JAVNA USTANOVA NACIONALNI PARK "SJEVERNI VELEBIT" (SJEVERNI VELEBIT NATIONAL PARK)

The genesis of this mountain dates back about 200 million years. Through the process of plate tectonics, sedimentary rocks accumulated on the sea floor rose, giving rise to the Dinaric Alps chain. Heavy rains have created caves and natural wells, accumulated limestone, shaped the water, carved superb stalactites and stalagmites. At the highest point of the massif, Mount Zavižan (1,676 m), the highest weather station in Croatia was built. The national park was established in 1999.

Winters are harsh, with frequent snowfall and a strong wind (bura) that cools the atmosphere. But as soon as the weather is good, it is a paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature. Ask the reception offices for information on access conditions (weather, schedules, practicable routes, etc.).

Several naturalistic trails. The path from Premužić leads to the nature reserve of the ridges Hajdučki and Rožanski. It was built in 1930 by Ante Premuzic, a water and forest engineer, who was the first to explore it. This great walker, at an average altitude of 1,500 m, discovered the peaks where unusual shaped limestone piles have accumulated. Between these peaks, deep funnels have deepened, opening the horizon to the Kvarner islands. On a clear day, summit hunters will also enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the mountainous coast, which literally seems to plunge into the Adriatic. Offshore, you can guess the small islands of Goli Otok, Sveti Grgur and Prvic, and the large island of Krk.

Flora and fauna. The park is home to a botanical garden founded in 1967 by Professor Fran Kušan, a botanist and herbalist. With his team, the naturalist has identified more than 2,500 Mediterranean and alpine plants. The best known are thyme, alchemilla, mountain clover, grasses, silica... To the west of the garden, a forest of oaks and maples is now protected from all human exploitation. Going up to the east, beech, black pine, fir, spruce and spruce dominate...

It will be easy for you to see lizards, many birds (180 species) including the great black heather cockerel, birds of prey, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), master of these places. Large mammals are becoming rare, a pair of binoculars, patience and discretion in the wild will increase your chances of observing these wild animals, lynx, chamois, deer, deer or even a wolf, a brown bear.