P. D. Zavižan - Gromovača - Rossijeva koliba - Mali Rajinac - P. D. Zavižan (06/2022)

Technical difficulty: 2/5
Physical difficulty: 3/5

Note #1: The area of Northern Velebit National Park is a known habitat for a few potentially dangerous species: brown bears, grey wolves, and horned vipers. Bears usually come out roaming in the very early morning and around sunset in the evening, and they generally keep away from humans. Wolves also keep away from human-travelled roads. The poisonous horned vipers could be anywhere, be especially alert when climbing on rocks. In any case, it would be wise to inform yourself how to react to wildlife encounters BEFORE going on your hiking trip.

Note #2: There are a number of prominent peak surrounding the Zavižan mountain lodge (P. D. Zavižan). You can therefore make this trail much shorter or much longer, depending on your preference.

Note #3: You need a ticket to enter the National Park. It can be purchased at the House of Velebit (Kuća Velebita) in Krasno village, or at the official park entrance at Babić Sića. A ticket is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase.

Note #4: The road from Babić Sića is gravel. In the no-snow seasons it's suitable for regular vehicles, since it's mostly in good condition. A few holes and bumps will need to be avoided, though. When it's snowy, it's closed for all vehicles, except SUVs and off-roads.

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This trail is varied in terrain, also a mix of shade and full sun. Bring plenty of water in summer months.

The trail starts at the huge and free parking lot just beneath the Zavižan mountain lodge. After a few kilometers you will arrive at a crossroads, where the famous Premužić mountain trail (PMT) begins.

The PMT will bring you to Gromovača peak, which is a 30 mins detour (can be skipped). It offers a great view towards the sea and several islands on the west, and deeper inland to the east. You will need to use your hands to climb this rocky peak, but it's well worth it.

From Gromovača you will descend back on PMT, and continue through Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi to the intersection just before Rossi's cabin (Rossijeva koliba). The cabin is only a few minutes away, and you can rest up a bit there.

From the cabin, go back to the intersection, and take the path towards Mali Rajinac - the highest peak in the Park. The trail here will lead you off PMT, and into through several woods until Mali Rajinac. The descent from Mali Rajinac is also through woods and plains, where you finally arrive on the gravel road just 5 minutes before the parking lot beneath Zavižan mountain lodge.