Via Ferratas are becoming a more and more popular way of enjoying the nature of Croatia through the mix of hiking and rock climbing. There are many Via Ferrata trails that have been made in all parts of Croatia in the past 10 years. And once you try the Via Ferrata experience in Croatia, you’ll see why it’s so popular. We’ve climbed quite a few of these ‘iron trails’ in the past decade, and this time we take you to the Via Ferrata Čikola, one of the most unique experiences of this kind in Croatia.
Via Ferrata Čikola is located within the Čikola Canyon in central Dalmatia, close to the city of Drniš. It’s not among the longest ones in Croatia, but it’s among the unique ones since some of the parts of this Via Ferrata trail pass so close to the Čikola River. But there’s a catch. Unfortunately, Čikola River is nonexistent most of the year and if you want to experience Via Ferrata Čikola in its full beauty, then you must choose your visiting time carefully, and the best period would be late winter or early spring, especially days after the rain.
What is Via Ferrata Čikola?
If you have never heard of this term, let us describe it a bit for you. Looking at the images in this article, you’ll learn even more about these specific types of hiking trails. Via Ferrata Čikola is a type of hiking/climbing trail that is secured by steel cables and steel ladders at some parts, which finally helps you to pass through the Čikola Canyon safely. Some of the Via Ferrata trails even have hanging bridges and some other kinds of securing elements too.
- Location: This Via Ferrata is located in Čikola Canyon, near the town of Drniš, and around 30 minutes of driving from Šibenik.
- Parking Location: Google Maps Link
- Difficulty: Moderate—good for beginners with the company of a guide but also great for those with a bit more of an experience. You’ll Via Ferrata Čikola either way.
- Route Highlights: Vertical climbs with nice views of the Čikola Canyon.
- Čikola River that flows under you (if you visit this Via Ferrata at the right time).
- Absolutely amazing landscape of Čikola Canyon.
- Great things to do in the vicinity, such as Čikola Canyon zipline you can combine with the visit to this Via Ferrata.
Necessary Gear for Via Ferrata Čikola
If you want to enjoy Via Ferrata trails anywhere in the world, you need to have the necessary equipment. Same goes for Via Ferrata Čikola. There is a specific set of gear made right for climbing Via Ferrata and here are some of the things you’ll need for a safe and unforgettable experience.
- Helmet: A must-have. The helmet protects the most important part of your body against falling rocks or accidental bumps.
- Harness: A typical rock climbing harness that is essential for attaching yourself to the steel cable along the way.
- Via Ferrata Set: This is a specific set that attaches to the harness and it includes energy-absorbing rope with large carabiners to clip onto the cable.
- Climbing Gloves: This is an optional kind of gear for climbing Via Ferrata trails in Croatia and it can help you to protect your hands. We never used it, but it’s not a bad idea to use one since steel cables can have sharp parts that you might not see.
- Proper Footwear: Regular hiking boots or hiking shoes will do just fine.
- Comfortable Clothing: Choose a proper clothing depending on the season you’re visiting Via Ferrata Čikola.
Best Time to Visit Via Ferrata Čikola
Let’s talk about the weather and the best time to visit this stunning Via Ferrata in Croatia. We already mentioned that the Čikola River is one of the highlights of this Via Ferrata, and the best experience of it would be while the river is flowing. Unfortunately, we haven’t been so lucky and the river was not flowing at the time we visited, but we still had quite a good time, as you can see from the images.
Here’s what to expect out of each season at the Via Ferrata Čikola.
- Spring (April to June): Perfect conditions with nice and mild temperatures and green nature all around you. Čikola River might be flowing in this period, especially in early spring.
- Autumn (September to October): Cooler weather and fewer people, especially during the weekdays. The nature also looks beautiful at this period. Čikola River is usually nonexistent in this period since it comes right after the hot summer months.
- Summer (July to August): Most people enjoy Čikola Canyon Via Ferrata in this period since it’s the most visited one when it comes to Croatia. Our suggestion is to start as early as possible to avoid the hottest periods of the day.
What to Expect on the Route
Here’s what you can expect from this Via Ferrata in Croatia. We loved every part of it and it’s totally a different experience than Via Ferrata Omiš, for example, a trail that we passed a few years ago before we went to Čikola Canyon. If you’re visiting Omiš, we recommend you climb the Via Ferrata there too since it’s one of the most popular Via Ferrata in Croatia.
Climbing Experience
- The route of Via Ferrata Čikola is around 1 kilometer long and it takes you about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you want to spend just sitting and enjoying the landscape of Čikola Canyon.
- Some vertical sections offer a slight challenge, but the fixed steel cables will provide you with the neccesary support all along the way. So no worries.
Scenic Highlights
- Čikola Canyon: Absolutely stunning location to build a Via Ferrata.
- Panoramic Views: You can enjoy some great views from various points along the climb.
What to Do in the Vicinity – Čikola zipline
Via Ferrata, Čikola is an even better experience if you combine it with some other things you can do in the vicinity – Čikola zipline, for example. Ziplines are another popular ‘cable based’ activity to enjoy in Croatia.
Here are some other nice places you can visit nearby.
1. Explore Čikola Canyon
- The Čikola canyon itself is a natural wonder of Croatia, great for wildlife spotting and photography.
- In winter and spring, the Čikola River flows with more abundance which really makes the difference.
2. Visit Krka National Park
- Located not so far away from Čikola Canyon, Krka National Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls such as Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap. Krka is one of the most famous national parks in Croatia.
- You can relax through swimming, enjoy hiking, or take a boat trip to Visovac Island.
3. Discover Drniš
- Drniš is a small town close to Čikola canyon and as such offers a great chance to experience local culture and history.
- Famous for traditional Dalmatian dishes, the famous Drniš prosciutto for example.
4. Adventure Activities
- The Čikola Canyon is also popular for ziplining and Čikola Zipline is one of the experiences we suggest you combine with a visit to this Via Ferrata.
Tips for a Successful Climb
Here are some final tips before you head toward the Via Ferrata Čikola and into one of the best Via Ferrata experiences in Croatia.
- Arrive Early: Mornings are usually less crowded and with the cooler temperatures. This is a great tip if you are visiting Croatia during the hot summer months. In other periods, this Via Ferrata is not as crowded.
- Check the Weather: Climb only when the weather is nice since Via Ferrata can be much harder during specific weather such as rain or strong wind.
- Hire a Guide: If you’re new to the whole thing, consider hiring a professional guide who will guide you through this experience and into the world of Via Ferrata.
- Stay Hydrated: A lot of water is a must for any activity done in Croatia during the summer months.
- Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles whenever you visit any natural landscape in Croatia or anywhere else.
Why Choose Via Ferrata Čikola?
So why would you choose Čikola Via Ferrata at all? Well, if you’re looking for something different, or you want to stay active during your holidays in Croatia, then this experience is the right one for you. Especially if you’re staying near Šibenik, or you’re visiting Krka National Park and passing by.
Here’s what makes Čikola Via Ferrata so unique:
- Accessibility: Located near larger tourist centers like Šibenik and Drniš, this Via Ferrata is easily accessible.
- Diverse Experiences: Combines hiking and climbing, and all that within the natural beauty of the Čikola River canyon.
- Memorable Adventure: A vacation in Croatia is best when you leave it with some nice memories and this Via Ferrata will surely provide you with some memorable moments.
Before you venture to Čikola Via Ferrata
And that’s it, pretty much everything you need to know about this Via Ferrata in Dalmatian Hinterland. It’s a great introduction to the world of Via Ferrata trails since it’s not as hard as some others in Croatia and it can be a great experience for beginners. Please, mind your safety, climb this Via Ferrata with all the gear necessary.
Enjoy your Čikola Via Ferrata experience.
