Croatia offers breathtaking nature that you should not miss on your trip. Among these impressive natural wonders is the Paklenica National Park. A place suitable for nature lovers, adventurers, and families alike, presenting you with fascinating natural phenomena. Discover the Paklenica National Park and be amazed by its unique atmosphere.
Paklenica National Park has been a protected area since 1949 and represents the connection between the highest peaks of the Velebit Mountains and the imposing gorges surrounded by pines and streams. This place offers multiple views that you will hardly see anywhere else! With an incredible area of 96 square kilometers, you can take a close look at its flora and fauna. For nature enthusiasts, the national park is truly a paradise.
The Paklenica National Park is easy to reach and is located near the Adriatic. It is no wonder that countless tourists immerse themselves in this unique nature and embark on new adventures. Who knows, you might even spot brown bears, lynxes, or wildcats? But it’s not only the fauna that holds surprises—the “Manita Peć” cave and the different gorges are also highlights. Of course, the spectacular views alone make the park worthwhile. A little insider tip: the national park served as a filming location for many Winnetou movies. Oh, and be cautious—note that the park is also home to the venomous horned viper.
The “Manita Peć” cave is one of the highlights of the national park and the only cave open to visitors. If you want to visit the cave, you should expect a half-hour climb. The cave is located 570 meters above sea level. Inside, you can enjoy its unique atmosphere and admire the beautiful stalagmites and stalactite columns. Not only nature is unique here, but also the diverse wildlife. You can see different species of bats and other cave-dwelling animals.
Please note that you can only visit the “Manita Peć” cave as part of a guided tour. During the tour, you will learn fascinating facts about the cave. We also recommend dressing warmly, as the cave has a constant temperature of only 9 degrees Celsius year-round.
The two gorges of the national park are Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica. The beautiful valley of Velika stretches for 14.5 kilometers and is especially popular with climbing enthusiasts. While Velika is famous for its attractive climbing spots, the large gorge is also loved for its rich natural landscapes. There you can discover streams and slopes. However, climbing is strictly prohibited in this gorge.
The national park captivates not only visitors with its gorges and natural highlights but also Winnetou movie fans. The rugged landscape was used as a filming location for Winnetou films such as “Among Vultures” and “Winnetou and Old Shatterhand in the Valley of Death.” If you enjoyed watching the Winnetou movies, you might also be interested in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where “Treasure of Silver Lake” was filmed. Thanks to this connection, Winnetou-themed tours are regularly held in Paklenica National Park, allowing you to explore the film sets of the Winnetou series.
If you explore the Velika Paklenica gorge, you should not miss the visitor center. There you can dive into the underground world through tunnels. These were built between 1950 and 1953 as a result of the political crisis between Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, and are therefore often referred to as bunkers. Since 2016, the rooms of the “underground city” have been open to the public. Here you can find fascinating stories about Croatia or take part in climbing training. Please note that the visitor center is only open during the main season.
If you are interested in culture, you can also visit the village of Marasovići near the park entrance. There, at the Ethno-House, you can experience Croatian traditions and immerse yourself in a culture that may be new to you. Visit this traditional tavern offering delicious food and drinks—a perfect way to end your visit to the national park!
As you may have noticed, the national park is particularly famous for its climbing opportunities and also offers visitors a wide variety of hiking trails to better explore nature.
If you want to discover the different gorges and the flora and fauna of the park, you should use the various hiking trails and educational paths for your explorations. To explore the park in its full beauty, trails extend over 150 to 200 km. Therefore, you cannot fully explore the park in a single day. It is advisable to plan several days for your visit to Paklenica National Park.
The trails of the park offer something for every level. There are both easy and challenging routes to choose from. Some can be completed within two hours, while others take up to eight hours. For more detailed information about the various trails and their difficulty levels, please visit the official website of Paklenica National Park.
In addition to the classic hiking trails, there are also educational paths that provide insights into Croatia’s history. One of these is the Velika Paklenica trail, which combines natural features with cultural monuments. Also worth seeing is the Paklarić trail, which leads you past the Paklatic fortress to a stunning viewpoint.
With its Velika Paklenica gorge, Paklenica National Park is considered the most important climbing center in Croatia. As an experienced climber, you may have already heard of this gorge, since the park enjoys an excellent reputation even beyond its borders. Of course, the national park offers different difficulty levels (clearly marked). And if you like to cool off in the water after climbing, you can take advantage of its proximity to the sea and enjoy a refreshing swim after an intense climbing session.
If you want to visit Paklenica National Park, there are some visitor rules you should keep in mind. These include rules about bringing dogs, the use of bicycles and mountain bikes, and the best travel time for your climbing or hiking adventure. Note that camping is not permitted within the park. However, there are nearby campsites you can use.
Who wouldn’t want to bring their beloved four-legged friend on holiday? So the question arises: are dogs allowed in the park? The answer is yes! You are allowed to take your dog with you on hikes. However, dogs must be kept on a leash. Also, your dog is not allowed in the visitor center or in the cave.
The use of bicycles and mountain bikes in the park is limited. Please note that cycling is only permitted on the access road from Entrance One to the main car park of the Velika Paklenica gorge. The reason for this is the park’s commitment to sustainable tourism, which is why mountain biking tours within the park are strictly prohibited.
The main season of the national park runs from April to October and is logically considered the best time to visit the gorges. During this time, most hiking trails are accessible and you can also visit the “underground city” without difficulty.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Croatia and lots of fun exploring Paklenica National Park. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the toll regulations in Croatia. You can also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email.
