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Velebit
is the longest mountain range in Croatia; its northern part lies
between Senjska Draga and a deep ravine called Brusanka. Its
landscape is not typical for a mountain range, it consists of
several ranges of ridges and crests, separated from each other by
deep karst ravines and valleys. The belt above 1,000 m reaches
here the width of 30 km. The highest peaks of Northern Velebit are
Mali Rajinac (1,699 m), Veliki Zavižan (1, 676 m) and Veliki
Rajinac (1,667 m).
Among
few favourable passes, the most important is Vratnik (698 m),
which is also the point on the main road Karlovac – Senj (the
so-called Emperor Joseph's road).
Caves
are amply represented in the relief of Velebit, the best known
being Cerovac Caves (Cerovačke Spilje) near Gračac and the caves
of Paklenica near Starigrad.
According
to its size, natural features and role in Croatian history and
culture, Velebit is the most famous Croatian mountain range. The
Velebit ridge has a large number of relief, botanical and
landscape values; scenic rocky landscapes are interwoven with
woods and high-rising peaks, from which unique views are offered.
The most beautiful hiking trail on Velebit is Premužić's trail
with wonderful vista points, this trail leads hikers to the
magnificent karst formations known as Rožanski Kukovi, which,
together with Hajdučki Kukovi, has been designated as a nature
reserve, due to their specific natural features.
In
1978 Velebit was included in the international network of
biosphere reserves by the UNESCO.
Velebit can be accessed
from the littoral (Primorje) and from the region of Lika. |
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