The Grand Mountain Velebit
Velebit, where local songs say the spirit of Velebit lives, are more than 145 kilometers long, encompassing more than 2000 square kilometers. Velebit is the longest mountain of the Dinarids. Since Velebit is right next to the Adriatic sea, the rainfall it gets is vast, in thousands of milimeters of rain.
The mountain is so precious that it there are actually two parks on it, one national and one natural. Even today, in order to go to Velebit you need serious preparation, since the violent wind and rain don’t spare anyone, not in winter, or summer. These water rich conditions have let over 2700 species, among them 70 endemic plants, thrive. As relicts of some past age, the flora and fauna are very diverse. The side of Velebit facing the sea is recognizably bare. Forests have been cut down to give way for pastures as well as the need for wood. It’s said that even Venice stands on strong trunks of Velebit.
Velebit has indeed always been, and stayed a karst mountain. The rivers Zrmanja and Krka rise in the shadow of Velebit, creating the largest reservoir of fresh water in Europe. The limestone of Mesozoic and Tertiary make the backbone of the strong mountain chain. With no surface streams there are no river valleys – only the rich karst. This terrain, however harsh on human life, ironically creates springs of fresh water. Springs of fresh water that Aqua adria has the chance to appreciate.
Two gems – Dinara and Krka
The mountain of Velebit isn’t the only spring. In its presence the river Krka rises, as legend states, in the very base of the mountain Dinara. When mentioning Dinara, we mention three different geographic shapes. The Dinarids mountain chain, which Velebit is a part of, the mountain Dinara and Dinara peak – the highest in Croatia.
When you drink the water, remember the spring.
Chinese proverb
The Krka river is rich in diverse flora and sustains a special ecosystem in exceptional balance. Seven water rich waterfalls make Krka an exceptional natural phenomenon. Krka on one side, and the deep, strong river Cetina on the other, tell the story of the miraculous nature of Dinara.
The biggest Croatian owl Bubo Bubo as well as House Martin (Delichon urbica), call Krka’s canyons home. Krka is 72 kilometers long with two thirds flowing through canyons. The historic city of king Krešimir lies where Krka meets the Adriatic sea.
