South Velebit hike-thru

Seline is a tourist village located on the coast. It's also a gate to the Paklenica National Park. Our hike starts from the main bus stop opposite the church - that’s the spot where we left the bus from Karlobag. We landed on site around noon so the temperature was pretty warm. Although being only roughly 12 km, this day is the least pleasant and tiring. There are a couple of reasons behind it. The most obvious is that we start from sea level and need to get around 1,250 meters, which translates to the biggest single ascent during the whole multi-day hike, with the final stretches being the steepest ones. Also, the backpack is fully loaded with supplies and therefore costs more effort. Lastly, the ascent happens on the southern side, which unluckily coincides with the bus arrival time around noon.

Links:Velebit path saying hello

Seline - Ivine Vodice shelter:

Leaving the Seline outskirts, we first land on a meadow covered in rocks; the ascent is mild at the start but gets steeper. At some point we cross a rocky culmination and switch the maritime landscape for a purely mountainous one. There is also some even-terrain walking in the area of Njive Lekine, but eventually, upon entering a pretty dense forest, we first approach the slopes of Jablanuša and then the final steep ascent to our accommodation point - Ivine Vodice shelter, just below the peak of Badalj.

Alternative start via Mala Paklenica ravine:

There is an alternative to the beginning of this trail which might make more sense on hot days - that is to enter Mala Paklenica canyon and follow up to Njive Lekine. There might be a bigger chance for shade from towering ravine cliffs, however this path has some secured stretches which will engage you in a scramble/easy climb which won’t be pleasant with a fully loaded backpack. Secondly, entering the ravine means paying the Paklenica National Park entry fee, if done during the opening hours of the check-in.

Links:Paklenica National Park pricesPaklenica National Park entrance

Tips and author's comments:

As already mentioned I remembered this day to be the most challenging and least fun. Did not expect such a harsh sun and sweating in the last days of October. Also I had to deal with my son's motion sickness caused by a happy curvy coastal bus trip from Karlobag. That was also the only day we hiked a bit after dusk. Luckily the orientation in the forest was easy enough in the dark.

Accommodation:

Ivine Vodice is a beautifully located hut equipped with everything needed for a decent overnight stay. A water well is located nearby (turning left on leaving the hut), there is also a dry toilet and a cooker inside with pots to warm the water. Sleeping happens in the attic accessed by a steep ladder, there should be enough space for 10-12 people on the floor. Downstairs there are benches to sit around a table. Surprisingly, the sea can be observed from the hut as well as the lights of some towns. There is also a mobile signal. Personal best on the South Velebit route.

Links:Ivine Vodice shelter informationIvine Vodice shelter location