Plitvice Lakes National Park

Do you remember the old Karl May movies where Winnetou and Old Shatterhand swore eternal friendship up against the splendid backdrop of a landscape interspersed with waterfalls and lakes? When it comes to Cowboys and Indians you probably won't meet many in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. You will, however, get to marvel at the gorgeous landscape which can be found here. The extensive area of lakes is located in the Dinaric Mountains near the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park is tied to the state road D1, which connects Zagreb and Split. Traveling 55 kilometers directly as the crow flies from the coast, you meet this natural wonder which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Even those who have opted for a beach holiday in Croatia, can make it to the park relatively quickly. Those arriving by car can make use of the A1 motorway and exit at Karlovac, Otocac or Gornja Ploca. The Hladovina and Rastovaca parking lots allow vehicles to be parked for the duration of your visit. It should be noted that in addition to the relatively high park admission of up to 280 HRK (for adults in high season), a parking fee of 7 HRK per hour or 70 HRK per day (with the exception of motorcycles, Booth 2014) the pay is still affordable and worth it. Included in the admission price is the fee for a ride with the panoramic and the electric boat. Only those who like to experience a half-day or full-day tour from a guide must expect additional charges.

Nature and Culture in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Being at the Plitvice Lakes is, in many respects, like being in a whole different world. Your exceptional location in the mountains of central Croatia is partly responsible for the more moderate mountain climate, and on the other hand, also responsible for some spectacular geological and biological phenomena. Deep canyons cut crystal clear lakes in the bizarre mountains, dense forests offer rare protection and habitat for animals and plants, and surface and underground watercourses providing the wealth of water, all are part of this magical world. The National Park owes its large biodiversity to the large difference in elevation – that is, around 912 meters. It is home to brown bears and wolves, lynxes and polecats; Eagle owls, Golden eagles and a number of other rare and some endemic species. Many plant species are endemic, such as the amethyst-blue star which gives the sunny meadows and rocky mountain pastures an intense blue splash of color in May. Not only in the forest area, but also in the less dense forests, you can find in the meadows and water bodies numerous orchid species. Throughout the year, the Plitvice Lakes National Park enchants its visitors with its diverse flora which playfully charms guests with its ever-changing shapes and color.

Among the special attractions are not only the pristine forests,  but also the numerous lakes, which cascade over each other, down the terraces and form some of the most spectacular waterfalls. Travertine steps dam the water basin, and the pools of water shimmer magically in different shades of blue, turquoise and green tones. Small and big waterfalls case the area in a fine mist that is especially beneficial on hot summer days. There is a basic distinction between the upper and lower lakes. While the lower lakes as Milanovac and Gavanovac are embedded in a deep limestone canyon and feature many waterfalls as the "Waterfalls of Milka Trnina" or "Veliki slap", the upper lakes, such as Ciginovac and Batinovac separate themselves through a rather wide travertine. And not to forget: The park is open year-round and throughout the year, you can experience its constantly changing natural wonders. Particularly spectacular are the season of autumn and winter. At these times the lakes and waterfalls are surrounded by intensely colored foliage, or icy sculptures when the winter sets in. In the warm months, the colorful, traditional costumes worn by the people of Lika are responsible for the colored accents in the blue green water of this world. With a little luck, visitors may have the opportunity to see the traditional round dance (kolo). And don't forget to try the nationally known delicacies of the region, including plum brandy, polenta, chorizo​​, pork or lamb roast. The best time to enjoy these delicacies is after a long day of hiking through the lakes.

Recreation in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The Plitvice lakes are pure nature, which are best explored on foot. There is a selection of eight different routes of varying difficulty and one should schedule between two and eight hours for the hike. Routes A, B, C and K begin at the north entrance, E, F and H at the south entrance and the second Route K at the eastern entrance. Even the shortest Route, A, leads past the main attractions, including the Veliki Slap, the Supljara cave and the lookout on the eastern and western side of the canyon providing fantastic views over the lower lakes.

In addition to the designated routes, there is also the so-called “Recreational Education Trail” for guests to explore, observe and enjoy. This trail takes guest through the species-rich, dense forests up into the mountains and with much luck you'll find here even bears or wolves. There is a trail for everyone from the beginners to the professionals. There are variously challenging routes with some being up to 21 kilometers in length. Also important to note: The paths may also be used by cyclists. It is strictly prohibited, however, to jump into the cool water, no matter how quickly, and to fish. These restrictions are set to ensure that the nature is exposed to as little human impact as possible. Whichever route you decide to take, you should always be well planned. This is a must in any case because camping is also not permitted in the National Park. However, overnight guests have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the hotels on site, in a boarding house, private accommodation or at a campsite nearby.