the Premužić Trail in autumn: a day-hike guide to Velebit
One of Croatia's best-known mountain trails is especially beautiful in autumn. Here's which route to take for a day, what to bring and what to watch out for.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Velebit. The summer heat is gone, there's no snow yet, and the beech trees along the trail turn yellow and red. If you're staying between Senj and Karlobag, or in Lika, the Premužić Trail makes a great day out.
what the premužić trail is
The trail was designed by forestry engineer Ante Premužić, who gave it its name. It was built between 1930 and summer 1933, in stone and dry-stone walling. The original route is 57 km long, from Oltari to Baške Oštarije. Today people hike 46 km of it, from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije, and 16 km of that lies inside Northern Velebit National Park. Since 2009 it has been protected as a cultural asset of national importance.
The path is on average 1.2 m wide, with an average gradient of around 10%. The highest point is 1,630 m and the lowest is 920 m. There are no steep climbs, and the national park says it suits people who aren't used to hiking.
a one-day hike
You don't have to walk the whole trail. The simplest day hike starts at Zavižan, next to the Velebit Botanical Garden, and goes to Rossi's Hut (Rossijeva koliba). According to the national park it takes about two hours to get there. You come back the same way, so there's no transport to arrange at the other end.
On this stretch you walk through the karst landscape of Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi, some of the most striking scenery in Croatia.
what to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots. The ground is rocky.
- Layers and a windproof jacket. At 1,600 m the weather changes fast.
- Water and food for the whole day. There are no shops or cafés on the trail.
tips
- Start early. Autumn days are short, and the walk back takes as long as the walk out.
- Check the forecast. Rain and strong bora winds make the trail unpleasant, and fog hides the views, which are half the experience.
- Check the Northern Velebit National Park website before you go for entry conditions and visitor information.
- Ask your host. Locals know best what the road and trail are like that week.