Premužić Trail - from idea to realization
From the earliest days, Dr. Ivan Krajač wandered Velebit, exploring its paths, surveying every peak of Northern and Central Velebit, and discovering unknown sinkholes and caves. His love for Velebit was evident in every text he wrote, and it was this passion that gave rise to the idea of building a longitudinal trail to open Velebit to tourism. Thanks to his dedication, Dr. Krajač, then Minister of Trade and Industry, secured the necessary funds for its construction.
The trail was designed and built by forestry engineer Ante Premužić, who, upon arriving in 1926, explored the Velebit region together with Dr. Krajač. With his expertise, work ethic, and boundless energy, Premužić turned the idea into reality. This project inscribed Ante Premužić’s name in the history of mountaineering, culture, and tourism of Velebit.
The original trail stretched from Oltari to Baške Oštarije—a total length of 57 kilometers—but the Premužić Trail as it is known today covers 42 kilometers from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije. Built in just four years (1930–1933), the trail connects the summit ridges of Northern and Central Velebit. This endeavor made accessible what had previously been the most remote and beautiful parts of the mountain. The work was carried out by laborers from Velebit and nearby villages. The trail maintains a steady altitude of about 1,500 meters and is routed so as to avoid steep ascents (maximum incline of 10–12%). It is easily traversed, with several mountain refuges located nearby for shelter.
To ease passage through the rugged parts of Velebit, the trail features switchbacks, retaining walls, and bridges; parts of it are carved into rock and paved with local stone. Thanks to the quality of its construction and its harmonious integration into the landscape, the Premužić Trail is considered a masterpiece of trail-building and, since 2009, is listed as protected cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
Key Information:
- Construction period: 1930–1933
- Total trail length: 42,586 m
- Length within Velebit Nature Park: 26,430 m
- Length within Northern Velebit National Park: 16,156 m
- Trail start: Zavižan, Northern Velebit National Park
- Trail end: Baške Oštarije, Velebit Nature Park
