Walking Croatian National Parks

This trip will show you stunning sceneries and landscapes of 5 Croatian National Parks. It is perfect for those who like to enjoy the great outdoors on foot, no matter the age. All the way from Croatia’s inland mountain region to the Adriatic coast through five national parks: Risnjak, Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka. They are all protected for it’s biodiversity and natural phenomena. The daily walking routes are not too long or too strenuous, between two and five hours on easy to moderate terrain with enough time for relaxing in the evening.

The accommodation is chosen carefully to reflect local feel close to the key destinations. We will stay in a family run hotel on a river bank, charming Korana Village guesthouses and a hotel in a picturesque town of Skradin on Krka River. Our experienced local guides will avoid overcrowded destinations ensuring you get the most authentic and insightful experience. Consider staying in Zagreb prior to your departure; really worth getting to know this vibrating capital.

Arrival and Transfer to Zvecaj Village

Zvecaj is a small village by the Mreznica River, not far from the highway connecting the Croatian capital city of Zagreb with the harbour of Rijeka. We will meet you at the airport, railway station or in the harbour. Zeleni kut (“The Green Corner”) is a well known restaurant and a small family owned hotel overlooking the green Mreznica River and its waterfall. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialties using fresh water fish from its own fishing ponds, home made cheese, ham and sausages as well as fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms. In the evening we will meet on the terrace overlooking the river for dinner and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: D; Drive: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport.

Walking in Risnjak National Park

The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2. It includes both the Risnjak and Snjeznik ranges and the source area of the Kupa River. We start our hike from Vilje which will lead us towards our goal – Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Vilje. After hiking we will return back to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: B; Walking:3-4 h, easy/moderate, well marked paths; Drive: 1.5h-2h each way.

Walking in Northern Velebit National Park

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia’s youngest national park – Northern Velebit National Park. The area was designated a national park due to its richness of karst phenomena, outstanding biodiversity and exquisitely beautiful nature on a relatively small area. The Park is crisscrossed with numerous mountaineering trails. The most famous is the Premužić trail, named after its constructor who built it in the late 1933. The path runs through the most beautiful and the most interesting parts of the park. From the numerous peaks in the surroundings you can have a magnificent view on the Adriatic Sea, its islands and the continental side of the mountain chain. Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale…
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Walking: 4 – 5 h, easy/moderate, well marked paths; Drive: 2.5 h each way.

Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today we visit the most beautiful and stunning national park of Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Park. We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. Panoramic boat and train rides will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon we return to our accommodation in the village just in time to enjoy some free time before dinner.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: 15 min each way; Walking: 4-5 h, easy, well marked paths.

Optional trip day

For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time (transfer to Zagreb airport is included in the price). The rest of the group continues the trip. On the fifth day of your holiday you can be as active or as lazy as you want. Several river, walking, sightseeing or beach trips will be offered, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.
Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: max 2 hours each way.

Paklenica National Park Walking

After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination. Paklenica National Park covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. This relatively small area offers exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the locals mostly engage in nomadic stock herding, which can be seen by their mountain shepherd residences. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica National Park. The most popular trail is the one leading to Borisov Dom, a mountain hut popular among mountaineers. After descending all the way to the sea we drive to Skradin for the evening.
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B; Walking: 4-5 h, moderate, well-marked paths; Drive: 2h+1h.

Krka River National Park Walking

The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park’s extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and first Croatian kings. One of the options is a visit to Skradinski Buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. A boat will take us to Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery. After walking, we return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon in the old town before the final evening dinner and a celebration of an amazing adventure.
Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, D; Walking: 3 h, easy, well-marked paths.

Departure

Depart from Skradin to the airport and flight home. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit – especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.
Meals: B; Drive: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Huck Finn guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

Arrival airport: Zagreb, Rijeka

Departure airport: Zagreb, Zadar, Split

Arrival and departure transfers: Several group transfers will be organized throughout the day depending on group arrival times from Zagreb meeting point and Zagreb airport. Waiting time may up take up to 3 hours. Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 EUR per person. If flying out of Zagreb please do not book a departure flight before 1 PM due to long driving time from the accommodation.

Optional trips are not included in the price and can be booked on the spot. Optional trips cost approximately 40 – 70 € per person, payable on site, and are dependable on suitable weather conditions. The price is based on a minimum of 4 participants.

Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups upon request.

Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by an adult.

Single use rooms are available upon request with a 20% surcharge. Sharing a twin room with another person is possible in case there are other guests interested in sharing.

Accommodation type: family-owned hotels and private guesthouses. Please note that each house in Korana Village has 2-4 bedrooms, and that sometimes two rooms share one bathroom. Please inform us in advance (at time of your booking, by e-mail) should you require walking poles.