5 mountains worth seeing in Croatia

"Of all the paths you take in life, some should be on land.

Although the Croatian islands get a lot of attention, you might be surprised to learn that more than half of Croatia's surface area (65%) is made up of land, much of which is part of towering mountain ranges. Below are the 5 most impressive mountains that offer incredible trekking experiences and that nature lovers should not miss when visiting Croatia.

1. DINARA MOUNTAINS

If you have decided to go hiking in Croatia, you should not settle for the highest peak, which is at 1.Located 831 meters above sea level on Mount Dinara, a huge mountain range on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dinara Mountains are part of the Dinaric Alps, a mountainous region that stretches across Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. Two large Dalmatian rivers, the Krka and the Cetina, with crystal clear waters also rise at their feet. It's worth climbing to the summit to enjoy the view. Since it is the highest peak in Croatia, we will let you in on a little secret to make your hike easier: the easiest route to the peak starts in Glavaš, near the town of Kijevo, while another popular route starts in the town of Knin .

2. BIOKOVO MOUNTAIN

Biokovo is the highest mountain in Dalmatia with a height of 1.762 meters above sea level. Biokovo is also a mountain with a wide variety of plant and animal species, because thanks to its geographical location there is both a continental and a Mediterranean climate. Exploring Biokovo is a real adventure as the area has numerous caves and pits. In addition, the Biokovo Nature Park above the Makarska Riviera is a good choice for botanists as well as hikers and cyclists. Climbing the peak is worth it because of the breathtaking view of Biokovo. On a clear day you can see many Dalmatian islands, the coast to the north and south and the surrounding villages. Legend has it that on a very clear day you can even see the peak of Gargano in Italy!

3. VELEBIT MOUNTAINS

Velebit is the largest mountain range in Croatia, about 145 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. This mountain range is the ideal choice for anyone who prefers an active holiday. The beauty of nature in the Velebit Mountains, including the large number of endemic species, has been recognized by the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) since 1978. The entire area of ​​the mountain is now protected as a nature park, while North Velebit and Paklenica are national parks. The highest peak of the Velebit Mountains is Vaganski vrh (1.757 m above sea level) in the Paklenica National Park. Don't let the huge peak deter you, as the mountain is lined with numerous hiking trails and more than twenty huts that accommodate climbers along the ridge. If you love nature, you shouldn't miss a climb to this impressive mountain!

4. MOUNTAIN MOSOR

Mount Mosor is part of the Dinaric Alps and stretches from Split to Omiš. The highest peak of the mountain is Veliki Kabal with a height of 1339 meters above sea level. Mount Mosor is also known for its active mountaineering club. If you are in Split or the surrounding area, you should definitely go on a hike up the Mosor, as this activity is also a tradition for the locals. Even if it is not the highest mountain in the Dinarides or the Adriatic coast, Mosor is worth a visit because there are many marked paths for easy hikes and also mountain huts. As always, the best is saved for last and it's worth waiting (and running!) to the summit, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of several Croatian islands as well as the cities of Split, Solin, Trogir and the Kaštela region.

5. RISNJAK MOUNTAIN

The Risnjak Mountains are located in the Gorski kotar province, a region known for its mountains, forests and untouched nature. The mountain's name comes from the Croatian word "ris", which means lynx, an animal that lived in the 19th century. was wiped out in the region in the 19th century. The Risnjak is part of the Dinaric Mountains, which connects the Alps with the Dinaric Mountains, and is rich in diverse flora and fauna. Because of its natural beauty and rare plant and animal species, Risnjak was declared a national park in 1953. Today it is one of the eight national parks in Croatia. If you decide to conquer its peaks, you can climb Veliki Risnjak (1.528 m), the Snježnik (1.506 m), the Sjeverni Mali Risnjak (1.434 m) and the Južni Mali Risnjak (1.448 m). Don't be discouraged, hiking in this area is not difficult, the trails are well marked and at the end you will be rewarded with panoramic views of a lush forest.