Velebit Nature Park

Although not at the height of the highest peak, Velebit is the most beautiful Croatian mountain, which is also an epicentre of Croatian biodiversity. They say that the experience of Velebit is the same as "skipping over your own shadow", something indescribable and impossible. Velebit is the place where a man first meets himself, skips his boundaries and reaches almost unattainable distancees of the mind. Velebit Nature Park is home to 1854 plant species, of which 79 are endemic. The most famous is the Velebit Degenia, but what would Velebit meadows be without the beauty of the Croatian Siberia, the Velebit and Window Bells or the Velebit Cliff. Forest cover is tailored of beech, fir, ash tree, mountain maple and other species, all enclosed in green sea shattered under the waves of northern wind that rises somewhere above the mountain. In the mountain you can easily encounter bears, wolves, lynxes, or veils, but the mostly birds that goes to the north. Cerova Caves are the largest cave complex in Croats, with cave which ones was the home to a giant cave bear and another of a Palaeolithic hunter, which is evidenced by the remains of human bones and tools he was using. Velebit is a blend of cloud and underworld, but there is no lack of sea beauty here either. Zavratnica Bay is 800 meters long and looks like a fjord although there were no glaciers here. Some silent perspiration broke up the karst and stone to create a place that inspires and delights - so does the whole Velebit mountain. If you hike in the mountains, rent an accommodation in Senj, Gospic or its surroundings, drive to Velebit and leave your heart here - do not worry, it will be in safe hands. Respect nature and pass this way quietly, leaving no traces behind you. Do not go to the mountain unprepared and never underestimate its strength - it is cruel when you disrespect its size, generous in front of your modesty. Let Velebit lead you and enjoy yourself here as nowhere else in the world.