Alan is a starting point for hikes in Velebit and also a prominent mountain pass: Veliki Alan lies at an elevation of 1,414 metres. Mountain pastures, Duliba and Padeži shape the landscape beneath the scenic peaks. When planning your stay, you can focus on hiking, cycling and traces of former mountain settlements.

Mountain Pass Landscapes and Views

Veliki Alan is considered an important Velebit pass. The road that runs across the pass connects Lika with the sea. From Alan, there are also views of the sea and the islands. The open mountain pastures and peaks offer a different perspective on Velebit from the visible traces of the slopes’ former use.

Hikes from Alan

Alan is a starting point for hikes in Velebit. The Premužićeva Trail heads north to the grassy summit of Alančić, at 1,612 metres; the walk takes about an hour from the Planinarska kuća Alan. From the top, there are views across much of northern and central Velebit and out to the sea.

Another hike follows a ridge trail from the Planinarska kuća Alan to Buljma, at 1,451 metres. It takes about an hour and a half on foot, has no major ascents and offers views of the sea and the Mirovo Valley. The two hikes therefore differ both in summit elevation and approximate duration: Alančić takes about an hour, while Buljma takes about an hour and a half on foot.

The Veliki Golić–Goljak circular trail runs mostly across grassland and has no difficult ascents; the level of difficulty may vary depending on conditions. Zečjak is the second-highest peak of central Velebit. Its ascent from Alan initially follows the road towards Štirovača and then the Premužićeva Trail, before the path climbs to the summit. To reach Veliki Lubenovac, head north from Alan on the Premužićeva Trail, then continue along a mountain path at the junction near Krajačev kuk. Conditions on the routes to Buljma and Veliki Lubenovac may change seasonally.

Cycling Routes and Roads

The Alan–Štirovača cycling route is 11.9 kilometres long and rated moderate. The estimated riding time is 1 to 1.25 hours. Another route, Alan–Mrkvište–Štirovača, runs east from the Planinarska kuća Alan, shares two kilometres with Trail E and descends three kilometres from Mrkvište to Štirovača. Trail E connects Oltari, Zavižan, Lom, Lubenovac and Alan; after Zavižan and Mali Lom, the route reaches Alan via a gravel road through Lubenovac. Surface and access conditions on cycling routes may vary.

Alan is accessible via a paved road from Jablanac or a gravel road from Begovača. For the route to Štirovača, a nine-kilometre gravel road leads from Alan to Mrkvište, followed by a 3.5-kilometre paved road into the valley.

Cultural Heritage and Planning Your Visit

Since 2009, the Premužićeva Trail has been officially protected as a cultural asset of national importance. Mirovo, a former summer mountain settlement and now a Velebit grassland, lies near Alan. Dry-stone walls and old summer houses can be seen there; the remains also include stone houses, barns and cisterns. These structures give the open pasture landscape a historical context, without requiring a long hike to a summit.

The “Planinska igraonica” Education and Interpretation Centre explores the species and habitats of Northern Velebit National Park, as well as traditional pastoralism. Check whether the programme is available before your trip. The Planinarska kuća Alan is considered to be open continuously from the end of May to the end of October; outside this period, it is usually open on Sundays. Check opening times before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Prizna, Volarice, Seline, Starigrad, Stinica, Vrataruša, Jablanac, Klada.

For the higher-level travel overview: Općina Senj.