Mali Alan Pass in Croatia: Beware of landmines
Mali Alan Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,053m (3,454ft) above sea level located in Croatia. Paved halfway, the pass is quite challenging.
Where is Mali Alan Pass in Croatia?
The pass is located on the boundary between Lika–Senj and Zadar counties, in the south-central part of the country.
When was the road to Mali Alan Pass built?
The first road through the summit was opened in October 1832, built by Major Kajetan Knezic (1786-1848), a famous engineer and road builder.
Can you drive to Mali Alan Pass?
Set high in the southern part of the Velebit range of the Dinaric Alps, the road to the summit, also known as Halan, is mostly unpaved. It starts as a narrow paved road, and after crossing Sveti Rok tunnel, it turns into gravel.
How long is Mali Alan Pass?
The pass is 34km (21.12 miles) long, running south-north from D54 road, east of Zaton Obrovački (in Zadar County) to Sveti Rok (in Lika–Senj County).
Is Mali Alan Pass difficult?
The drive is not easy, and it has very steep sections, hitting an 11% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. There are drop-offs and narrow parts.
Mali Alan Pass Trail Amidst War Remnants and Landmine Warnings in Croatia
It’s highly recommended to stay always on the trail because the area is very dangerous outside of the path. The whole area was a frontline during the war, and the Croatian authorities have posted several signs along the road, warning about the danger of landmines, so everyone is asked not to leave the way. There is also great danger in the numerous war ruins, which can be seen particularly in the lower part of the southern approach.
How long does it take to drive the Mali Alan Pass?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 2 and 3 hours. The drive is very scenic, with stunning views of the mountains along the Adriatic coast. There’s a small church built during the road construction, known as chapel Podprag. Before arriving at the peak, there’s another construction through the trail. It’s called Tulove grede, and an old legend says that dragons live there, and a chapel is dedicated to Colonel Damir Tomljanovic Gavran, who fell there in 1994 during the Croatian war for independence. The area is quite famous for the Karl May films. Lots of film scenes were shot in different parts of the pass.
Pic: Attila Bierbaum