Veliki Kabal

Veliki Kabal is the highest peak of the Mosor massif, rising to 1,339 m above sea level right above the village of Gornje Sitno in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. The rocky, partly shrub-covered ridge offers one of the best panoramic views over Split and the Adriatic coast anywhere in central Dalmatia.

How do you get to the summit?

Most hikes start in Gornje Sitno itself, a mountain village on the southern slopes of Mosor about 24 km from Split. A paved road connects the village to the city, and a regular bus line links Split, Sitno Gornje and Dubrava. From the village the trail climbs through forest to the Umberto Girometta mountain lodge, tucked in greenery above the broad Ljuvač valley. Beyond the lodge the path gets rockier, with a few short stretches where hikers scramble over stone without clear trail markings — a reason the climb is recommended for people with some hiking experience rather than complete beginners.

What will you see at the top?

A large wooden cross stands on Veliki Kabal, visible from a considerable distance and serving as a landmark for hikers throughout the area. Next to it are concrete benches and tables where visitors can rest after the climb. A few metres from the cross sits a metal box holding a stamp and a visitor logbook, a traditional feature on Croatian mountain trails that lets hikers confirm they reached the summit. From the top, the whole Mosor ridge unfolds below, and on a clear day you can pick out Split, the islands of central Dalmatia and the bay beyond the city.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since temperatures on the exposed, rocky ridge are milder than in high summer. In summer the summit area gets a lot of direct sun with little shade, so it pays to start early and carry plenty of water. In winter, after snowfall or in strong wind, the final stretch to the top can become more demanding technically, so less experienced hikers should be cautious or plan their visit for another time of year.

What are the popular routes?

One of the most recommended loops runs from Gornje Sitno via the Umberto Girometta lodge to Veliki Kabal, then on to Vickov stup and Ljubljan before returning to Gornje Sitno. The full circuit takes around six hours of walking and shows off not just the main summit but several neighbouring peaks along the Mosor ridge. It makes a solid full-day mountain outing close to Split, with no need to spend a night on the mountain.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Veliki Kabal? The peak reaches 1,339 m above sea level, making it the highest point of the entire Mosor range.

How long does the climb from Gornje Sitno take? Reaching the summit alone typically takes a few hours, while the full loop via the Umberto Girometta lodge, Vickov stup and Ljubljan takes around six hours.

Is the trail difficult? Yes — the upper section crosses rocky ground without clear markings, so it's best suited to hikers with some mountain trekking experience.

How do you get to Gornje Sitno? A paved road connects it to Split (about 24 km away), and a regular bus line also serves the village, linking Split, Sitno Gornje and Dubrava.