croatia’s untamed beauty.

day 1 - Arrival to Northern Velebit National Park

Arrive in Croatia in the morning or on a previous day (accommodation for earlier days is not included). Stop at one of the supermarkets for food supplies. Optional transfer to the mountain hut Zavizan where you will meet the guide and the rest of the group.

To get to know the area better, accompanied by our mountain guide, you will climb to one of the Zavizan area peaks. The scenic vistas from this group of peaks are impressive. From here, it looks like you have Kvarner bay in the palm of your hand.

After dinner, you will go through the program together with the guide, and you will be briefed about the trek.

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Hiking the Premuzic Trail

After breakfast, embark on the first hiking stage and join the well-known Premuzic Trail, built in the 1930s using the drystone technique. The 57 km trail was laid out and constructed by the forestry engineer Ante Premuzic, a passionate mountaineer and lover of Velebit. There are virtually no steep ascents, so today's route is suitable for visitors unaccustomed to mountaineering.

Branching off from the Premuzic Trail are several paths that climb up to some of the most spectacular peaks of northern and central Velebit. The route section between Zavizan and mountain hut Alan is perhaps the most beautiful part of the trail.

Duration:7 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 3 - Hiking the Premuzic Trail

The second part of the trail that leads from Alan Mountain hut to the mountain refuge Skorpovac is approximately 20 km long, takes around 7 hours to complete, and is categorized as a mid-difficult route.

The trail will take you along the maritime slope at equal elevation, interchanging forests and meadows. You will encounter great views on this trail. Once you reach Skorpovac, the hut's custodian will give you a ride to the mountain hut Kuga’s house (Kugina kuca), which used to be a forest ranger's cabin in central Velebit. You will have dinner there and spend overnight.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 4 - Hiking Premuzic trail

Wake up at Kuga's house, group breakfast, and then take a 15-minute SUV journey to the Skorpovac shelter. Do not forget to stretch before hitting the trail today; multi-day hiking requires warming up before departure and light stretching after arrival.

The final section of the Premuzic trail is 15 km long, and it is a moderately challenging route. It will take around 4 hours to complete the trek. Arrive at Baske Ostarije, have dinner, and overnight stay at the hostel.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 5 - Paklenica National Park

After three days' of trek, today is when you take things slow and prepare for the remaining part of your trip. A driver will take you to Starigrad today. Weather permitting, relax at the beach.

Today's trek is more effortless and goes through the wonderful National Park Paklenica. In this area, you will see the parts of Big (Velika) and Small (Mala) Paklenica. These two ravines result from Velebit's rivers piercing through stone, at some points more than 300m (984ft) high. Due to its geological uniqueness and monolithic rocks, Paklenica has become one of the most well-known climbing destinations.

Passing through here, you might see sport climbing enthusiasts taking advantage of the moderate climate and protected wilderness. After a few hours, you will reach the Paklenica mountain lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Duration:3 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 6 - Hiking the Paklenica National Park

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and morning body stretching, as the most exciting leg of the journey lies ahead of you. This is a circular tour that ends again at the mountain lodge Paklenica.

The first part of the route goes through the forests of mostly beech wood, and the trail is moderately uphill but not strenuous. The second part, however, is steeper and goes up and down a couple of times, but the reward is well worth it.

At its 1265m (5331 ft) altitude, Veliki Golic peak opens the view toward the sea and overlooks the Paklenica National Park. Take some time here to enjoy the view before going back. From the summit, you will head back towards the mountain lodge Paklenica for the last overnight on the mountain.

Duration:6 hours

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 7 - Departure

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the mountain. We hope this hiking trip will give you much to remember and encourage you to explore other parts of the Via Dinarica. Until next time.

Accommodation: Eco lodge

Meals:Breakfast

Croatia National Parks and Premuzic Trail Trekking tour

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What's Included

6 Breakfasts and 6 DinnersExperienced and qualified mountain guide services from the first to the last dayEntrance fee to Northern Velebit National Park and Paklenica National ParkOvernight stay at mountain hut Zavižan, tourist taxOvernight stay at mountain hut Alan, tourist taxOvernight stay at mountain hut Kugina kuća, tourist taxOvernight stay at the hostel in Baške Oštarije, tourist taxPrivate car transfer from Baške Oštarije to Starigrad, Paklenica2 overnights at mountain hut Paklenica, tourist tax

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