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HIKING
Countless footpaths and trekking trails beckon you to venture into beauty and discover the magic of nature - in the mountains, river valleys and canyons, through karstic plains and dense forests, to rock-bound islands and lush green hills. Within this most diverse of reliefs walkers and hikers can reach even the most mysterious areas strewn between sea level and the highest peak on Dinara (1831 m): in nature parks, nature reserves, national parks and other areas with particular attractions from the aspect of adventure - in Slavonia and Baranja, Northern Croatia (Hrvatsko zagorje, Meðimurje, Podravina), Gorski kotar, Istria, Dalmatia and Zagora, on hundreds of isles and islands, and down the length of the Dinara range extending along the coastline.
Then there are Učka, Velebit, Mosor, Biokovo, Sniježnica in
the far south - all offering a wealth of challenges. Although access is easier from the hinterland, ascents from the coastal side open up truly amazing views of the sea and the islands. Walking/hiking adventures are not limited to any particular season. It is true that from early spring to late autumn they require less effort, but for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts the winter period can be irresistible. If you have mastered touring skis, snow-shoes, climbing irons, use of the ice axe, then you are ready for winter climbing on Risnjak, Snježnik and the other peaks of Gorski kotar, on Samarske and Bijele stijene (cliffs within the mountain of Velika Kapela), northern and central Velebit. Demanding less experience but no small amount of positive energy, one can enjoy a full-bodied winter experience in the nature parks of Medvednica (the mountain rising above Zagreb), Samobor hills and Žumberak, on the slopes of Ivanšæica and Kalnik - the mountains of Zagorje, in the Papuk nature park, on the mountains of Krndija and Psunj.
CLIMBING
Alpinists and freestyle climbers will find the right climbing environment in both the continental and littoral regions, with some climbing sites being located quite close to towns and popular holiday resorts (Zagreb, Ogulin, Rovinj, Pazin, Split, Omiš...). Routes ranging from several meters long for beginners, to several hundred meters for specialists, are open to climbing enthusiasts on the rocks of Paklenica, Velebit, Uèka, in the Dinara range (including Dinara - Omiš), Mosor, Biokovo and others, and on the islands (Braè, Vis, Mljet). The best known climbing destinations in the continental parts of the country are on the mountains of Klek, Papuk, Kalnik, on Samarske stijene and Bijele stijene.
Pre-eminent as a special attraction for climbers among the wide choice of cliffs in Croatian karst areas is the massive, 350 m-high cliff face known as Anića kuk, in the Paklenica National Park. There are over 400 organized climbing routes, some of which are among the most demanding in Europe. Aniæa kuk is the site of regular climbers’ gatherings, competitions, training schools and camping events.
Equipment:
As a rule, climbers carry their own equipment. Organizers of climbing schools and training courses provide all the necessary climbing equipment for their attendants. Croatian Alpinists have taken part in, and have been organizers of, numerous climbing expeditions to the Himalayas and other high mountains throughout the world. With regard to free climbers, they do have a shorter tradition, but already possess a wealth of experience in international climbing meetings and competitions. There are freestyle and technical climbers' clubs throughout the country, in both continental and littoral parts, opera-ting both within and outside the Croatian Mountaineering Association.
http:// hps.inet.hr
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking? Whenever or wherever you arrive at a mountain or a hill in Croatia, you are assured of excellent terrains for mountain biking - be it on the mainland or on the islands. For those seeking more taxing ascents and the adrenalin-pumping excitement of downhill riding, there is Uèka, the mountains of Gorski kotar, Žumberak; the route through Vinodol to Velika Kapela, from Lika to Velebit; in the rugged terrains between the rivers of Dalmatia; on the mainland side of Biokovo. The quality of cycling through the mountains of Croatia lies in the diversity of their terrains, landscapes, flora and climatic conditions. The island, littoral, mountain and continental areas each possess their own specific features and are therefore individually attractive. Cyclists are expected to respect the nature through which they travel, as well as other travellers they encounter along the way.
Wherever possible, pedestrian paths and runs through standing vegetation should be avoided. There are cycling clubs, shops and servicing workshops in most of the larger towns. It is possible to rent a bicycle, and if you opt for a guided tour a bicycle will be included as part of the package.
RAFTING
Rafting as a mode of transport up and down waterways also has a long tradition in Croatia. However, white-water rafting as a modern form of adventure began only in the late 1980s and served to attract notice to the amazing beauty of Croatian rivers which, up until that time, was known only to relatively few kayaking adventurers and fishermen. The founders of the Riverfree Club, pioneers of commercial trips through the rivers and experts on the waterways of Croatia, did not anticipate the subsequent level of interest and the resulting popularity of rafting on rivers which do not abound with savage rapids and high waves.
Nevertheless, thousands of people have since enjoyed their close encounters with the unforgettable magic of rivers, of green river banks, sheer canyons and crystal-clear depths. Rivers in the continental parts of the country are flanked by dense forests and by mountains, while those closer to the sea boast broad green banks and deep and shady mysterious canyons. What they all have in common are greenish clear waters that one can see through right down to the river bed.
The grade of difficulty of Croatia's white waters is, on average, grade 3; only on the Rivers Dobra and Una can you encounter grade 4 waters. River Kupa flows from the Risnjak National Park, flowing between forest-covered mountain slopes and rich valleys, but offering sufficient water for rafting only in spring and after heavy rainfalls. River Dobra has a surface course and an underground course and offers first class rafting conditions at all times because dams and accumulation lakes permit a sufficient throughflow of water. River Mrežnica abounds with waterfalls, but between them the water flows calm.
Rafting through the upper, canyon course involves sections of canyoning. River Korana issues from the Plitvice lakes. After heavy rains and when snow melts the section below the picturesque site of Rastoke, and downstream through the canyon, is particularly attractive. River Una, which forms the border between Croatia and Bosnia, provides excellent rafting conditions downstream of the 20 metre-high Štrbački buk waterfall, when the waters are running high, although the experience is somewhat less exciting when water levels fall. River Zrmanja abounds with water in springtime, while in summer smaller craft - canoes and kayaks - must be used to travel this, the most beautiful of Croatian canyons.
River Krka can be negotiated through the upper part of the national park due to the inflow from its tributary, the River Butišnica, which is controlled by a dam. Rafting is the only way to really get to know this undisturbed area of the park, and the only place where portaging is necessary is the 12 metre-high Bilušiæa buk waterfall. River Cetina waters are directed via a tunnel towards a power plant on the coast, which means that there is not much water for rafting in its natural canyon bed. The experience is still worth undertaking if only because of thick and lush vegetation along its banks, the clear waters, high cliffs, waterfalls and caves.
Equipment: Rafts utilised on Croatian rivers are built of sturdy, resistant materials with good mobility properties. Organized rafting arrangements include a guide and personal gear for every crew member: life jacket, neoprene suit and footwear, helmet and a paddle. Rafting is not recommended on rivers, or sections of rivers, which abound with narrow passages and other risk-laden features, or across fragile limestone waterfall barriers.
FLYING
Parachuting, paragliding or balloon flights over an incredibly diverse landscape in good weather conditions continue to attract an ever increasing number of flying enthusiasts to Croatia. A combination of mountains by the sea and the sun creates first class flying conditions, with the islands being by no means any less attractive. Those who come to enjoy a flying experience are not restricted to a single location. The mountains that run down the length of the coast are simply tailor-made for cross-country flights, for spending hours in the air, with vistas of the coast, the sea and the islands - an unadulterated adventure voyage under the power of the wind! In contrast to the predominantly bare mountains on the littoral side, the mountains and vales of continental Croatia are blanketed in a wealth of greenery and forests. There are several sport airfields with a long tradition in glider flying, while Hrvatsko zagorje with its undulating landscape and its numerous burghs and castles, and the wide plains of Slavonia, are favourite destinations for balloonists. Beauty and diversity of landscapes is what makes recreational flying an enjoyment that is difficult to surpass.
Areas for the best flying experiences:
Učka and Ćićarija in Istria; Gorski kotar; Velebit; Mosor and the mountains of Dalmatinska zagora, up to Dinara. Further south there are Biokovo; Rilić; the Pelješac peninsula; the islands of Krk, Brač and Hvar.
Green continental destinations:
Hrvatsko zagorje; Medvednica; Samoborsko gorje and Žumberak; Papuk; Krndija, and Moslavačka gora.
Croatian fliers and paragliders are organized within clubs and private flying schools. They run schools and courses, organize tours and participate in international competitions. They are also the best source of useful information - how to report flights, how to obtain a permit, about weather conditions and any specific conditions existing in individual flying zones.
SPELEOLOGY
The karstic areas of Croatia abound in over 850 caves and other natural holes. They can be found on the mainland, on islands, by rivers, on the sea bed and in the mountains. For over half of them all we know is that they exist, but everything else is unknown and they are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Some of the more attractive caves, include those in Istria, Gorski kotar, on the mountains of Medvednica (whose range is higher than Zagreb), Papuk (wich includes the regions of Kordun, Lika, Dalmatia and Zagora) - are open to visitors with no previous experience in speleology. Their inventory is varies from dripstones (such as stalagmites and stalactites), curtains and all the other fascinating features found in caves. Many underground spaces are protected as geomorphological monuments, such as Modra špilja [Blue Cave] on the island of Biševo; Cerovaèke špilje [Cerovac Caves] near Graèac; Manita peæ [Furious Furnace]; Veternica, near Zagreb and many others. Also protected are all denizens of the underground world, relics and endemic species - bugs, shells, sponges, olm (or proteus), a cave leech discovered in Luka's Hole on Velebit. The oldest finds of Homo erectus (dating from about one million years ago) originate from Šandalja near Pula; in the Hušnjakovo semi-cave near Krapina remains of Neanderthal man were found (c. 120,000 years old). Among a number of interesting features on the island of Brač are Zmajeva špilja and the cave altars close to the Blaca desert.
The caves organised to receive visits by tourists are installed with lighting, pathways which ensure safe passage, and guides provided by the authority responsible for protecting the caves, or by visit organizers. Speleological societies, clubs and sections within the mountaineering societies undertake research of caves and holes. Research expeditions of some importance are often joined by speleologists from other countries. One activity that is gaining in popularity is what has become known as speleo-diving. Many speleological sites reveal their most interesting features and links with other underground spaces and water flows only when water obstacles (syphons) are overcome by diving through them.
ADVENTURE RACING
There are about ten different racing events, which are organized in Croatia on an annual basis, ranging from the fairly easy and short events to exceptionally demanding races that last several days. Athletes and recreationalists alike willing to engage in extreme activities are discovering not only the wilderness and its surroundings but their beauty as well . The diversity and wealth of landscapes and terrains provide race organizers with an inexhaustible selection of possibilities in planning adventure routes. The beauty of the preserved natural environment of Croatia offers countless challenges on land and beneath it, under its waters and by them. This is why adventure racing in Croatia soon gained in popularity among local and foreign crews. Events organized include rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering, paragliding and climbing competitions, marathon races, triathlon contests and other outdoor sports events. They all contribute to the spread of knowledge and experience regarding activities in nature, to the development of skills among athletes and recreationalists but also of the professional guides who often participate either as organizers or competitors.
KI Challenge
Učka night trek
www.adnatura.hr
Terra Incognita Croatia
Velebit adventure trekking
Zagreb Urban Challenge
www.adventurerace.hr
Cro challenge Paklenica
Cro challenge Dalmatia
Cro challenge Dubrovnik
www.crochallenge.com
