The Via Dinarica’s most north section:
Eight-day Hiking Adventure Through Slovenia & Croatia
The first stage of the „Highlights of Via Dinarica“ program serial is a perfect introduction to the world of Dinarics. Moderate to challenging hikes take you on an unforgettable discovery of the highlights of Via Dinarica Slovenia & Croatia. We will learn about the secrets of its amazing underground world (praised even by the legendary documentarist David Attenborough), ascend the peaks that will stun you with panoramic views to all sides (especially to the Adriatic coast and islands) and enjoy good food & company during our traverse of the Slovenian and Croatian Dinarics.
Come explore National Parks Northern Velebit & Paklenica; visit Split a place where Roman emperors ruled; and hike Velebit and Premuzic trail, one of the oldest hiking trails in Croatia, which offers some amazing views of the Adriatic Sea and Croatian islands.
Quotes from Travelers
I don’t often write reviews but this time I felt the need to!! This was the best holiday I’ve been on in a while, I loved every minute of it and I could have stayed longer.
Excellent trip. Varied walks and lovely scenery-very caring guides.
A brilliant holiday that surpassed my expectations.
Trip Highlights
- Ascent to Sneznik 1,796m – the highest peak of Slovenian Dinarics
- The stunning world of Velebit mountain karst
- Views to Adriatic coast & islands from high above
- Traditional cuisine of Velebit mountain & Mediterranean sea
- Time to relax (and swim!) at the Adriatic coast
Itinerary – 8 Days
Day 1 – Arrival / Ljubljana or Skocjan caves (optional)
Day 2 – Sneznik (1,796m) – the highest peak of Slovenian Dinarics
Day 3 – National Park Northern Velebit & Premužić trail (stage 1)
Day 4 – Šatorina peak (1,622m)
Day 5 – Visibaba peak (1,160m) & Dabarski Kukovi
Day 6 – Sveto Brdo (1,751m) – ‘Holly Hill’ of Velebit mountain
Day 7 – Southern Velebit – National Park Paklenica
Day 8 – Split Airport departure
Detailed Description
Day 1 – Arrival / Ljubljana or Skocjan caves (optional)
Arrival to Zagreb & transfer to Postojna town, in the midst of the Slovenian Dinarics. On the way and if time allows, optional visit of Ljubljana or Skocjan Caves (UNESCO). Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.
Dinner / Hotel 3* (ensuite bathroom), Slovenia
Day 2 – Sneznik (1,796m) – the highest peak of Slovenian Dinarics
Our first Dinaric hike takes us through the forests of Sneznik area and up to the highest peak of the Slovenian Dinarics, Sneznik (1,796m). There we enjoy the views ranging from the Julian Alps in the northwest to the Croatian Dinarics to our east and southeast. Picnic during the day. In the afternoon, transfer to Krasno polje, a small village situated underneath the slopes of northern Velebit mountain. Accommodation in a family pension, dinner and overnight.
Moderate walk / 5-6hrs walk / 650Δh / 12km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Family pension (ensuite bathroom), Croatia
Day 3 – National Park Northern Velebit & Premužić trail (stage 1)
Today we start our adventure on the Velebit mountain, the heart & soul of the Croatian Dinarics. In the morning, transfer to Zavizan mountain hut (1.596m), the highest meteorological station in Croatia. We enjoy the views to Kvarner Bay and islands of North Adriatic before we start our walk on the Premuzic trail – a 57km long masterpiece of mountaineering paths architecture (we hike its first 16km).
We will pass through the heart of the National Park Northern Velebit – one of the wildest areas of the mountain, that was opened to the general outdoor public, when the trail was built. We learn about the endemic flora and rich fauna of the area, while we hike through this limestone maze. In the evening, we arrive at Alan mountain pass, where we spend a night in the renovated shepherd houses near Alan mountain hut. Dinner and overnight.
– Moderate to Challenging walk / 6-7hrs walk / 300Δh / 18Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Traditional house (multi-bed rooms; outside toilet / no showers), Croatia
Day 4 – Šatorina peak (1,622m)
We continue our walk along Velebit mountain and discover the beauties of the northern part of Central Velebit. On the way, we will ascend the highest peak of Central Velebit – Šatorina peak (1,622m). Views to islands of Northern Dalmatia open up below us. Picnic on the way. Arrival to Kugina Kuća hut and transfer to Baske Ostarije village, dinner and overnight.
– Moderate to Challenging walk / 7hrs walk / 835Δh / 20Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hostel Baske Ostarije (outside toilets and showers with hot water), Croatia
Day 5 Visibaba peak (1,160m) & Dabarski Kukovi
A relaxing panoramic circular hiking tour discovering the area of Nature Park Velebit. We start with a short morning transfer to Dabarska Kosa saddle. From there we hike to Visibaba peak, offering great views to northern Dalmatia coastline and islands – paragliders often start from this point, so you can imagine the view?!
We continue the tour below Bacic Kuk, to discover the amazing formations of Dabarski Kukovi area (limestone rock pillars overlooking green abandoned valleys of central Velebit) before we return to the start point of the hike. Picnic during the day. Afternoon transfer to Starigrad Paklenica. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
– Moderate walk / 5hrs walk / 580Δh / 11Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Family pension (ensuite bathroom), Croatia
Day 6 Sveto Brdo (1,751m) – ‘Holly Hill’ of Velebit mountain
The ‘grand prize’ of this weekly program awaits us today! After a morning 4WD transfer by old roads to the upper parts of southern Velebit, we start our hiking tour to Sveto Brdo (1,751m) – one of the iconic peaks of Croatian mountaineering, the second-highest peak of Velebit and the last peak over 1,500m before the mountain slowly descends to the waters of karstic river Zrmanja. On this challenging but rewarding ascent, we get a chance to enjoy the views to all sides – from the Adriatic coastline and islands, through the canyons and rock towers of NP Paklenica to the mountains of Croatia and Bosnia in the hinterlands.
We will also get a chance to enjoy a picnic with a view, at the lovely and newly refurbished ‘Vlaski Grad’ mountain shelter, before coming down to Libinje village and taking a transfer to Starigrad Paklenica, for another night at the coast. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
– Moderate to Challenging walk / 7hrs walk / 1,050Δh / 13Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Family pension (ensuite bathroom), Croatia
Day 7 – Southern Velebit – National Park Paklenica
A circular hike in the National Park Paklenica. Unlike the Northern & Central Velebit, our today’s hike takes us to wide-open areas with lower vegetation giving us an open view to rocky limestone towers („kukovi“) around us. We pass old villages, abandoned fields, drink fresh water from mountain streams and hike through the Velika Paklenica canyon – a beautiful karstic canyon carved by the creek of Velika Paklenica and its tributaries, running the rainwater and snowmelt from the highest peaks of Velebit mountain down to the Adriatic sea. Picnic on the way.
In the late afternoon return to the hotel for some rest and a shower, perhaps even a swim. In the evening, farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Starigrad Paklenica.
– Moderate to Challenging walk / 7hrs walk / 750Δh / 18Km
– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel (ensuite bathroom), Croatia
Day 8 – Split Airport departure
Transfer to Split airport (1h 45min). Depending on your departure time, the possibility to explore Trogir Old Town, it’s stone cobbled streets and squares, palaces and the amazing Cathedral of St. Lawrence – a Roman Catholic triple-naved basilica and the most imposing monument in the city of Trogir. Departure from Split airport.
– Breakfast
Trip Cost 2025
6 – 15 members: EUR
Single supplement: EUR
-Price is per person, double occupancy
-Single rooms are available on a request basis at certain places
-All travellers will be paired with a same-gender roommate when a roommate is available
-If a roommate is not available, a EUR obligatory single supplement will be charged
Related Trips
About Via Dinarica Adventures
Via Dinarica Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travellers that combine spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenges. These expeditions are organized by some of the best Outdoor Adventure Companies in the Western Balkans.
You’ll explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path places with top guides.
What is Included
– Transportation during the entire trip with 8+1 MiniVan or 20+1 MiniBus (including Airport transfers)
– Fully equipped English speaking Tour Leader/Guide
– Accommodation: 5 nights in Twin/Double room with ensuite bathroom; 2 nights in shared accommodation with shared facilities
– Meals specified in the itinerary
– All fees and taxes for Northern Velebit & Paklenica National Parks & VAT
What’s not
– Flights to Zagreb & Split, Croatia
– Meals not specified in the itinerary
– International Travel insurance
– Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff
– Souvenirs and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
– Any items not specifically mentioned in the programme
Air Travel
Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact VMD Adventure Travel directly, either by phone or the Internet.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment of 50% deposit after booking confirmation. The rest of the amount is due four weeks before the trip date.
Cancellation policy:
– Up to four weeks before start date – loss of deposit
– Up to two weeks before start date – loss of 75% of total price
– Two weeks or less – loss of 100% of price
Then Leave the Rest to Us
Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice and other details.
References
Don’t take our word for how great our trips are. We’ll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travellers.
Questions?
Feel free to call us on Skype, or use the form here to contact us if you still have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons, including weather, beyond our control.
Note on Services
To comply with regional laws and regulations, we sometimes use local suppliers, who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We work with service providers, who share our commitment to safety and quality and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to the Via Dinarica.
Activity Levels
Easy
Trips rated EASY typically have 1-3 hours of activity per day, with hikes/walks less than five kilometers on mostly flat terrain at altitudes of up to 900 meters.
Easy to Moderate
Trips rated as EASY to MODERATE are designed for travellers seeking both EASY and MODERATE trip activity levels. Trips rated EASY to MODERATE typically have easier rated walks/hikes with options for more moderate activity levels on some days.
Moderate
Trips rated MODERATE typically have 3-6 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 15 kilometers on rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 1,900 meters.
Moderate to Challenging
Trips rated as MODERATE to CHALLENGING are designed for travellers seeking both MODERATE and CHALLENGING trip activity levels. Trips rated MODERATE to CHALLENGING typically have moderate rated walks/hikes with options for more strenuous activity levels on some days.
Challenging
Trips rated CHALLENGING typically have 5-8 hours of activity per day, with hikes up to 15-20 kilometers on mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 2,700 meters.
Ultimate Challenge
Designed for very fit and experienced hikers. Trips rated ULTIMATE CHALLENGE typically have 10 or more hours of activity per day, hiking 20 or more kilometers on remote, mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 2,700 meters.
