Velebit

September, 2025.

Earlier this month Simba and I spent four days exploring the southern part of Velebit. Our first stop was the newly built shelter on Rudine and I have to say it left a deep impression on me. It is without doubt one of the finest shelters I have ever stayed in. Huge respect to the people who put in so much effort to make it a reality.

Mornings there were particularly memorable. The thermometer outside showed just 1°C and frost covered the grass around the shelter. As the first rays of the sun appeared, the frost began to melt and mist rose from the ground, creating magical scenes that were a joy to photograph. Outside it was cold and crisp, but inside the shelter the fire in the stove kept us warm and comfortable, making the contrast even more striking.

From Rudine we continued toward Vaganski Vrh, the highest peak of Velebit. One night we camped right on the summit at 1757 meters, where the view stretched endlessly across the Adriatic Sea all the way to Italy. Drifting off to sleep and waking up at such a height, with nothing but the horizon in every direction, made the whole experience unforgettable.

For this trip, I brought my 1970 Leica M4 with the Summilux 35mm f/1.4 FLE. I shot three rolls of Kodak Portra 800, and the combination was ideal. I needed a sharp lens for wide-open shots of the tent and shelter after sunset. Exposures were 1/8 of a second, and they came out beautifully.