The road to Alan Pass offers stunning views of the sea and the islands
Veliki Alan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,414m (4,639ft) above sea level, located in Lika-Senj County, Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea beneath the Velebit mountain.
What’s the history of Alan Pass?
The pass has been a vital crossing point for thousands of years. Its historical significance is evidenced by the Pisani Kamen, a Roman-era stone document recording the agreement between the Ortoplin and Parentini tribes over the use of the Begovača water source. The pass facilitated trade between these tribes and continued to be used by the Croats after their arrival in the 7th century. During the Ottoman invasions in the late 15th century, the pass was used for pillaging, leading to local destruction. In the 18th century, the pass became essential for transporting timber from the Velebit forests to the coast for shipbuilding under Maria Theresa’s rule. The 19th century saw the opening of a sawmill and the building of the Alan road, significantly altering the local lifestyle. During World War II, Partisans held the area, preventing occupation. Post-war industrial changes and a failed cable car project led to economic decline and emigration. The road through the summit was built under horrendous conditions by political prisoners of the Goli Otok penitentiary.
How long is the road through Alan Pass?
The road through the pass is 25.7 km (15.96 miles) long, running west-east from the port city of Jablanac to Štirovača. The road is mostly paved but extremely narrow with dangerous drop-offs. It is the highest point on the road.
Is the road to Alan Pass open in winter?
Set high in the Velebit mountain range, Alan road is not cleared of snow, as are none of Velebit's macadam roads. They are usable from June until the first snow. In late winter or early spring, the southern slopes of Velebit below Alan pass can appear free of snow, but that does not guarantee that the road is usable to Alan pass because of huge drifts that Bura winds build. These can form true walls on the road, up to 5m high or even more.
How dangerous is Alan Pass?
It is highly recommended to always stay on the trail because the zone is very dangerous off the path. The whole area was a frontline during the war, and the Croatian authorities have posted several signs along the road, warning of the danger of mines.
What’s on the summit of Alan Pass?
The road to the pass mostly goes through the forest and provides stunning views. At the summit, there are a couple of mountain huts, and also on the pass is a monument dedicated to the Partisans of the Alan detachment who defended this part of Velebit. Alan commands a stunning view of the sea and the islands.