Vaganski vrh – hike to the highest peak of Velebit

Start of the hike – Veliko Rujno

The ascent to Vaganski vrh starts at the small church in the hamlet of Gornji Marasovići (880 m). The wide pastures around it are home to freely grazing herds of cows and horses, which add to the atmosphere of this peaceful place. From the church, head back a short way along the gravel road and turn left onto a footpath just beyond the settlement. It soon brings you to a wider track, which you follow toward the Jama Golubinka pit and then on to the forest.

Ascent via Stražbenica Saddle and Buljama

At the edge of the forest, the trail branches right and begins a gentle climb to Stražbenica Saddle (1,130 m). From here, you can take a short detour to a marked spring.

The route then continues along a gently undulating traverse to a junction where the path straight ahead would lead into the Velika Paklenica gorge. Here, turn left and climb steeply to Buljama Saddle (1,394 m), from where beautiful views open up over the forested valleys.

Struge shelter and Marasovac well

From the saddle, follow the pleasant path running through pastureland until you reach Struge shelter (1,400 m). Inside you’ll find basic facilities – a table, a stove, and sleeping space. Don’t expect much comfort – dormice and mice are common in the shelter. There is no water here, so you need to fetch it from Marasovac well, about a 20-minute walk away.

The ascent route to Vaganski vrh passes this well as well. There is usually plenty of water here, so you don’t need to carry your full day’s supply from the very start of the hike.

Final ascent to Vaganski vrh

Beyond the well, your thighs get another workout on the climb. The final stretch to the summit is about 3.5 km long and gains roughly 400 vertical metres. The path winds pleasantly between sinkholes until a cross and stone cairn marking the summit of Vaganski vrh come into view.

Views and return

The summit of Vaganski vrh is grassy and broad, offering spectacular views – over the sea, the Croatian interior, and the Velebit ridge. On the horizon you can also spot Sveto Brdo, the second-highest peak in the Velebit range.

Return by the same route.

Useful info