The well-known promoter of an active lifestyle will join participants of the Croatian Walking Festival on the first weekend of September, and registrations are still open for a short time.
On the first weekend of September, specifically September 5 and 6, 2026, Gospić will once again become the hub for walking and nature enthusiasts. This year, the Croatian Walking Festival is joined by Mario Valentić, a prominent advocate for a healthy and active lifestyle. He will spend the entire weekend with attendees, and on Sunday, September 6, he will step onto one of the festival trails, side by side with participants.
Valentić recognized the festival as an event that authentically combines health awareness, outdoor time, and discovering the beauty of Lika. He was particularly drawn to the event's openness to people of all ages and fitness levels, which ultimately convinced him to become part of this year's walking story.
The organizers have prepared three routes of varying lengths so that everyone can find a challenge suited to their abilities. Options include trails of 10+, 20+, and 30+ kilometers. The festival is not competitive in nature; instead, it is designed as an invitation for citizens of all generations to spend an active weekend, choose a distance that suits them, and experience Gospić and Lika from a completely new perspective.
The program takes place over Saturday and Sunday and is intended for recreational walkers, families, nature lovers, and experienced hikers seeking a greater challenge. Everyone can choose between shorter and longer, less or more demanding sections.
Mario Valentić will join participants right where the festival comes alive-on the trail, in camaraderie, and in the shared experience of an active weekend in the heart of Lika.
"I look forward to coming to Gospić and having the opportunity to walk alongside participants of the Croatian Walking Festival. Walking is one of the simplest yet most valuable activities we can do for our health. Add to that the beautiful nature of Lika, good company, and stories about Nikola Tesla and Ante Starčević, and you get an experience worth having," Valentić said.
All interested parties still have time to register for participation. Online registrations for the Croatian Walking Festival are open until August 31, 2026. Organizers encourage participants to choose their preferred trail in advance and secure a spot for an active first weekend of September in Lika.
