Premužić Trail - from idea to realization
From the earliest days, Dr. Ivan Krajač roamed Velebit, exploring and writing about it. He described the trails, climbed every peak of the northern and central Velebit, and discovered unknown sinkholes and caves. His love for Velebit was evident in every text he wrote, and it was from that passion that the idea emerged—to build a longitudinal trail and open up Velebit to tourism. Thanks to his dedication, Dr. Ivan Krajač, who was then the Minister of Trade and Industry, secured the necessary funding for its construction.
The trail was designed and built by forestry engineer Ante Premužić, who, in 1926, began exploring the Velebit region with Dr. Krajač. With his high level of expertise, work ethic, and extraordinary energy, Premužić brought the idea to life. This undertaking earned him a lasting place in the history of Velebit’s mountaineering, culture, and tourism.
The original trail, from Oltari to Baške Oštarije, was 57 kilometers long. However, the Premužić Trail, as we know it today, stretches 42 kilometers, from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije. The trail was completed in just four years (1930–1933), connecting the ridge areas of northern and central Velebit. This project opened access to previously remote and most beautiful parts of Velebit. The work was carried out by local laborers from Velebit and surrounding villages. The trail lies at an average elevation of about 1,500 meters and is laid out in such a way that it avoids steep climbs (only 10–12%). It is easy to walk and offers shelter in several mountain lodges along the route.
To ease passage through Velebit’s rugged terrain, the trail features switchbacks, retaining walls, and bridges, and parts are carved directly into rock and paved with local stone. Thanks to its construction quality and seamless integration with the landscape, Premužić's Trail is considered a masterpiece of trail engineering, and in 2009, it was officially listed as a cultural asset 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 starting point: Zavižan, Northern Velebit National Park
- Trail endpoint: Baške Oštarije, Velebit Nature Park
