Velebit Nature Park – Fact Sheet
- 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 important natural areas in Croatia and beyond. Its proclamation marked the culmination of years of efforts to preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Velebit mountain range, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, geological uniqueness, and breathtaking landscapes. In recognition of its exceptional value, Velebit was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 1978 as a biosphere reserve, underscoring its global importance.
According to the Register of Protected Areas, the 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 range in the country—stretching northwest to southeast along the Adriatic coast for approximately 145 km. The park spans nearly the entire range, from the Vratnik Pass above Senj to the Zrmanja River Valley. As a coastal mountain, Velebit serves as a natural boundary between two distinct regions: the Croatian Littoral and the mountainous inland (Gorska Hrvatska).
Geographically, the Velebit range 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)
- Southern Velebit (from Baške Oštarije to the Zrmanja River Valley)
Each section features its own unique natural characteristics and geomorphological formations.
In addition to its status as a nature park, Velebit also encompasses two national parks: Paklenica and Northern Velebit.
Administratively, the park extends across three counties and 11 local government units. The majority (68%) lies within Lika-Senj County, covering the municipality of Karlobag, most of the city of Senj, and smaller border areas of the cities of Gospić and Otočac, as well as the municipalities of Perušić and Lovinac.
Zadar County accounts for 28% of the park’s area, covering parts of the municipality of Starigrad, the city of Obrovac, and the municipalities of Gračac and Jasenice.
The smallest portion (4%) lies in Šibenik-Knin County, 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 significant ecological and geological phenomena in the region. Its diverse landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and cultural and historical legacy make it a unique and irreplaceable part of Croatia’s natural heritage. Thanks to its designation as a nature park and its UNESCO recognition, Velebit remains permanently protected, offering future generations the opportunity to enjoy its natural beauty and ecological value.