This guide describes 20 walks and 7 short treks in Croatia. Around half the routes focus on the striking limestone ranges of Gorski kotar and Velebit, which form part of the Dinaric Alps, but there are also routes in Dalmatia and on the Istrian peninsula, as well as four walks centred around the capital, Zagreb. They are easily accessible from the coastal resorts and main cities such as Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, and the guide includes advice on the most convenient bases.
Showcasing Croatia's majestic scenery, the routes range from short, easy walks to more challenging treks and mountain traverses. Step-by-step route description is accompanied by clear mapping, and there are notes highlighting where refreshments are available on or near the trails. The treks make use of mountain huts and shelters, details of which are provided, although it is also possible to camp.
The guide also includes information on local points of interest, fascinating overviews of Croatian history, plants and wildlife and a comprehensive English-Croatian glossary. Many routes take in the dramatic karst landscapes and peaks of Croatia's mountains; others explore the country's stunning national and nature parks - including the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes; yet more visit local attractions and highlights, such as Vrelo Cave and Pazin's castle and gorge.

Rudolf Abraham is an award-winning travel writer and photographer specialising in Central and Southeastern Europe. He is the author of over a dozen books, including guides to hiking the Juliana Trail in Slovenia, the Peaks of the Balkans Trail on the borders of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, and the Alpe Adria Trail from the Grossglockner to the Adriatic - as well as guides to walking in Austria's Salzkammergut region and in the mountains of Croatia and Montenegro. His work is published widely in magazines and online, including Family Traveller, Geographical, The Guardian, Hidden Europe, JRNY, Lonely Planet, Morning Calm, National Geographic Traveller, The Great Outdoors, Wanderlust etc.

Map key
Overview map

Introduction
Geography and geology
History
Architecture, art and culture
Wildlife and plants
Climate
Getting to Croatia
Visas
Getting around
Accommodation
Food and drink
Language
Money
Postal services and telecommunications
Equipment
Maps
Walking and trekking in Croatia
What to do in an emergency
Using this guide

Part 1 Walks around Zagreb
Route 1 Graficar, Sljeme
Route 2 Vrh Sljeme
Route 3 Veternica Cave
Route 4 Samoborsko gorje

Part 2 Istria and the Opatija Riviera
Route 5 Vrh Ucka
Route 6 Pazinska jama

Part 3 Gorski kotar
Risnjak National Park
Route 7 Vrh Risnjak
Route 8 River Kupa source
Route 9 Risnjak, Snjeznik and Hahlic
Skrad and Fuzine
Route 10 Vrazji prolaz ('the devil's throat') and Zeleni vir
Route 11 Burnji Bitoraj
Route 12 Bajersko jezero and Vrelo cave
Velika kapela
Route 13 Bjelolasica, Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene
Route 14 Klek

Part 4 Velebit
Northern Velebit National Park and Central Velebit
Route 15 Mali Rajinac, Veliki Zavizan and Botanicki vrt
Route 16 Northern Velebit and Central Velebit
Paklenica National Park and Southern Velebit
Route 17 Anica kuk
Route 18 Manita pec
Route 19 Juzni Velebit (southern Velebit) and Paklenica

Part 5 The Dalmatian Hinterland
Route 20 Dinara
Route 21 Krka National Park
Route 22 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Part 6 Central Dalmatia
Route 23 Mosor
Route 24 Kozjak
Route 25 Biokovo traverse

Part 7 Southern Dalmatia
Route 26 Snijeznica (Ilijin vrh)
Route 27 Sveti Ilija (Pelješac)

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Gateway cities - Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Split
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Croatian language notes and glossary
Appendix E Other hiking areas in Croatia
Appendix F Further reading