Sveto brdo
Sveto brdo (Holly hill) is 1751 m high and it is on the second place of the highest peaks on Velebit, just behind Vaganski vrh (1757 m). People believed that during storms up there Divine and Evil forces were fighting. That is how Sveto brdo got its name. It is probably the most recognizable peak of Velebit. Its high, detached pyramid, visible from several hundred kilometers, is located at the southeastern end of the 10 km long group Vaganski Vrh - Sveto brdo. On the top of the hill, there is a wooden cross, 4 meters high, with the 10 Commandments of God. During the Croatian War of Independence, the locals had to cross Sveto brdo (in 1991) to run away from the war. Once a year, a memorial hike is organised as remembrance called “Tragom zbjega lovinačkog kraja”.
Lovinac - Croatia/ Lika-Senj county
Tourist experience: All those who prefer active tourism should climb Sveto brdo. There is nothing technically demanding on any of the routes leading to Sveto brdo. On the other hand, all climbs are long with a huge height difference, which is why the hikers need to be physically fit. The easiest access is through Velika Paklenica, and the most difficult is through Mala Paklenica, which lasts for 9 hours. All routes offer a completely different landscape. Sveto brdo offers a first-class view, the best on Velebit and can be called the king of panorama.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: From Mala Paklenica – 9 hours
Circular path from Malo Libinje – 5,5 hours
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Not for people with mobility problems
Tourist contact: National Park Paklenica
Cultural material heritage: 4 m high wooden cross, remains of the ruins of the chapel of St. John
Cultural immaterial heritage: Local traditions or legend
Natural heritage: Mountains, Hills, Flora
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
Velebit
Being the longest mountain in Croatia, Velebit is also is the largest protected area in Croatia. In its length of 145 km, there are two national parks – Northern Velebit and Paklenica, whereas the entire mountain area is a Nature Park. Because of its biological diversity of flora and fauna, and being a habitat to many endemic species, Velebit is included in the network of international biosphere reserves of UNESCO.
unknown Gospić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: Because of its extremely diverse and rich landscape, Velebit offers various opportunities for exploration – from hiking, walking, cycling and trekking, to exploring caves, bird watching or simply enjoying the amazing view on this giant. Due to its beauty and size, many folk tales and legends of Lika include its biggest mountain.
Vaganski vrh (1757 m) is the highest peak on Velebit, while the most famous trail for hikers is called Premužić trail.
Spoken languages: Italian, English, Croatian, Deutsche
Experience duration: From a few hours to a few days or even weeks.
Opening: Paklenica National Park – open all year
Northern Velebit National Park– open for visitors from May to November
Booking: No need, except for group guiding
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Not for people with mobility problems
Tourist contact: Nature Park Velebit
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary, Local traditions or legend
Natural heritage: Parks, Naturalistic itineraries, Mountains, Hills, Medical herbs, Caves, Flora, Fauna, cycling trails, Hiking trails, Speleological object
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Pathways
Hidden intangible patrimony: Local customs, Community tales, Knowledge related to agriculture and wild herbs, Family tales
Experiences: Cycling through nature, Cycling, hiking, trekking, adventure motor, jeep safari, rafting, walking, exploring, Road trip, Cave exploration, Sledding, Climbing, Horse riding, Picnic, Sport activities
Form filler: Anita Ladišić