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Home , Biokovo, Kurba Vela, Lonjsko Polje, Medvednica, Papuk, Tribanj

Parks of

guide to national parks and nature parks in the republic of croatia

     We cherish the riches  that nature has been creating for centuries

When it comes to conserved nature, Croatia cooperation with the Ministry of Environment is among the richest countries in Europe, and and Energy that provides inancial support to conserved nature could be considered one public institutions, ensuring environmental, of the strongest Croatian brands. This is also nature and biodiversity conservation and conirmed by the fact that one third of the eicient management, focusing on sustainable territory of Croatia belongs to the largest global development in particular. Croatia is among few The opinion of the authors in this publication does not network of protected areas – the European countries with a high percentage of territory necessarily relect the oicial opinion of the United Nations, ecological network Natura 2000. Due to their under protection, as a result of a high degree Impressum undp or their member states. extraordinary natural and landscape values, of conservation of natural resources, but also a our 8 National Parks and 11 Nature Parks have relection of desire of Croatian citizens to have been recognized on the world map as must- such policy in place. Conserved nature areas publisher authors photography see places that are worth experiencing. This – including National Parks, Nature Parks and Ministry of Environment Igor Kreitmeyer, Ivana Horvat, Archives of National brochure ofers an essential insight into the other categories of protection, as well as Natura and Energy and Valentina Futač, Marija Jurčević, and Nature Parks unique features and atractions of 19 Parks 2000 ecological network areas – constitute the United Nations Dino Kapuano Mario Romulić, Ante Gugić, that annually draw over 4 million visitors, most important values of any country; values Development Programme Romeo Ibrišević, Marko Vrdoljak, inviting you to discover them yourself. You that we must protect and wisely manage, so (undp) Ivo Pervan, Renco Kosinožić will be assisted by staf of public institutions that not only the present generations, but also managing the Parks and taking care of them in future ones, might enjoy these riches.

introduction    3 Symbols Contents

introduction | 3 national parks Plitvička jezera | 6 hiking horse boat | 8 trips riding Risnjak | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 mountain trail skiikng fortress climbing | 18 Sjeverni | 20

nature parks Kopački rit | 22 rock climbing speleology wild animals | 23 | 24 Velebit | 25 Telašćica | 26 | 27 cycling paragliding birdwatching | 28 Vransko jezero | 29 Učka | 30 Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje | 31 fishing swimming photography Lastovsko otočje | 32

volunteer program | 33 contacts | 34

sailing scuba diving restaurant

kayaking snorkeling accommodation

4       5 Place of magical beauty main features proclaimed as national park: 1949 inscribed into the unesco world heritage list: 1979 area: 296,8 km2 16 lakes biggest lakes: Kozjak and Prošće main attraction: Veliki slap (Great Waterfall), 78 m Between Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica, next to the road the biggest waterfall in Croatia connecting to , there are 16 cascade- highest peak: Seliški vrh, 1279 m lined lakes with magniicent waterfalls, surrounded by cave open for tourists: Šupljara forests with abundant fauna. Plitvička jezera (Plitvice point of interest Lakes) was the irst Croatian national park whose value The name of the Park comes from the was also recognized by unesco having placed it on the word “plitvice”, “pličine” which means world natural heritage list. something shallow, a shallow basin created in the sedimentation process The two biggest and deepest lakes, Kozjak and Prošće, of limestone. together with ten other smaller lakes on dolomite Did you substrate make up a group of Upper Lakes, whereas the event of the year Lower Lakes are situated downstream from Kozjak in Plitvice Lakes Marathon in June know? the 70 – 80 meter deep limestone canyon. Just before flora and fauna According to a legend, entering Prošćansko Lake, the two rivers, Crna and Bijela, plants: Siberian raylower, Dalmatian there was a queen, Black merge into the joint Matica, whereas the River Rječica squill,round-leaved sundew, 58 types Queen, who came down of orchids – lady’s slipper the mountain and ater enters Kozjak Lake and the beautiful River is its animals: brown bear, wolf, lynx, Ural owl, oter a very dry season sent a eluent. Next to it, at the most impressive part of the strong wind and thunder park, at Sastavci, together with the waterfalls of the storm to the local last lake falls the 78 meter high waterfall of the Plitvice people to inally end Rivulet. The River Korana, on its way to Golubinjača, the the drought. Ater the rain, 16 lakes remained. deepest cave in the national park, and further on towards The people were very Karlovac also forms some amazing waterfalls. grateful and the queen Even though the altitude of Plitvice Lakes is not very said: “From now on, high, the rich forests surrounding it give the impression people will be coming from all over the world of mountainous landscape; also the best preserved area to see these beautiful of original beech-ir forest spreads into the virgin forest Plitvice Lakes”. of Čorkova Cove.

6    plitvička jezera plitvička jezera    7 Heaven for climbers and adventurers main features proclaimed as national park: 1949 area: 95 km2 highest peak: Vaganski vrh, 1757 m main attractions: impressive canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica carved into the mountain from the sea level to the highest Was it the beauty of this place that the locals from the peaks of Velebit biggest croatian rock for climbers: village at the botom of Paklenica talked about when Anića kuk, 712 m they passed on for generations the legend about the cave open for tourists: Manita peć fairies that charmed and lured all those who would look point of interest at them? The name of the Park comes from the Carved vertically into the south banks of Velebit, the word “paklina” which means black pine canyons of Velika and Mala Paklenica are illed with resin rock sculptures amid forests and valleys rich with event of the year mountainous lora and fauna. Endemic belllowers, dense International climbers meeting in May Do not black pine tree forests, orchids and lilies, then various flora and fauna miss species of buterlies and birds atract nature lovers, plants: sandwort and Lady’s Slipper whereas steep rocks of Velika Paklenica are a favourite animals: chamois, brown bear, wolf, lynx, Through the wild gorge destination for hikers and mountain climbers. golden eagle of Velika Paklenica A lavish underground world is best seen in Manita where long time ago peć, a 175 meter long cave, divided in two chambers of highlander women used numerous stalagmite, stalactite and calcite columns. The to carry salt, igs and shallot (“ljutika”) on their cave entrance is at the altitude of 570 meters, and the way back from the coast, ascent from the parking area in Velika Paklenica to the and also carried wheat cave takes about an hour and a half. from the fertile land of Visitors who wish to avoid dangerous adventures are to the coast, there atracted by impressive scenes of Velebit overlooking the is a pleasant hiking trail today with many road holiday resorts of Starigrad-Paklenica, Selina and . signs in both Croatian If you wish to see for yourself all the beauties of the National and English. Park, choose one of the 150 kilometer long mountain trails and relax in the best possible way in the beauty of Velebit, in the shades of giant beech and pine forests.

8    paklenica paklenica    9 In the land of the lynx and main features edelweiss proclaimed as national park: 1953 Expanded to the source and Snježnik massif in 1997 area: 63,5 km2 entry points: from Crni Lug, from the pass of Gornje Jelenje and from Kupska dolina Fragmented and steep rocks, abyss, cracks in limestone highest peak: Veliki Risnjak, 1528 m main attractions: the source of the and sink-holes up to 200 meters deep, coves and karst River Kupa and the Risnjak massif with valleys are the main features of a guest house located in Gorski kotar, about 15 kilometers to the particular feature of the park: edelweiss and hairy alpenrose north-east from Rijeka. On a relatively small area of the Dinarides there are fourteen main types of mountain particularities forests together with about thirty plant communities. Forest communities and large carnivores Apart from Risnjak Mountain, the National Park also point of interest includes the Snježnik mountain massif, as well as the The name of the Park comes from the source of the Kupa River. It is possible to reach the source, Croatian word for the lynx – “ris” What the only unique blue and green carst spring, following event of the year to visit? a well marked atractive winding trail from the village A local celebration in August, of Razloge or from the northern side of Kupska dolina, the so-called “Furman Day” It is best to follow the following a more pleasant but longer road from the Leska educational trail village of Hrvatsko. flora and fauna and its 23 viewpoints to The National Park Risnjak is abundant with diverse lora plants: edelweiss, hairy alpenrose, Alpine encounter the natural and butewort, great yellow gentian, lilies, cultural heritage of the and fauna so it’s a unique place in Europe where you can orchids, arnica, silvery yarrow, false aster National Park Risnjak. It is still see a bear, a wolf or a lynx in their natural habitat. animals: lynx, brown bear, wolf, grayling, a pleasant walk even for The lynx, predator of big and small game especially deer, buterlies those who are not in their is a loner and hunts primarily in the twilight or at night. best shape. The source of the River Kupa and The mountain massif of Risnjak was named ater the the irst ive kilometers lynx (“ris”) since it wanders around those forests. Nature of its low are deinitely lovers will enjoy the perfect stone sculptures, rich forests worth visiting together and meadows where you can still see edelweiss, a rare with the massif of Risnjak protected lower, and you will surely remember the and Snježnik, and the beautiful mountain unique view from Veliki Risnjak or Snježnik on Kvarner grasslands. bay for a long time.

10    risnjak risnjak    11 Gorgeous island of the nymph main features Calypso proclaimed as national park: 1960 area: 53,7 km2 island surface: 100,4 km2 Veliko lake 46 m deep Malo lake 29 m deep According to a legend, the island of Mljet is Homer’s how to reach the island: by regular Ogygia, the beautiful island of the nymph Calypso where ferry lines or by own boat 24 sea miles away from Dubrovnik Odysseus stayed for seven years while wandering the Mediterranean. The speciically indented coast of the point of interest island with two salt “lakes”, the forests of Aleppo pine, The name of the Park comes from the latin words Melita, Meleda holm oak and maquis, as well as the rich cultural heritage are the reason why many people consider Mljet as the event of the year most beautiful island on the Adriatic. The landscape Marking the anniversary of establishment beauty is one of the best recognized values of the island. of the Mljet National Park in November Its north-western part is a national park known for the flora and fauna Mljet lakes which are actually looded valleys created ater plants: Aleppo pine, holm oak, orchids, Did you the last ice age when the sea penetrated through a narrow Dubrovnik knapweed, sea lavender opening into carst depressions. The sea enters through the animals: Mediterranean gull, European know? shag, European honey buzzard, common 30 m long and 13.5 m wide canal on the location of Veliki kestrel, eagle-owl In the coastal part of Most, thus creating Veliko lake and Malo lake. the sea around Mljet The island of Mljet has a rich cultural and historical and in Mljet lakes there heritage which can be traced without any interruptions are about 150 species from the times of Illyrian tribes, the Roman Empire, the of bivalves, of which more than 40 species Republic of Dubrovnik until today. The setlement of stone live in Malo lake. The houses, Goveđari, as the home of the irst setlers in the populations of shell St 18th century is particularly impressive. Jacques in Veliko lake are The National Park Mljet is abundant with numerous among the best known gorgeous coves such as Zaobraslo prijeslo, shallow Blace, in the Adriatic and the age of some specimen beaches of Grabove and Polača where numerous islets can reach up to 17 years. protect the entrance into one of the safest harbors on the Adriatic. The sights worth visiting on the rest of the island include the Odysseus Cave next to Babino Polje and old setlements such a Korita and Prožure.

12    mljet mljet    13 Created out of tears, stars main features and breath proclaimed as national park: 1980 area: 217 km2 largest island: 32,5 km2 The Irish writer George Bernard Shaw described this large islands: Piškera, Kurba Vela, magical archipelago in the Middle Adriatic with the , following words:“On the last day of Creation God desired biggest settlement: Vrulje to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands on Kornat island highest peak: Metlina, 237 m out of tears, stars and breath.” This is the most indented 7 sea miles from island and group of islands in the European Mediterranean of the 15 sea miles from Šibenk and most exceptional landscape value which was given the how to reach the park: by boat hired in a tourist agency or by own boat status of national park in 1980. More than three quarters of entry points: Opat and Vela Proversa the Park’s surface belong to the sea, whereas the land part consists of 89 islands, islets and reefs in the total surface point of interest of 50 km2. The name of the Park comes from the Latin word “corona” which means a crown The two groups of islands in the Park, Kornatski and Pučinski set of islands, are equally beautiful and interesting, event of the year however the islands of Pučinski set with their “crowns” A pilgrimage to the church of Our What Lady of o’Tarca in July (crags or clifs) are the most valuable ones. The highest to visit? peak in the National Park is Metlina located on the longest flora and fauna Each of the nine diving island of Kornat which also holds the 34 meter long cave plants: Adriatic iris, zones in the National in the Stiniva Cove. bunch-lowered dafodil Park Kornati brings animals: European shag, noble pen Behind the scenes of the occasional setlements on the shell, giant tun, loggerhead sea turtle, its own particular islands there are remains of Illyrian setlements, Roman botlenose dolphin, pallid swit excitement and impression. However, saltworks and the Roman ishpond, the Tureta fortress th diving in Kornati is only (6 century), medieval saltwork on the Lavsa island and allowed in organized a small church from the 16th century on the Piškera island. and authorized diving There are no water springs nor any water lows on the groups. However, Kornati islands; fresh water stays only temporarily in swimming in the lush sea is unlimited. the Tarac and Knežak ponds or in carst basins. That is why many water tanks have been built on the islands. Nevertheless, cruising by the “crowns” that vertically rise from the sea, stone houses and the crystal clear sea are undoubtedly breathtaking and worth the visit.

14    kornati kornati    15 Green and blue pearl of the main features Adriatic proclaimed as National Park: 1983 area: 33,9 km2 14 islands and islets entry points: by boat from Fažana or by own boat Mild climate and favourable geographic conditions, main attractions: Zoo, Boathouse deeply recessed coves and easily defendable elevated interpretation and education centre, dinosaur footprints, archaeological sites fortifications have ensured a continuity of human activities: cycling, golf, tennis, bocce, activity on Brijuni from ancient history until the present. electric vehicle rides, swimming, snorkeling This relatively small archipelago with the surface slightly point of interest exceeding seven square kilometres includes approximately The name of the Park comes from one hundred sites and facilities of high archaeological, the words “brevona, brevogno” cultural and historical value – ranging from the irst which means shallow sea Neolithic dugout setlement in the cove of Soline to events throughout an elite tourist and medical resort built by the Austrian the year industrialist Paul Kupelwieser at the beginning of the Brijuni Marathon at the Do not miss twentieth century, and to the presidential residence beginning of spring visited by statespersons from all over the world in the Dinosaur Days in April Educational underwater trail Brijuni Adventure Race in September in the cove of Verige ofers a period from 1954 until today. International Bat Night in September unique experience of natural This concise curriculum vitae of the island, which carefully Doors Open Days in the autumn and archaeological values preserves the traces of 5000 years of human history, Concerts and theatre shows contained in the incredibly makes the legend of its creation even more real and when during the summer months rich and preserved submarine Brijuni Adventure Race in September arriving to the island a part of Heaven discloses in front of terrain of the Brijuni National our eyes in the unique harmony of the island’s lora, fauna Park. Extraordinarily valuable flora and fauna and heritage. A unique blend of the green islands sank into plants: holm oak, Mediterranean sites that can be seen only by maquis and exotic species diving into the sea are presented the turquoise-blue sea whose bays and hills are laced with animals: rabbits, squirrels, deer game, along the route 500 meters long, the white Istrian rocks. moulon, sea turtles, sea ish, dolphins, including a section of a classical An exquisite landscape has been created by transforming bats, various birds antiquity complex – a splendid agricultural and forest areas into parks with spacious open Roman villa from the 1st century. meadows. Nowhere on the Croatian coast can you ind www.np-brijuni.h r There are also numerous such a coherent space where holm oak and laurel blend populations of ish, algae, sea sponges, crustaceans and together and some islands hold the most preserved areas bivalves, with the noble pen shell of maquis in this part of the Mediterranean. particularly worth pointing out.

16    brijuni brijuni    17 Green oasis of the Mediterranean

main features proclaimed as national park: 1985 A lively canyon of the River Krka builds waterfalls over area: 109 km2 length of krka: 72 km travertine barriers and the river continues to low towards biggest waterfall: Manojlovac 59,6 m the sea. Out of seven waterfalls, the most oten visited most visited sites: Skradinski buk and the most beautiful ones are Skradinski buk and Roški and Roški slap slap with ethnographic monuments, some of which have Organized trips by boat and by bus inside the Park been renovated. Between them lies a three kilometer long picturesque lake, Visovac, in the middle of which point of interest rises an islet of the same name with a Franciscan church The name of the Park comes from the name of the River Krka whose 2/3 low through it and monastery. In the middle of the Krka River canyon, in Carigradska draga, lies Krka Monastary, an important event of the year spiritual centre of the Orthodox Dalmatian Eparchy. Krka Cultural Summer You can visit the on foot and one part flora and fauna by bike following the Skradin-Skradinski buk bike trail. plants: chimney belllower, grassy On the way there are old water mills, stone facilities for bells,forests of downy oak and Do not washing clothes and monuments of rural architecture. oriental hornbeam Apart from the particular beauty of its canyon and cascade animals: olm, bats, oter, Visovac trout miss course, the Krka River atracts also with its free-lowing Take the educational lakes and green valleys. Even if you have visited the river trail from Visovac Lake many times, you will always be impressed by its beauty. (Stinice) to Roški slap, Ater a long walk you can relax in a restaurant serving then take the stone- traditional dishes. carved stairs up to Oziđana pećina cave It is best to visit Krka in spring and autumn to discover and experience some medieval fortresses such as the largest one, Ključica, then unforgetable scenes fortresses Nečven and Trošenj located on the very edge of nature, together of the canyon, and archeological sites of Burnum near with rich lora and Kistanje where tourists can visit the remains of a Roman fauna, geological military camp and an amphitheatre. According to the phenomena, cultural number of endemic ish, the Krka River is one of the richest and historical localities of Krka. The 8,5 rivers of the Adriatic basin. Also, taking into consideration kilometer long walk that there are 225 species of birds, this area has been takes three hours. recognized as ornithologically very valuable.

18    krka krka    19 Mountain that conquers main features proclaimed as national park: 1999 Velebit Mountain was included in unesco’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (mab) in 1978. Part of the Natura 2000 ecological network European Destination of Excellence 2009 (eden) The huge and at irst glance naked blocks of rock with area: 109 km2 numerous crevices, impenetrable forests, small and large highest peak: Veliki Zavižan, 1676 m grassy karst valleys, pits, sinkholes, ice caves, ponds and highest weather station in croatia: Zavižan, 1594 m cracks in limestone.... this is all Sjeverni Velebit, a mosaic Velebit Botanical Garden made up of most diverse habitats which are home to Strict reserve Hajdučki and Rožanski many species of fungi, plants and animals. kukovi 16 kilometers of the Premužić Trail passing through the National Park Since the ecosystem is well preserved here, the Sjeverni Velebit is a natural habitat of the bear, wolf, lynx and event of the year golden eagle. The territory of the Park has been widely Bike race “Ascent to Zavižan” in June Did you explored and about 1,5 thousand species of plants, fungi flora and fauna know? and animals have been registered. Zavižan and Alan are plants: Croatian bitercress, Croatian areas where open grasslands alternate with green forests sibirea, Velebit pink, Kitaibel’s columbine Sjeverni Velebit is famous and enormous limestone blocks surrounded by peaks animals: brown bear, wolf, lynx, for its deep vertical ofering fascinating views of the sea and Lika. chamois, capercaillie, woodpeckers, owls, caves or pits. Almost subterranean fauna In the Velebit botanical garden you can enjoy the 400 of them have been diversity of lora, whereas Štirovača area is abundant discovered and partly explored, including the with coniferous forests, as it is also the only moist part three deepest pits in of the Park. Lubenovac, a spacious Velebit grassland with Croatia whose depth numerous remains of dwellings and drywalls bears witness exceeds 1000 meters to a life style that once existed on the mountain. The (Lukina jama - 1431m, Premužić trail will take you through the most beautiful Slovačka jama - 1320m parts of Sjeverni Velebit. Once they discover the secrets and Jama Velebita - of Sjeverni Velebit, the lovers of an active holiday in the 1026m). The most famous endemic species living middle of untouched nature always return. It is said that there in Sjeverni Velebit is mountains need to be conquered but Velebit is a mountain the Velebit leech. that conquers its visitors.

20    sjeverni velebit sjeverni velebit    21 Empire The closest of 300 bird to the sea species from the Located between the rivers and , natural highest tops What to visit? wetland oasis Kopački rit is an attractive tourist What to visit? The White Water Lily Walk and a boat trip destination, but also one of the best preserved wetland Do not miss to visit the Biokovo botanical to the zoological reserve are the most areas in Europe. Even though every visitor will surely garden “Kotišina”, only 3 kilometers away Above the beautiful beaches of coast rises the from Makarska. atractive activities for tourists.The place remember the endless looplains of cane and reed giving fascinating mountain of Biokovo – the mountain whose called Tikveš is known for the 19th century residential facility and a hunters’ country this area its particular characteristics, the largest areas in main features roots are in the sea, whose head is in the clouds and whose the Park are actually covered with white willow forests, proclaimed as :1981 top, Sv. Jure is the second highest point in Croatia. It can villa built by the Habsbourg family and area: 194 km2 used as a hunting hub, thus famous all whereas the oak grows on higher altitutes. The rivers highest peak: Sveti Jure, 1762 m be reached following a road with many viewpoints from over Europe. and luvial wetland in Kopački rit created its unusual More than 400 caves and pits, the deepest which it is even possible to see Italy. Those who are in relief abundant with sandbanks and river islets, as well as one is Mokre noge (-831 m) good shape may choose to go on a trip by bike, or on main features numerous backwaters. Many rare and endangered species endemic species and symbol of biokovo: foot or combine hiking with some transport, however it proclaimed as nature park: 1976 Biokovo belllower important bird area (iba): 1986 of plants and animals found their home there and due to is necessary to bear in mind that this is a very demanding The Nature Park entered the Ramsar List a very diverse fauna, the southern part of the Park has point of interest and challenging mountain where the Mediterranean and of Wetlands of International Importance been given the status of special zoological reserve.The The name of the Park comes from the Alpine climates meet. There are also many archeological in 1993 words for snowy white - “bil, bilak, The Nature Park is part of the Mura- birds of Kopački rit are certainly the speciic feature of this biokova”. Long time ago, ice was taken sites on Biokovo, as well as stone tumuli, shepherds’ Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve, Park. There are 300 species registered, of which 141 are the from the ice pits and carried to the coastal dwellings, churches and chapels, towers and fortresses. proclaimed by unesco in 2012 species of regular or occasional nesting birds. area. Today they tell the story of a life that once existed in this area: 231 km2 area, the customs of local people, their adjustments to the symbol of the park: white-tailed eagle event of the year International mountain race in May, harsh conditions on this beautiful and relentless mountain. point of interest Makarska - Vošac, 0-1422 m The name of the Park comes from the Hungarian words “kapocs” which means flora and fauna “a buckle” and “rét” which means plants: Biokovo belllower, Dalmatian “wetlands meadow”. belllower, moltkia, Biokovo knapweed, Illyrian iris event of the year animals: wolf, golden eagle, wildcat, nose- Day of Open Doors in July horned viper, southern festoon, chamois, moulon flora and fauna plants: white willow, pedunculate oak, black sedge, lowering rush, Siberian iris, great yellow cress animals: white-tailed eagle, beaver, oter, red deer, wetland birds, wild boar

22    kopački rit biokovo    23 A step away The largest from Zagreb park in

Few cities have the sort of privilege enjoyed by the city of Croatia Zagreb: an island of lush vegetation, peace and quiet in the immediate vicinity of a centre of a major city. That is precisely Whichever educational trail you take in the Velebit Nature what Medvednica Nature Park ofers its guests. An average Park, you will enjoy the natural and historical riches of this Did you know? visitor might be inclined to conclude that the plant world What to visit? largest protected area in Croatia. The most atractive trail, of Medvednica is rather monotonous and poor in terms of Premužić Trail, will take you to the most beautiful parts of Only in the Medvednica Nature Park can In the southern part of Velebit do not miss the number of species; in reality, however, the plant world Velebit. On the Terezijana Trail you will walk on a part of you adopt a bat for 150 HRK and help this the Cerovac Caves (Cerovačke špilje), one protected species to remain in its habitat of Medvednica is amazingly rich, diverse and interesting. As of the largest cave bear sites in Croatia. the road built as early as 1786, which used to connect the – the unique Veternica cave. much as 81% of the Park surface is covered in well conserved Out of the three caves with more than towns of and Gospić. The “Kudin most” trail takes forests that hide more than 1200 plant species. The animal six kilometers of explored passages, you to the oldest bridge on the Krupa, the river of lavish main features world is very rich and diverse too, and it still includes species tourists can visit 700 meters of Donja and waterfalls and travertine cascades. If you decide to walk proclaimed as nature park: 1981 Gornja Caves. Located near , the 2 such as wildcat, wild boar, roe deer, fox, marten, rabbit... from Starigrad Senjski to Donja Klada you will take the area: 179,4 km Cove will fascinate you with its highest peak: Today’s numerous visitors can engage in hiking along as road that was marked back in 1847 and on your way you Sljeme, 1035 m beauty, mystique and purity of the sea. many as 70 marked hiking trails, learning many interesting will see beautiful Adriatic coves, among which Zavratnica events throughout facts about the mountain as they walk along any of the main features stands out as protected landscape. the year educational trails on ofer, or visit a tourist atraction such proclaimed as nature park: 1981 Zagreb Fantastic Film Festival inscribed in unesco network Musical Evenings as the cave of Veternica, Zrinski mine or the medieval town of mab: 1979 International Bat Night of Medvedgrad. Events such as the Zagreb Fantastic Film Area: 2200 km2 Medieval Days on Medvednica Festival, Medvedgrad Musical Evenings and the festival Medieval Days on Medvednica are some of the particularly event of the year Park Day in May flora and fauna interesting cultural atractions. Many tourist programs are plants: yew, beech, snowdrop windlower, also available, including the e-bicycle tour (guided tour using flora and fauna military orchid, Carniolan lily electric bicycles) and Underground Medvednica program – plants: Velebit degenia, Velebit belllower, animals: common buzzard, white- Croatian sibirea throated dipper, yellow-bellied toad, bringing visitors to forgoten military tunnels and abandoned animals: capercaillie, wolf, lynx, chamois, European crayish, rosalia longicorn, facilities such as the Markuševac tunnels and Brestovac brown bear, golden eagle, oter, Croatian Schreiber’s bent-winged bat, sanatorium. minnow Mediterranean horseshoe bat Two hotels and approximately ten catering facilities and mountain lodges on the mountain ofer an ideal opportunity for rest and refreshment, particularly during summer, when Medvednica allows visitors to escape the summer heat.

24    medvednica velebit    25 Three Discover the phenomena undiscovered In the south-eastern part of ,the nature was The Lonjsko polje Nature Park is another example of how generous so a relatively small area contains steep shores much diversity there is in Croatia. This is one of the largest and tame coves, forests and ields, vineyards and olive protected loodplains of the Danube basin, located by the groves, as well as harsh Dalmatian karst. Together with the River between the towns of and Stara Gradiška. view on the beautiful Kornati islands, the Telašćica Nature You can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and preserved Did you know? Park holds three phenomena particularly interesting for What to visit? wooden architecture, moist meadows and pastures, boaters. There is a calm cove called Telašćica as one of the riparian lowland forests of pedunculate oak and narrow- The small island of Taljurić, only three Picturesque villages with traditional safest and largest natural harbors on the Adriatic. Then leaved ash, as well as picturesque scenes of traditional meters high, is entirely underwater during wooden houses of Posavina, next to the storms so there is no vegetation on it and there are clifs, locally called “Stene”, showing the relentless River Sava and its tributaries perfectly it system of pasturing. Among many activities you can also it looks like a lat surface from afar. Did and wild side of the sea and Dalmatian environment. into the landscape and simultaneously enjoy birdwatching, walking, canoeing, cycling, horse you know that the carnivorous sponge Finally, salt lake Mir gives an entirely diferent impression. relect very strict rules about organizing riding, photo safari or ishing. Tributaries, ponds, wetlands was found in the underwater cave on Mir is home to the species of eel, locally called “kajman”. the space, given the constant threat of and pastures are a habitat for wetland birds, together with Garmenjak Veli at the depth of only 24 m? Telašćica has been inhabited since ancient times, as can water and loods. One such village is some very rare species in Europe. So far, 250 bird species This inhabitant of great depths has so far be seen from numerous archaeological remains found in Čigoč, the irst to be given the title of have been registered in this area of which 170 species nest only been found in such shallow waters the European Village of White Stork and in France. the area like the burial mounds, the Illyrian mounds and also Krapje, the village of architectural here, so some areas such as Krapje Đol and Rakita have the remains of Roman buildings from the irst century. heritage. Furthermore, the villages of been protected as special ornithological reserves. Lonjsko main features Mužilovčica, Repušnica and Osekovo polje is one of the biggest hatcheries in Europe and its proclaimed as nature park: 1988 should not be neglected since they ofer a 2 pastures feed some original breeds of domestic animals area: 70,5 km fascinating view on Lonjsko polje, whether scope: southern part of Dugi otok such as Posavac horse, Slavonian-Srijem Podolian catle, looded or dry. and adjoining islets Croatian coldblood and Turopolje pig. The Park is a haven for donkeys main features proclaimed as nature park: 1990 point of interest Inscribed in iba in 1989 and ramsar in 1993 The old name Tilagus means three area: 50 650 km2 (connected) lakes event of the year events throughout Days of Medicinal Herbs in May the year Dugi Otok Trail in March Bike Tour in June European Stork Village Day in Čigoč in June flora and fauna European Heritage Days in Krapje in plants: Dubrovnik knapweed, tree spurge September animals: red coral, European shag, Mushroom Festival in Lonjsko polje in October botlenose dolphin, short-toed snake-eagle, Eurasian eagle- flora and fauna owl, peregrine falcon, greater noctule bat plants: alluvial forests of pedunculate oak and narrow-leaved ash, European waterclover animals: 250 bird species – white stork, black stork, white-tailed eagle, spoonbill

26    telašćica lonjsko polje    27 Forest oasis Largest at the heart natural lake of Slavonija in Croatia In the middle of the endless Slavonian plain mountains The Vransko jezero Nature Park is the favourite destination rise to almost a thouand meters above ground. One of for birdwatchers and sport ishermen, however cyclists Did you know? those mountains is Papuk, the most beautiful one in Did you know? and hikers will surely enjoy the 40 kilometer long bike trail Slavonija. The diverse and dense forests of Papuk are with the dominant scent of sage, stone viewpoints, rich Due to signiicant lithological diversity of Long time ago Vransko jezero was called a habitat and haven for deer, doe, wild boar, fox and wetland vegetation and drywalls in the Mediterranean rocks, minerals, fossils, geological structures “Vedro blato”. Its cultural and historical and textures, and karst phenomena, the marten.... Furthermore, there are habitats of many bird features date back to the year 2000 BC. maquis. The northwestern edge of the biggest natural Papuk Nature Park became the irst Croatian species, whereas fast and cold mountain creeks provide lake in Croatia became a special ornitho- logical reserve in 2007 and was inscribed in habitat for speciic ish species, amphibians and reptiles. main features because of the great number of wetland birds. Moreover, UNESCO’s network of . The Jankovac Park-Forest is particularly rich with water proclaimed as nature park: 1999 Vransko jezero has been on the list of important European area: 57 km2 and water resources. The dominating feature of the Park is ornithological areas for more than twenty years now, visitors’ centres: Crkvine - Ornithological certainly the 35 meter high waterfall Skakavac, known for reserve, Prosika port and Kamenjak viewpoint nevertheless two years ago Vransko jezero joined the its unique beauty all around Slavonija. The most signiicant world network of wetlands. geological site is Rupnica which became the irst Croatian point of interest Hardly anywhere else could you encounter three entirely geological monument of nature already in 1948. Vransko jezero is the largest lake in Croatia diferent landscapes – the sea coast with a rich archipela- and the name of the Park comes from the A great number of medieval fortifications, most of medieval town of Vrana, seat of Croatian go, the Mediterranean wetland and its rich ecosystem and them originating from the 13th century, testify about the viceroy (ban), the Benedictines and the lively rural environment of Ravni kotari. main features importance of the Papuk Hills, especially at the time of the Knights Templar proclaimed as nature park: 1999 Turkish invasions. Near the town of stands the area: 336 km2 event of the year highest peak: Papuk, 953 m most beautiful and most preserved “old citadel” – Ružica, Fair of local products Luka i igara in July/ 95% of the Park is forest a valuable example of Gothic and Renaissance art. You August can spend a day or a weekend in the Papuk Nature Park event of the year enjoying some adventurous activities or just walking, flora and fauna A medieval vital tournament in forest plants: sage, curry plant, Illyrian iris, park Jankovac in September cycling, visiting events or just admiring nature. Anacamptis palustris, grass lily, holm oak animals: more than 250 bird species – flora and fauna purple heron, pygmy cormorant, western plants: greater pasque lower, Slender marsh harrier, bladetail, eel, four-lined snake fritillary, marsh gentian, lady orchid animals: snake-eyed skink, alcon blue, Mediterranean barbel, collared lycatcher, Bechstein’s bat

28    papuk vransko jezero    29 Mountain Ideal getaway With more than 347 kilometers of hiking trails, 200 with magnii- kilometers of bike trails and two climbing facilities – Okić and Terihaji, then two registered paragliding ields, Japetić and Plešivica, the Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature cent view Park is an ideal destination for a getaway. Visitors and hikers are thrilled by the views from Okić, Plešivica, Japetić The Učka Nature Park includes the mountain of Učka and or Sv. Gera. Even though it is clear at irst sight that this part of the Ćićarija massif streching along the west coast is a typically karst area, the Park holds 828 springs, 260 Did you know? of Kvarner Bay, at one of the most northern points of the Did you know? water courses and 164 ponds. Particularly beautiful are Mediterranean. The proximity of the sea and diferent the waterfalls such as Sopotski slap on the River Kupčina Back in 1852, a group of mountain climbers Žumberak has always been the centre of climate conditions contributed to the development of near its spring and Brisalo slap and Vranjički slap on the from Rijeka completed their irst ascent on Greek Catholics in Croatia. Their churches Učka. The ascent was described in the Zagreb highly diverse lora and fauna. A special feature of this were built in the 18th century and still River Slapnica. The traditional way of life and customs in magazine “Neven” under the article title area is deinitely the combination of natural resources and atract visitors with their beauty, such as local villages are in tune with the preserved nature, as can of “Dawn on Učka”, thus being the oldest human activities in the form of many tangible remains and the church of St. Nikola in Badovinci, St. be seen from endless vineyards on Plešivica and its top travel chronicle about a mountain ascent in archological sites testifying about the presence of man in Petka in Budinjak, St. Juraj in Stojdraga, quality wines. Croatian literature. This is how Učka, until this place since pre-historical times. A viewpoint tower St. Petar i Pavao in Sošice next to which then interesting only to scientists, became built in 1911 on Vojak, the highest peak of the mountain stands also a Roman Catholic Chapel of a favourite destination among mountain the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin climbers, as well as tourists who were on of Učka, represents a symbol of the Park today, and Mary. holiday in Opatija. also a must-see Park destination given the magniicent view ofered by the Vojak peak. In addition to mountain main features main features biking and hiking enthusiasts, Učka also atracts many proclaimed as nature park: 1999 Area: 342 km2 proclaimed as nature park: 1999 free climbers. There are 62 available climbing routes in area: 160 km2 highest peak: Sveta Gera, 1178 m highest peak: Vojak, 1401 m the canyon of Vela draga, a geomorphological nature special protection area: Slapnica main attractions: Vojak, Vela Draga monument, with numerous climbers visiting the site near Krašić, Japetić, Okić Grad and the Canyon, Korita during the spring and autumn months. surrounding area event of the year event of the year Učka Fair in September Culinary Millennia – culinary workshops in September flora and fauna plants: Učka belllower, Justin belllower, flora and fauna Istrian spearwort, sweet chestnut - plants: mountain grasslands with more marron than 40 species of plants on one square animals: golden eagle, subterranean meter beetle – Božićević’s iltrator ( lat. animals: bear, wolf, 11 species of bats, 110 Croatodirus bozicevici) , alpine salamander species of birds and numerous endemic cave organisms

30    učka žumberak samoborsko gorje    31 Fumari - Volunteer programs witnesses of life archipelago of mystical beauty with dense forests and fertile ields, enriched with ponds, steep shores, land and underwater caves, as well as numerous rare sea and What to visit? land species and habitats are among the richest and best Choose one out of many hiking and cycling preserved treasuries of biodiversity on the Mediterranean. trails and discover 46 old stone churches Many stone churches reflect the rich cultural and hidden around the island, dive into the historical heritage as do the picturesque chimneys called Adriatic at some of the most atractive “fumari”which were built to show the status of home locations and then lit your head up towards owners. The event called “Lastovski poklad” (Lastovo the second darkest sky in Europe and Carnival) gathers all of the islanders. The small town of observe galaxies as if laid out for you on a Lastovo is in the shape of an amphitheatre. There are still silver plater. stone houses there built in the 15th and 16th centuries. main features Lučica is the last preserved example of a baroque proclaimed as nature park: 2006 ishermen’s setlement. The highest peak Hum is the most area: 2 2 53 km land surface and 143 km beautiful viewpoint on the island. sea surface settlements: Lastovo, Zaklopatica, Volunteer programs in National Parks and and management of volunteer programs, and Skrivena luka,Ubli, Pasadur Nature Parks have been implemented in their all such programs are harmonized with Park number of islands: 46 islands, islets and reefs current form since 2016. The strong appeal management plans. number of hours of sunshine: 2700 annually of nature-related work relects in the results achieved so far: in 2016, through various A comprehensive list of open volunteer programs event of the year programs, almost 300 volunteers donated over and online application form are available at: Lastovo Carnival (“Lastovski poklad”), 10,000 working hours (1200 working days) to htp://volonteri.parkovihrvatske.hr/hr/. a 500 year old custom nature protection. flora and fauna There are approximately thirty programs on ofer plants: white alyssum, Mauritanian grass, each year, and activities available to volunteers stenoendemic Dalmatian Biserrula, Sušac mustard include polling and providing information animals: crustaceans – colonies of the to visitors; data collection and conservation European spiny lobster, European lobster, of species and habitats; removal of invasive Mediterranean slipper lobster and European species; maintenance of botanical gardens, olive spider crab, gastropods - Triton’s trumpet, zoned mitre and giant tun, several species groves, dry stone walls and trails; preservation of dolphins and sea turtles of traditional activities; cleaning of trails and the environment; care for domestic animals; waste collection; support in organizing various events; nature photography. Over 40 trained coordinators and their deputies from public institutions are involved in the development

32    lastovsko otočje volunteer programs    33 Contacts

np paklenica np krka np sjeverni velebit pp velebit np brijuni pp lonjsko polje location of the public institution: location of the public institution: location of the public institution: location of the public institution: location of the public institution: location of the public institution: Dr. Franje Tuđmana 14a, Trg Ivana Pavla II. br. 5, Krasno 96, 53274 Krasno Kaniža Gospićka 4b, Brionska 10, 52212 Fažana Krapje 16, 44324 Jasenovac 23244 Starigrad Paklenica 22000 Šibenik — 53000 Gospić — — — telephone: — telephone: telephone: telephone: telephone: 00385 (0)53 665 393 telephone: 00385 (0)52 525 888 00385 (0)44 672 080 00385 (0)23 369 155 00385 (0)22 201 777 Gospić 00385 (0)52 525 882 00385 (0)44 611 190 00385 (0)53 560 450 00385 (0)52 525 883 00385 (0)23 369 202 (Directorate and Camp) np plitvička jezera Krasno np risnjak location of the public institution: 00385 (0)53 851 600 pp biokovo 00385 (0)23 369 803 location of the public institution: Josipa Jovića 19, pp žumberak - location of the public institution: (Entrance reception of Park) Bijela Vodica 48, 53231 Plitvička Jezera Obrovac samoborsko gorje Marineta – Mala obala 16, 21300 51317 Crni Lug — 00385 (0)23 689 818 location of the public institution: Makarska — telephone: Slani Dol 1, 10430 Samobor — telephone: 00385 (0)53 751 026 — telephone: pp kopački rit 00385 (0)51 836 133 (Additional information, telephone: 00385 (0)21 616 924 location of the public institution: 00385 (0)51 836 261 entrance) pp vransko jezero 00385 (0)1 3327 660 Mali Sakadaš 1, location of the public institution: 31327 Bilje, Kopačevo 00385 (0)53 751 014 K. Petra Svačića 2, — 23210 Biograd n/m telephone: np kornati 00385 (0)53 751 015 — pp medvednica 00385 (0)31 445 445 location of the public institution: (Reservations, Sales department) telephone: location of the public institution: 00385 (0)31 752 320 Butina 2, 00385 (0)23 383 181 Bliznec 70, 10 000 Zagreb 00385 (0)31 752 322 22243 Murter — — telephone: telephone: pp papuk 00385 (0)1 458 6317 00385 (0)22 435 740 location of the public institution: np mljet pp lastovsko otočje Trg Gospe Voćinske 11, location of the public institution: location of the public institution: 33522 Voćin Pristanište 2, Trg sv. Petra 7, 20289 Ubli, — 20226 Goveđari pp učka otok Lastovo, Hrvatska pp telašćica telephone: — location of the public institution: — location of the public institution: 00385 (0)34 313 029 telephone: Liganj 42, 51415 Lovran telephone: Sali IV 2, 23281 Sali 00385 (0)20 744 041 — 00385 (0)20 801 252 — telephone: telephone: 00385 (0)51 293 753 00385 (0)23 377 096

34    contacts contacts    35 Explore all 19 Parks of Croatia at www.parkovihrvatske.hr and buy your entry tickets online Web portal www.parkovihrvatske.hr is an oicial online guide that visitors can use to take a virtual walk through the Parks, to plan their visit, and to obtain all relevant information, including information about key Park atractions, in four languages: Croatian, English, German and Italian. The web portal contains information about almost 300 atractions and more than 1000 trails and sites shown on the map. All activities accessible to persons with disabilities are specially marked. The web portal also includes a webshop for purchase of entry tickets.

Download the Parks of Croatia mobile app The mobile app facilitates orientation in the Parks, ofering an enhanced visitor experience. By using the app during your stay in a Park, you can explore many interesting sites, obtain a range of useful information, or simply have a look at where you might go next. The app uses Bluetooth technology and beacon transmiters to notify users whenever they come near an interesting site or atraction. This free mobile app is available in Croatian and English, and it can also be used oline.

Follow the Parks of Croatia on social networks Facebook and Instagram Parks of Croatia web portal and mobile app have been prepared within the parcs Project, implemented in the Republic of Croatia by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the United Nations Development Programme (undp), and funded by the Global Environment Facility (gef) grant.