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Paklenica National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Paklenica National Park is situated on the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and is primarily famous for its two monumental canyons, Velika (Big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica. Established in 1949, it covers an area of about 95 square kilometers, characterized by sharp karst formations, deep caves, and dense beech forests. The vertical face of Anića Kuk, rising to 712 meters, is the highest rock wall in Croatia and a world-renowned destination for rock climbers. Beyond its spectacular geology, the park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including golden eagles, chamois, and rare orchids. In 2017, the ancient beech forests of Paklenica were added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list. With over 150 kilometers of hiking trails, the park gives visitors an immersive experience in pristine nature, featuring panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the rugged hinterland.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Vidakov kuk · Veliki vrh · Markov mlin
Nearby: Seline (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	1	5	10	14	19	21	21	16	11	7	2
Rain mm	99	100	86	83	91	70	53	68	125	118	144	118

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The imposing canyon entrances are conveniently accessed directly from the main coastal highway system. Large, well-marked gateways lead visitors immediately into the towering limestone gorges.

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Best season

Spring and autumn are universally favored for serious hiking and exploring the dramatic rock formations. The enclosed nature of the canyons can make mid-summer visits uncomfortably hot during the afternoon.

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Terrain & paths

The park is famous for its colossal vertical cliffs and the rocky, uneven floors of its deep canyons. While the main gorge paths are somewhat paved with stones, side trails involve steep, rugged ascents.

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What to bring

Excellent hiking footwear is absolutely essential for navigating the polished and often slippery canyon stones. Climbers and serious hikers typically carry helmets to protect against sporadic falling rocks.

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Parking

Substantial parking infrastructure is generally provided right at the main reception areas of the major canyons. These large lots accommodate the high volume of nature enthusiasts arriving during the peak seasons.

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Safety

Visitors must be highly vigilant regarding falling debris when walking near the base of the sheer vertical cliffs. Carrying sufficient hydration is vital, as natural water sources in the karst landscape are extremely rare.

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Time needed

A standard walk through the main canyon bottom usually takes roughly a half day to complete. Undertaking the strenuous climbs to the higher Velebit slopes easily turns the visit into a full-day expedition.

Geography

Coordinates

44.32000, 15.46200

Facts

Established in 1949, making it the second oldest national park in Croatia.
The Velika Paklenica canyon is 14 km long and features 400m high cliffs.
Anića Kuk is the highest rock climbing wall in Croatia, standing at 712 meters.
Its ancient beech forests have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2017.
The park offers more than 150 kilometers of marked hiking and walking paths.
Manita peć cave, famous for its stalagmites, is the only cave open to the public.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Starigrad-Paklenica2 km · SExplore →

Vaganski vrh4 km · EExplore →

📍Seline5 km · SExplore →

Paklenica National Park6 km · NWExplore →

📍Vinjerac7 km · SExplore →

📍Jovići10 km · SWExplore →

📍Ražanac10 km · SWExplore →

📍Rovanjska10 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Paklenica National Park (9)

Vidakov kuk

Mountain in the Velebit range, Croatia, a popular climbing destination.

Veliki vrh

Subpeak of Vidakov kuk in the Velebit, Croatia.

Markov mlin

Ruins of an old mill in Paklenica National Park.

Gradić

Mountain in the Velebit range, Croatia.

Winnetou 8

Attraction in Paklenica National Park, named after the Winnetou film.

Prdežina

Viewpoint in Paklenica National Park overlooking the canyon.

Winnetou 7

Attraction in Paklenica National Park, named after the Winnetou film.

Anića Kuk

Viewpoint in Paklenica National Park, known for climbing routes.

Mirila

Attraction in Paklenica National Park, traditional Croatian burial markers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main activity in Paklenica National Park?

The park is world-famous for rock climbing, especially on the Anića kuk face, and for hiking.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, entry for adults costs between 5 and 10 EUR depending on the season.

Are dogs allowed in the park?

Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.

Are there dining facilities in the park?

There are mountain huts and a small cafe in the canyon area, but you should carry your own water.

How long does a typical hike take?

A hike through the Velika Paklenica canyon to the main mountain hut takes about 2 hours each way.

Paklenica National Park: where is it located?

Paklenica National Park is located in Croatia.

Paklenica National Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Vidakov kuk, Veliki vrh, Markov mlin.

Paklenica National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Paklenica National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Paklenica National Park is situated on the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and is primarily famous for its two monumental canyons, Velika (Big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica.

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