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Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park

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Palace of Waterfalls and Emerald Lakes

Discover nature at its most creative. Nestled in the eastern part of Lika, you’ll find Plitvice Lakes National Park, where forests, water, and rock have sculpted a majestic scenery featuring a procession of 16 lakes and waterfalls formed by the sedimentation of travertine, a unique form of limestone. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s oldest, largest, and most visited national park, holds the distinction of being among the very first sites worldwide to be recognised on UNESCO’s renowned World Heritage List. Whether you explore the park on foot, by train, or by boat, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature, where every snapshot is a work of art. The thunderous roar of the Great Waterfall, the untamed wilderness of the Čorkova Uvala primaeval forest, and the mirror-like surface of Lake Kozjak are scenes that will leave an everlasting impression.

A Trip to a Fairyland: Must-See Sights of Plitvice Lakes

Despite covering less than one per cent of the park’s area, the waterfalls and lakes steal the show on this magnificent stage.

 

Discover the 16 Lakes of Plitvice

 

The sixteen larger lakes, along with a significant number of smaller ones, are divided into Upper and Lower Lakes (Croatian: Gornja i Donja jezera) connected by silver cascades of waterfalls. The Upper Lakes are Prošćansko Jezero, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Veliko (Great) Lake, Malo (Small) Lake, Vir, Galovac, Milino Lake, Gradinsko Lake, Burgeti, and Kozjak. The Lower Lakes are Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod. As a result of travertine sedimentation, the lakes undergo constant change, like a work of art in progress that is never quite complete.

No water adventure is complete without a boat or rowboat escapade on Kozjak, the park’s largest lake.

Only then can you truly appreciate the refined spectrum of lake colours, ranging from emerald green to blue and turquoise, changing with the time of day or the sun’s position.

 

While touring the Upper Lakes, make sure to visit the Tomićevo Pogledalo viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Veliko and Malo Lakes, as well as Prošćansko Lake. It takes approximately twenty minutes to reach the viewpoint, but the stunning panorama you’ll encounter will stay with you for a lifetime.

Great Waterfall: Snap a Selfie With Croatia’s Largest Waterfall

Many will say that there are national parks, and then there’s Plitvice Lakes. Indeed, as one of the most wondrous corners of the globe, Plitvice is in a league of its own when it comes to majestic beauty.

 

Prepare to be swept away by the Plitvice effect as soon as you enter the park. The panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Great Waterfall is one of the most stunning vistas you’ll ever behold, cherished by newlyweds for its picture-ready stunning backdrop. The majestic water colossus, soaring more than 80 metres high, is ready to strike a pose with you at the designated photo point at the foot of the cascade. One of the National Park’s most captivating sights becomes even more spectacular up close.

 

Its thunderous roar echoes like a rock band, and it’s always a good idea to come prepared with an umbrella due to the spray.

Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts over 90 waterfalls, with highlights, including Veliki and Mali Prštavac, Galovački Buk, and Sastavci falls. These, along with the majestic Great Waterfall, form the source of the River Korana. The wooden pathways and bridges winding through the park ensure non-stop adventure as you stay within arm’s reach of the lively waters.

Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Mali prštavac, Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Mali prštavac, Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes

One-Day Trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park

 

For a Complete Experience, Consider Spending at Least Two Days.

 

In peak season, you can arrange a one-day excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park from major cities like Poreč and Rovinj in Istria, Zadar and Split in Dalmatia, and even the capital of Zagreb. However, since just one day in the park means you will get to see only a part of its splendour, it’s best to stay at Plitvice Lakes for a few days to truly enjoy the experience stress-free. Don’t forget to download the convenient app to your mobile device; it’ll be your perfect companion for exploring all the attractions.

Prepare for an Active Holiday at Plitvice Lakes: Trails Uncovering the Grandeur of Nature

Plitvice Lakes National Park is ideally explored on foot, following the wooden pathways that guide you deep into the heart of the Park. Among the eight designated hiking routes, the shortest and easiest is 3.5 km, while an 18 km route awaits those seeking an adventure-packed holiday. For seasoned hikers and trekkers, the educational trail of Čorkova Uvala provides an immersive experience in the untouched wilderness of an ancient primaeval forest. Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned as one of the world’s most important locations in terms of biodiversity. It is home to over 1400 plant species and subspecies, including more than 60 orchid species. The untouched wilderness is home to formidable predators like bears, lynxes, and wolves, alongside a diverse array of wildlife including over 300 species of butterflies and more than 160 species of birds.

Lodging Options at Plitvice Lakes and Must-Visit Locations in the Surrounding Area

 

Within the National Park, accommodation is available in hotels, and near the park proper, you can find campsites and private accommodations for a relaxing getaway. Make sure to include these nearby destinations in your itinerary, and for further details, consult the interactive map:

 

  • Caves of Barać (or Baraćeve Špilje, near Rakovica, a 20-minute drive) – Embark on a journey into the depths of the earth and experience the fascinating sensation of complete darkness. At the Speleon Visitor Centre, children will be amazed by the replicas of a woolly rhinoceros and a cave lion.
  • Grabovača Cave Park (near Perušić, a 60-minute drive) – The only cave park in Europe where you can see the Samograd Cave, whose entrance resembles a cathedral.
  • Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre (in Smiljan, a 60-minute drive) – A must-visit for a glimpse into the world of the ingenious scientist, showcasing his birthplace and laboratory with his most famous inventions.
  • Rastoke (near Slunj, a 30-minute drive) – A picturesque village often referred to as “Mini Plitvice Lakes” owing to the scenic waterfalls of the Slunjčica River. •
  • Mukinje (a 5-minute drive) – Offering a ski resort, toboggan run, and winter delights for little ones.

Barać Caves
Samograd Cave
Tesla Museum, Smiljan
Rastoke
Barać Caves
Samograd Cave
Tesla Museum, Smiljan
Rastoke

Things To Know Before Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

The national park is open every day, but the operating hours vary depending on the season.

Guided tours are available for exploring Plitvice Lakes, and you can find information at https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/.

 

How to Reach Plitvice Lakes?

 

Plitvice Lakes are accessible by car or public transport via well-connected main roads that link to Croatia’s motorway network.

Where to buy tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park?

 

Tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park, which cover the cost of the little train and the boat excursion, are available for purchase online and at the official entrances. Most visitors opt for Entrances 1 or 2 because they offer easy access and ample parking.


Entrance 1 (Rastovača) – Choose this entrance for quick access to the Great Waterfall.
Entrance 2 (Hladovina) – Entrance closest to the Upper Lakes.
Entrance 3 (Flora) – Entrance without parking facilities.

 

When to Visit Plitvice Lakes?

 

Fret Over Seasons and Weathr Forecasts, Each Visit Is Uniquely Magical

 

When it comes to visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, there is no such thing as a bad weather forecast or the best season. There is only a moment in time you wish to capture in the emerald lakes.

 

  • In summer, visitors bring infectious energy that blends seamlessly with the cascading waterfalls
  • Autumn reigns supreme with its magnificent palette of colours that spill gracefully across the lakes
  • In winter, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil world of snow and listen to the echoing silence of the ice
  • With spring comes a fresh beginning as nature bursts into colourful splendour

Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes

 

 

In the symphony of the lakes, take your time to relish every moment. Think of it like savouring aged wine or admiring a priceless artwork. Here, the waterfall’s roar is a celebration, and each step through the forest is a cherished privilege. Expressing the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park in words is a daunting task since it is primarily an experience that effortlessly engages all your senses. Immerse yourself in the spellbinding beauty of nature’s most captivating fairy tale.

 

 

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