Velebit stories- Canyons of river Zrmanja

06.07.2020.

This is where you heart will drink up the beauty, where you’ll breathtakingly catch up the colours, the softness and the awe. This is where you’ll ask yourself how you didn’t know about this before. This is where you’ll watch and watch the colours of nature like the paintings. This is where all your wanderings will stop to admire the moment. Zrmanja canyons offer the off-beaten discovery in Croatia and create some of the most amazing canyons in Europe.

If you’re eager to discover more of the Velebit mountain, consider hiking the Premužić trail.

How to reach Zrmanja canyons

Nestled among the majestic mountain of Velebit river Zrmanja flows into the sea, into the few of nearby rivers where with Krupa creates this fabulous canyon. I cannot wonder enough that the film Winnetou has found the proper location. Six majestic canyons decorate this river.

Only about 15 minutes from the town Obrovac where we found our accomodation and one hour from Zadar at croatian coast it’s the perfect opportunity to be one with your soul.

Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint

Even before coming to our descent to the river we stopped by the viewpoint that goes to Pueblo Plato (Pariževačka glavica) and couldn’t wonder enough as the nature paints like no one else. This was the place where Zrmanja became Rio Pecos in the films of Winnetou.

Enjoying the view of the rocks Tulove grede that we planned to visit tomorrow but haven’t because the rain was announced was like set on the palm of the hand. We passed by the restaurant with ostrich where we later took dinner, they had a small veggie plate of potatos and mangold for me.

The legends about the canyons

The highlight of our trip except the views of the canyon where the old legends and poems told by our co-traveller that knew everything about the area though he has never been here. He was the perfect guide so it’s not a surprise that he’s even working as a tour guide. The relaxing company gave us so much fun. Some of the old verses says: “If there was milk like Lika (the area), the cheese would be like Zir (the place)”.

The first stop of Zrmanja canyons- incredible waterfall

Finally when we came to the descent taking the naked road, the first stop was an incredible waterfall. The highest one at river Zrmanja and so close to the flow of the other river Krupa this waterfall Visoki Buk is one of the 19 on the whole river.

As we continue the walk along the river, the colours and shapes of the mountain spell the marvel at every step. After 3 hours of walking of what we expected to be only one hour in front of our eyes comes the majestic bridge. Now we will need one more descent but not today as the tour of the bridge doesn’t take long.

The fascinating viewpoint of Zrmanja canyons

The viewpoint is marvellous and many people come only here. There’s a local stand with some fresh fruits and the water under the delicious mulberry. Mountains, river, special green, meadow- it’s just difficult to chose one scene or photo. The marvel at every turn is just so present. Seeing the goats on the road was such a scenic sight of local life.

Kudin bridge

The story of the bridge Kudin most with its power of love is even more majestic. 12 arches make the unique bridge and the way to cross to the other village where his lady lived. Its only 200 years ago that this kind of wedding made its impact.

Visiting the monastery

The whole path along the river starts near the monastery, so picturesquely settled among hills. We visited this place the next day enjoying the refreshing view where people just come for the picnic at the meadow.

One of the most beautiful canyons of Zrmanja is located at the village Muškovci near the waterfall Berberov buk but the area of Kudin most is even more beautiful.

About the Obrovac town

Obrovac itself is an old town with the fort as its crown within the distance of 45 km from Zadar, the lovely coastal town that we visited also. The fabulous scenes of the sea flowing into the river can be seen at Posedarje, which is only 20 km from Obrovac.

Watermills at Majerovo vrilo

On the way back to Zagreb we stopped at the famous pizzeria as recommended in the place called Sinjac. Purposefully nestled among the local attraction of dreamy watermills called Majerovo vrilo it was a double win.

Final thoughts

Zrmanja is known as one of the most beautiful rivers in Croatia, so wild and free she created more than art, she created stories. I hope one day I will make the whole path, from the source till the embouchure.