P. D. Zavižan - Zavižanska kosa - Balinovac - Veliki Zavižan - Zavižanski Pivčevac - P. D. Zavižan (06/2022)

Technical difficulty: 2.5/5
Physical difficulty: 2.5/5

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 goes through 4 peaks in the area. There's a 5th peak (Vučjak) just above P. D. Zavižan which can also be included in the route.

The start is at the huge and free parking lot just beneath the Zavižan mountain lodge. From the lodge, you first ascend to Zavižanska kosa (AKA Velika kosa).

The ascent to the 2nd peak Balinovac is over rock formations, so it's advisable to avoid it if it's rainy and wet. You will need to use your hands prominently. The descent from Balinovac can also be a bit tricky, since it's on scree (an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope). Hiking poles help immensely.

From Balinovac and going down, you will pass through a small part of the Botanical Garden, arriving at the intersection towards Veliki Zavižan peak. This is a very steep ascent, but the karst (rocky) forest is laid out in such a way that the rocks and tree roots form a natural "staircase" all the way to the top. If you maintain a slow but steady tempo, it shouldn't be too difficult. The descent is on the same path.

The final peak, Zavižanski Pivčevac (AKA Veliki Pivčevac) is a bot further away and most isolated of all on this route. The ascent is just a bit harder than Veliki Zavižan (the terrain doesn't form that good of a "staircase"), but again nothing too serious.

The return path will take you back to the big parking lot.