Biokovo Mountain:
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| The Biokovo Botanical Garden Kotisina was established the Croatian government in 1984 above the village of Kotisina. Biokovo mountains (1, 762 m) are a branch of Dinaric Alps structure that stretches from Slovenia to Albania through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina via Montenegro. The mountain is the only part of the Dinaric Alps that gets so close to the sea. And this unique location is the reason behind its popularity as well as its varied flora and fauna.
The region enjoys Continental as well as Mediterranean climate and this helps in the growth of different plant species. There are lots of caves and pits around Biokovo and very often one can see wild muflons, foxes as well as various bird species.
From Biokovo look towards the sea for a view of the Dalmatian islands and the coastline in the south and towns of Vrgorac and Imotski in the north. Sometimes, when it's very clear, one can see a peak of Monte Gargano in Italy too. The nature park is a destination for botanists as well as walkers and cyclists. |
Kopacki Rit: The nature park at Kopacki Rit is in eastern Croatia in an area called Baranja. The area is considered to be the largest wetland in Europe. The wetlands, flooded for at least three months a year, are one of the largest spawning ground for freshwater fish in the whole Danube River.
The park is located near the point where river Drava and river Danube join before carrying on their journey towards the Black Sea. The 42, 000-acre park is covered in verdant vegetation and is home to about 250 bird species, including rare varieties such as the black stork as well as wild goose, wild duck, big white heron, white stork, black stork, white-tailed eagle, big crow, coot, seagull, tern, kingfisher, woodpecker, green woodpecker. A part of Kopacki Rit has been designated as a special zoological reserve.
The park can be visited by boat or by foot. The nearest airport is Osijek airport. Angling and hunting is allowed only in certain parts of the park.
Lonjsko Polje: This nature park (506 sq km) is located in the flood plains between Sava River and Moslavacka Gora Mountain. The marshes of Lonjsko Polje and its forested area are favourites of wild ducks for nesting. Also watch out for rare bird species like white-tailed and short-toed eagle, white egret, grey heron and black stork.
It is also largest hatching grounds of pike, spotted Turopolje swine, wild boars, deer, roes, otters, beavers and wild cats.
The park is also rich in terms of architecture. Visitors can find wooden houses like cottages, built in typical Posavina style. As far as hunting and fishing is concerned, it is a limited activity regulated by code of conduct of Lonjsko Polje Park Authority. The park is easily accessible from Zagreb by public transport or car or bicycle or from Sisak, Popovaca, Kutina, Novska or Nova Gradiska.
Medvednica: Medvednica or Zagrebacka Gora is a mountain close to the Zagreb. The highest peak is Sljeme (1, 032 m). It's a popular for hiking, walking and skiing. A cable car operates throughout the year, connecting the foot of Medvednica in Zagreb with its peak.
Telascica - Dugi Otok: Telascica, a large bay (10km in length and it's width stretches from 160 m to almost 2 km) is located on the southern side of Dugi Otok Island in Adriatic Sea.
Smaller bays surround Telascica, an extension of Kornati islands. In the heart of Telascica are islands Farfarikulac as well as dramatic cliffs Gozdenja and Galijola. Small salt water lake Mir is part of Telascica, partly bordering by cliffs. Telascica is very popular among sailing crowd because it is location is a safe haven yachts and boats.
UCKA (pronounced ' uchka')
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UCKA is a mountain located in the eastern Istria - the largest peninsula in Croatia. The highest peak on Ucka is Vojak that is 1400 m high.
Rainfall in high in this area and therefore is abundant vegetation and animal life. While the coastal slopes of Ucka are covered in Mediterranean vegetation, other parts have oak and chestnut forests.
Ucka's summit is worth to climb for the panoramic view of the Gulf of Kvarner bay. On the western side you can see the whole of Istra peninsula and if you are lucky Alps can be seen from the northern side.
Also worth visitng are the villages Vela and Mala Ucka. They are are located at about 900 m. The main activities of the villagers are agriculture and cattle rearing as well as some tourism too.
PAPUK
PAPUK is a mountain located in the northeastern region of Croatia. It is located on the very edge of Pozega Valley. The area is a popular haunt for walkers and hikers. The nature park has water springs at Cadavica, Karasica and Pakra and this adds to its charm and freshness during the hot seasons. |
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The region is also known for wine growing and the southern slopes of Papuk are full of tidy vineyards that are maintained by local growers.
Sjeverni (North) Velebit: Lying adjacent to the Adriatic and occupying over 2, 000 sq km (145km length and up to 30km in width) this mountainous ridge primarily of limestone is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Velebit is perfect for those looking for some days in solitude. It is possible to hike the whole length of the ridge, following Premuzic's path and staying in mountain huts, while the more compact Paklenica National Park also offers excellent walking opportunities.
The climate in the region is typically Mediterranean but only in the slopes. The top of the ridge has has continental climate with intense summers and then followed by cold, harsh winters. July to September is thus best months to visit.
Vransko Jezero (Vransko Lake)
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Vransko Jezero is the largest lake in Croatia, located in area called Ravni Kotari, northeast of Pakostane. The area comprises 30 square kilometers of marshes and waters and is rich in fish and bird life.
Vransko Lake is very popular destination for freshwater fishing holidays as well as for bird watchers. Various bird species can be seen around the Lake like egret, yellow egret, small white egret, cackling cuckoo, wild ducks, grebes etc.
Zumberak - Samoborsko Gorje: A hilly region near Croatian capital Zagreb comprising 300 square kilometers is rich in beech and chestnut forests as well as various caves and abysses and underground streams.
Zumberak range (Gorjanci) is located in the border area of Croatia and Slovenia. |
A smaller part of the range - Samoborsko Gorje (Japetic, the highest top, height 880 m) has been favourites for hikers and walkers. The Karlovac Hiking Transverse passes through attractive countryside that includes Sopote Waterfalls on Kupcina river as well as Slapnica brook therefore mountain climbing; hiking, hunting and angling are very popular in the area of Zumberacko Gorje. Keen-eyed visitors can enjoy old hill-forts and feudal castles. Mountain enthusiasts can also try and climb to the highest peak, Sveta Gera (1, 178 m) on the very border with Slovenia. Several small and cozy villages LIKE Sosice, Ostrc, Tomasevci, Kalje, Stojdraga are worth to visiting.
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