nature parks

A Nature Park designation denotes a category of protection that is less strict than that of a National Park, i.e. the preservation criteria and the protection and exploitation regulations are somewhat more relaxed. It is a large natural site (may be partly cultivated) of prominent ecological, esthetical, tourist and recreational value. Not all activity is prohibited in Nature Parks; those activities that do not jeopardize its main traits and functions are supported and controlled. Ten Nature Parks have been established in Croatia.

velebit mountain

Velebit Croatia In landscape terms most of Velebit is part of Lika region where its forest covered slopes make a strong contrast to its Kvarner Bay side where the vegetation has been impoverished due to the influence of strong gusts of bura, salt and a hundred-year old felling of oak trees. The top belt of Velebit has the characteristics of an alpine relief abounding in majestic karst sculptures and various rock formations (bare limestone peaks) locally known as kukovi and grede that interchange with forested karst valleys and depressions known as dulibe and alpine pasture grounds, all of which represent most diverse biological habitats. Specific natural circumstances created diverse habitats for a large number of Croatian and Velebit endemics and relicts of flora and fauna.
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papuk mountain

Papuk Croatia The Nature Park Papuk is opened throughout the year for all visitors. The area of Park is characteristic for the beautiful forest landscapes. There are numerous places one can visit and find out more about them, and each visitor can find something for him/her self: geological specificities, botanically interested areas, historical buildings, and archaeological findings. The visit to the Park offers a lot more then the common field trip. Regardless of the interest one has, there would be always something new and exciting that waits to be discovered.
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ucka mountain

Ucka Croatia The Ucka Nature Park predominately symbolizes great variety of features within the relatively small area. In only couple hours one of the numerous hiking trails will take you from the heritage of picturesque Mediterranean towns of North Adriatic coast through the forests of Ucka's slope right to it's highest peak Vojak at 1401 meter elevation. If weather is clear the old tower-like observatory on the top of Vojak offers full 360 degrees of breath-taking panorama: Croatian islands, Italian Alps, Istrian Peninsula, limestone towers of Vranjska Draga Special Geomorphologic Reserve, Bay of Trieste.
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telascica cove

Telascica Croatia Telascica bay is situated in the central part of the eastern Adriatic coast, in the SE part of the island of Dugi otok. The area of Telascica Nature Park is distinctly contrasted area with quiet and peaceful beaches and laid down coastline on one side and wild and rough cliffs on the other. Three basic phenomena are certainly the main characteristics of the Nature Park: the unique bay of Telascica as one of the safest, the most beautiful and the largest havens on the Adriatic that includes 25 small bays and 69 km of the well-indented coastline, the cliffs of the island of Dugi otok rising up to 200 m above the sea level and falling down vertically up to 90 m below the sea level, and finally the salt lake with its curative characteristics.
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kopacki rit

Kopacki rit Croatia Nature Park Kopacki rit is one of the largest natural marshlands in Europe situated in the north-east of Croatia in the corner made by the mouths of the Drava River into the Danube River. The basic ecological feature of Kopacki rit is given by the flood-dynamics so that the landscape of the whole region depends on the flood intensity. The parts of the swamp land and water, arranged mosaically, change its size, form and function depending on the quantity of the risen water, namely from the Danube River and less from the Drava River. Guided tourist visits by panoramic ships, boats, team of horses or on foot are available. Some packages offer the possibility of photographing or video-recording animals, birds in particular.
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biokovo mountain

Biokovo Croatia The unique geomorphological massif of Biokovo, its natural beauty, the abundance of fascinating karst phenomena and the exceptional biological diversity were the reasons for designating the area the Biokovo Nature Park, established in 1981. The park spreads over 196 square km and comprises the entire mountain massif from the Dubci pass near Brela to the Staza pass above Gornje Igrane. It is approximately 25 km long and 7 km wide. Biokovo still guards many secrets. In cooperation with various experts, the Park employees are gradually discovering and revealing them to the public. They are also working on programs designed to protect the entire area.
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zumberak-samobor mountains

Zumberak Croatia The Zumberak - Samobor Mountains Nature Park covers 333 square kilometres and is situated in the northwest of the Republic of Croatia, 30 km southwest from Zagreb, near the border with the Republic of Slovenia, and comprises a hilly area to the southwest of the Panonian plain bordered by the rivers Sava, Krka and Kupa. With its natural beauty and tradition, this area surely deserves "title" Nature Park. It was established in 1999. with the main goal to protect and promote natural and cultural heritage of this area.
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field of lonja

Field Lonja Croatia The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is situated in the alluvial plain of the Sava River in the central Sava River basin region, between the cities of Sisak and Stara Gradiska and represents a unique landscape and ecological systems of flooded river plain of the Danubian basin. The mosaic landscape formed by nature and man such as we find in Lonjsko Polje represents a unique phenomenon in Europe. The wetland habitats in the Sava River basin represent a typical Central European river valley landscape as it existed 150 years ago. The state of preservation of nature, endangered and rare plant and animal species as well as cultural identity of this area, the traditional way of life and work of its population represents a unique heterogeneous area of protected natural and cultural heritage.
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mount medvednica

Medvednica Croatia Medvednica, a mountain in the northern part of Zagreb, the highest peak Sljeme (1,032m). It is formed of green slate, lower parts are covered with Mesozoic and Tertiary layers. In the south-western part is Veternica cave, one of the largest caves in Croatia. Well preserved forests of Medvednica constitute the major recreational zone of the large city of Zagreb. Medvednica is also the best equipped skiing centre of the entire northern Croatia. The cable-car operates throughout the year, connecting the foot of Medvednica with its peak Sljeme. The most beautiful cultural and historical monument in the area is the restored mediaeval fortification of Medvedgrad.
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vrana lake

Vrana Lake Croatia The Lake of Vrana is situated in Ravni Kotari, northeast of Pakostane. The water is supplied by the Skorobic brook and several springs and flows beneath the ground. The north-eastern shore of the lake is forested and here lies the highest summit in Ravni Kotari, Standarac (305m). Lake of Vrana with the surroundings was pronounced Nature Park on July 21, 1999. The park boundary stretches between Pirovac and Pakostan. The park has the surface of 57 square kilometres, and the greatest part of 30,2 square kilometres belongs to Lake of Vrana, which lies in the direction northwest-southeast and stretching in line with the seacoast, which is sometimes less than a kilometre away.
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