We have been to the highest mountain in Croatia numerous times. Not that we care about its height, but we sure do care about its nature and landscapes. We have been to hiking trails of this mountain many many times, but this time we chose to explore it on our bikes. As my grandpa has an old mountain cottage at the Brezovac plateau, we always have a nice and cozy place to stay with no need to carry our own tents.
But even the tents and sleeping in a mountain hut of a local hiking club are perfectly fine. It’s just that my grandpa’s cottages have a special place in my life as I was coming here when I was much younger. You could even say that this magnificent mountain opened the door to the world of adventures for me.
And let me conclude this intro with the fact that I have never seen such a starry night as when spending a night on Dinara mountain.
What is the Highest Mountain in Croatia?
The highest mountain in Croatia is Dinara with its highest peak at 1,831 meters (6,007 feet) above sea level. This mountain is practically the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. even its highest peak (Troglav) is located in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dinara Mountain is part of the Dinaric Alps and offers a breathtaking blend of mountain landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning views from its peak. Well, numerous peaks. Its highest peak, known as Sinjal (meaning signal in Croatian), is a popular destination for many hikers visiting Croatia.
Dinara mountain is situated near the city of Knin from which the main ascent can be made. The whole mountain has been proclaimed a nature park – a classification just below the highest one – a national park.
The Latin name for Dinara is Adrion oros and the current name is supposed to come from the Dindari Illyrian tribe. Below the highest peak Sinjal, there is a monumental cliff a few hundred meters high and it looks amazing from the distance. There is a Via Ferrata trail being made there and soon it will become one of the main attractions of the highest mountain in Croatia.
Dinara: Croatia’s Newest Nature Park
In 2021, Dinara Mountain and its surrounding area were officially proclaimed as a Nature Park which covers approximately 63,000 hectares. Dinara Nature Park is Croatia’s 12th nature park, and it aims to protect and preserve this mountain’s unique biodiversity, geological features, and cultural heritage.
- Why It Matters:
- The Dinara Nature Park park is home to rare and endangered species, including the Eurasian lynx, golden eagle, and various endemic plants.
- It aims to promote sustainable tourism while preserving traditional farming and forestry practices.
- Visitor Information:
- Entry to the park is free, but visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect its environment.
- Educational trails and informational panels have been added to enhance the experience for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- Activities in the Park:
- Hiking, birdwatching, and photography are popular activities.
- Guided tours are available for those interested in learning insights from the locals
Our top pick of activities in Dinara area
Hiking to Dinara Mountain
There are numerous ways to hike the highest mountain in Croatia. The main and most used trail starts from the city of Knin. Other trails start from Kijevo and there is one trail called the ‘Yogurt Trail’ with starts in small villages near Knin.
There is even a gravel road almost all the way to the top of the Dinara mountain. We are not fans of the roads in the mountains and if you ask us we would forbid them. Mountains are made for hiking trails. However, this road was made during the Croatian War for independence and was used by the Croatian army when liberating the city of Knin. Even today, the army has occasional exercises on the Dinara mountain. All the trails to the highest peak in Croatia are long and expect to walk around 6 hours before you reach Sinjal.
Theoretically, it’s possible to go by car (read: Jeep) for a long way, and the road has been improved in the last year. But if you are to go up by car, you could potentially miss the experience of hiking on the highest mountain in Croatia.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on the starting point and weather conditions.
- Duration: The hike to the Sinjal Peak and back typically takes 6-8 hours.
- Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and nearby peaks.
- Unique flora and fauna, including some rare plants.
- The joy of reaching Croatia’s highest point and being the highest-standing person in Croatia.
When to Visit Dinara Mountain
Well, there is no rule to that. Dinara is beautiful in every season. But since you, who are reading this, are probably coming to Croatia in summer like 99% of others, then the summer is the best time for you. Although to be honest, summer is the worst season for hiking, simply because of the heat.
So if you are going to the highest mountain in Croatia during the peak season, keep in mind to take a lot of water and make sure you have proper equipment. Please don’t go on a hike in beach clothes and shoes. You’ll end up with a free helicopter ride and in all the newspapers.
Here’s what visiting the Croatia highest mountain looks like across the seasons:
- Spring (April to June): Ideal for hiking, with blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures.
- Summer (July to August): Offers clear skies and dry trails but can be hot, especially at lower elevations. Start your hike early to avoid the midday heat. Split your hike in 2 days if possible.
- Autumn (September to October): Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make this season a favorite for hikers. Also our favorite time of the year for hiking in Croatia.
- Winter (November to March): Snow covers the mountain, creating opportunities for winter hiking and mountaineering, but conditions can be harsh. Proper equipment and experience are essential.
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Where to Start Your Hike From
There are several starting points for hiking to Dinara Mountain, depending on your fitness level and preferences:
- Glavaš Village: The most popular starting point, located near the town of Knin.
- Well-marked trails begin here, leading to Sinjal Peak.
- Parking is available, and the trailhead is easy to find.
- Kijevo: Another option, offering scenic routes through less-traveled paths.
- Suitable for those seeking a quieter hiking experience.
What to See in the Vicinity
If you are staying in the Knin area for a few days, there are some other places to see. Krcic river and waterfall is one of them, although, it’s often dry during the summer. River Krka has a source under the Krcic waterfall and Krka National Park is just 1 hour’s drive away from Knin.
- Knin Fortress:
- One of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Croatia.
- Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Cetina River Spring:
- Known as “Izvor Cetine,” this turquoise spring is a stunning natural wonder.
- Perfect for photography and short nature walks.
- Krka National Park:
- Located a short drive from Dinara, this park features stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and historic monasteries.
- Peruča Lake: Accumulation lake great for many water-based activities in the area
- Zrmanja River: Not as close as other locations from this list, but ultimate place if you want to have one of the best river kayaking experiences in Croatia.
Activities to Do in the Vicinity
Here are some ideas on extra activities to do in the vicinity of Dinara mountain.
- Cycling: Explore the scenic trails around Dinara and the nearby villages.
- Rock Climbing: Test your skills on the rugged cliffs of the Dinaric Alps.
- Fishing: The Cetina River and Peruča Lake offer excellent spots for fishing enthusiasts.
- Cultural Tours: Visit historic sites like the Knin Fortress and nearby ancient ruins to immerse yourself in the region’s history.
- Photography: Capture the natural beauty of the mountain, Cetina River, and surrounding landscapes.
How did our adventure on the Highest Mountain of Croatia Look Like
As we told you earlier, we planned to reach the Brezovac plateau on our bikes. We started our ascent from the city of Knin and we planned to reach Brezovac some 4 hours later. You could reach it in less time, but we always make lots of stops for taking photos and drinking coffee.
When my grandpa was alive, we would often go to Dinara Mountain by his Lada Niva. Jeep is the best vehicle to drive on this gravel road we mentioned and you can have some serious off-road experience along the way. We reached Marko’s grave (famous checkpoint and crossing) some 2 hours after we had begun our journey and we had a coffee up there, looking and admiring Dinara mountain in the distance.
At this point, the landscape of the highest mountain in Croatia really starts to dominate and you feel anesthetized by it. All your troubles seem to be left in the valleys and you are ready for the true Dinara mountain experience.
Nights on the highest mountain in Croatia are an experience for itself. Never have I seen so many stars as on Dinara Mountain. So we arrived at Brezovac in the late afternoon hours and we started to prepare BBQ for dinner.
There are 2 cottages that we use while on Dinara. One is old and it dates back to my grandpas of my grandpa. He really loved this mountain and rebuilt one cottage that was destroyed a long time ago. He even made a museum-like environment inside.
We lit up a fire as soon as the sun set behind the hills. It’s something we always do when on Dinara mountain. There is something in fire that makes you drift away. And we like to drift away and listen to fire cracking while no other sounds reach us. It’s the experience that should be prescribed as therapy instead of different pills.
Day 2 of our Dinara Adventure
We woke up early in the morning like we usually do when in the mountains. We had breakfast and enjoyed the silence. You always feel refreshed after sleeping in the mountains, maybe it’s because of the clean air you’re breathing in.
We didn’t go to the highest peak of Dinara Mountain this time because we have been up there numerous times. This time we just wanted to relax in the embrace of the highest mountain in Croatia. And that’s all.
But if you are going to Dinara Mountain for the first time, then Sinjal Peak is something you need to see. Not the peak itself but rather the view from it. If the day is clear you’ll see a lot, Kornati National Park in the distance and a lot of Dalmatian hinterland in front of you. In the distance, you’ll see Biokovo mountain which rules over the Makarska Riviera some 100 kilometers away.
Before You Venture to Dinara
Dinara is truly a mountain you have to experience. It’s one of the 3 most famous mountains in Croatia – Velebit, Biokovo, and Dinara. Each of these has a special place in my life with Dinara leading me into the world of hiking and adventures, Biokovo mountain to mature my hiking experiences, and I climbed my first Alpine routes in Paklenica national park – part of the Velebit mountain.
If you are into hiking and you are visiting Croatia, read more articles about Croatian mountains or hiking in general we have written on this blog and go into your hiking adventure.
