Majority of Croatian mountains pertain to the Dinaric Alps (extending from the border of Slovenia to Montenegro). Their smaller part is the eastern extension of the Alps or the remains of the old Oriental land (highland between the Sava and the Drava rivers). Both these mountain systems meet in north-west part of Croatia, the so-called transition zone. Although our mountains are not very high (Croatia is the only country in the southeast Europe without a peak above 2000 m), they are so interesting that they are hardly comparable with any other mountain range on the Earth.

Dinaric mountain range, with its major part in Croatia, is famous worldwide for being a classical example of deep karst. Its key feature - richness in the surface and subterranean relief - adds special value to mountaineering. Sharp and dominating rocks, scarcity of water and vegetation, severe climate and dense population are as demanding for mountaineers as high mountains. Dinaric mountains differ considerably: the northern are lower and milder (e. g. Gorski kotar), unlike the southern (in Dalmatia) that are higher and less populated. Mountains between the Sava and the Drava river are quite different. They are made of ancient, not very sharp, rocks, and are rather low and rich in water and vegetation.

It is erroneous to think that Troglav is the highest peak in Croatia. Actually, it is 1 km in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina from its boundary with Croatia.

the highest mountains of Croatia
the highest settlements in Croatia
demographic structure of the Croatian highland