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Northern Velebit National Park |
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Northern Velebit National Park is Croatia's newest national park, designated a national park only in 1999. The park includes the most pristine areas of the northern part of the Velebit range which runs parallel to the Adriatic coast. The national park is within the Velebit Nature Reserve which also contains Paklenica National Park. The two main peaks of the range are the Rozanski and Hajducki kukovi peaks. The most remarkable feature of Hajducki kukovi is the extraordinary Lukina cave. With a depth of 1392 metres, it is the eighth deepest cave in the world and only 83m have been explored! Lukina made history when an entirely new variety of leech was found in it. The virgin forest of Stirovaca is another prime attraction of the park. It is the largest completely pristine forest in Croatia. Many of the flora endemic to the park are on display in the Velebit Botanical Garden, near Zavizan. Hikers will want to take the Premuzic Path which runs west of the forest road and affords an open view of the sea. Although the section between Veliki Alan and Ostarije is in a state of neglect, the highlight is the section through Rozanski kukovi which has the most memorable views. It is also accessible to even the moderately fit. Travel to Northern Velebit National ParkThe northern Velebit is the least accessible of Croatia's national parks. Road access is via Otocac, not far from Plitvice National Park. Most mountaineers meet just below Zavizan and take the Premuziceva staza road into the park. There is also a climbers' lodge just below Zavizan. Tourist InformationThe Northern Velebit national park office (tel 053 851 227) is in Krasno. NewsNorthern Velebit National Park wins prestigious European Award Related Pages
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