Paklenica National Park is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Croatia, located in the southern part of the Velebit mountain range, near the Adriatic coast.
Location
- Near the town of Starigrad-Paklenica
- About 45–60 minutes from Zadar
- Part of the Velebit UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
What makes it special
The park is famous for its dramatic limestone canyons:
- Velika Paklenica Gorge – main canyon, accessible and most visited
- Mala Paklenica Gorge – wilder, more remote and less crowded
- Towering cliffs reaching over 400 m height
- Dense forests blending into rocky alpine terrain
In the Winnetou films (the 1960s Karl May westerns), Paklenica National Park was mainly used for wide landscape and canyon scenes, not for built “villages” or city settings.
Winnetou scenes were filmed in Paklenica
Canyon & wilderness scenes
- Large parts of the Velika Paklenica gorge were used for dramatic “Wild West” landscapes
- Scenes showing travel through mountains, canyons, and rocky terrain
- Shots of characters moving through “untamed frontier” nature
Horseback riding sequences
- Long riding scenes through open rocky valleys
- Chase and travel sequences where characters move between locations
- The steep canyon walls gave a cinematic “American Southwest” look
Ambush & action scenes
- Some action sequences and ambush-style scenes were filmed in rocky areas of the park
- Narrow passages in the canyon were used to create tension and isolation
- Natural rock formations served as dramatic cover and hiding spots
Why Paklenica was chosen
- Deep, cinematic limestone canyons
- Minimal human structures in the 1960s
- Easily stood in for the American frontier landscape
Today
- You can still hike through the same canyon used in filming
- The park is a popular spot for fans of the Winnetou movies
- Some guided tours in Croatia highlight Karl May filming locations
Activities for tourists
Hiking
- Well-marked trails for all levels
- Popular hike: entrance → Paklenica mountain hut
- Scenic viewpoints over canyons and Adriatic Sea
Rock climbing
- One of Europe’s top climbing destinations
- Famous wall: Anića Kuk
- Over 400 climbing routes
Nature & wildlife
- Wildlife includes brown bears, wolves, lynx, eagles
- Rich plant diversity with over 1,000 species
- Karst caves and underground systems
Visitor facilities
- Visitor center at Velika Paklenica entrance
- Restaurants and small shops nearby
- Mountain huts for rest and overnight stays
- Guided tours available in peak season
Best time to visit
- Spring (April–June): ideal for hiking, mild temperatures
- Autumn (September–October): fewer crowds, great weather
- Summer can be very hot in the canyon (bring water & early starts recommended)
Entry & access
- Paid entrance fee (varies by season)
- Two main entrances:
- Velika Paklenica (main entrance)
- Mala Paklenica (less developed)
Travel tip
Combine Paklenica with:
- A beach day in Starigrad-Paklenica
- A sunset visit to Zadar
- Or a multi-day Dalmatia road trip