Walking Croatian National Parks

This trip will show you stunning sceneries and landscapes of 5 Croatian National Parks. It is perfect for those who like to enjoy the great outdoors on foot, no matter the age. All the way from Croatia’s inland mountain region to the Adriatic coast through five national parks: Risnjak, Northern Velebit, Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica and Krka. They are all protected for it’s biodiversity and natural phenomena. The daily walking routes are not too long or too strenuous, between two and five hours on easy to moderate terrain with enough time for relaxing in the evening.

The accommodation is chosen carefully to reflect local feel close to the key destinations. We will stay in a family run hotel on a river bank, charming Korana Village guesthouses and a hotel in a picturesque town of Skradin on Krka River. Our experienced local guides will avoid overcrowded destinations ensuring you get the most authentic and insightful experience. Consider staying in Zagreb prior to your departure; really worth getting to know this vibrating capital.

Day 1 – Arrival and transfer to Zvecaj

Zvecaj is a small village by the Mreznica River, not far from the highway connecting the Croatian capital city of Zagreb with the harbour of Rijeka. We will meet you at the airport, railway station or in the harbour. Zeleni kut (“The Green Corner”) is a well known restaurant and a small family owned hotel overlooking the green Mreznica River and its waterfall. It was built above an old mill which now supplies electric power. The hotel serves traditional Croatian specialties using fresh water fish from its own fishing ponds, home made cheese, ham and sausages as well as fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms. In the evening we will meet on the terrace overlooking the river for dinner and brief orientation, where we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming holiday and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: D; Drive: 1h from Zagreb airport, 1.5 h from Rijeka airport.

Day 2 – Walking i Risnjak National Park

The Risnjak mountain range is named after a rare animal that inhabits its woods – the lynx. It is located in Gorski Kotar, the most mountainous and heavily forested region of the country, about 15 km inland from the Adriatic Sea. The pristine park covers an area of 63,5 km2. It includes both the Risnjak and Snjeznik ranges and the source area of the Kupa River. We start our hike from Vilje which will lead us towards our goal – Big Risnjak, the highest point of the mountain range. Schlosser’s mountain hut, situated 100m below the peak, is probably one of the most beautiful mountain huts in Croatia. After resting and enjoying the amazing view over the sea, other peaks of Gorski Kotar and even the Alps, we will descend slowly back to Vilje. After hiking we will return back to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Zvecaj hotel; Meals: B; Walking:3-4 h, easy/moderate, well marked paths; Drive: 1.5h-2h each way.

Day 3 – Walking in Northern Velebit National 

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Croatia’s youngest national park – Northern Velebit National Park. The area was designated a national park due to its richness of karst phenomena, outstanding biodiversity and exquisitely beautiful nature on a relatively small area. The Park is crisscrossed with numerous mountaineering trails. The most famous is the Premužić trail, named after its constructor who built it in the late 1933. The path runs through the most beautiful and the most interesting parts of the park. From the numerous peaks in the surroundings you can have a magnificent view on the Adriatic Sea, its islands and the continental side of the mountain chain. Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale…

Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Walking: 4 – 5 h, easy/moderate, well marked paths; Drive: 2.5 h each way.

Day 4 – Walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park 

Today we visit the most beautiful and stunning national park of Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Park. We start our day walking along the wooden paths and bridges in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Its exquisite series of 16 emerald green and opal blue travertine lakes, more than 90 waterfalls and numerous caves make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lakes are surrounded by beech and pine forests and are home to extensive wildlife. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pure and untouched nature. Panoramic boat and train rides will take us back to the start. Later in the afternoon we return to our accommodation in the village just in time to enjoy some free time before dinner.

Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: 15 min each way; Walking: 4-5 h, easy, well marked paths.

Day 5 – Optional trip day

For those who chose a 5-day trip, this is the end of your holiday. You are welcome to schedule your homeward transport for any time (transfer to Zagreb airport is included in the price). The rest of the group continues the trip. On the fifth day of your holiday you can be as active or as lazy as you want. Several river, walking, sightseeing or beach trips will be offered, in case you are keen on discovering more beauties that Croatia has to offer.

Accommodation: Private guesthouses in Korana Village; Meals: B, D; Drive: max 2 hours each way.

Day 6 – Paklenica National Park Walking

After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination. Paklenica National Park covers the area of torrent flows of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, their distinctive canyons carved vertically into the south slopes of Mount Velebit and the broader surrounding area. This relatively small area offers exceptional diversity of geomorphologic phenomena and forms, diverse flora and fauna, attractive landscapes and intact nature. Having adapted to the geographic and climatic environment, the locals mostly engage in nomadic stock herding, which can be seen by their mountain shepherd residences. Hiking is the only way to really get to know Paklenica National Park. The most popular trail is the one leading to Borisov Dom, a mountain hut popular among mountaineers. After descending all the way to the sea we drive to Skradin for the evening.

Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B; Walking: 4-5 h, moderate, well marked paths; Drive: 2h+1h.

Day 7 – Krka River National Park Walking

The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park’s extensive waterways and complex history dating back to late 10th century and first Croatian kings. One of the options is a visit to Skradinski Buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. A boat will take us to Visovac island and its Franciscan monastery. After walking, we return to the hotel and enjoy a late afternoon in the old town before the final evening dinner and a celebration of an amazing adventure.

Accommodation: 3* Skradinski Buk Hotel in Skradin; Meals: B, D; Walking: 3 h, easy, well marked paths.

Day 8 – Departure

Depart from Skradin to the airport and flight home. If you decide to spend more time in Croatia, our guides will be happy to recommend other beautiful places to visit – especially those you won’t find in tourist guide books.

Meals: B; Drive: Zadar 45 min, Split 1 h, Zagreb 3.5 h

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, water levels, special events of interest, etc. Huck Finn guides and trip leaders will do their utmost to ensure the best possible experience for their clients without compromising safety at any time. This may mean changing the original itinerary to avoid discomfort or risk which could be caused by exceptional situations. Huck Finn reserves the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice.

 

Seasons & prices 2024

	HIGH	INTERMEDIATE	LOW
DOUBLE	840,00 €	760,00 €	670,00 €
CHILD	756,00 €	684,00 €	603,00 €
SINGLE	1008,00 €	912,00 €	804,00 €

High Season: June 27 – August 21
Intermediate: June 6 – 26, August 22 – Sept 11
Low Season: May 16 – June 5, Sept 12- 26

The prices are set in euros. The exact price in other currencies is calculated on the day of booking according to the exchange rate of the Croatian National Bank.
All prices are per person.

Minimum age: 8 years if accompanied by parent(s).
Children discount is valid for children 8-12 years.

What is included

• 7 nights accommodation
• meals as noted in itinerary (7xB=breakfast and 5xD=dinner)
• 5 days of organized activities
• use of walking poles (with advanced notice)
• national parks entrance fees
• local taxes and river permits
• Saturday transfer from Zagreb or Rijeka airport (arrival)*
• Saturday transfer to Zagreb, Zadar or Split airport (departure)*
• skilled English speaking guide and assistance
• ground transportation
• basic insurance

*Several group transfers between the airport and destination depending on arrival time.  Arrivals after 6 pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 euros per transfer.

Not included

• international airfare to/from Croatia
• optional trip on day 5
• items of a personal nature and gratuities to your guide(s)
• beverages and lunches or picnics as noted in itinerary

Cancellation terms:

If the Client should cancel or abort the travel, all Client’s cancellations must be in writing – by e-mail or fax. The written cancellation date shall be the basis for the compensation of cancellation costs which shall be collected by the Agency as per conditions set forth below (percentage of total arrangement price):

• 30 or more days prior to arrival: 10%
• 29-22 days prior to arrival: 25%
• 21-15 days prior to arrival: 40%
• 14-8 days prior to arrival: 80%
• 7-0 days prior to arrival or no show: 90%
  Failing to make appearance and travel without prior cancellation shall entitle the Agency to withhold 100% of the payment made regardless of the reason or reasons for the cancellation.

Group size

Min 4 – max 16 people per group; larger groups are on request. Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. In case the minimum number of participants is not met but the guest/s still want to do the trip, the price increases by a percentage depending on the final number of participants.

Skill level

Easy***

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in different locations ranging from North to South Croatia. We mostly use either small family run hotels or private guest houses located outside the popular tourist areas. This will make your experience of Croatia even more complete.

Accommodation is provided in the following units: in the Zeleni Kut hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River (days 1 & 2) by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley surrounding both sides of the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park (days 3, 4 & 5) and in Skradinski Buk hotel in Skradin (days 6, 7 & 8).

Air Travel

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. Early arrivals / Extended stay notes – we include two transfers with each trip. These are usually the transfers on the first and the last day of the trip. In case you are arriving a few days earlier or extending your stay in Croatia after your trip with us, we can provide additional airport transfers.

Arrival and departure transfers: several group transfers between airport and destination depending on arrival/departure time. Arrivals after 6pm may be subject to surcharge of 30 EUR per transfer.

Meals

Meals tend to be fairly heavy on the meats and sausages, breads and pastries, pastas and dumplings. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know as soon as possible. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated but we recommend that you bring along with you some of your favorite protein snacks.

We kindly ask you to fill out the reservation form with requested details to get an offer with a booking option.