Page 105 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

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5 Paklenica
National Park
Nacionalni park Paklenica
Map C4. n Starigrad Paklenica, (023)
369 202, 369 155. Open Apr–Oct:
6am–8:30pm daily; Nov–Mar:
7am–3pm daily. & ∑ paklenica.hr
Situated in the imposing
Velebit massif, Paklenica
National Park was founded
in 1949. The entrance is in
Starigrad Paklenica – look
out for a road sign on the
Magistrala coastal road (E65). Rugged landscape of Paklenica National Park
The park covers an area of
95 sq km (41 sq miles), and is climbers. High up, majestic with the aim of protecting
formed by two gorges, Velika birds of prey make their nests, this wild environment, with
Paklenica (Big Paklenica) and in an ideal habitat for breeding. its 2,000 plant species and
Mala Paklenica (Small Paklenica), Golden eagles, short-toed numerous colonies of large
which cut into the limestone eagles and especially peregrine birds of prey. The kukovi –
mountains. The gorges were falcons can be seen here. In strange, impressive rock
eroded by two rivers and parts the forests there are bears, wild formations sculpted by wind
of the canyon walls are more boar, foxes, roebucks and hares. and water – are also protected.
than 400 m (1,312 ft) high. A path in the valley penetrates Hiking and mountain biking
Deep in the cliffs of Velika far into the are other popular activities in
Paklenica Canyon, there is an interior of the the park and in summer visitors
extensive system of underground park to a cliff can stay overnight in the
tunnels built by the Yugoslav edge where there is a Mountain Hut, located
army in the 20th century. The magnifi cent view of the on the banks of
tunnels are presently being reno- wooded Vaganski Vrh Velika Paklenica
vated as the park administration mountain, the highest creek, or in
intend to transform them into a in the Velebit chain. Griffon vulture, one of the the villages of
multi-purpose visitor centre. The Velebit mountain many birds of prey in the park Ramići and Parići.
The rock faces are pierced chain is nearly 150 km A good camp
by numerous caves, but they (93 miles) long. The terrain site is also situ ated next to a
are not easily accessible. Only is karst (limestone) with many pebble beach. Along the creek
the Manita cave can be visited, sink holes and plateaux sepa- there are 15 disused water
accompanied by a guide. rated by deep fissures. In 1978 mills, still in good condition,
The bare rock faces of Velika UNESCO listed Velebit as a which can be visited during
Paklenica are popular with rock biological reserve for humanity the summer.

One of the paths leading into Paklenica National Park

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