Veliki Alan is a mountain pass on Velebit, tucked inside Northern Velebit National Park in Croatia. It's a place where rugged mountain scenery meets an unusual slice of history, making it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring this part of the Adriatic hinterland.

Sitting at 1414 metres, the pass marks the highest point on the road connecting the small port town of Jablanac on the Adriatic coast with Štirovača further inland. The terrain here is wild and rocky, typical of Velebit's karst landscape, with sparse forests and a sense of remoteness that draws hikers looking to escape the crowds. Summers bring pleasant hiking conditions and sweeping views, while winter can turn the pass into a demanding, windswept spot best left to experienced mountain travellers.

• Jablanac (Adriatic coast) — mountain road, travel time depends on conditions, moderate difficulty
• Štirovača (inland side) — alternative approach route

• The Alan mountain hut (1340 m) sits nearby, close to the upper station of the old cableway
• The abandoned cableway ruins are visible on the western slope

The most fascinating remnant here is a disused cableway that once carried timber from Alan down to Stinica bay on the coast. It was built by political prisoners from the notorious Goli Otok penal colony, but proved economically unviable and operated for only a few years, leaving behind a haunting reminder of the region's difficult past.