National Park is a vast, mostly unaltered area of exceptional and multiple natural values, which comprises one or more preserved or negligibly altered ecosystems and its primary function is conservation of genuine natural and landscape values.
Area of Paklenica National Park is protected by means of the Nature Protection Act.
Please help protect this area of exceptional values and beauty by respecting the following code of conduct:
Do not light fire
Do not throw cigarette butts
Take any waste back with you
Keep your dog on a leash
Walking outside the marked trails is prohibited
Do not damage any trees or bushes
Do not rip out any flowers or other plants
Do not frighten, disturb, hunt or kill any animal species
Do not contaminate water flows and springs
Do not make unnecessary noise
Camping on the territory of NP Paklenica is not allowed
Camp “Nacionalni park” is located next to the Direction building of the Public Institution Paklenica National Park. It is mostly used by Paklenica NP enthusiasts (climbers, hikers, etc.), but is it also suitable for families.
The camp is open from March 15th to November 15th. No reservations are accepted.
Payment is according to the price list.
Campsite coordinates: 44.2884889, 15.44555556
CAMPSITE PROFILE
On the beach
Surface 4.000 m2
Pets allowed
Vicinity of grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops
Souvenir shop
CAMPING AREA
Capacity:
90 persons
Electricity
Partially in shade
SANITARY FACILITIES
Sanitary blocks: 11
Toilets for disabled persons
Hot water washbasin
Discharge for chemical WC
AWARDS
Next to the administrative building of the Paklenica National Park Public Institution, a presentation center of Paklenica National Park has been set up for the purpose of presenting the natural beauties and educating the visitors preparing to visit the Park. It comprises displays presenting the flora and fauna, the geological, geomorphological and other natural features. The institution offers the option of organized lectures accompanied with displays, and projections in the presentation hall seating 25 people.
Prezentacijski centar
The future multipurpose visitor center of Paklenica National Park will be situated in the underground tunnels called the “Bunkers”, which are currently undergoing reconstruction. The underground tunnel complex was built during a tense political situation between the former Yugoslavia and USSR from 1950 to 1953. They were built by the Yugoslav National Army, and they were supposed to serve as a shelter for the state and military leadership. During the construction, this entrance section of the National Park was closed both to visitors and locals. The construction of the facility was highly confidential – a company of 500 soldiers and prisoners participated in its completion. The facility was first open in June of 1991, when the metal door was removed.
In 2007, a souvenir shop and bathroom facilities were opened within the future visitor center at the south gate to the underground tunnel.
The hamlet Marasovići is a protected cultural good inscribed in the Registry of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia and a witness to the stone carving mastery of the region below Velebit. The Paklenica National Park Public Institution has purchased and renovated the old house in the almost abandoned village of Marasovići, directly in front of the entrance to the Park.
Marasovići hamlet
Exhibition "Mirila - resting places of the souls"
Visit exhibition "Mirila-resting places of the souls" in the ethno-house Marasović in Starigrad-Paklenica. This is the exhibition about the stone markers of a unique funeral cult, which convey the customs, way of life and creativity of an entire era, in a contemporary interpretation of scientist and artist (Siniša Reberski, Krešimir Rončević, Radivoj Simonović, Tomo Vinšćak, Mirjana Trošelj, Petar i Josip Strmečki, Josip Zanki).
The entrance is free of charge and you may visit the exhibition during the summer months between 1 p.m. till 9 p.m.
The entrance to Mala Paklenica is also a small educational center presenting the importance of birds of prey and owls in protected nature and all habitats in Croatia.
Mala Paklenica Educational Center and reception
Birds of prey and owls are presently the most endangered bird groups in Croatia. Their protection is still insufficiently effective in our protected areas. In addition, a decrease in the number of certain nesting bird species in Croatia, such as the Eurasian griffon, suggests a negligent treatment of species and nature on the part of humans.
Popularization and education in small educational centers like this one in Mala Paklenica aims to raise the awareness among various visitor groups, especially the younger generations, children and students, of the importance of these endangered species requiring protection.
Climbing on the main trail through Velika Paklenica Canyon for about 2 hours after you leave the parking lot, you will reach the Lugarnica forest cottage at an altitude of around 400 m, providing simple catering services.
„Lugarnica“
WORKING HOURS:
May – October daily from 10 am to 5 pm
From Easter “Lugarnica” is open on weekends and holidays
We arrange group picnics on request!
„Lugarnica“
REGULAR WORKING HOURS
April - Saturday from 10.00 to 13.00
May, June, October - Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10.00 to 13.00
July, August, September - every day from 10.00 to 13.00
VISITOR INSTRUCTIONS
Our guides will welcome you at the cave entrance and accompany you inside in groups. The tour takes about 30 minutes and ends at the same place where you entered. It’s necessary to arrive at the cave at least half an hour before closing time.
The temperature in the cave remains around 9°C throughout the year, so we recommend bringing appropriate clothing, even during the warmer part of the year.
If you’re bringing your dog along, please take into consideration that he’ll have to wait for you in front of the cave, because of the group tour and the sensitive ecosystem inside the cave.
We charge for the tour, and the tickets can be bought in front of the cave. Payment is made in cash only.
We suggest you plan the visit to the cave in advance so you could start hiking early enough because it is open only for a few hours a day. To reach the cave you need approximately 1.30 h of walking from the main parking lot in the Velika Paklenica canyon.
About the cave
Of 115 speleological objects so far known in the Paklenica National Park, Manita peć is the most famous among the visitors, as it is the only show cave made accessible to the public through guided visits. The cave's broad chambers and the beauty of its speleothems have been enchanting visitors since 1937 when the trail inside the cave was set up and visits began. It is located at an altitude of 570 m a.s.l, and the walk up from the parking lot at Velika Paklenica takes about 1.30 h.
The cave is abundant with cave formations or speleothems. They differ in form and origin of formation. The most frequent types of speleothems that you will find in Manita Peć are stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flowstones (cascading rimstone dams). Some of these formations got their names from their interesting shapes, such as the Helmet, the Organ and the Witch.
Manita Peć cave is rich in underground fauna. The research conducted so far has found a total of 52 taxa of invertebrates, 20 of which are true cave species. They have adapted to the underground environment and they usually cannot survive outside the cave. They are characterized by a lack of pigment and visual sensory organs, however, their other senses (olfactory, gustatory, tactile) are well developed. Several bat species (Rhinolophus spp.) use this cave for hibernation during the winter.
"The Witch" of Manita Cave
Velika Paklenica Educational Trails
The most visited trail in the park leading from Velika Paklenica Canyon to the Mountain Hut. Ten educational boards providing information on the natural and cultural features of Paklenica National Park are placed along the trail.
Educational Trail Velika Paklenica
Paklarić Educational Trail with a viewpoint
The Paklarić Educational Trail is situated along the left bank of the Velika Paklenica stream, not far from Entrance 1. The entrance to the trail is marked by signalization panels. The educational trail begins by the old, renovated Paklenica Mill and leads to the Paklarić Fort at an elevation of 121 m, and the viewpoint providing a panoramic view. The trail is 550 meters long and equipped with four educational/informative panels: The stone houses of Velebit, Traditional agriculture of Southern Velebit, Livestock breeding in Southern Velebit and caravan route.
About the Paklarić Fort
Archeological research of Paklarić was carried in 2001. This included the defensive wall in the east part of the plateau, and a small amount of prehistoric ceramic and a large amount of medieval ceramic were discovered.
The said defensive wall is believed to have been built in the late Middle Age (14th-16th century) on and from the remains of a prehistoric stone wall fortification.
A large number of animal bones, shells and fragments of clay tableware were discovered on the west edge of the plateau. Significant findings also include three silver coins of Venetian dukes.
This defensive facility is also believed to have been built in the late Middle Age, supervising the important communication from the sea through Paklenica to Lika and back.
Paklarić Fort
Educational Trail “Pjeskarica”
Educational trail “Pjeskarica” stretches from Paklenica Mill to the parking lot in the Velika Paklenica Canyon. It is positioned along the east bank of the Velika Paklenica stream. The 1,5 km long trail leads through the area of diverse relief forms and submediterranean vegetation. At the beginning of the trail, there is an area where educational programs named “School in Nature” take place, while the rest of the trail is equipped with interpretation panels and resting points.
"Pjeskarica" Trail
Educational Trail “A Short Journey through History” and the Starigrad – Reljani Bike Trail
The eight-kilometers-long bike & pedestrian trail leads from the center of Starigrad – Paklenica to the reception in Velika Paklenica, through old villages all the way to Seline. The Educational Trail “A Short Journey through History” is part of this pedestrian & bike trail. It is equipped with five panels presenting the history of the area from prehistoric times to date.
Bike Trail
Up until the 1960s, these mills were used to serve the households in Podgorje, and often from Ravni Kotari and the island archipelagos as well. Today, not one of these mills is still in function, even though they are still in good condition. In order to preserve the mills, as a specific form of traditional way of life, the Public Institution Paklenica National Park with the professional assistance from the conservation experts, restored the Mid Marasović Mill in 2000.
During the main visiting season (May till October) the Mill is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The diverse habitats in Paklenica and the vertical stratification provide a good home to diverse fauna.
There is relatively little data on invertebrates in the Park. Most of the known invertebrate species belong to groups that are attractive to visitors, such as butterflies. Although the diurnal butterfly fauna has been explored, nocturnal butterflies are virtually unknown. The easiest species to observe is the largest variety of butterfly in the Croatian fauna – the Giant Peacock Moth (Saturnia pyri). More than 100 species of diurnal butterflies have been recorded in the Park, the most numerous being the representatives of the Gossamer winged butterflies (Lycaenidae) genus. The largest diurnal butterflies are the Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius) and Swallowtail (Papilio machaon). The high-mountain meadows are also inhabited by one of the most beautiful butterflies, the Apollo (Parnassius apollo).
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
31 amphibian and reptile species have been recorded here, of which 11 snake species. The most common ones in the Park are the non-poisonous Balkan Whip Snake (Hierophus gemonensis), Leopard snake (Zamenis situla), Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus). The Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes) and the very rare Orsini’s viper (Vipera ursinii macrops) are the only poisonous snakes in the area.
Dalmatian Wall Lizard (Podarcis melisellensis)
Birds are the most numerous group of vertebrates, with 260 species recorded to date. The avifauna is represented by 165 species of nesting birds found in the Park area and the rest are recorded in the near surroundings. The nesting bird group includes a community of birds inhabiting rocks and cliffs in the canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica, with 24 bird species. The most abundant populations form the Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) and Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius).
Special value is added to the Park by the endangered and rare bird species such as the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), and Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). As for owls, seven species have been recorded in the Park. The most numerous ones are Eurasian Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) and Scops Owl (Otus scops), while the largest European owl, the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) regularly nests in the canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica.
Forest areas are rich with woodpeckers, the rarest among them being the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) and Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius). Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) was recorded only in 2008 and 2009 when the population of bark beetles exploded inside the trunks of burnt pine trees
Until late 1999, the Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus) was represented by three couples. Unfortunately, a decrease in the number of cattle in Velebit and increasingly frequent attempts to poison predators, especially wolves, contributed to its extinction in the Park.
Great Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Mammals are represented by 53 species in the Paklenica National Park. Large species found in the Park include the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Carnivores inhabiting the Park include Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris), the Beech Marten (Martes foina), Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and all of the three large carnivores-the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Wolf (Canis lupus), Lynx (Lynx lynx),
Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris)
Underground wildlife
To most species, the underground is an extreme habitat where life is not possible. Nevertheless, a relatively small number of species had fully adapted to the such habitat.
There are no autotrophic organisms (plants) underground, so the food chains are shorter. That is why there are no animals feeding on plants in caves. The organic substance required to sustain life comes from the surface pulverized or melted in water and underground torrents. In many semi-caves of Paklenica National Park, the organic substance derives from remains of cattle feces the former residents used as a shelter from rain and bora (for example, the caves of Mokrača, Šupljarka and Lukčeva).
True underground animals that spend their entire lives underground are called troglobites. In the absence of light in their construction, changes have occurred in relation to aboveground animals, so they normally have no pigment or eyes. That is why new adaptations develop, such as the sense of touch (long tentacles, body hair), the sense of moisture, as well as various forms of chemosensors.
(Troglophilus cavicola)
Two types of habitat are the most significant for the underground – land and water. In addition to small lakes and fast permanent or occasional flows, the water habitat comprises a thin layer of water pouring over dripstones and cave walls. Most small underground animals can be found in the thin water film on the ground and in deposits of decomposed organic residues. A whole range of different groups can be found here, such as small or microscopically small species of crab, mite, Nematode, aquatic worm, spider, pseudoscorpion and beetle.
The most common two endemic species of crab from the Manita peć cave are the Proasellus coxalis lucifugus and Bogidiella sketi. The most interesting species within the pseudoscorpion group (Pseudoscorpionida) is the endemic species Chthonius radjai. Insects found in the cave include the Typhlotrechus bilimeki likanensis and Leptodirus hochenwarti velebiticus.
Sniježnica on Buljma is a habitat for the endemic Typhlotrechus species Nebria velebiticolla. Two more Typhlotrechus species have been recorded: Redensekia likana likana and Spelaeodromus pluto.
Sniježnica opposite of Babin vrh is a habitat for the interesting and common species Astagobius angustatus vukusici. The pit under the Buljma rock is a habitat for the abovementioned rare species Leptodirus hochenwarti velebiticus.
Some species in the caves of the National Park spend some of their time on the surface, mostly at night. These are called troglophiles. At night they come to the surface and outside the cave, normally to look for food. This group includes the Grylomorpha dalmatina and Troglophylus cavicola.
Bats
Bats also belong to this group because they rest, reproduce and feed their offspring in caves, and look for food outside the caves. So far, 24 bat species have been recorded in the Park.
The wealth of flora is reflected in the list of 1,000 plant species and subspecies recorded to date, 79 of them endemic. The great diversity, the presence of relict, endemic, rare, statutorily protected species many of which are included in the Red Book of Plant Species of the Republic of Croatia and the IUNC’s Red List of Endangered Plant Species, make the Park a very valuable floristic area, not just in Croatia, but in Europe and the world as well. The following genera prevail in the Park’s flora: daisies (Asteraceae) and (Cichoriaceae), grasses (Poaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), mints (Lamiaceae), roses (Rosaceae) and carnations (Caryophyllaceae).
The wearing and breaking of rocks under the influence of sun, ice, water and temperature under steep cliffs and peaks such as Buljma or Vaganski vrh have developed seeping points. Only a small number of species can be sustained in such karstic habitats because the surface is loose and moving, and the broken rocks are of different sizes. Many endemic plants grow at seeping points, such as the Kitaibel's Columbine (Aquilegia kitaibelii), Seseli malyi, the tertiary relict Alpine Toadflex (Linaria alpina), and the widely spread Nailwort (Paronychia kapela).
Kitaibel's Columbine (Aquilegia kitaibelii)
The cracks in the rocks have specific microclimatic conditions, enabling many plants to survive the unfavorable period of the last glaciation. That is why numerous endemic and relict species can be found in such karstic habitats. These include the Window Bellflower (Campanula fenestrellata), Croatian Bellflower (Campanula cochleariifolia), Waldstein Bellflower (Campanula waldsteiniana) and Sandwort (Arenaria orbicularis), which abundantly grow in the canyons of Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica and sporadically in other locations in Croatia but nowhere else in the world.
Window Bellflower (Campanula fenestrellata)
Sandwort (Arenaria orbicularis)
Rocky areas are grown with rare and endangered species such as the Tulip (Tulipa sylvestris), Alpine Daphne (Daphne alpina), Globe Daisy (Globularia cordifolia), Rhamnus intermedia and Grape Hyacinth (Muscari botryoides).
Plant communities develop in sinkholes where snow is sustained for a long time, their wealth of species and colors of the flowers making the most beautiful plant formations in Paklenica National Park. The species particularly great in number here are orange and yellow Carniolan Lilly (Lilium carniolicum), Thyme (Thymus sp.), Greater Masterwort (Astrantia major), Buckler Mustard (Biscutella laevigata). The lower parts of the Park in Velika Močila and Mala Močila have moist meadows and treatable areas rich in orchids in springtime.
Bosnian Lilly (Lilium carniolicum ssp. bosniacum)
As a rarity, we will highlight the lady slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), one of the most beautiful European orchids which grow on the forest edges.
The Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus)
"... s punim pravom možemo reći, da je Paklenica isto tako, ako ne i ljepša podzemno, kao što je i lijepa i divlja nadzemnom svojom šumom i svojim strmim liticama." (Josip Poljak 1929.)
Nacionalni park Paklenica obiluje brojnim krškim reljefnim oblicima, među kojima su vrlo značajni podzemni oblici, špilje i jame. Prvi pisani podatci o istraživanjima speleoloških objekata na području Parka potječu iz 19.st., a povezani su sa sakupljanjem i istraživanjem špiljskih kukaca. Do drugog svjetskog rata istražen je manji broj špilja na prostoru Parka, a nakon njega i proglašenja Paklenice Nacionalnim parkom istraživanja se provode kontinuirano s manjim ili većim intenzitetom.
Obrađeni speleološki objekti izuzetno povećavaju vrijednosti Nacionalnog parka, budući da se radi o značajnim paleontološkim, arheološkim, biospeleološkim, turističkim i etnografskim lokalitetima.
Vrlo vrijedna paleontološka nalazišta su Špilja u Zubu Buljme i Jama u Zubu Buljme. Tako je iz Jame u Zubu Buljme izvađena lubanja špiljskog medvjeda (Ursus spelaeus) stara oko 30 000 godina.
Dio speleoloških objekata na području Nacionalnog parka Paklenica odavno je poznat lokalnom stanovništvu. U Pećini u Pazjanicama pronađeni su fragmenti keramike i kostiju koji ukazuju na povremen boravak ljudi još u razdobljima bakrenog i brončanog doba.
Ljudi su koristili špilje za zaklon sve do prije nekoliko desetaka godina o čemu svjedoče ostaci podzida i gospodarskih zgrada na ulaznim dijelovima desetak špilja. Uglavnom je riječ o malim objektima koje je u prošlosti lokalno stanovništvo koristilo kao skloništa i spremišta za stoku i druga dobra. Posebno se izdvajaju Babunjuša, Špilja kod Kneževića, Mokrača, Krumpirova pećina, Marasovića pećina i Lukčeva pećina (Škiljića stan).
Na području Parka dosad je obrađeno 90 speleoloških objekata i to 53 jame i 37 špilja. Najdublja jama je Ponor na Bunjevcu duboka 534 m, još uvijek i jedna od najdubljih jama u Hrvatskoj. Svojom dubinom još se ističe Kaverna u Crljenom kuku dubine 152,5 m, a značajna je i zbog dimenzije dvorane, koja ima promjer od preko 100 m i svrstava se u red najvećih podzemnih šupljina u našem kršu. Posebno je atraktivna Jama lijepih fosila dubine 103 m, zbog velikih nakupina fosilnih ostataka školjkaša lithiotis.
Najdulja špilja je Jama Vodarica duga 300 m, dok je Špilja u Zubu Buljme duga 250 m. Špilja Lucinka je 132 m duga, a 51 m visok ulaz u nju jedan je od najvećih špiljskih ulaza na području našeg krša, a iznimnih dimenzija je i njena unutrašnjost.
Specifičan oblik speleoloških objekata predstavljaju snježnice i ledenice, a riječ je o špiljama ili jamama u kojima se tijekom većeg dijela ili cijelu godinu zadržava led ili snijeg, a koncentrirane su u vršnom dijelu Parka. Pojedine snježnice su korištene kao izvor pitke vode tijekom ljetne ispaše.
Posjećivanje speleoloških objekata i sakupljanje biološkog i geološkog materijala je zabranjeno bez posebne najave i dozvole!
Podzemlje
Najdublji speleološki objekti u Paklenici
Najduže špilje na području Parka
Watertight sediments are situated beneath very porous karstic deposits of carbonate rock in the extended part of Velika Paklenica, Brezimenjača, and in the springs of Mala Paklenica and the occasional flow of Orljača.
Due to the combination of watertight and porous sediments, Paklenica National Park has several permanent or occasional flows and many permanent springs. The permanent springs of high-quality drinking water are Stražbenica, Kontinovo vrilo, Crno vrilo and Pećica.
The most powerful spring is the Ivine vodice spring at the altitude of around 1200 m a.s.l., followed by Kontinovo vrilo at 870 m a.s.l., Crno vrilo at 780 m a.s.l., and Jukića vrilo at 600 m a.s.l. The Vratrovac spring is located above Ramići, and the spring of the occasional of Brezimenjača is located at around 1000 m a.s.l. The Suva draga spring is at the same altitude.
The Velika Paklenica stream normally sinks in the area beneath Anića luka. It flows in its entire length into the sea during the rainy season in spring, autumn, and winter.
The Mala Paklenica stream springs above Vlaškogradska draga at around 1 000 m a.s.l. Its capacity is lesser, depending on the season and precipitation. The flow gradually descends to the parallel flow of Orljača, and the stream is active in the canyon during rainy autumns, winters and early springs, when the torrent flow of Orljača, springing beneath the slopes of Sveto brdo, flows into it at 484 m a.s.l..
The spring of Staro vrilo is located in the area of Velika Močila, as well as a few more seeping streams. The seeping springs occur also in Mala Močila during the humid parts of the year. In the highest zone of Velebit, a permanent water body can be found in Babino jezero beneath Babin vrh.
Javna ustanova Nacionalni park Paklenica
Dr. Franje Tuđmana 14a
HR - 23244 Starigrad-Paklenica
Tel.: +385 (0) 23 369 155, 369 202 (Direction)
+385 (0) 23 369 452 (Camp "Nacionalni park")
+385 (0) 23 369 803 (Entrance 1 Velika Paklenica)
E-mail:
np-paklenica@paklenica.hr
prezentacija@paklenica.hr (info)
OIB: 24913665146
IBAN: HR0824070001100579272, OTP banka
