Climbing camp in Paklenica National Park
11/12st
Last available spot - hurry!
A trip for serious climbing fans! Crag Express is a travel series that takes you to discover exciting crags all over Europe. The trip is perfect for both beginners and advanced climbers, for those who enjoy both sport and trad routes. All that is important is the will to climb and the ability to belay. The travel series is very popular and gives you a good opportunity to meet other climbing enthusiasts.
Crag Express takes you on a new adventure to Croatia, where sea, mountains and world-class climbing meet – Paklenica National Park. It is one of the most famous climbing and hiking areas in Europe, located right on the Adriatic Sea. The 95 km² park combines coastal landscapes and pristine beech forests, home to numerous protected species. The pride of the park is the collared eagle – a large vulture with a wingspan of up to 2,8 meters and prefers to lurk on the steep cliffs of the Velika Paklenica canyon. Staying in the park is an experience in itself, but for climbers it is a complete paradise.
We will spend a total of 6 full days by the cliffs. The plan is varied - we will climb, hike, visit caves, enjoy the local atmosphere and beautiful nature.
We will be moving around with rental cars to explore as much as possible during these 6 days. We will be staying at Camping Paklenica, which is located just 1 km from the entrance to the national park and right on the seashore. We will be sharing the group in houses equipped with a living room, terrace, kitchen and bathroom. There are also grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance.
About the region
The protected area, built on the southern slopes of Velebit, Croatia's largest mountain range, is surrounded by two deep canyons that split the mountain range into two parts for 14 km. The larger canyon, Velika Paklenica, is an ideal place for climbing, as the relative height of the rock wall there is about 400 meters. At the bottom of the canyon flows a tiny, almost dry stream, which only turns into a rapid river during heavy rains and spring meltwater. Therefore, it seems incredible that the same vein has carved a huge canyon between the rocks over the millennia. The smaller canyon, Mala Paklenica, is smaller and wilder - the trails there require technical skills and are therefore especially appreciated by more serious climbers and hikers.
Paklenica is one of the most important sports and trad-climbing areas. There are over 600 bolted climbing routes in difficulty levels 3–8c. Climbing can be practiced both single kui multi-pitch on the trails. Those who lack experience can get support from our trainers. We help with developing climbing techniques, as well as learning/consolidating the skills necessary for building stations and other rock climbing.
NB! To come on the trip, you must be at least proficient in the above security (top rope'is) to climb and secure.
However, if you still lack these skills, but are highly motivated to come on the trip, then contact the adventure guides and we will find an opportunity for you to improve your skills!
The minimum equipment you need to bring on your trip is a climbing harness, slippers, helmet and safety gear. If you have your own rope and/or express, and you want to climb with a more flexible schedule (i.e. not have to share group equipment), then definitely take them with you. If you are multi-pitchIf you are interested, then also bring the necessary slings, carabiners, rappelling ropes and other equipment.
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Overview - short & sweet
Goal: rock climbing trip in Paklenica National Park, Velebit Mountain, Croatia
Dates: 11.09 - 18.09.2026
Activity: rock climbing
Adventure guides: Jurgen Rekk, Elen Laaneväli
Technical difficulty level: 2/5 (belaying skills required)
Physical difficulty: 1-3/5 (according to the goals you set for yourself)
Group size: min 10, max 12 (including 2 guides)
TRIP PRICE:
Standard Registration (01.05 - 11.06.2026) — €979
Late Registration (from 12.06.2026) — €1068
NB! Elamus+ community members get a 5–10% discount. Read more and check your discount eligibility. community members page.
Travel cost
Price includes
On-site instruction by an experienced and EKR4 certified coach
Multi-pitch climbing workshops on site
Transportation throughout the trip
Accommodation throughout the trip
Group equipment: ropes, express, pharmacy, trad-equipment sets, topo book
Tickets to Paklenica National Park
Elamus+ sports shirts with a unique 2026 design
Memorable camera photos of you climbing
Price does not include
Flight tickets to Zagreb and back
Transport to and from Tallinn Airport
Meals (we cook together in the accommodation and split the costs between us)
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sport insurance suitable for climbing )
Personal hygiene products and medications
Personal climbing equipment: climbing shoes, climbing harness, helmet, safety device, self-belay device, carabiners, etc. (helmet and harness can also be rented if necessary) Elamus Pluss)
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc.
*For more information about a specific flight, please ask the adventure guides.
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditionsTo secure your place on the trip, a deposit (20%) must be paid within 3 business days of receiving the confirmation and invoice via email which is not subject to return. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more:frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
NB! We recommend taking out travel disruption insurance immediately after paying the advance invoice so that longer-term health problems are also covered!
Schedule
DAY 1 (Friday 11.09): HEADING TO CROATIA
We fly from Tallinn Airport to Zagreb. There, rental cars will be waiting for us, with which we will take about 3 hours roadtrip to Paklenica Camping! This will be our seaside home for the whole week. We settle in, get to know the accommodation and take an evening walk by the sea. We cook together and discuss the next day's plan.
day 2 (Saturday 12.09): sector Klanci
The first day of climbing begins with a visit to the Klanc sector – an easier sector that is perfect for warming up. We review the basics of climbing technique and the most important nuances of outdoor climbing: belaying, placing express, belaying, etc. Then we are ready to do our first performances on the real rock.
Day 3 (Sunday 13.09): Anić Kuk
We go to the Anića Kuk sector – this is the most important wall in Paklenica. This sector has the largest selection multi pitch'e: difficulty level between 4c-8c, longest lines 200-350 m. There is something for every level and taste! We start the day with a workshop where we go over multi pitch's basic skills: station construction, securing from the top station and descent. After that, we will set up pairs/groups and, depending on experience, we can either undertake the first multi pitch's adventures or try some of the longer and more difficult trails. Anyone who feels that all this is too complicated or overwhelming can always limit themselves to the sports trails.
Day 4 (Monday 14.09): REST DAY
We're starting the new week with a vacation. The most tired can simply relax on the beach - the water is usually pleasantly warm (approximately 22–24 °C) and salty at this time, which gives a good opportunity to map out your minor injuries. For the more daring, there are also several Cliff jumping'u options: Within a 10-minute drive, there are several 3-12 m high cliffs. With those who have gathered energy so far, we will go on a hike of about 14 km to Paklenica National Park and see what the canyon has to offer us. A definite stop is the Manita Peć cave, which is one of the park's real attractions.
For those looking for a change, there is a bike rental option near the accommodation – while riding along the coast, you may discover that people are SUPing and kayaking on the Novigrad Sea, which will definitely make you think about trying it yourself. In any case, there are enough activities for more than one day, and you can always go climbing!
In addition to Paklenica National Park, there are two other beautiful and iconic places within a reasonable distance that we can go to according to the wishes of the group:
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The pearls of Plitvice are sixteen lakes located on different levels, connected by waterfalls and water cascades, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Hidden among lush beech forests, the turquoise-blue lakes are very small but deep (up to 40 m).
Krka National Park
Although the Krka waterfalls are not as high as those in Plitvice, they have a more powerful flow. The most famous and largest waterfall is Skradinski Buk, which drops over 17 steps for about 46 meters. A little further north is Roški Slap - a series of cascades that fall into Lake Visovac, in the middle of which there is a small island with a Franciscan monastery. The river then flows down the canyon again.
DAY 5 (TUESDAY 15.09): Back to Climbing
Now that the rocks are familiar and the skin on our fingers has recovered, we head to the Crljenica sector, and set the goal for the day. onsight challenge'i! Let's each test our limits and see what the highest difficulty level is that we can handle on the first attempt. Of course, you can also try and design the routes again, but testing your own limits is a challenge in itself. The sector offers a slightly different experience than the others: the rock here is redder, full of pockets and slightly negative.
Day 6 (Wednesday 15.09): FAVORITES
By this time, everyone already has their favorites and unfinished projects - so we give the last day off! Couples and groups can go wherever their heart takes them. Whether it's a favorite sector, that one particular trail that didn't work out last time, or the last multi pitch, which is yet to be conquered.
DAY 7 (THURSDAY 16.09): Last chance
The last day begins calmly at your own pace - anyone who still has a project in progress can give it another try, because that's what we're here for.
In the second half of the day, we change the scenery and head about 50 km to the city of Zadar. There, we will find a lovely old town where we can pick up a few souvenirs or simply get lost in the narrow streets.
It is there that we plan to have dinner together to remember and share the best moments of the trip. After eating, we will walk to the sea - the evening weather is mild, Sea Organ's music and the arrival of darkness Greeting the Sun's brilliant light show creates the perfect end to the trip.
DAY 8 (FRIDAY 18.09): HOME HOME HOME
We wake up early, our things are packed in the evening and we have a long drive back to Zagreb. There we board the plane and by evening we are home. Next year again!
Don't worry, let's do it!
I've never climbed natural rocks before. Can I still do it?!
If you are not unfamiliar with belaying and climbing from above, or at least climbing with belaying, then you definitely can! Rock climbing is not much different from climbing on indoor walls, the only difference is that instead of a predetermined path consisting of colorful blocks, you have to find the right rock curve for you by feeling it with your hands. In addition, our experienced group leaders will help you every step of the way.
I really want to come on the trip, but I don't know how to do this security stuff. Can I still come?
However, belaying is necessary to learn in order to be able to climb rocks. If you don't know how to do it yet, let us know and we'll find a solution. For example, you can learn belaying at various training courses in Tallinn and Tartu rope halls, join our mountaineering training or take private training.
But I don't have any personal climbing equipment. Where can I get it and what kind is suitable?
It is possible to rent or buy the climbing equipment. When renting or borrowing, keep a critical mind. The lifespan of climbing equipment is 8-10 years. If you find used old equipment somewhere, it is worth remembering that your own life depends on it. If things seem to be in good condition, renting can really save you some money by bringing it with you for one trip. The equipment rented by Elamus Pluss is safe and has already been inspected by the adventure guides, so there is no reason to worry when renting from us.
It is wise to definitely try on the equipment when buying. A climbing harness and slippers should be comfortable. When buying a rope, it is worth choosing a dynamic rope that is 60-80 m long, weatherproof and of suitable thickness. The thicker the rope, the more difficult it is to climb with it. At the same time, a thicker rope has a longer lifespan. If you are a confident climber and are missing a few things that you need advice on when buying, feel free to ask the tour guide for advice.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
ID card/passport;
sports insurance suitable for climbing (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participation in the trip;
travel insurance (trip disruption, health and luggage). NB! Take out insurance immediately after registering for the trip to get your expenses reimbursed in the event of an unexpected event (for example, a prepayment)..
Plan your trip early and start training for it. If you haven't encountered rock climbing before, now is the right time to familiarize yourself with the terms: eight-knot, express, station, backstep and belay device. It would be a shame if you couldn't come along just because you don't have belaying skills. If necessary, we can arrange some private training to reinforce safety techniques when climbing a big wall. Read more FROM HERE. ;)
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with climbing. As a result, the group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the competence of the participants, the suitability of their equipment, physical fitness, etc., and, if necessary, prohibit access to certain routes if it endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for this.
Read also travel conditions.