The beginning of September in the heart of Croatia, in the picturesque and untouched Lika region, will once again be marked by steps, socializing, and discovering natural and historical beauties. The Croatian Walking Festival, an event that attracts an increasing number of active holiday enthusiasts year after year, will be held on September 6th and 7th, 2025, and the central gathering point will again be the town of Gospić. This unique event, which skillfully combines recreation, tourism, and culture, invites participants from all parts of Croatia and the world to explore the landscapes of Lika in the most direct way possible – by walking.

The organizers have once again ensured that the festival is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. Participants can choose between three carefully designed routes of different lengths: 10+, 20+, and 30+ kilometers. It is important to emphasize that this is not a race, but an opportunity to enjoy at your own pace. There is no time pressure, no winners or losers. The goal is to soak up the atmosphere, socialize, breathe the fresh Lika air to the fullest, and create memories. Refreshment points with water and fresh fruit, as well as organizational support, are provided along the trails to ensure all walkers feel safe and cared for.

A blend of recreation and time travel

What makes the Croatian Walking Festival special is its ability to transcend a classic recreational event. Every step on the paths that wind through Lika's fields, forests, and villages is also a journey through the rich history of this region. The festival provides a unique opportunity to authentically experience places that have shaped not only Croatian but also world history. It is an experience that nourishes both body and spirit, combining physical activity with cultural enrichment.

One of the most anticipated and impressive moments of the festival will certainly be the encounter with the life and work of Nikola Tesla. On Saturday, September 6th, walkers will pass through Smiljan, the birthplace of this scientific genius, and visit the "Nikola Tesla" Memorial Center. The center, which covers more than 13 thousand square meters, includes Tesla's birth house, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, an economic building, and a replica of Tesla's laboratory from Colorado Springs. A special charm to this part of the route will be added by the encounter with the tourist guide Boris Šušnjar, who, embodying the famous inventor, will bring Tesla's life, visions, and incredible achievements that changed the world closer to the participants in an interactive and vivid way.

In the footsteps of the Father of the Homeland

The Sunday program, on September 7th, brings another historical treat for participants on the longer routes of 20+ and 30+ kilometers. Their paths will lead them to the Dr. Ante Starčević Memorial Home in the village of Veliki Žitnik. With this, the festival pays tribute to another key figure in Croatian history, a man rightly called the "Father of the Homeland." A visit to his birthplace and the modernly equipped multimedia center will allow walkers to become acquainted with the ideas and political legacy of Dr. Starčević, whose thoughts are deeply woven into the foundations of the modern Croatian state. The tour of this memorial home is not just an educational segment, but also an opportunity for reflection on national identity and the historical struggles that have shaped the present day.

By connecting these two great men born in the Lika region, the festival creates a strong narrative line that adds a deeper, educational, and cultural dimension to the recreational experience, making it a complete and unforgettable experience.

International prestige and significance for Lika

The quality and uniqueness of the Croatian Walking Festival have been recognized at the international level. Since 2022, the event has been a proud member of the International Marching League (IML) Walking Association. This membership places the festival in Gospić alongside the most prestigious walking events in the world, from Japan to Canada, and confirms its high organizational standards. For many international walkers, IML membership is a guarantee of quality and one more reason to come to Croatia. Participants who are IML members have the opportunity to get a stamp in their special "walking passports," thus collecting memories from various world destinations.

Over the years, the festival has become a key driver for the development of active and sustainable tourism in the Lika-Senj County. It not only promotes a healthy lifestyle and spending time in nature but also significantly contributes to the local economy. The increased number of visitors directly affects the occupancy of accommodation capacities, turnover in catering facilities, and the sale of authentic products from local family farms. The festival presents Lika as an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic vacation, far from the city bustle, in an environment of spectacular nature that includes the Velebit mountain massifs, clean rivers, and vast forests.

The growing number of participants, both domestic and foreign, is proof of the success of a concept that combines natural beauty, world-class recreation, and a rich cultural-historical heritage. Registrations for this unique event are already underway and open to all interested parties. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this inspiring story and experience Lika in the best possible way. More information and the registration form can be found on the official website of the event: www.croatiawalk.com.