Park Profile:
Year of establishment: 1981
Area: 1,829 km²
Length: 145 km
Elevation: 0–1,699 m
Highest peak: Mali Rajinac
Velebit Nature Park was officially designated on May 29, 1981, as one of the most significant natural areas in Croatia and beyond. Its proclamation resulted from years of efforts to protect the unique natural and cultural heritage of Velebit, renowned for its exceptional biological diversity, geological uniqueness, and landscapes of outstanding beauty. Due to its outstanding value, Velebit was included in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 1978 as a biosphere reserve, further confirming its global significance.
According to the Register of Protected Areas, Velebit Nature Park covers an area of 1,829 km², making it the largest protected area in the Republic of Croatia. It encompasses the entire Velebit massif, the longest mountain in Croatia, extending northwest to southeast along the Adriatic coast for approximately 145 km. The park covers almost the entirety of the Velebit range, from the Vratnik Pass above Senj to the Zrmanja River valley. As a coastal mountain, Velebit separates two distinct regions—Croatian Littoral and Gorski Kotar. Geographically, Velebit is divided into three parts, separated by mountain passes: Northern Velebit: From Vratnik Pass to Veliki Alan Pass; Central Velebit: From Veliki Alan Pass to Baške Oštarije and Southern Velebit: From Baške Oštarije to the Zrmanja River valley. Each of these sections features its own unique natural characteristics and geomorphological formations.
In addition to its status as a nature park, Velebit is also home to two national parks: Paklenica National Park and Northern Velebit National Park.
Administratively, the park is located within three counties and eleven units of local self-government. The majority of its area (68%) lies within Lika-Senj County, predominantly within the municipality of Karlobag, the greater part within the territory of the City of Senj, and to a lesser extent within the border areas of the cities of Gospić and Otočac, as well as the municipalities of Perušić and Lovinac. Under Zadar County, 28% of the park’s total area is situated within the municipality of Starigrad, and partially in the City of Obrovac and the municipalities of Gračac and Jasenice. The smallest portion of the park belongs to Šibenik-Knin County (4%), in the border area of the municipality of Ervenik.
Velebit Nature Park is not only the largest protected area in Croatia but also one of the most important ecological and geological phenomena of the region. Its diversity of landscapes, the richness of plant and animal life, and its cultural and historical heritage make it a unique and irreplaceable part of Croatia’s natural heritage. Due to its nature park status and recognition by UNESCO, Velebit remains permanently protected, offering future generations the opportunity to experience its natural beauty and ecological value.