Plitvice Lakes

Due to the beauty of its elegant waterfalls and 16 shimmering lakes, Plitvička Jezera is the most visited natural attraction in all of Croatia. The lakes are arranged in cascades, separated into an upper and lower region by natural travertine dams that have formed over thousands of years. Despite the natural barriers, the lakes are all connected by various rivers and streams, flowing both above and below ground.

Plitvice Lakes became a national park in 1949, and covers 73,350 acres of mountainous climate that is rich in biodiversity. The surrounding forest is home to brown bears, wolves, and a number of smaller mammals; not to mention at least 126 species of birds.

Making it happen

The nearest airport is located in the capital city of Zagreb, more than 80 miles away. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to find a 2 ½ hour bus from Zagreb to Plitvička Jezera, and the landscape along the road is beautiful in its own right. There is a fee to enter the park, which entitles you to free boat travel on the larger lakes.

Visitors mainly travel to Plitvice Lakes to hike, bird watch, and photograph the isolated and beautiful landscape. For better or worse, swimming is not allowed within the park. Trails are well maintained and easy to follow, and many have been built up with beautiful wooden walkways that meander tastefully around the most visited lakes and cascades. Hikes range in length from short nature trails, to extended loops that take up to eight hours to complete. Special attractions include two fantastic waterfalls, several caves, and three mountainous peaks.

There are several hotels, lodges, and campgrounds surrounding the park, or you can arrange for a homestay with the small travel agency that is located at the main entrance. Many local residents happily rent out rooms in their homes at affordable prices.

Plitvice Lakes and the surrounding mountainous forest is a remote world of breathtaking beauty. Each season embraces a different dramatic landscape that is unique in its splendor. To really explore this rich and diverse terrain is to treat yourself to a rare and magical gift.