Podprag Visitor and Presentation Centre

Project objective: Reconstruction of the building in Podprag and its activation for the protection, promotion, and development of the natural and cultural heritage of southern Velebit. The project aims at environmental protection and the promotion of effective resource management. It is primarily focused on improving the visitor experience at Velebit Nature Park. Through interaction with visitors, a visitor management function is also achieved, reducing the risk of adverse impacts on natural and cultural heritage. In this way, the degraded heritage is assigned a new public function and sustainable development of protected natural areas is encouraged. The project will enhance the overall promotion quality of Velebit on the market.

Project description: The subject of this project is the reconstruction of the building in Podprag and its activation for the purpose of protecting, promoting, and developing the natural and cultural heritage of southern Velebit. Located along the impressive panoramic Majstorska Road, this building will become a key information center for mountain visitors.

The reconstructed facility will primarily serve as an information point, where visitors can obtain information about the natural and cultural values of Velebit, mountain rules of conduct, and safety guidelines. In addition to the information and presentation area and the park staff office, the facility will include additional amenities to enrich the visitor experience.

The planned offer includes a souvenir shop, rental and sale of authentic products from the mountain, as well as basic supplies for hikers and cyclists. The enhancement of the offer will be developed in cooperation with the Tourist Board and providers of adventure tourism services. Furthermore, a suitable catering space is foreseen, which will create a hiking and cycling hotspot—a meeting, resting, and visitor management place on Velebit.

Project documentation has been completed, the building permit obtained, and the project is fully prepared for implementation. Currently, in partnership with the Municipality of Jasenice and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Jasenice, suitable funding sources are actively being sought to ensure its realization and further improve the visitor infrastructure of southern Velebit.

Project holder: Municipality of Jasenice

Project partners: Public Institution Velebit Nature Park, Tourist Board of the Municipality of Jasenice

Project duration: 2 years

Project financial value: €4,556,033