Nordic Walking Programme on Four Attractive Routes

Following the great success of its first edition, Novi Vinodolski will host the second edition of the festival this Sunday, an event that has already delighted numerous participants. Novi Vinodolski has long been known for its attractive locations and walking trails, and since last year it has also been the host of a major walking event. On Sunday, 8 November, the 2nd Nordic Walking Festival Novi Vinodolski 2026 will take place.

The event is co-organised by KŠR Gorovo, the Sports Recreation Association “Sport for All” of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board, under the patronage of the Croatian Nordic Walking Association, the City of Novi Vinodolski and the Croatian Olympic Committee. Nordic walking enthusiasts will once again take part in an event that promotes a healthy lifestyle and outdoor activities. All this in a year when Primorje-Gorski Kotar County holds the title of European Region of Sport.

The programme will begin with the gathering of participants at Ivan Mažuranić Square at 9:30 am. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the healthy food fair, have their blood pressure checked and get ready for the activities ahead. At 10:00 am, the warm-up session “Let’s Exercise Together” will begin, led by professional instructors. The festival’s official opening ceremony will follow at 10:30 am. After the welcoming addresses by the organisers and hosts, event presenter Dražen Turina Šajeta will invite participants to get ready for the start of the hiking and Nordic walking activities.

Participants will be able to choose one of the four available routes, according to their abilities and ambitions. The organisers have prepared four attractive routes:

ROUTE 1 “SEASIDE ROUTE” – an easy 4 km trail, with an estimated walking time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes:

Ivan Mažuranić Square – Hotel Lišanj – Dr Franjo Tuđman Promenade – ancient fortress of Lopar – harbour – Ivan Mažuranić Square.

ROUTE 2 “PETAR KREŠIMIR IV WATERFRONT” – an easy 7 km trail, with an estimated walking time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes:

Ivan Mažuranić Square – Calvary – Petar Krešimir IV Waterfront – harbour – Dr Franjo Tuđman Promenade – ancient fortress of Lopar – Ivan Mažuranić Square.

ROUTE 3 “VALLEY OF WINE” – a moderately challenging 9 km trail, with an estimated walking time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes:

Ivan Mažuranić Square – Old Town – vineyards of Pavlomir Wine House (including a wine tasting and a glass of wine) – harbour – Dr Franjo Tuđman Promenade – ancient fortress of Lopar – Ivan Mažuranić Square.

ROUTE 4 “SIGHTSEEING ROUTE” – a guided tour of the historic centre of Novi Vinodolski, accompanied by a licensed tourist guide, lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Following the participants’ return, lunch will be served from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. An entertainment programme featuring DJ Tommy and Šajeta will also take place from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The festival will officially conclude at 4:00 pm. However, there is little doubt that many participants will choose to stay on in Novi Vinodolski, as the town is one of the most popular destinations for celebrating St Martin’s Day, with festivities taking place throughout the weekend.

The participation fee for this fantastic event is EUR 10.00 per person. It includes lunch, a welcome drink accompanied by a tasting of local products, and professional guidance along the routes.

The participation fee can be paid at the information point (through group leaders) or in advance by bank transfer to KŠR Gorovo, Štangerova 48, Opatija:

IBAN: HR1224020061100130938 Payment reference: 08-2026 Payment description: Participation fee for the Nordic Walking Festival NOVI VINODOLSKI / group name / number of participants.

The organisers remind all participants to wear appropriate sports clothing and footwear and to bring sufficient drinking water. In addition to certified Nordic walking instructors, medical staff will also be available throughout the event.

Further information is available by email at ksr.gorovo@gmail.com or by phone at +385 91 420 06 50. Advance registrations are open until Wednesday, 4 November, and should be sent to the email address above.

We are certain that it will be a wonderful day in Novi Vinodolski – an event that nature lovers, outdoor activity enthusiasts, advocates of a healthy lifestyle, Nordic walking fans and lovers of fine wine should not miss.

“See you in Novi Vinodolski!” say the organisers.

Contact: +385 91 420 06 50

Photo: KŠR Gorovo / TZGNV