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Blessed with a coastline stretching nearly 1,800 km and countless scenic spots, the Republic of Croatia is also known for its four spectacular national parks, invaluable for both tourism and biodiversity. The largest of these is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe.
Established in 1949 and the oldest national park in Southeast Europe, Plitvice Lakes is located in central Croatia, in a valley surrounded on all sides by mountains and lush green forests. Situated on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the park spans an area of nearly 300 km² and encompasses a system of nearly two dozen interconnected, crystal-clear lakes.
Upon entering the park, visitors are immediately overwhelmed and stunned by the mesmerizing beauty of countless waterfalls cascading into numerous large and small lakes, their emerald-green water set against a backdrop of limestone and chalk formations dating back thousands of years. In total, there are 16 large lakes and 2 smaller lakes forming a system of lakes at higher and lower elevations, all connected by 92 waterfalls.
This lake system is formed by two rivers, with water flowing from an altitude of 636 meters above sea level, through a stepped system of lakes stretching 8 kilometers, down to an altitude of 503 meters. In some places, small streams merge and flow into a single lake, reaching a depth of up to 40 meters. Strolling along the narrow paths, surrounded by lakes and waterfalls, with lush green forests and towering mountains in the distance, visitors can't help but feel as if they've wandered into a celestial paradise.
Also very appealing to those who enjoy outdoor activities are the limestone caves formed millions to over 200 million years ago, during the periods known scientifically as the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The most famous caves – the Big Cave, the Black Cave, and the Goddess Cave by the Lake – are always a destination for those who like to immerse themselves in the wild landscape, as well as a chance to test their endurance.
Furthermore, Plitvice Lakes National Park preserves precious natural values: visitors can stroll and listen to the symphony of waterfalls, sunshine, wind, and birds in the oak and pine forests. If lucky, they might even spot bears or wolves hiding in the cliffs, watching the never-ending stream of tourists throughout the year...
Of course, if you don't have much time for a tour of Plitvice, you absolutely must stop at the most famous and spectacular spot in the National Park: the highest waterfall, cascading from the cliffs at a height of 78 meters. The wildest scenes from the Native American film "Winnetou" were filmed here.
Don't miss the time spent on a cruise, where you can leisurely admire the Plitvice landscape and take memorable photos against the backdrop of this rare and beautiful scenery. For those with more time and a genuine desire for exploration, a winding 20-kilometer trail has been designed within the Plitvice grounds, typically taking a full eight hours to complete!
