Setinto thePaklenica National Park, located on theSouth Velebit mountain range, Sveto Brdo (1751)is nothing but a “Saint Hill”. Itis not without reason, because of the two bases. First, itoffers one of the most magnificent views in Croatia, extending of the Zadar archipelago. As second to hike this peak one should follow all of the real sense of respecting the mountain: the bush, wilderness, species, mountain shelters.
Croatia is maybe not known as a destination to have high peaks. But in another way, the thing known is the peaks offering expansive views in a combination of the Adriatic Sea and mountains area. Many beautiful blooms located at mountain ranges above the coast from south Dalmatia to Istria would enable us to enjoy the unforgettable horizons.
And there are few around 1500 meters or higher too, which is not low altitude to be reached, requiring to overcome the various barriers like in every other mountain. Sveto Brdo (1751 m) is a peak located on the southeastern part of the hill. It belongs to the Southern Velebit’s heights, where the highest peak of Velebit is located – Vaganski Vrh (1757 m).
Slow Hike to Sveto Brdo: A Pilgrimage through Velebit’s Sacred Wilderness
Set deep in the heart of South Velebit, within the rugged arms of Paklenica National Park, Sveto Brdo (1751 m) is a peak of rare presence. Known locally as the “Holy Hill,” its aura is not simply tied to altitude, but to the spiritual hush that surrounds it. From its summit, the Adriatic Sea lies in full embrace, while the slopes below echo with the calls of choughs and the rustle of beech leaves. This is a mountain that calls not for speed—but for reverence.
A Mountain Worth Wandering
Though Sveto Brdo is just six meters shy of Velebit’s highest peak, Vaganski Vrh, many hikers consider it the true crown of the range. Its pyramidal silhouette and far-reaching views grant it a deeper sense of arrival. For us, it wasn’t just about elevation, but about finding silence between steps and spaciousness between breaths.
We chose a two-day journey through the lesser-known Mala Paklenica entrance, allowing time for stillness, rest, and deep observation.
Day 1: Entering the Wilderness from Mala Paklenica
Our hike began from the quieter Entrance 2 of the National Park. While one of our team members arranged logistics at the official entrance, we lingered at the edge of the canyon, feeling the air shift and the terrain slowly draw us in.
The Mala Paklenica canyon feels like stepping into an untouched world. Narrow, steep, and wild, its vertical limestone walls embrace silence. The trail weaved gently at first, taking us past Kapljarica Cave—a shady respite where even the bats seem to nap slowly.
Later, we passed under the shadow of Anića Kuk, one of Croatia’s most dramatic climbing faces. We did not climb it. We paused instead, watching the light play off its sheer sides, before continuing through open terrain towards the Paklenica Mountain Lodge.
We reached the lodge near dusk, lulled by the constant whisper of the Paklenica stream. The hut’s wooden walls held warmth and camaraderie. Sleep came quickly, welcomed by tired legs and full hearts.
Day 2: Climbing to Sveto Brdo
We woke to birdsong and the hushed chatter of early hikers. The path to Ivine Vodice shelter led us through old beech forest, a steady rhythm of switchbacks and morning sun. Water refilled and legs revived, we moved on.
The next stage brought us through Vlaški Grad, where signs of past shelters remain. We lingered at the meadow here, observing how wind bends grasses in invisible waves. From here the trail climbs sharply, then softens again over ridges of scree and wild thyme.
As we approached Sveto Brdo, the land opened. The final ascent is both merciful and mighty: a last breath of effort before the world unfolds.
At the Summit of Sveto Brdo (1751 m)
The summit of Sveto Brdo is a place of stillness. Marked by a large cross and a metal box with a registry book, it offers a 360-degree embrace of land and sea. We could see the islands of Dalmatia, the arc of the Velebit peaks, and far across to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We stayed long. Not just to rest, but to reflect. There is a sacred hush here, a suspension of time. No one rushed the descent.
The Way Down
The descent led us back to the Paklenica Mountain Hut, retracing steps but with slower eyes. Each rock felt familiar; each view earned. From the lodge, we continued to Velika Paklenica and our waiting transport, hearts quiet and lungs full.
A Note on Slowness
Sveto Brdo is not just a hike—it is a call to walk differently. Not to conquer, but to receive. Whether you stay one night or three, let the mountain set the pace.
Prepare well. Bring enough water, warm clothing, and respect. You may find, as we did, that Sveto Brdo is not just a peak on a map—but a space within, a high place where spirit and sky meet.
Additional Notes
- Overnight spots: Paklenica Mountain Lodge (basic, warm meals), Ivine Vodice (shelter with spring water)
- Trail highlights: Anića Kuk (viewpoint), Kapljarica Cave, Vlaški Grad meadows
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best season: Late spring to early autumn
Let the rhythm of the mountain guide your own. Let Sveto Brdo be a pilgrimage, not a goal.