Alpinist camp in Brela

Glavno da se klajmba: Memorial alpinist camp in Brela

(Translation of the name: "The main thing is to climb" - Glavno da se klajmba)

Date: traditionally held on the first weekend of October (Friday – Sunday) since 2010.

Location: Brela, Gornji Kričak, with a focus on Mount Biokovo and the "Brela" sport climbing area.

Organizers: The Alpinism Commission of the Croatian Mountaineering Association (HPS), the Speleological – Alpinist Club Ekstrem (SAK Ekstrem) from Makarska, and alpinist sections of mountaineering societies (such as AO Velebit and AO Željezničar).

Sponsors: Brela Tourist Board, Municipality of Brela, and Biokovo Nature Park.

Event description

The "Glavno da se klajmba" (GDSK) Memorial Alpinist Gathering is a traditional annual event that Brela proudly hosts every first weekend of October, transforming the Biokovo area into an epicenter of alpinism and mountaineering.

This camp is primarily a memorial gathering launched in honor of tragically deceased Croatian alpinists: Toni Roso, Igor Skender, Martin Užarević, and Krešimir Milas. The event serves not only as a remembrance of them but also as a platform for promoting the values of alpinism, friendship, and safe interaction with the mountain.

What to expect:

Mass Ascents: over the weekend, hundreds of routes are climbed on Biokovo and surrounding climbing areas, including the "Brela" sport climbing area. Climbers gather to tackle long classic routes, as well as new, bolt-protected routes. Biokovo is an ideal destination as it offers a wide selection of routes of varying difficulties, attracting both experienced alpinists and recreational climbers.

International character: the camp regularly gathers over a hundred participants, including climbers and nature enthusiasts from all over Croatia and neighboring countries (Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Italy, etc.).

Education and lectures: evening programs include lectures by prominent Croatian and international alpinists, where they share experiences from challenging ascents, expeditions, and first ascents, along with practical workshops.

Socializing and tradition: GDSK is also known as a festival of friendship. Every evening, shared meals are provided for all participants, with traditional bean stew ("grah") on Friday and the indispensable barbecue ("gradele") consistently prepared by SAK Ekstrem. The socializing continues with music, exchange of experiences, and the forging of plans for future ascents.

Camp accommodation: A traditional campsite area for tents is secured for participants at Gornji Kričak.