If you want to enjoy untouched nature, peace, the diversity of flora and fauna, active vacation or just relax in nature, Croatia is a great place for you. In Croatia, you can find both, ''green'' and ''blue'' nature, so you can enjoy the sea, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and all other natural resources located in Croatia. Btw. just for your information – about 10% of Croatian territory is covered with National or Nature Parks. In total there are 8 National Parks and 11 Nature Parks all over the country and today post will present to you the most famous and most visited Croatian National Park – The Plitvice Lakes. More than 1 million visitors come to Plitvice Lakes each year, so let's find out why it is such a special place named after shallows (CRO. pličina, plitvak, plitko). This post is not intended to serve as a technical guide during the visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park and it only briefly presents the Lakes and gives you a couple of reasons why you should visit Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Photo: www.mirjana-rastoke.com
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia, added to the UNESCO World Heritage register in 1979. The national park was founded in 1949 and is in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia, an area that connects the Croatian inland with the Adriatic coastal region.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is worldwide famous for its 16 crystal clear lakes arranged in cascades. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers and all lakes are interconnected. Also, by visiting Plitvice Lakes you will find a 78-meter tall waterfall - Veliki Slap (The Big Cascade). Btw. it is the tallest waterfall in Croatia.
Rich flora and fauna of the place make it even more special because in a wider area of the national park lives over 1400 plants (30% of the total flora in Croatia) and countless animals, from those that are barely visible to the eye to those that are not pleasant to see live. Don’t worry, even though bears, bobcats, wolves, and foxes live in the park area, it is impossible to see them in the national park area where tourists enjoy the beauty of nature. Moreover, the park rangers take care of the safety for both, animals and visitors :)
Generally, the Lakes are divided into two groups – the Upper Lakes & the Lower Lakes. By using 18km long wooden pathway it is possible to visit all 16 lakes for what you need about 8h, but most people visit the Lower Lakes and finish the tour with a boat ride on Kozjak Lake – the biggest lake in the national park, and one of the lakes from the Upper Lakes group. For visiting the Lower Lakes with a boat-ride on Kozak Lake you will need between 3-4 hours.
Photo: www.mirjana-rastoke.com
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park is possible all year round, and each season has its special colors and cantrip. In winter you will enjoy frozen lakes and fairytale depictions of nature. In spring you will enjoy vivid colors of spring awakening. In summer nature and the sun rays make this place a heaven on the Earth, as in autumn you can enjoy artistic colors of nature.
Photo: www.tinkertravels.com
Why you should visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
1. Crystal clear and stunning lakes
2. An impossibly vibrant array of colors and each spot change its colors depending on weather conditions
3. Glorious nature spots perfect for you Instagram
4. The hike is easy and fun to do
5. Fascinating flora and fauna
6. Experience how it looks like when you are in Paradise
7. 18km of pathways are ideal for those who like walks in nature. You can visit all the Lakes or choose one of the eight standard routes
8. The opportunity to connect with nature by spending a night(s) in one of the national park's hotels and enjoying local cuisine
9. Rich history, funny anecdotes, and interesting legends
10. Ideal for any age groups
Although it is difficult to describe a beauty of The Plitvice Lakes in words, we hope that this post encouraged you to put The Plitvice Lakes on your travel bucket list. If you can't wait to visit Plitvice Lakes, then follow the link and book your private tour: https://www.servus-zagreb.com/plitvicelakes
Live it & love it! 😎😍