Dinara Nature Park makes a unique clash of pristine nature and historical sites everyone has to witness at least once in their lifetime.
Spread over an area of 96 000 hectares, this second-largest nature park in Croatia presents itself to you with other-worldly landscapes and marvelous scenery. It was named after the highest mountain, as well as the highest peak of Croatia - Dinara, but the entirety of the park is also made up of the mountains Troglav and Kamešnica as well as the karst fields Hrvatačko, Paško, and Vrličko.
Dinara is the utmost empress of the skyline that offers you a view of 1813m above the ground. The hike up the heights is a journey through its victorious past, showing occasional glimpses and traces of the foregone days among the trees and blades of grass.
Cetina river
From the staggering heights to the lovely lows... Dinara Nature Park has them all!
This unique expanse is further embellished by the river Cetina, next to which the previously mentioned fields (Hrvatačko, Paško, and Vrličko) are located. Here you can come across a multitude of river valleys, waterfalls, and caves. They serve as a habitat for various insects, birds, and butterflies.
Flora and Fauna
Anyone who wishes to see how creative Mother Nature can get with its blessings should visit Dinara Nature Park, as it’s home to numerous animal and plant species of all shapes and sizes.
The Park’s ecosystems exist in beautiful harmony and abundance, complementing one another while creating the utmost incredible fairy-tale-like scenes. The area is predominated by beech forests, but you can find beautiful green alpine meadows adorned with many primroses, einkorns, and gentians.
Many green fir forests are also situated in the park, and you’ll be especially enchanted by the subalpine shrubs, which are the home of the Balkan lynx.
As for the animals, a diverse array of endangered species, such as the previously-mentioned Balkan lynx, brown bear, golden eagle, and gray wolf, have also found their haven among the deep, seemingly endless forests of Dinara Nature Park. You may even come across wild boars, deer, and wild cats.
The fact that Dinara Nature Park is a protected area under the European Union's Natura 2000 program speaks volumes about its biodiversity and natural wealth. Numerous educational and research centers are also located in this area in order to further study and thereby preserve the Dinara Nature Park’s flora and fauna of immense importance.
Where is Dinara Nature Park?
Dinara Nature Park is situated in Lika-Senj County, in the southern part of Croatia. The Park is also a natural border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It isn’t particularly close to some of the largest tourist sites in Croatia, but the glorious views are well worth a couple of hour-long rides.
Split, being only a two-hour drive away, is one of the closest tourist cities to the Park. At a slightly greater distance are beautiful Zadar (2h 30min) and wonderful Trogir (2h 20min). If you are traveling from Zagreb, it will take you about 4 hours and 45 minutes to get to the Park.
One thing is certain: whichever city you come from, you will equally enjoy the park and the climb to the mountains because it’s truly one place where all your everyday problems will disappear. Out in the wilderness, there will be only you and the endless expanse of perfectly preserved nature.
What to do in Dinara Nature Park?
Visitors of Dinara Nature Park can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. There’s something for everyone’s taste.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities to do in the Dinara Nature Park for a reason. There are numerous marked trails; some fit for beginners, and some fit for professionals. The highest peak, Sinjal, measures 1831m in height. Although it sounds intimidating, you don’t necessarily need to be a hiking pro to conquer it.
Visit Glavaš Lake
The Cetina River has several sources in the Dinara Nature Park. However, Lake Glavaš is considered its main source. This lake is especially popular among tourists because of its remarkable colors. It's a couple of hundred meters deep and offers a truly unusual sight. Thousands of shades of blue are immersed in it, creating an azure color spectacle right before your eyes.
Visit the luminescent Krčić Waterfall near Knin
Only a few kilometers away from Knin, close to the village of Kovačić, is the magnificent waterfall Krčić, also known as Topoljski buk.
As this place is full of various formations, you can also find numerous underwater caves. This is the right opportunity to awaken your spirit of exploration and indulge in an exciting adventure.
Glavaš and Prozor fortresses
These are beautiful defensive medieval fortresses with specific hiking trails that lead to them. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views. They also make great backgrounds for your Instagram shots. You gotta give ‘em a go!
Dinaric Rally
Adrenaline junkies - pay attention! This is an international rally event that will completely blow your mind.
The unpredictable ride on this terrain will take you over magnificent meadows and all the way to sharp rocks. Only those with an alert mind and a cool head will be able to skilfully pass through these all-natural obstacles. And at the end, a real treat awaits you - a cold beer and a sense of pride ‘cause you’ve made it all the way through.
One thing is for sure - Dinara Nature Park is full of beauty fit for everyone's taste. No matter if you’re a history enthusiast, photographer, hiker, or nature-lover, Dinara has a side of itself specially forged to your liking.
So if you haven’t yet, put Dinara Nature Park on your must-visit list for this year’s vacation!
