What’s the first thing you think about when someone mentions Croatia? Probably the Adriatic Sea, beautiful beaches, and nice weather. Are we right? This is the case for almost everyone, and although Croatia is much more than the sea, islands, and nice weather, it’s usually these things you read about in common guides you can find online. Well, it’s time to change that and give some space to the mountains in Croatia. We can’t think of Croatia without these rocky giants, and we can’t think about our lives without hiking.
While Croatia is usually associated with its stunning coastline, islands, and historic cities, its mountains are something to explore too. Mountains in Croatia form the backbone of the landscape. We live in the part of Croatia called Makarska Riviera, and Biokovo Mountain rises above its beaches and makes this part what it is. If you’re to remove the Biokovo from the equation, Makarska Riviera would be nowhere as beautiful as it is. You’ll see it from the images too.
The Croatian mountains are part of the Dinaric Alps , a mountain range that stretches from Slovenia all the way to Albania in the south. This mountain range is characterized by karst limestone formations, steep cliffs, deep forests, and rich biodiversity. Mountains in Croatia are somewhat different than the ones found in countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, and in this article, we’ll tell you a bit more about these mountains and places we call our second home.
Why Visit Croatia Mountains? If you are a regular hiker, you would probably want to visit them anyway. Croatia is full of great hiking routes, and you can find the route for you no matter where in Croatia you’re staying. Many people choose to explore the Croatian mountains, and here are a few reasons why you might think about the same:
Stunning landscapes : Panoramic sea views, alpine meadows and forests, and karst cliffs and rock formationsBiodiversity : Croatian mountains are home to endemic plants and wild animalsRich cultural history : They are also full of old mountain huts, legends, and traditional villages used by the shepherdsAdventure opportunities : Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and even skiing in winter, all of these are possible in the mountains in CroatiaLess crowds : Mountains usually offer a quieter atmosphere compared to the coastline. Except for Biokovo, a mountain that can get a bit crowded in the summer months
Let’s explore some of the most famous and magnificent mountains in Croatia.
Dinara (1831 m) – The Roof of Croatia We are starting with Dinara , the highest mountain in Croatia, reaching 1831 meters above sea level. It’s located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina and dominates the Dalmatian hinterland landscape near the town of Knin . The highest peak of the Dinara Mountain is called Sinjal (The signal), and the whole mountain is a protected nature park nowadays.
Highlights:
Officially the highest peak in Croatia
Panoramic views over the Dalmatian hinterland and the Adriatic Sea in the distance
The ascent typically starts from Knin
The trail is well-marked but can be long and tiresome (6–8 hours round trip)
You can also reach the Brezovac plateau by jeep or ATV
Best activities on Dinara Mountain:
Biokovo (1762 m) – The Coastal Giant Biokovo is the mountain we hike the most. Rising above the Makarska Riviera , Biokovo Mountain offers some of the most stunning views in Croatia. The highest peak, Sveti Jure (1762 m) , is the third-highest in the country. Biokovo is also one of the most visited mountains in Croatia, and there is a road that goes through the Biokovo Nature Park that can take you to some of the most beautiful places on this mountain.
Highlights:
Biokovo Nature Park with a narrow road and many hiking and biking trails
Biokovo Skywalk: The most visited place on this mountain. A glass viewing platform is located on the edge of the cliff
Unique flora with endemic mountain plants
Accessible by car (asphalt road to Sveti Jure) or via steep hiking trails from Makarska
Best activities on Biokovo Mountain:
Velebit (1757 m) – The Wild Heart of Croatia Velebit is Croatia’s longest mountain range and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve . It’s also one of the 3 main mountains in Croatia – Velebit, Biokovo, and Dinara. This mountain stretches for over 140 km and includes 2 national parks – Northern Velebit National Park and Paklenica National Park . Velebit is ideal for long-distance hiking, multi-day treks, and exploring wilderness areas.
Highlights:
Vaganski Vrh (1757 m) is the highest peak of Velebit MountainHome to the famous Premužić Trail , the most famous hiking trail in Croatia
Velebit is full of limestone formations, caves, and remote forests
Diverse flora and fauna, including bears, wolves, and lynx
Best activities on Velebit Mountain:
Risnjak (1528 m) – Gateway to Gorski Kotar Risnjak is located in Risnjak National Park , and it’s the mountain named after the lynx (ris) and is known for its thick forests and cool alpine climate. This is also the least visited national park in Croatia, so if you want to enjoy some peace in the beautiful nature, Risnjak is the place for you. Risnjak is easily accessible and well-maintained, and it’s a popular destination for weekend hikers and families.
Highlights:
Located near Delnice in the Gorski Kotar region
There are many trails that lead to the peak, and there is a mountain lodge near the top
Perfect place for nature observation and forest hikes
Often snow-covered in winter, and one of the best places for snowshoeing in Croatia
Matokit (1063 m) – The Guardian Above Vrgorac We decided to put Matokit on this list because it has one of the most beautiful ridge hiking trails in Croatia, although it’s nowhere as large as the previously mentioned mountains. Matokit Mountain rises sharply above the town of Vrgorac in southern Dalmatia. It’s not among the highest mountains in Croatia, but it offers stunning views and a great hiking experience. Matokit is a great destination for hikers looking to discover less famous peaks.
Highlights:
Sharp karst ridgeline with views of the Dalmatian hinterland and surrounding mountains
Accessible hiking trails starting directly from Vrgorac or from Ravča
At the top, the remnants of the chapel of Saint Rok add to a hiking experience
A less crowded mountain in Croatia and perfect for a peaceful hiking experience
Snježnik and Bjelolasica – Gorski Kotar’s Alpine Feel Gorski Kotar is a region of Croatia, also known as Croatia’s green lungs . It’s home to dense forests, and its mountains look way closer to the Alps than the previously mentioned mountains in Dalmatia. The peaks of these mountains are accessible, serene, and great for hiking adventures.
Snježnik (1506 m) : Has great views of Risnjak, the Adriatic, and even the Julian Alps in the distanceBjelolasica (1534 m) : This was once a famous ski center in Croatia, a mountain with great forest trails
Snake’s Hill (Sv. Ilija) – Pelješac Peninsula’s Mighty Peak This is yet another mountain we grew up looking at. It’s located on the Pelješac Peninsula, and it’s also known as Sveti Ilija . This mountain is also the highest peak on the Pelješac Peninsula and a must-visit place for any hikers visiting Pelješac or Korčula.
Highlights:
Elevation: 961 m above sea level. Often considered the peak with the most beautiful view in Croatia
Steep but rewarding trails from Orebić or Kučište
Stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Korčula island, and Makarska Riviera with Biokovo Mountain
Rocky ridges and Mediterranean flora
Učka (1401 m) – Overlooking Istria Učka Mountain is located near the coastal town of Opatija, and it’s part of Učka Nature Park, which offers a unique blend of sea and mountain landscapes.
Highlights:
Vojak Peak (1401 m) has a stone lookout tower with beautiful views of Kvarner Bay and even the Alps in Slovenia on clear daysEasily accessible with a few hiking and biking trails
Rich in both Mediterranean and continental flora
Mosor and Kozjak – Mountains near Split We end this list of the Croatian mountains with Mosor and Kozjak, mountains close to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, and a very famous tourist destination. These coastal mountains are easily accessible and offer great day hikes with views of the sea and nearby islands.
Mosor : Reaches up to 1339 m with well-marked trails and mountain hutsKozjak : Lower elevation than Mosor, but has great ridge hikes and panoramic views of Split and the surrounding area
Before You Venture into the Croatian Mountains If you have reached this part of the article, you already know a bit more about the mountains in Croatia . And thank you for reading all the way to the end. As you can see, Croatia is much more than just a sun and sea combination. We are aware that Croatia is most visited during the summer months, which are not the best for hiking in Croatia, but if you’re visiting our country in spring or autumn, then hiking is one of the best activities you can enjoy. Any of the mountains we mentioned in this article will bring you some great hiking experiences.
Enjoy the Croatian mountains and hike your own hike!
