In short
- Filmed at the Zrmanja River canyon in Croatia
- Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint was the Apache village
- Entry to the viewpoint is completely free
In this article
- Where were the Winnetou filming locations in Croatia?
- How do I find the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint?
- When is the best time to visit the Winnetou filming locations?
- Is there an entrance fee for the filming locations?
- Can I see the canyon from the water?
- What should I pack for visiting Pariževačka Glavica?
In the 1960s, a series of German westerns based on Karl May's novels filmed extensively in Croatia. The production chose the deep karst gorge of the Zrmanja River to represent the Apache village. Today, you can visit these exact film sets yourself.
Where were the Winnetou filming locations in Croatia?
The Zrmanja River canyon served as the primary filming location for the Apache village in the Winnetou films.
The steep, 200-meter deep limestone gorge offered a convincing double for the American West. The exact spot used for the village set is located at the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint. From this ridge, you look directly down at the emerald river where classic scenes were shot.
How do I find the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint?
You can drive directly to the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint in about 45 to 50 minutes from Zadar.
Take the D27 road towards Obrovac and follow the local signs. The viewpoint overlooks the upper canyon. There are no safety fences or guardrails at the edge. You must stay well back and step carefully.
When is the best time to visit the Winnetou filming locations?
Visit between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM for optimal photography lighting.
Arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the intense midday heat. This is especially important during the summer months. The morning sun illuminates the deep canyon walls perfectly for photos.
Is there an entrance fee for the filming locations?
No, visiting the Zrmanja canyon viewpoints is completely free (0 EUR).
You do not need to buy a ticket to access the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint. The surrounding viewpoints are also free. You only pay if you book a guided tour to paddle on the river below.
| Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pariževačka Glavica Viewpoint | Free (€0) |
| Berberov Buk Waterfall | Free (€0) |
| Guided River Tours | €55 - €79 |
Can I see the canyon from the water?
Yes, you can take a guided kayak or boat tour down the river for a different perspective.
If you want to see the gorge from the bottom up, water tours depart nearby. Most kayak tours launch from Kaštel Žegarski. You will pass directly under the high cliffs where the movies were filmed.
What should I pack for visiting Pariževačka Glavica?
Pack sun protection and at least 0.5 liters of drinking water.
The viewpoint is exposed and gets very hot in the summer. Bring sunglasses with a secure strap and a sun protection hat. Sturdy shoes are also recommended since the terrain is rugged.
Questions travellers ask
Where were the Winnetou movies filmed in Croatia?
They were filmed in the Zrmanja River canyon. The Apache village scenes specifically used the Pariževačka Glavica viewpoint.
Do you have to pay an entrance fee to see Zrmanja canyon?
No, access to the Zrmanja river canyon and viewpoints like Pariževačka Glavica is completely free (0 EUR).
How deep is the Zrmanja river canyon?
The Zrmanja river canyon reaches depths of up to 200 meters in the areas near the viewpoints.
