The Premužić Trail

This also means that you can walk the Premužić Trail even if you are new to mountain hiking; no mountaineering skills are necessary to hike this well-maintained footpath.

The trail winds its way through the impressive karst and sandstone formations of Velebit National Park, where birds of prey soar high above deep crevasses and forested valleys. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a bear or wolf, although they usually stay in the more remote parts of the park. There are plenty of chamois goat-antelope to be seen, and if you pay attention you might spot the occasional lizard or fox.

But the main attraction of the Premužić Trail is its views: from jagged rocky formations to panoramas of the Adriatic Sea and the coastline far below. You will cross high meadows blooming with mountain flowers before descending into green valleys where only the occasional ruin will remind you of the mountain villages that used to exist in the area.

Along the way, you’ll encounter many free shelters where you can hide from bad weather. The relatively short sections of the trail mean there are plenty of opportunities to take a break in one of these shelters without sacrificing too much valuable daylight. And if you can put in a little extra effort to climb one of the many peaks along the way, you’ll find short detours marked with signs to guide you there and back.

On the final stage of the Premužić Trail, you’ll make your way through gentle terrain, toward the village of Baške Oštarije. Here you’ll find plenty of options to spend the night or continue along the Velebit hiking trail that continues southwards. From Baške Oštarije you can also find public transport options to take you towards Zadar or back to Senj.

Up in the Velebit mountains, the climate is much cooler in the hot summer months, due to a fresh breeze blowing in from the Adriatic Sea. In winter, the trail is all but inaccessible because of heavy snow, so the best time to walk the Premužić Trail is from early June to late September.

Most locals will walk the trail in early June or late September, to avoid the hot temperatures in July and August. In the hot summer months, most springs and water sources will dry up, so it is strongly recommended to bring at least four liters of water with you when walking in July and August.

When planning your hike, make sure to research details like difficulty, length, and terrain to prepare yourself. Use multiple sources for information, including guidebooks and local organizations.

Other simple ways to stay safe include sharing your hiking plans with people you trust, checking the weather forecast for extreme weather, and packing enough water and snacks. Finally, familiarize yourself with the trail map!