‘Theresiana’ Educational Trail

‘Theresiana’ was one of the most important roads built through the Velebit passes as the key trade connection between the coast and inland.

Theresiana was built in 1786 as a connection between Gospić, the then-Austria-Hungary Regiment Headquarters and the free port of Karlobag. Another purpose was to replace the Carolina road which was increasingly inaccessible and perilous due to its sharp turns and steep descents. The Austrian Emperor Joseph II, ordered the construction of a new, modern road. The road got its name after his mother, Maria Theresa.

A Frontier officer, Filip Vukasović, later to become a renowned builder of the “Louisiana” road from Karlovac to Rijeka, was selected to manage the construction of this road.

Wishing to inform our visitors about the great cultural significance of Theresiana Road, “Velebit Nature Park” Public Institution developed an educational trail on one of its sections. The trail is open to hikers only, and the mere three-kilometer stretch offers a view of both sides of Velebit in all their amazing beauty.

If you wish to find out more about the history of this area whilst taking this pleasant walk through the country, leave it to the professional guides of "Velebit Nature Park" Public Institution. You will have fun listening to legends and anecdotes from lives of the good people of this area.

The interpretive trail starts at Baške Oštarije (924 metres above the sea level) and after three kilometres descends to the village Konjsko (655 metres above the sea level). This tour is longer and lasts approximately 2,5 – 3 h.

It is also possible to take a shorter walking tour which lasts roughly 1,5 h. The first third of this tour (from Oštarijsko Ždrilo) is identical with Terezijana, while afterwards the path follows a mild ascent to the Debela Kosa peak (972 metres above the sea level). The ascent is not very demanding and even the people of weaker physical condition can easily climb it.   After a short walk along the ridge of Debela Kosa, followed by astonishing views over the Adriatic Sea and island Pag from one side and the valley of Baške Oštarije from the other, the path descends to the Oštarska vrata pass.

In December 2007 the Ministry of Culture passed a Decree by which it is established that historical Theresiana Road has a value of a cultural good , in line with the Act on the Protection and Maintenance of cultural goods.

How to reach: Baške Oštarije is a small mountain settlement situated on the road Gospić - Karlobag, 20 kilometres far from Gospić.

For further details, please contact:

“Velebit Nature Park” Public Institution
tel. +385 53 560 450, +385 53 560 455
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PRICE LIST