4.6
(1122)
5,803
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking around Općina Lovinac offers diverse trails within a landscape shaped by the Velebit mountain range, including parts of Paklenica National Park. The region features significant karst formations, deep canyons, and pristine forests. Trails often lead through untouched woods and along clean rivers, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its rugged natural environment and geological features, with elevations ranging from lower valleys to high mountain peaks.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.7
(194)
820
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(73)
388
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Sign up for free
4.4
(34)
111
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
16
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(4)
26
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Općina Lovinac
Mirila were created between the 17th and 20th centuries, when the inhabitants (pastoral nomads) of the Velebit Mountains lived mainly from livestock farming and kept mostly sheep. The deceased had to be carried from the often very remote hamlets and farms along mountain paths to the village church and then to the village cemetery. It was customary that the bearers were only allowed to rest once along the way and set the dead down on the ground. At such specific places, "the deceased said goodbye to the sun for the last time." Thus, family rest stones were created, which preserved the memory of the deceased and were more important than the grave itself, because it was believed that the grave contained "merely" a body without a soul, which remained on the mirilo.[7] The bodies were wrapped in an ordinary linen cloth and transported on a wooden stretcher. The mirilo, i.e. The place of burial, the burial site, was marked with stones as follows: "Flat stones were placed beneath the corpse, exactly corresponding to its length and width. A stone was placed at the foot, which was naturally rounded or later shaped accordingly, and a similarly shaped but somewhat larger so-called headstone was placed at the head."[8] The ritual of building the Mirilo took place at sunrise, and the corpse lay with its head facing east, toward the sun.[9] The laying out in the open air could last up to three days. Source: Wikipedia
9
0
A small abandoned settlement, some buildings are still used as goat stables.
8
0
The national park is subject to a fee. A five-day ticket for climbers currently costs €24. Those who want to climb to the last parking lot pay an additional €5 per day. In return, there are approximately 500 climbing routes of all lengths and difficulty levels. Many easy, long, gradual climbs stand out.
8
0
Paklenica National Park is a national park located in the Velebit mountain range, 30 km northeast of the city of Zadar on the Croatian Adriatic Sea and approximately one kilometer from Starigrad-Paklenica. It encompasses Mediterranean, continental, and alpine climate zones and was declared a national park in 1949. The highest peaks are Vaganski Vrh at 1,757 m above sea level and Sveto Brdo (1,750 m above sea level). Source: Wikipedia
10
0
The Večka Kula tower, built for defense against the Turks, belongs to the village of Vuče. It was first mentioned in 1508. The beach there, with its crystal-clear water, is ideal for swimming.
0
0
Deep in the valley, the farm is abandoned, but beautiful buildings, numerous stone walls, and pastures remain. Many Euphorbias are found nearby. For a video of the trail: Ascent of Zoljin Kuk: Magnificent and Challenging, Paklenica National Park, Croatia https://youtu.be/CaUMPeKOgxQ
0
0
Magnificent views, superb but technically challenging trail, especially if done on the descent to the gorge. Don't underestimate the difficulty at the end of the hike... For a full immersion in the trail, the video is here: Climbing Zoljin Kuk: Magnificent and Challenging, Paklenica National Park, Croatia https://youtu.be/CaUMPeKOgxQ
0
0
Very pretty, but we left too late, so it was too hot, so we had to cut the walk a little short. It's best to start around 7 a.m. (June)
1
0
There are 7 dedicated hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Općina Lovinac. These trails offer a range of experiences, from moderate walks to challenging mountain ascents.
The trails accessible from bus stations in Općina Lovinac traverse diverse terrain. You can expect paths through the dramatic canyons of Paklenica National Park, ascents into the Velebit mountain range, and routes offering views of the Adriatic Sea. The region is known for its significant karst formations, so some trails will feature rocky paths and unique geological features.
While many routes in the area are challenging, the guide includes options suitable for families. For a moderate experience, consider the Paklenica National Park – Večka Tower Ruins loop from Starigrad Paklenica, which is around 10.8 km with manageable elevation changes. Always check the specific route details for suitability with children.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point, often conveniently located near bus stops. Examples include the View of the Paklenica Gorge – View of the Velika Paklenica Gorge loop from Seline or the Starigrad-Paklenica Harbor – Mirila burial site loop from Starigrad.
The bus-accessible trails offer access to stunning natural landmarks. You can experience the impressive Bunovac Plateau View within Paklenica National Park, offering panoramic vistas. The region is also home to prominent peaks like Zir Peak and Sveto Brdo Summit, though reaching these might involve more challenging routes.
Yes, particularly in areas like Starigrad Paklenica, which serves as a common starting point for several routes. You can find options like Hotel Sveti Rok, and there are often local cafes and restaurants in the villages. For longer hikes, mountain shelters like Dušice Mountain Shelter provide basic accommodation.
The trails vary in difficulty. There is 1 easy route, 2 moderate routes, and 4 difficult routes. The more challenging trails often involve significant elevation gain and longer distances, particularly those venturing deeper into the Velebit mountains or Paklenica National Park.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Općina Lovinac, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1000 ratings. Hikers often praise the pristine natural environment, the dramatic landscapes of Velebit and Paklenica, and the sense of wilderness on the trails.
Many bus-accessible routes lead into or around Paklenica National Park. These trails, such as the View of the Paklenica Gorge – View of the Velika Paklenica Gorge loop from Starigrad Paklenica, offer stunning views of the deep canyons and karst formations. Be prepared for challenging terrain and ensure you have appropriate gear and sufficient water, especially for longer, difficult routes.
Spring and autumn are generally the most favorable seasons for hiking in Općina Lovinac. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can be very hot, especially in the exposed karst areas, while winter brings snow to higher elevations, making some trails inaccessible or requiring specialized equipment.
While the majority of routes are moderate to difficult, there is one easy route listed in the guide. For beginners, it's advisable to look for trails with minimal elevation gain and shorter distances, often found closer to the coastal towns like Starigrad Paklenica, which serve as bus hubs.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.