This Croatia walking break will show you stunning sceneries and landscapes of continental national parks of the country. It is perfect for those who like to enjoy the great outdoors on foot, no matter the age. The national parks we visit are all protected for their 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 a friendly, family-run, 3* hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River and in private guesthouses provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley by the river in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple, clean and comfortable rooms in an idyllic setting. The peaceful atmosphere makes for an ideal base from which we will explore the surrounding area.
You can combine this Croatia walking break with other Huck Finn 4-day trips in all parts of Croatia.
| Day | Activities | Place | Lodging | Meals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat | 1 | Arrival | Zvecaj | Zvecaj Hotel | D |
| Sun | 2 | Walking | Risnjak NP | Zvecaj Hotel | B |
| Mon | 3 | Hiking | Northern Velebit NP | Korana Village | BD |
| Tue | 4 | Departure/ optional Plitvice Lakes NP | Korana Village | B |
Arrival and Transfer to Zvecaj Village
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.
Walking in 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.
Walking in Northern Velebit National Park
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
Departure
Depart from Korana Village or book the optional Plitvice Lakes National Park walking trip – a World Heritage Site boasting 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls and seemingly endless forests which make for unique and unforgettable experiences. 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.
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.
| 2024 | low | intermediate | high |
|---|---|---|---|
| double | 420 € | 460 € | 480 € |
| child | 378 € | 414 € | 432 € |
| single | 504 € | 552 € | 576 € |
All prices are per person.
Child discount valid for children aged 12 and under at time of travel.
Seasons 2022
Low: May 14 – June 3; September 10 – 30
Intermediate: June 4 – 24; August 20 – September 9
High: June 25– August 19
| Departure dates 2024 - Saturdays | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 4 | 11 | 18 |
| June | 1 | 15 | 29 |
| July | - | - | - |
| August | - | - | - |
| September | 7 | - | 21 |
Other dates on request.
Price includes:
- 3 nights accommodation (sometimes two rooms share one bathroom)
- meals as per itinerary (3 breakfasts, 2 dinners)
- use of walking poles (with advanced notice)
- English speaking tour leader and assistance
- local transfers
- Saturday arrival transfer from Zagreb (free of charge)
- local taxes and permits
- insurance
Not included:
- airfare
- drinks and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tuesday departure transfer from Korana Village
- optional trip
- tips and other personal expenses
Closest airport: Zagreb or Rijeka.
Optional trip is not included in the price and can be booked and paid on the spot. It is dependent on suitable weather conditions.
Maximum number of participants: 16 guests per group. Larger groups upon request.
Minimum age: 12 years if accompanied by parent(s).
Child discount: valid for children of 12 years of age if accompanied by an adult. One child enjoying discount shares parent’s room; two or more children can have their own room.
Single use rooms are available upon request with a 20% surcharge. Sharing a twin room with another person is possible in case there are other guests interested in sharing.
