Looking for a unique location in Croatia? Then you're in the right place! While plotting our road trip through Croatia we came across Tulove Grede on the map. This particular spot lies between Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes, making it an ideal combination. It is a place where not many tourists come yet but it will not surprise you that it is becoming increasingly popular. The views are spectacular and so is the journey there! In this blog, we share everything you need to know about the Tulove Grede hike: how to get there, what to expect and, of course, why this is a real must-visit.
General information on Croatia
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What is Tulove Grede?
Tulove Grede is a rock formation in the Velebit mountains in Croatia. The grey limestone peaks stand out against the sky and (if you hike up far enough!) offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, inland Croatia and the surrounding mountains. The summit is around 1,120 metres above sea level and can only be reached via a tough hike but it is absolutely worth it! It is a unique location in Croatia, which, as a photographer, nature lover or adventurer, you definitely don't want to miss.
How do you get to Tulove Grede?
Tulove grede is about 1.5 hours' drive from Krka National Park. It is easily accessible by car or motorhome and nice addition to your trip if you ask us! Although Tulove Grede is located between Krka National Park and Plitvice lakes, you have to make a slight detour. This is because you don't go through the tunnel but over the mountain. However, the route is not a punishment as you drive through a beautiful area.
Note: this route is not suitable for camper vans or cars with very low bottoms.
The route to Tulove Grede starts at the mountain pass Majstorska Cesta. This was once the connection between the coast and inland. The road to the ‘car park’ is narrow, unpaved and already an adventure in itself. There are loose stones everywhere, which means it will definitely take you longer than initially indicated by Google. We found this quite exciting with a rented motorhome but when you drive slowly it goes fine!
Tip: We recommend downloading the map of Croatia in Google and the exact location of the car park store. Indeed, you may not have coverage in the Velebit mountains.
Have you finished the hike to the summit? Then you continue on the same dirt road. So you don't have to drive back. Sometimes Google indicates this but this is not necessary, you will automatically end up back on the road. Also bear in mind that there are no petrol stations in the mountains. So make sure you have enough petrol, water and snacks with you.
Tip: Don't have your own transport? Opt for renting a motorhome or a car! Keep in mind that you should always use a well-known rental company such as Sunnycars. Read more in our blog by motorhome through Europe.
The Tulove Grede hike
Once you get off the paved road and reach the car park via a dirt winding road, you can start your climb. From the parking areas (just the shoulder and some open stretches) at the foot of the rock formation, you will hike to the top of Tulove Grede in about 45 to 60 minutes. The route is not signposted, but thanks to some red dots on rocks, the path is easy to follow. Keep in mind that at the end, you will also have to climb and scramble a bit to reach the top.
Details:
- Distance: approx. 3 kilometres (round trip)
- Duration: 2 hours (including break on top)
- Difficulty: medium (technical, but short)
- Height difference: approx. 250 metres
Tip: Download the app maps.me, as here you can see the footpath. So should you miss some red dots, at least you know which way to go.
Safety and practical tips
Although Tulove Grede is not a long or extremely difficult hike, there are a few things to consider:
- No facilities: there are no toilets, catering or drinking water points. Bring everything you need.
- Mobile coverage is limited: download maps offline and let someone know you are going to do this hike.
- Best period: May to October. In the winter months, there may be snow and the road is often impassable.
Frequently asked questions about Tulove Grede
1. Where exactly is Tulove Grede located?
Tulove Grede is located in the South Velebit Mountains, in northern Dalmatia, between Obrovac and Sveti Rok.
2. Is the road to Tulove Grede easily accessible?
We found the road doable but also a bit exciting with a rented motorhome. This is because the road is unpaved and there are stones everywhere. We therefore recommend driving slowly (take your time). In the end, we had no problems at all and there were several campers in the ‘car park’.
3. Can you do Tulove Grede without a guide?
Yes absolutely, we did the hike without a guide! Make sure you download Maps.Me to see the complete route or follow the red dots on the rocks.
4. What should you bring?
If you ask us, his solid shoes, plenty of water, snacks, sun protection and an offline map indispensable! We did the hike on a pair of sneakers.... it was doable but ideal is different.
The hike to Tulove Grede is short but impressive. You're off the tourist trails for a while and in the middle of nature, with a view you won't soon forget. Combine your trip to Krka or Plitvice with this special stop and discover a side of Croatia that many travellers miss. We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Do you have any questions or want to share your experience with us? Feel free to send us a message via [email protected] or via Instagram!
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