Meet Nikola Horvat Tesla: Adventures, Authorship, and Motivation
Nikola Horvat Tesla, a trailblazer from Croatia who earned the nickname 'Tesla' during his journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, brings his real-life adventure to the forefront.
Welcome to my world of adventures, where my name is Nikola Horvat Tesla. I'm the author of two books: "Baring Epitaph" (2017) and "Tesla's Handbook for Hikers" (2019). I received the nickname "Tesla" during my epic trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, owing to my Croatian roots.
Passionate Author and Filmmaker
My passion extends beyond the written word to the realm of filmmaking. I'm the creative mind behind several documentaries, but the one that truly stands out is "Why do I hike," which has garnered approximately 2.5 million views on YouTube. This film not only captivated the digital world but also won accolades at film festivals.
Its sequel, "Why do I hike 2: Hardships of a Thru Hike," is making waves on the festival circuit, earning its own well-deserved recognition. It's currently competing at film festivals around the globe.
President of the Long Distance Trail Association, Croatia
In 2018, I founded the Long Distance Trail Association, Croatia. Our most notable creation is the "Croatian Long Distance Trail," an epic 2,266 km-long hiking route stretching from Ilok in the east to Dubrovnik in the south. As its president, I'm dedicated to fostering the long-distance hiking community.
Adventurer at Heart
Above all, I'm an adventurer, having embarked on over 9,000 km of hiking journeys. I conquered the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016, spearheaded the Croatian Long Distance Trail in 2018, tackled the Colorado Trail in 2019, and ventured a big segment of the Continental Divide Trail in 2022.
Motivational Speaker
As a motivational speaker, I've had the privilege of addressing large audiences. My experiences as an adventurer, author, and filmmaker have equipped me to inspire and motivate others to pursue their own dreams, step outside their comfort zones, and embrace life's adventures.
Youtuber
Last but not least - I am a passionate YouTuber with a dedicated following! With over 130 engaging videos, 23,000 loyal subscribers, and a staggering 2.8 million views, this channel is a hub of captivating content. Join us for exciting adventures, insightful discussions, and a vibrant online community. Subscribe today and be part of our growing family! My Youtube channelThank you for joining me on this remarkable journey! Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and stories. Let's explore the world together, hand in hand with Nikola Horvat Tesla!




Why do I hike 2: Hardships of a Thru Hike
Following the success of the acclaimed documentary "Why do I Hike" in 2020, filmmaker and creator Nikola Horvat is back with the highly anticipated sequel, "Why do I Hike 2: Hardships of a Thru Hike," set to be publicly released in 2023.
The film is a mesmerizing journey through the untamed wilderness, offering a deeper exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of nature's harshest challenges. Renowned for his exceptional work as a producer, writer, cinematographer, and editor, Nikola Horvat takes us on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the world's most challenging trail.
In "Why do I Hike 2," viewers will follow a dedicated hiker on a 4,500-kilometer odyssey in search of meaning and purpose. Through a grueling journey filled with searing heat, bone-chilling cold, relentless snow, fierce storms, hunger, thirst, and even the specter of death, the hiker teeters on the brink. Will he endure to reach the journey's end?
With captivating storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and a stirring musical score by Denis Kozlica, "Why do I Hike 2" promises to be a powerful exploration of the human spirit's indomitable will and the transformative power of nature.
Why do I hike – documentary
During the summer of 2019, I embarked on a soul-searching journey along the Colorado Trail, driven by an insatiable quest to unearth the profound reasons behind my enduring love for hiking. This was a deeply personal and independent project, where every aspect of the movie - from filming and editing to the script itself - was meticulously crafted by my own hands.
The challenges were manifold, especially lugging all the necessary video equipment in my trusty backpack. Yet, my unwavering vision and purpose fueled my determination. I was on a mission to capture the essence of why I'm drawn to the vast wilderness, why I continually embrace the challenges of long-distance hiking, and why the call of the trail is a siren song that I couldn't ignore.
The fruits of my labor didn't go unnoticed. "Why do I Hike" achieved remarkable success, clinching not one, not two, but three grand prix awards, solidifying its place among the elite. It also graced the international stage as a finalist and official selection at renowned film festivals. Notably, it claimed the top spot at the Croatian Travel Festival's Dijana Klaric Award in 2020, the Mosor Film Festival, and 3FoK in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, it received the honor of being an official selection at the Godollo Film Festival in Hungary, the Kharkiv International Festival of Arts and Travel in Ukraine, and the Lookout Wild Film Festival in Tennessee, USA.
For more videos visit my Youtube channel

Publishing
Discover "Baring Epitaph" by author Nikola Horvat – a gripping narrative that takes you on an intimately personal journey through a thru-hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. This book delves into the author's inner drama, a testament to resilience when the odds are stacked against you. When you think it's too hard, think again because when everything conspires against you, it takes superhuman effort to conquer. But it is possible. Nikola has penned the book on it. Dive into the pages and find the inspiration to overcome life's most challenging trials. Buy a book here!

Filming collaborations
As an award-winning filmmaker, documentarian, and seasoned adventurer with thru-hikes on renowned trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Croatian Long Distance Trail (CLDT), Colorado Trail (CT), and half of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), I offer my expertise to various productions in search of a skilled cinematographer and storyteller in the realm of adventure. My portfolio includes a collection of acclaimed documentaries that have been recognized for their captivating narratives and stunning visuals, making me the ideal choice to bring your adventurous stories to life.

Travelogue lectures
As an adventurer and storyteller, I'm at your service, ready to take you on an interactive journey of adventures and wilderness exploration. I'm here to inspire and ignite the adventurous spirit within you, sharing tales from my experiences and encouraging you to embark on your own remarkable journeys. With a unique skill set honed in the wilderness of North America, I can also serve as your instructor, offering guidance on equipment and techniques for moving effectively through the wilderness, enabling you to explore the great outdoors with confidence.

Motivational speeches
I'm here to inspire and motivate through high-quality motivational speeches delivered in Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and English. Whether you're seeking to energize and empower your audience, I'm ready to share my insights and experiences to help individuals and groups find their motivation and reach their full potential.
Contact
- Tesla Creative
10020 Zagreb
Croatia