The Northern Velebit National Park is a national park in Croatia that covers 109 km2 of the northern section of the Velebit mountains, the largest mountain range in Croatia. Because of the abundant variety of this part of the Velebit range, the area was upgraded from a nature reserve in 1999, and opened as a national park in September the same year.
The whole of the Velebit range is a "nature park", a lesser conservation category. Another national park on Velebit is the Paklenica on its southern side.
Getting there
The national park is located by the coast and the easiest way to reach it is by car. The drive from Zagreb is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
When to visit
It's possible to visit the park throughout the year. The summer can get hot and you should make sure you prepare in advance for the heat. Winter is colder and you should prepare for colder weather if visiting during this season.
Map of Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Image gallery of Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Visitor/Information centres in Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Sjeverni Velebit National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Mushroom hunting is popular in Croatia and there are plenty of great areas for foraging. The mushroom season is usually in late summer and autumn. You can go by yourself or go with some of the guided tours available. Getting a local guide is always a good idea as thye know the local mushroom fauna. You should always be able to identify a mushroom before you use it in the kitchen.
National parks are protected areas and you should make sure you have the necessary permits to forage in an area. Speak to local authorities about your plans to forage.
Camping rules in Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Wild camping is generally illegal in Croatia. However, there are still some opportunities in the rural areas where camping often is tolerated. Wild camping in national parks and other protected areas is prohibited and enforced. You should therefore stick to designated campsites or get explicit permission from a land owner.
Bears in Sjeverni Velebit National Park
Bears in the park
This national park has bears and you need to take the necessary precautions. Read the article on bears and seek information from local park authorities.
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