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Contact Details
dr. F. Tudjmana 14a, 23 244 STARIGRAD - PAKLENICA, HR
Tel: +385 23 369 202
Email:
prezentacija@paklenica.hr
Website: (Open in this Window)
www.paklenica.hr
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Home>Outdoor Organisation Directory > Paklenica National Park
Paklenica National Park
PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK
A breathtaking beauty of the mythical Croatian mountain Velebit reaches its peak in Paklenica National Park. On a relatively small area of a mere 95 square kilometres we meet an exceptionally great richness of geomorphologic phenomena, the diversity of flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature.Due to the fact that it has a limestone and dolomite structure, Paklenica is distinguished by the richness of karstic phenomena such as cracks, rocky areas, mogote, natural bridges, pits, caves, etc.
The largest caves that have rich decorations are Manita peć cave, which is prepared for tourist tours, and Vodarica Pit.
Forests cover two thirds of the Park area and are distinguished by the most diverse plant communities, from beech forests to autochthonous black pine forests.
Paklenica was named after black pine rosin, the so-called „paklina“, that was used for coating boats, and very often in folk medicine.
Among Paklenica's floristic decorations we point out the vegetation on the rocks, particularly different types of bluebells, while the prevailing plants on rocky grounds are sage and heather.
There are many kinds of orchids and lilies on Paklenica's meadows.
A good ecosystem protection is the prerequisite for the abundance and diversity of fauna in Paklenica, which is estimated to contain over 4000 different species.
Here you can often find particular species that no longer exist on many European areas. This particularly refers to some butterfly species, such as the Southern Festoon, the Scarce Swallowtail or the Old World Swallowtail.
Hiking in Paklenica National Park
Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica. The Park area contains around 150 kilometres of trails and paths, from those prepared for tourists, leading from Velika Paklenica Canyon to Manita peć cave, Lugarnica forest cottage and the climbers' lodging, to those prepared for mountaineers, leading to the highest peaks of Velebit, Vaganski peak (1 758 m) and the Sveto Brdo (1 753m). We recommend you to use specialized mountaineering maps that can be bought in the Administration building of the Park, at the Park entrance and at the souvenir shop in Velika Paklenica Canyon.
Climbing in Paklenica National Park
Paklenica is considered to be among the most famous European climbing centres because of its alpinist and sports climbing tradition that has been lasting for more than half a century. The climbing site has over 400 climbing routes of various difficulty levels and lengths and the climbing season in Paklenica lasts from early spring until late autumn.
Most climbers gather here around 1 May when the traditional international climber's meeting and competition Big Wall Speed Climbing takes place.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
The administration building and information-presentation centre of Paklenica National Park are situated in Starigrad – Paklenica.
Paklenica National Park reception – main entrance/entrance 1 (phone +385/23/369-803)
Paklenica National Park is open for visitors all year round.
Paklenica National Park reception – entrance 2 /Mala Paklenica, Seline
Open during tourist season from the beginning of May until the end of October.
1. Educational centre for the popularization of predatory birds and owls
2. Ethno-house Marasović
In the hamlet of Marasović lies the renovated ethno-house Marasović, it has an ethno exhibition, a souvenir shop and a tavern. Ethno-house is open during the tourist season.
3. Paklenica mill
During the tourist season the mill is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm. The presentation of the functioning of the mill is possible only when there is enough water.
4. Belvedere and Paklarić Fort
Hiking to belvedere and Paklarić Fort lasts for about 20 minutes by following the educational track. The belvedere offers a panoramic view of the wider surroundings and the visitors can use a telescope to see the most distant points. Telescope use is free.
5. Souvenir shop and toilet facilities
6. Visitors centre (under construction)
The underground tunnels Bunkers were dug up by the former Yugoslav National Army and were constructed as shelters for the state and military authorities of that period. Now they are being renovated as a Visitors centre.
7. Manita peć cave
A trail from Anića luka starts toward the west side of the canyon, to Manita peć. The entrance to the cave is at an altitude of around 550 meters above sea level. The hiking to the cave lasts for about an hour and a half. The tour of the cave is charged and is allowed only with a guide. Regular periods for visiting the cave are:
April – Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm
May - Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm
June and October – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm
July, August, September – every day from 10 am to 1 pm
For other periods it is necessary to make an appointment in advance.
8. Lugarnica forest cottage
By following the main trail through Velika Paklenica Canyon for about 2 hours after you leave the car-park, you will reach the Lugarnica forest cottage at an altitude of around 400 meters above sea level which provides simple catering services. Lugarnica is open daily from mid-April until the end of October.
9. "Paklenica" mountaineers' lodging
It takes a two hours’ walk from Velika Paklenica Canyon to get to the mountaineers' lodging. The lodging has around 45 beds in multi-bed rooms, a kitchen and a dining room. From 15 June to 15 September, the mountaineers' lodging is open daily and the rest of the year only on weekends. We suggest you bring a sleeping bag if you plan to spend sleep over in the lodge. The mountaineers' lodging is operated by the „Paklenica“ Mountaineering Association from Zadar. Information and reservations at:
023/301-636 or E-mail: pd.paklenica@zd.htnet.hr
