Parks Manager

Getting to Northern Velebit National Park

Northern Velebit National Park sits in Lika-Senj, Croatia, with Novalja the nearest town of any size — about 18.2 km (11.3 mi) out, or roughly 30 min of driving.

Drive times from Northern Velebit National Park

Northern Velebit National Park sits close enough to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Paklenica National Park, Risnjak National Park, and Brijuni National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Northern Velebit National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Plitvice Lakes National Park49.5 km (30.7 mi)1 hr 5 min
Paklenica National Park56.3 km (35 mi)1 hr 12 min
Risnjak National Park86 km (53.4 mi)1 hr 43 min
Brijuni National Park100 km (62.2 mi)1 hr 55 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Northern Velebit National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Novalja18.2 km (11.3 mi)30 min
Otočac26.6 km (16.5 mi)40 min
Senj33 km (20.5 mi)47 min
Gospić34.2 km (21.3 mi)49 min
Korenica56.3 km (35 mi)1 hr 12 min
Udbina63.5 km (39.4 mi)1 hr 20 min
Donji Lapac77.9 km (48.4 mi)1 hr 35 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Northern Velebit National Park?

Novalja, about 18.2 km (11.3 mi) away — roughly 30 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Northern Velebit National Park?

The practical bases are Novalja, Otočac, and Senj — all within a reasonable drive of the park.