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Park geography

Detailed analysis of mountain terrain, peak elevations, and karst landscape distribution

Comprehensive Geographic Profile and Mapped Boundaries of Paklenica National Park in Croatia

Examine the detailed geographic structure of Paklenica National Park, which spans 95 square kilometers within Croatia. This profile captures essential landscape data including karst formations, deep canyon terrain, and forest habitats anchored by high-altitude points like Vaganski vrh and Sveto brdo.

Stylized illustration of a mountain canyon with a river, waterfalls, pine trees, and rocky cliffs under a pastel sky

Croatia's premier karst canyon and climbing destination on the slopes of Velebit

Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park is a rugged protected area in northern Dalmatia, Croatia, encompassing dramatic karst canyons carved deep into the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range. The park contains two principal canyons—Velika Paklenica (Big Paklenica) stretching 14 kilometers and Mala Paklenica (Small Paklenica) extending 12 kilometers—where vertical cliffs rise over 700 meters from the canyon floor, creating one of the most striking mountain landscapes in the Adriatic region. Established in 1949 and originally protected as early as 1929, Paklenica represents the second-oldest national park in Croatia and is recognized as the country's most important climbing destination, with over 360 equipped routes attracting climbers from across Europe. The park's karst terrain is perforated by 76 documented caves and pits, while its diverse forests—particularly the ancient beech forests recognized by UNESCO as part of a trans-European World Heritage site—harbor remarkable biodiversity including 79 endemic plant species, 230 bird species, and populations of brown bears, chamois, and golden eagles.

Location
Croatia
Park type
National park
Area
95 km²
Highest point
1,757 m
Paklenica National Park Protected Landscape
Location overview

Territorial division and regional placement in Zadar County

Geographic Position of Paklenica National Park in Croatia

Paklenica National Park is situated in Croatia, positioned in Zadar County. National records define its boundaries as an inland protected area with no transboundary or marine zoning.
Countries
Croatia
Regions
Zadar County
Primary location
Croatia
Geographic setting
Inland
Boundary and coordinates

Paklenica National Park’s outline supplies context for 95 km²

Paklenica National Park mapped boundary and 95 km² area

Paklenica National Park has stored boundary geometry that shows its mapped shape and spatial footprint. The database gives 95 km² overall but no land–marine allocation or perimeter, and the outline serves geographic context rather than legal survey use.
Pigeon | © OpenStreetMap contributors
Boundary area
92 km²
Boundary perimeter
62 km
Northernmost point
44.4116° N
Southernmost point
44.2836° N
Easternmost point
15.5767° E
Westernmost point
15.3831° E
Geographic centre
44.3423° N, 15.4873° E
North–south span
14.2 km
East–west span
15.4 km
Nacionalni park Paklenica
Elevation and terrain

Analyzed vertical range and recorded natural features within protected boundaries

Paklenica National Park Terrain, Elevation Profile, and Mountain Relief

Recorded elevation data shows a high point of 1757 meters across rugged mountain terrain. Detailed feature cards display names, types, measurements, and spatial relationships for recorded formations within the park.
Highest point
1,757 m

Selected named natural features

Peaks

Badanjski Vrh

1,625 m

Peaks

Babin kuk

1,431 m

Peaks

Krivi kuk

636 m

Streams

Bukovi potok

Peaks

Debelo brdo

1,597 m

Viewpoints

Anića Kuk

Environmental setting

Mediterranean climate zones, forest cover, and mountain relief profiles

Paklenica National Park Environmental Setting and Physical Classifications

Recorded landscape features, habitat types, and relief classifications form complementary ways to read the physical setting of Paklenica National Park. Connected categories link directly to relevant atlas destinations across the protected terrain.
Relief
Mountain
Climate
Mediterranean
Water
Minor water
Forest cover
Mostly forested
Seasonality
Year-round

Landscape features

Mountains · Cliffs · Canyon · Cave · Karst · Forest · Woodland

Habitat types

Temperate broadleaf forest · Mediterranean forest · Montane forest · Karst habitat

Park atlas

Map adjacent protected landscapes, regional park geography, and diverse conservation areas.

Compare Related National Parks and Protected Areas Beyond Paklenica National Park

After exploring Paklenica National Park's dramatic karst canyons and ancient beech forests, browse other national parks and protected areas across Croatia's diverse landscapes. Trace mapped park geography, compare regional protected zones, and discover connected conservation areas to expand your understanding of the Adriatic region.
Watercolor illustration showing mountains, a river, a waterfall, trees, and flowers.
National parkBosnia and Herzegovina
44 km away#1 closest

East

Una National Park: Bosnia and Herzegovina's Largest National Park and Protected Landscape

Explore its dramatic river canyons and karst geography.

Una National Park represents a significant protected landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering approximately 198 square kilometers of the Upper Una River basin. This page details the park's protected area identity, focusing on its spectacular riverine geography, including iconic features like the Štrbački Buk waterfall and the deep Unac River canyon. Users can explore the park's mapped boundaries, understand its place within the regional Dinaric mountain context, and discover the characteristics of its unique karst terrain and pristine river ecosystems. MoriAtlas provides essential geographic context for this vital natural area.

Area
350 km²
Established
2008
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
Watercolor artwork showing mountain peaks, forested slopes, and a lake with pink and green hues
National parkCroatia
About 45 km away#2 closest

Northwest

Northern Velebit National Park: Croatia's Mapped Protected Landscape Identity

Explore the geography and protected area context.

Northern Velebit National Park stands as a prominent protected area, contributing significantly to the geographic understanding of Croatia's Velebit mountain range. This page provides focused details on its protected landscape features, mapped boundaries, and position within the Dinaric Alps. It serves as an essential entry point for users seeking structured atlas-based information on national parks and their role in regional conservation efforts, highlighting its unique geographic characteristics.

IUCN
II
Watercolor illustration of rolling hills, trees, and a body of water
Nature reserveDugi Otok
46 km away#3 closest

South

Telašćica Nature Park: Adriatic Sea Cliffs, Lake Mir, and Protected Landscape

Dugi Otok's Premier Nature Reserve on the Dalmatian Coast

Telašćica Nature Park safeguards a highly distinctive coastal environment on Croatia's Dugi Otok island. This protected area is defined by its imposing 161-meter-high vertical limestone cliffs, locally named 'stene,' which create a breathtaking interface with the Adriatic Sea. Within the park, the unique saltwater Lake Mir offers a fascinating geological feature, while the sheltered bay and its surrounding landscape showcase a rich Mediterranean flora and a complex archipelago. The park serves as a prime example of Adriatic karst landscape preservation and mapped coastal geography.

Area
70.5 km²
Established
1988
IUCN
II
Relief
Mixed relief
National parkŠibenik-Knin County
49 km away#4 closest

Southeast

Krka National Park: Croatia's National Park with European Cascade Waterfalls

Explore the mapped protected landscape and karst geography.

Krka National Park, designated as a national park in Croatia, offers a rich exploration of its protected landscape. Located in Šibenik-Knin County, the park is defined by the Krka River and its extraordinary seven travertine waterfalls, most notably Skradinski buk, the largest cascade system of its kind in Europe. This atlas-focused view highlights the park's unique karst terrain, Mediterranean ecosystems, and its position within the regional geography, providing essential context for understanding its protected natural heritage.

Area
109 km²
Established
1985
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkŠibenik-Knin County
49 km away#5 closest

South

Kornati Islands National Park: Dense Mediterranean Archipelago and Protected Karst Landscape

Explore the mapped geography and unique protected island terrain.

Kornati Islands National Park, located in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia, is distinguished as the Mediterranean's most densely packed archipelago. This national park protects a vast expanse of karst limestone islands, dramatic sea cliffs, and unique flat rock plateaus, alongside its significant marine environment. MoriAtlas provides detailed geographic context and mapped boundaries, enabling structured exploration of this exceptional protected landscape and its ecological significance within the Adriatic Sea.

Area
320 km²
Established
1980
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
National parkCroatia
About 54 km away#6 closest

North

Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia's Iconic National Park and UNESCO Heritage Site

Mapped protected area with cascading lakes and karst geography.

Delve into the protected landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a jewel of Croatia's natural heritage. This atlas entry highlights the park's famous system of 16 terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls, set within a unique karst terrain. Understand the geographic context and mapped boundaries of this significant protected area, renowned for its geological processes and ancient forest ecosystems. Explore the full spectrum of its protected natural identity.

IUCN
II
Watercolor illustration showing layered mountains, green valleys, and a body of water with soft color gradients
National parkBosnia and Herzegovina
125 km away#7 closest

Northeast

Kozara National Park: Bosnia and Herzegovina's Distinctive Forested Mountain Landscape

Mapped protected area in the Pannonian Plain's highland oasis.

Kozara National Park represents a significant protected natural area within Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished by its rounded, forested peaks that ascend from the surrounding Pannonian lowlands. This national park offers a unique landscape characterized by dense deciduous and mixed forests, interspersed with clearings and meadows, covering a considerable portion of its 39 square kilometer area. The park's geographic identity is further defined by its proximity to major rivers like the Una, Sava, Sana, and Vrbas, which delineate its natural boundaries and contribute to its distinct regional context. For atlas-based discovery, Kozara provides insight into how isolated highlands create unique protected landscapes within flatter terrain.

Area
39.08 km²
Established
1967
IUCN
II
Relief
Upland
Watercolor illustration of a mountainous landscape with green forests, a lake, and distant pink-hued mountains under a light sky
National parkPrimorje-Gorski Kotar County
125 km away#8 closest

Northwest

Risnjak National Park: Protected Mountain Landscape in Primorje-Gorski Kotar

Explore karst terrain and regional geographic context.

Risnjak National Park represents a substantial protected area within the rugged mountain geography of Croatia's Gorski Kotar region. This national park is distinguished by its dramatic karst formations, diverse alpine flora reaching from forested slopes to rocky summits, and the significant natural landmark of the Kupa River's source. Discover its mapped boundaries and the ecological importance of this unique landscape situated in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.

Area
63.5 km²
Established
1949
IUCN
II
Visitors
16.8K annual
MoriAtlas Explorer

Continue Exploring Paklenica National Park's Mapped Karst Geography

Delve deeper into the geography and protected features of Paklenica National Park. Understand its unique karst terrain, dramatic canyon formations, and its place within the Velebit mountain atlas. MoriAtlas provides structured data to explore this significant natural landscape and its surrounding regional context.