Pljišivica

Plješivica is one of the distinctive summits of the Velebit range rising above Krasno, the largest settlement on the entire massif and the gateway to Northern Velebit National Park. Also known as Velebitska Plješivica, the peak reaches roughly 1653–1654 metres above sea level and belongs to a cluster of summits scattered across the northern part of the range, alongside Zavižan (1676 m), Vučjak (1645 m), Balinovac (1601 m) and Mali Rajinac (1699 m), the highest point in this section of the mountains.

How do you get to Plješivica from Krasno?

The natural starting point is Krasno, sitting at 714 metres and serving as the tourist and administrative hub of Northern Velebit National Park — home to Kuća Velebita, the park's main visitor centre. From Krasno the road heads toward Oltari, and after a few kilometres a turn-off leads to the national park entrance. The route is partly paved and then continues as a gravel road all the way toward the Zavižan area, where trails branch out to the surrounding peaks, Plješivica among them. Tens of thousands of hikers pass through this route every year, a sign of how popular the region has become.

What will you see along the way and at the summit?

The summit of Plješivica carries a prominent transmitter tower, visible from a distance and used by hikers as a landmark along the northern Velebit ridge. From the top, views open up toward neighbouring elevations — Mali Rajinac, Veliki Rajinac, and the rocky formations of Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi, among the most striking landscapes in this part of the mountains. Along the way it's worth detouring to the mountain lodge at Zavižan (1594 m), home to Croatia's oldest high-altitude meteorological station, in operation since 1953. The area is also crossed by the famous Premužić Trail, built between 1930 and 1933 using dry-stone technique, linking one northern Velebit peak to the next.

When is the best time to visit?

Northern Velebit National Park, which covers the Plješivica area, was established on 9 June 1999 and is the youngest of Croatia's eight national parks. It was created for the exceptional diversity of its karst features, its rich flora and fauna, and its outstanding natural scenery packed into a relatively small area. Summer is the best season for hiking, when trails and tourist infrastructure are fully accessible; visits outside this period require arranging access in advance, given the weather conditions typical of Velebit's high-altitude sections.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Plješivica? The peak reaches about 1653–1654 metres above sea level and belongs to the group of summits in northern Velebit near Krasno and Zavižan.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Krasno is the natural starting point — the largest settlement on Velebit and home to the Northern Velebit National Park visitor centre — from where the road runs toward Oltari and on into the park.

What stands out about the summit? A clearly visible transmitter tower sits on top, and the surrounding area offers views of Mali Rajinac, Veliki Rajinac, and the rock formations of Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi.

Is there somewhere to stay nearby? Yes — the Zavižan area has a mountain lodge at 1594 metres, next to Croatia's oldest high-altitude meteorological station, which has been operating since 1953.