Tulove Grede is one of the most beautiful parts of Velebit Mountain. We did our first hiking tour in this landscape in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, in May of 2020. We always had an urge to visit this place and it was on our bucket list for a long time, but we were waiting so long until were forced to go there. So how did it happen?
We had an elopement wedding at Tulove Grede for our Love and Ventures elopements and destination weddings in Croatia. So we needed to explore the area before to know the best places for photography. It turned out that Tulove Grede is one of the most photogenic landscapes in Croatia and so far we had 3 elopements there.
Another interesting fact about them is that they were often used as a backdrop for Western movies, especially in the famous Winnetou movie which was filmed at Tulove Grede, and nearby locations such as Zrmanja River Canyon which we will discuss more later in the article.
What Is Tulove Grede? Tulove Grede is a stunning rocky formation located in the southern part of the Velebit Mountain range. It’s one of the most unique rock formations in Croatia. When you see the images of it, you’ll see why it is so. The highest point of Tulove Grede is around 1,120 meters above sea level. The name “Tulove Grede” translates to “Tul’s Rocks,” referencing the high and tower-like formations that dominate this unique landscape.
If you are traveling on a Croatian main motorway between the cities of Zagreb and Split, you’re going to see them rising right above the southern portal of Sv. Rok tunnel. It’s easier to spot them if you are going in the Zagreb direction.
Highlights:
Unique karst formations sculpted by wind over millennia.
Habitat of diverse flora and fauna
Beautiful panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and inland Croatia.
Filming location of the famous Winnetou movie
Awesome location for stargazing in Croatia
Our pick of the best tours in the Tulove Grede area
Winnetou and Filming Location Tulove Grede gained a bit more fame because they were a filming location for the legendary “Winnetou” movies which are based on Karl May’s novels. These films, made in the 1960s showed the American Wild West but were shot mainly in some of the most ‘Wild West’ looking places in Croatia.
Winnetou Highlights:
Key scenes from the movies were filmed at Tulove Grede.
Fans can explore the exact spots where iconic scenes were captured.
Cultural Impact:
The site attracts thousands of Winnetou enthusiasts each year
Guided tours are available to immerse you in the history of the films and their connection to the area.
How to Reach Tulove Grede There is a road called Majstorska cesta (Master’s Road) made through the Tulove Grede landscape back in the 19th century. This road was once an important route that connected north and south of Croatia. There are remnants of old buildings and taverns along the road standing until this day. Ruined, but still, enough preserved to witness the glory of this, once important, road.
To reach Tulove Grede, you need to travel this road which is unpaved. Overall, the road is pretty wide and in good condition for a gravel road. The easiest way to find the road is by Google Maps navigation, just type in Tulove Grede and you’ll get the directions from your location.
Once you get there, you’ll see that there’s a lot of parking space, leave your car and start your adventure on Velebit Mountain. You can’t miss Tulove Grede since you’re going to pass pretty close to them and there are signs for it along the way. Also, take your time and explore the other places on the road too.
By Car:
The closest town is Obrovac, about 25 kilometers away.
From Obrovac, take the Majstorska Cesta (Master’s Road), a historic route that leads directly to Tulove Grede.
A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for the unpaved sections of the road although you can drive it in a regular car, just drive slowly
By Public Transport:
Public transport options are non existent. It’s best to rent a car or join an organized tour.
Hiking to Tulove Grede Hiking at this marvelous place won’t take you much time or effort. Depends on how much you want to hike around. But let’s say you just want to reach the top of Tulove Grede. In that case, you’ll need about an hour and a half to do so, starting from a parking lot.
You need to be extra careful during your hike because the cliffs are steep and they don’t have a conventional hiking trail. You need to improvise and you’ll use both your arms and legs during the final ascent.
Trail Information:
Multiple trails lead to the peaks, ranging from moderate to challenging.
The trails are marked, but a map or GPS device is advisable.
Tips:
Start early to avoid the midday heat.
Wear proper hiking boots and bring plenty of water if hiking during the summer months
Avoid hiking alone because of the specific hiking trails of Tulove Grede
Minefields Danger There is another problem with Tulove Grede and that is minefields that are left after the Croatian war for independence. Hiking trails and their vicinity are mostly cleaned. The areas still polluted with mines will be clearly marked by red signs and don’t approach them at all. They are easily visible and they don’t pose any threat if you abide by the rules. Simply stay on the hiking trail and near it and enjoy in beautiful nature of Velebit Mountain.
Safety Tips:
Do not venture off-trail or explore unmarked areas.
Look for warning signs and adhere to their instructions.
Consult local guides or park officials for up-to-date information.
Best Activities to Do on Tulove Grede So what can you do while exploring these unique rock formations of Croatia? Here are a few suggestions.
Hiking and Photography: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and unique rock formations while hiking to its peak.Picnic: Have a sunset picnic underneath the cliffs and enjoy the dimly lit Tulove GredeGuided Winnetou Tours: Relive cinematic history with expert guides.Wildlife Observation: Spot rare birds and other wildlife native to the area.ATV tours : Explore the Majstorska cesta in a more adventurous way
What Else to See in the Vicinity While Tulove Grede is a nice day trip and you can easily spend a whole day exploring it, here are a few recommendations about what to see in their vicinity.
Zrmanja River:
Perfect for kayaking and rafting adventures. One of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic canyons.
Paklenica National Park:
A paradise for hikers and rock climbers. The most famous rock climbing area in Croatia.
Features dramatic canyons, dense forests, and historic bunkers embedded into the cliffs of Paklenica National Park.
Cerovac Caves:
Explore one of Croatia’s largest cave systems, filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Crnopac and Little Prince Trail: One of the most beautiful hiking trails in Croatia if you ask us.
The beautiful landscape of the Zrmanja River is not far from Tulove Grede and we definitely recommend you visit it. It’s one of the wildest rivers in Croatia. The city of Zadar is also not so far away and being one of the most famous Croatian cities, it’s a good place to visit.
Crnopac Peak and Little Prince’s Trail are also close. Little Prince’s Trail is another very popular hiking trail in Croatia, with many saying that it’s the most unique and astonishing of all other hiking trails. We have been there and we must agree with this claim since hiking this trail is truly a unique experience.
Exploring the Rest of the Velebit Mountain As already mentioned, there are 2 national parks on the Velebit mountain. The most famous one is Paklenica, and it’s very close to Tulove Grede. It’s a large canyon and one of the most popular places for rock climbing in Europe. Paklenica Canyon is also a place from which many hiking trails on Velebit mountain start so it’s a good starting place for your Velebit adventure.
Vaganski vrh peak is the highest peak of Velebit (1757m) and the second highest in Croatia. Around 70 peaks of Velebit mountain are higher than 1600 meters. You can reach Vaganski Vrh by hiking through the canyon of Velika Paklenica.
Northern Velebit is a second national park and, as its name says, it’s situated in the north part of this mountain. It’s also a beautiful place made of different rock formations.
Premuzic trail is a hiking trail that goes through parts of the northern and middle of Velebit mountain and it’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Croatia. It was named after the engineer Ante Premuzic who helped to make this trail which passes through some of the most beautiful parts of Velebit.
Northern Velebit National Park:
Features the Premužić Trail, a scenic hiking route with panoramic views.
Home to the Velebit Botanical Garden and the mysterious Hajdučki Kukovi peaks.
Kornati Islands Excursions:
Combine your mountain adventure with a boat trip to the nearby Kornati Islands.
Paklenica National Park: Ultimate place for hiking and rock climbing in Croatia
Additional Tips for Visiting Tulove Grede And here are a few more tips when it comes to visiting this stunning place.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and autumn are good times to visit because of the mild weather.
Summer days are long but can be hot.
What to Pack:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun.
A lightweight jacket for cooler mountain conditions and evenings.
Guided Tours:
Consider booking a local guide or adventure tour for an even better experience
Before you venture Please be respectful when visiting one of the most unique places in Croatia and mind your safety. Don’t worry about the landmines problem since most of them have already been cleared out and suspeced areas are not close to the hiking trail. There are many visitors visiting Tulove Grede each year and there hasn’t any mines related accident we can think of.
We hope this article showed you the real beauty of this stunning place in Croatia and sparked a wish for a visit in you. Enjoy and have a nice vacation in Croatia!
