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 Among the most renowned and significant speleological structures are the Cerovac Caves , located in the southern part of “Velebit Nature Park ”.
This 3-tier complex (Lower Cave , Middle Cave and Upper Cave ) features a total of 4 km of explored channels. The first 700 m of the Lower and Upper Caves have been prepared for tourist visits.
These caves abound in traces from the distant past. In addition to large quantities of archaeological findings, they are also among the largest discovery sites of the cave bear in Croatia . One may easily spot claw marks gorged into the cave walls as the bears moved against them.
Water has worked for thousands of years to create dripstones. It is therefore vital to treat these cave ornaments with care and not touch them, as just a single careless move may put an end to a process that has been going on for decades.
The temperature in the caves is between 5o C and 11o C - warmer clothing, a head cover, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
How to reach: The Cerovac Caves are located 4 km from Gračac along the road towards Knin. If you intend to take the motorway, please take the exit to Sveti Rok. The distance between Sveti Rok and Gračac is 25 km.
At the moment, Cerovac Caves are under concession. For all further information, reservation enquiries etc., please contact: RIVA d.o.o.: phone 023/689-920, info-raft@post.t-com.hr ; www.yurf.net |
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What do you expect from an excursion you are about to take? Is it to discover a new, exciting spot? If so, then you should not miss Zavratnica Bay – a “significant landscape” and one of the most exquisite pearls on the Croatian coast.
By its origin, Zavratnica is a flooded plain surrounded by steep 100–metres-high canyon cliffs. Around 900 m long, the Bay’s width varies between 50 and 150m. It was formed by layers of Cretaceous origin, which, chipped and rugged over centuries, created numerous screes. Drystone walls, planted trees and low shrub prevented further spreading of screes. One-hundred out of 129 plant species that have been found in Zavratnica are autochthonous, while 29 are allochthonous.
The upper trail with the lookout and the trail along the sea were built at the beginning of the 20th century. Roughly at that time, Zavratnica became a refuge and a popular summer destination for the Viennese and Prague elite.
Against the blue hues of the sea, the gray shades of Velebit cliffs stand in contrast to the scarce shades of green and the dark clouds formed by tree shades, that in summer move only in parts of the trail. It is no wonder that the famous Croatian author, Vjenceslav Novak, could not resist the beauty of Zavratnica. It was right here that he found inspiration for many of his books.
How to reach: You can reach Zavratnica from Jablanac, a ferry port for the island of Rab , in a half-hour walk down a path along the sea. If you prefer hiking or are seeking adventure, you may take a trail from the village of Zavratnica.
PRICE LIST - http://www.velebit.hr/images/dodaci/cjenik.pdf
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‘Theresiana’ was one of the most important roads built through the Velebit passes as the key trade connection between the coast and inland.
Theresiana was built in 1786 as a connection between Gospić, the then-Austria-Hungary Regiment Headquarters and the free port of Karlobag. Another purpose was to replace the Carolina road which was increasingly inaccessible and perilous due to its sharp turns and steep descents. The Austrian Emperor Joseph II, ordered the construction of a new, modern road. The road got its name after his mother, Maria Theresa.
A Frontier officer, Filip Vukasović, later to become a renowned builder of the “Louisiana” road from Karlovac to Rijeka, was selected to manage the construction of this road.
Wishing to inform our visitors about the great cultural significance of Theresiana Road, “Velebit Nature Park” Public Institution developed an educational trail on one of its sections. The trail is open to hikers only, and the mere three-kilometer stretch offers a view of both sides of Velebit in all their amazing beauty.
If you wish to find out more about the history of this area whilst taking this pleasant walk through the country, leave it to the professional guides of "Velebit Nature Park" Public Institution. You will have fun listening to legends and anecdotes from lives of the good people of this area.
The interpretive trail starts at Baške Oštarije (924 metres above the sea level) and after three kilometres descends to the village Konjsko (655 metres above the sea level). This tour is longer and lasts approximately 2,5 – 3 h.
It is also possible to take a shorter walking tour which lasts roughly 1,5 h. The first third of this tour (from Oštarijsko Ždrilo) is identical with Terezijana, while afterwards the path follows a mild ascent to the Debela Kosa peak (972 metres above the sea level). The ascent is not very demanding and even the people of weaker physical condition can easily climb it. After a short walk along the ridge of Debela Kosa, followed by astonishing views over the Adriatic Sea and island Pag from one side and the valley of Baške Oštarije from the other, the path descends to the Oštarska vrata pass.
In December 2007 the Ministry of Culture passed a Decree by which it is established that historical Theresiana Road has a value of a cultural good , in line with the Act on the Protection and Maintenance of cultural goods.
How to reach: Baške Oštarije is a small mountain settlement situated on the road Gospić - Karlobag, 20 kilometres far from Gospić.
For further details, please contact:
“Velebit Nature Park” Public Institution
tel. +385 53 560 450, +385 53 560 455
e-mail: velebit@gs.t-com.hr
PRICE LIST - http://www.velebit.hr/images/dodaci/cjenik.pdf
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Below the southern slopes of Velebit, carved deeply into the canyon of a very impassable region, flows the Zrmanja River.
Its confluent is Krupa - the longest and richest in water of all of Zrmanja's confluents. Along its short watercourse of some 17 km, Krupa formed 19 cascades. Most of these cascades are well-indented and among the most beautiful in Croatia regarding height and shape.
When visiting the Educational Trail Kuda's Bridge, you are about to meet the most beautiful part of Krupa together with its fabulous waterfalls and travertine cascades, and also walk over Kuda's Bridge, the oldest preserved crossing over the river.
From the educational trail which spreads from Golubić to Kuda's Bridge, astonishing views towards the turquoise Krupa River and its travertine barrier named Deveterac emerge. Deveterac ("Niner") was named after the nine travertine cascades which end with a high waterfall over which Kuda's Bridge was constructed.
The legend tells that the bridge was constructed by the amorous youngling Kude who built it in order to cross the river which separated him from his beloved one. The bridge was named after him.
It was built in a dry wall technique, by the end of 18th and the beginning of 19th century. Agile (and amorous!) craftsmen constructed 12 arcs out of travertine blocks and the same number of stone pillars, thus connecting the shores of the river Krupa.
The bridge is preventively protected as a cultural monument.
How to reach: from the road Obrovac - Gračac take the turn towards Golubić and Kaštel Žegarski. After descending into the village Golubić, follow the mark and take the road towards the Krupa Bridge which is by the old school. The educational trail starts with a view over the Krupa canyon at the end of the village. From this point, the path leads towards Kuda's Bridge in a length of about one kilometre (it takes approximately 40 minutes walk). You should take sufficient supplies of water, warm clothing and protection against sun.
This path is still used by the local population for the purpose of cattle watering and cultivating scarce arable land.
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Through history, the communication between Starigrad and Lukovo was usually conducted by seaway. After the construction of trail in 1847, the necessary land connection between these two coastal settlements was also established.
The 10-kilometres long path treads through a series of picturesque lagoons with old fishing settlements.
The trail was constructed by the local population who were, like the rest of the lowland folks, very skilful in stone carving and laying. This skill is visible on every step you take - in the construction of houses, water tanks, roads and trails, and especially dry walls. Made to withstand time, the rocks were layed one onto another without any binding material whatsoever.
Dry wall construction technique is not only a cultural and historical treasure, but also an important habitat for various plant and animal species.
In its beginning three kilometres, the path towards Donja Klada is well preserved and arranged as an educational trail. It is approximately one meter wide. Except from walking on fresh air, getting acquainted with natural and cultural values of the region, one can also enjoy pleasant views over the surrounding islands of Rab and Goli otok.
On the first part of the trail, starting from Starigrad, leads the bypath towards the old fortification. Favourable and protected position of this fortification enabled constant inhabitancy since prehistoric times, through Roman period over antiquity and the Middle Age to the Modern Age, witnessed by the numerous remnants of material culture. The surrounding of the entire path is covered with typical maritime vegetation (macchia, coastal grasslands and rocky land).
How to reach: you can start your trip in Starigrad or Donja Klada. Travelling from Senj, you take the Adriatic main road towards south and after some 24 (i.e. 26) kilometres take the right turn towards Donja Klada (i.e. Starigrad).
The path is intended for walking only.
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Natural heritage
Cultural heritage
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