Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Paklenica National Park
Location: Starigrad, Croatia
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
Overview: Paklenica National Park is located in the Velebit mountain range, which runs along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The park is known for its rugged limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
Prominent Features: Some of the prominent features of Paklenica National Park include:
Hiking and Climbing: Paklenica National Park has over 150 km of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with more than 400 routes of varying difficulty.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Paklenica National Park is 50 Croatian kuna (approximately 7 euros) per person for adults and 25 Croatian kuna (approximately 3.5 euros) per person for children aged 7-18. Children under 7 years old can enter for free.
Family Friendly Activities: The park also has a climbing school where you can learn the basics of rock climbing.
How to Reach It: Paklenica National Park is located about 40 km north of Zadar. Visitors can reach the park by:
Fun Fact: Paklenica is home to the highest peak of the Velebit mountain range, Vaganski vrh, which is 1,757 meters high. The park is also known for its karst terrain, which is characterized by underground drainage systems, caves, and sinkholes. In fact, the park has over 200 caves and pits, including the Manita peć cave, which is over 175 meters deep.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Paklenica National Park, including:
Next Stop: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Year of Inscription: 2017
Criteria: (vii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
Overview: Paklenica National Park is located in the Velebit mountain range, which runs along the Adriatic coast of Croatia. The park is known for its rugged limestone cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
Prominent Features: Some of the prominent features of Paklenica National Park include:
- Velika Paklenica Canyon: This deep canyon is one of the main attractions of the park. It is about 14 km long and up to 500 meters deep, with steep walls that are popular with rock climbers.
- Mala Paklenica Canyon: This smaller canyon is located next to Velika Paklenica and is also popular with hikers and climbers.
- Anića Kuk: This impressive limestone peak is one of the most famous climbing destinations in Croatia. It is over 400 meters high and offers challenging routes for experienced climbers.
Hiking and Climbing: Paklenica National Park has over 150 km of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with more than 400 routes of varying difficulty.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Paklenica National Park is 50 Croatian kuna (approximately 7 euros) per person for adults and 25 Croatian kuna (approximately 3.5 euros) per person for children aged 7-18. Children under 7 years old can enter for free.
Family Friendly Activities: The park also has a climbing school where you can learn the basics of rock climbing.
How to Reach It: Paklenica National Park is located about 40 km north of Zadar. Visitors can reach the park by:
- By Car: Paklenica National Park is easily accessible by car, with a well-maintained road network connecting it to Zadar and other nearby cities.
- By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Zadar with Starigrad, the nearest town to Paklenica National Park. The journey takes about 45 minutes and the bus station in Zadar is located near the city center.
Fun Fact: Paklenica is home to the highest peak of the Velebit mountain range, Vaganski vrh, which is 1,757 meters high. The park is also known for its karst terrain, which is characterized by underground drainage systems, caves, and sinkholes. In fact, the park has over 200 caves and pits, including the Manita peć cave, which is over 175 meters deep.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Paklenica National Park, including:
- Campsites: There are several campsites located within the park, including the Autokamp Paklenica and the Planik Campsite. Both offer tent and RV camping facilities.
- Apartments and Guesthouses: There are several apartments and guesthouses located in the nearby town of Starigrad, including the Apartments Vedrana and the Guesthouse Tomic.
- Hotels: There are several hotels located within a short drive of the park, including the Hotel Vicko and the Bluesun Hotel Alan.
Next Stop: Plitvice Lakes National Park