Veliki Sadikovac

Veliki Sadikovac is a mountain peak near Brušane, in Lika-Senj County, Croatia, rising to 1,286 metres above sea level. It forms part of the Velebit range, sitting on its southern side, and offers some of the finest panoramic views in the area.

Where is Veliki Sadikovac located?

The peak lies within the Southern Velebit massif, close to the village of Brušane and the Oštarijska vrata pass (928 m), which links Gospić on the Lika side with Karlobag on the Adriatic coast. Veliki Sadikovac actually consists of two summits joined by a broad, grassy saddle, with the whole formation facing towards Lika. Its immediate neighbours are the smaller Mali Sadikovac peak and the hill of Sladovačko brdo.

How do you get to the summit?

The most convenient starting point is the small settlement of Baške Oštarije, right at the Oštarijska vrata pass. A well-known hiking route also starts from the village of Brušane, climbing gradually toward the Velebit ridge and finishing either at Baške Oštarije or on the summit itself. The ascent calls for reasonable fitness but is not technically demanding — it's a typical mountain hike over rocky terrain interspersed with grassy stretches.

What will you see there?

On the summit ridge, about 50 metres before the top, there is a wide and deep karst sinkhole — a striking feature typical of the Velebit landscape, and one worth approaching carefully. At the same spot, a metal tube holding a visitors' logbook is set into the rock, marking a control point (KT) popular with Croatian hikers. The summit itself is marked by a carefully built stone cairn bearing the peak's name and elevation. Thanks to its exposed position, Veliki Sadikovac is regarded as one of the more beautiful viewpoints on Southern Velebit, with sweeping views over Lika and the surrounding parts of the range.

When is the best time to visit?

The best window for hiking runs from late spring to early autumn (May–October), when the trails are free of snow and the grassy saddle between the two summits looks its most picturesque. In summer, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat on the exposed, rocky sections of the ridge. Early spring and late autumn can bring leftover snow patches and the strong winds typical of Velebit's higher terrain.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Veliki Sadikovac? The peak reaches 1,286 metres above sea level and belongs to the Southern Velebit range.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most hikers set off from Baške Oštarije at the Oštarijska vrata pass or from the village of Brušane.

Is there anything to see at the top besides the view? Yes — near the summit there's a deep karst sinkhole and a metal tube with a hikers' logbook, while the peak itself is marked by a stone cairn.

Is the route suitable for beginners? No climbing skills are required, but given the rocky terrain and altitude, good fitness and proper trekking footwear are recommended.