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The Easiest and Best Hikes in Croatia and Its Surrounding Countries
Nothing can beat the beauty of Croatia’s natural sites. With a variety of different landscapes ranging from forested areas and lakes within the many national parks, to mountain ranges and sweeping coastal vistas that feed into the crystal blue Adriatic Sea – there is nothing better than exploring this untouched paradise. One of the greatest ways to see this incredible country is by hiking across its lands.
In this guide, we’ll be talking you through some of the best hikes in Croatia and its bordering countries. And showing you how you can book your very own Croatia hiking tours, so you can experience these hiking trails with a local guide by your side.
The Best Hikes in Croatia
Croatia offers a variety of easy hikes that showcase the country’s stunning natural beauty, from coastal paths to inland trails. Here are a few of the easiest and best hikes in Croatia that you should add to your next vacation:
Plitvice Lakes
One of the best hikes in Croatia’s national parks
Route: Lower Lakes Circuit
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting at entrance 1 of Plitvice Lakes National Park, this round trip route is ideal for visitors who want to experience the park’s most iconic features such as Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall) and Kozjak Lake without too much strenuous activity. This hike will take you through lush forests and around serene lakes while you are surrounded by the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls.
All of the trails are mostly flat and very well-maintained, with wooden walkways that will help you keep a steady footing as you navigate your way around the park. To book a Croatia hiking tour around Plitvice Lakes, speak to our travel specialists who can put together the perfect itinerary for your walking ability.
Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik
Offering spectacular views over the city of Dubrovnik
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Around 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) one way
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
There are many ways in which you can complete this hike, depending on your walking ability. You can start your journey at the beginning of the trail located close to Lower Cable Cart Station. This will lead you through Mediterranean vegetation and pine forests. Please note, that this hike can be moderately steep in some sections, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Alternatively, you can hike down the cliffside, using the cable cart to make your way up Mount Srđ. This is one of the best hikes in Croatia for spectacular views. At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the historic city of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding coastal landscapes. As you descend down the mountain, you’ll be treated to incredible views over Dubrovnik’s red rooftops and the Adriatic islands.
To truly explore the best of the incredible city of Dubrovnik, view our private tours to Croatia and start planning your next vacation today.
Marjan Hill, Split
A popular spot in Split for easy hikes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: Depending on the route taken
Duration: Depending on the route taken
Marjan Hill is a forested park area near the city of Split. It offers a variety of well-marked routes that lead to a viewpoint overlooking Split, its historic Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. You can begin this hike at several entry points to Marjan Hill but the most common route for beginners is the Riva promenade located near the city center.
As you ascend up the hill, you may come across several viewpoints along the way, such as Telegrin and Perivoj. There are great places to stop, catch your breath, and have a quick bite to eat all while you take in the breathtaking scenery that lies below.
It is important to note that the trails in this park vary in both length and difficulty. For help finding the right hiking trail for you, contact our travel experts today. We can help you organize custom Croatia hiking tours all across the country that can suit your walking preferences.
Hikes That Are Worth Venturing Out of Croatia For
Planning on taking a day trip out of Croatia? Why not explore some of the surrounding countries on your next vacation to Croatia, and while you’re there, partake in some of the best hikes around:
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Route: Crno Jezero (Black Lake) Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) for the complete loop around the lake
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
It is more than possible to take a day trip from Croatia to Durmitor National Park, a stunning mountainous area in Montenegro known for its rugged beauty and glacial landscapes. This hike starts from the entrance to Crno Jezero, one of the park’s most famous glacier lakes. The trail entrance is easily accessible by car or public transportation from the nearby town of Žabljak.
Throughout the hike you will be treated to gorgeous views of the Black Lake, all while you are surrounded by lush forests. You will also be able to capture fantastic views of the peaks of Durmitor at some points on this hike. As a whole, the trail is relatively flat and offers a leisurely way to enjoy the natural beauty of Durmitor without too much of a gradient on the route.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Route: Ojstrica Viewpoint Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) one-way
Duration: 30-45 minutes each way
If you’re looking for a fun and easy hike that the whole family can enjoy, then Ojstrica Viewpoint Hike in Slovenia might be the route you’re looking for. You can begin this route from several points along the shores of Lake Bled, located near the town of Bled. This area is particularly popular with travelers wanting to explore the more natural side of Slovenia.
It is worth noting that this hike does have a slight incline as you ascend up through the forested area of the trail to the Ojstrica viewpoint. The route is well-marked throughout making it relatively easy to follow. It is certainly worth the effort to make the hike up to this viewpoint as at the top you’ll be able to see incredible panoramic views of the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, Bled Island with its Church of the Assumption, and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
This trail is perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Lake Bled and its surroundings without embarking on a more strenuous adventure. As this hike is a little shorter than most, you can also try your hand at the Vintgar Gorge Hike which starts just around the corner from the town of Bled.
The Vintgar Gorge Hike is approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) one-way. It is a fairly easy walk that runs parallel to the Radovna River and takes you through the stunning Vintgar Gorge. The trail is well-maintained and doesn’t require strenuous climbing, leading to the impressive Sum Waterfall, a waterfall that tumbles down into a deep pool, creating a picturesque and serene scene.
Croatia Hiking Tours by Adventures Croatia
Has our guide to the best hikes in and around Croatia given you the itch to get your walking boots on? Well, we have just the thing for you! Here are some examples of our pre-planned Croatia hiking tours that you can book for your next vacation:
To start booking one of our Croatia hiking tours, speak to our travel specialists today. We can help you plan the perfect active adventure around Croatia that perfectly fits your travel preference.
Or if you would like to have a more personalized experience, we also offer custom tours around Croatia and its neighboring nations, so you can tailor your vacation to fit your needs. To learn more about customizable tour options, contact our team today.
