A karst phenomenon in the inland area behind Zadar is known as the “Croatian glacier” or the “Medvidja miracle.” Folk tradition mentions it as a place of struggle between good and evil.
In the village of Medvidja, there is a stunning natural phenomenon – a stone glacier where snow can remain even during the hottest summer months.
This karst phenomenon, also known as the “Medvidja miracle” or even the “Croatian glacier,” is 350 meters long, and its crevices reach depths of up to 20 meters.
Despite the blazing sun, in summer, it is possible to find remnants of snow in these crevices – something not unusual for the local population.
The stone glacier is located at approximately 650 meters above sea level, at the foot of Kunovac hill, above the hamlet of Katuse, near Benkovac.
It consists of masses of stone blocks and deep crevices, which together create an impressive karst mosaic. Besides its unusual geological composition, it offers a magnificent view of Ravni Kotari, Velebit, and Dinara.
Protected area
Due to its natural uniqueness and aesthetic value, the stone glacier has already been declared a protected landscape.
Today, the stone glacier is mostly visited by hikers and mountaineers, who stop by it on the way to the Bijela River canyon or head to the highest peak of Bukovica (674 m), only a ten-minute walk from the hamlet of Katuse.
Locals want to further protect the area. The initiative to declare the “Medvidja miracle” a geological park was submitted to the competent ministry by the owner of a nearby property. The purpose of the initiative is to educate the public and preserve this naturally valuable area from possible destruction.
