Located 140 km from Zagreb and 219 km from Split, the Plitvice Lakes are a jewel of nature in Croatia. This exceptional natural environment was granted the status of a national park in 1949 and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. Lakes with crystal clear waters, waterfalls, green forests, remarkable fauna and flora, this place is a real enchantment for all nature lovers. In addition, beyond the walking and water routes that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the place, the surrounding territory offers infrastructures for lodging, enjoying the local gastronomy and participating in a multitude of outdoor activities. For those who wish to leave the Croatian coastline and venture inland, Plitvice Lakes National Park awaits you for a wonderful stay in the heart of Europe.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, an exceptional natural environment
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia. 300 km² of breathtaking nature, where 16 lakes with turquoise waters are connected by waterfalls that flow along limestone barriers that were naturally formed over time. The forest is the other great value of the park, since it covers 81% of the territory and consists of pine, fir, spruce, beech and hornbeam. The richness of the vegetation is simply incredible, with no less than 60 species of orchids and 3 species of carnivorous plants. A large number of animals take advantage of this idyllic setting, with 14 species of amphibians, 259 species of vertebrates, 168 species of birds and 321 species of butterflies. The wolf, the brown bear and the lynx are the 3 protected species present in the area.
One of the most exciting ways to enjoy this natural gem in Croatia is to walk through the forest and pass from lake to lake. Plitvice Lakes National Park is part of the Natura 2000 network, and several information is provided in order to respect the natural wealth of the place as much as possible. There are two entrances to the park, and several paths are proposed, alternating natural paths and passages on wooden pontoons with a great charm. Everything is set up to facilitate the visitors' walk. Explanatory panels give information on biodiversity, and bus-trains and electric boats are available to save time and easily move from one place to another. As the national park has several levels, one of the must-do's is to follow the lookout route, leading to such treasures as Lake Prošćansko, located at 636 m above sea level, and then Lake Kozjak, where rowing boats are available for rent for a peaceful ride on the translucent waters. The lookout route also offers breathtaking views of the lower lakes. Other places not to be missed in the Plitvice Lakes National Park include Veliki Slap, the highest waterfall with a 40-meter drop, and Supljara Cave, one of the many limestone caves in the area that are open to visitors
Activities in the vicinity of Plitvice Lakes National Park
During a stay in Croatia to admire the beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, you should not hesitate to explore the surroundings of the national park, which offers many exciting activities. The area offers several cycling routes alternating between forests and green undulating valleys. It is also an opportunity to stop in the charming village of Rastoke, so picturesque with its houses, mills, vegetation, waterfalls and the Slunjčica River which flows into the Korana River. The Slunjčica River is a delight for those who want to get their adrenaline pumping during rafting sessions in moving waters. Unless one prefers the calm of the Gacka River for a kayak ride. The area around the Plitvice Lakes can also be enjoyed on horseback with a guide. Several ranches welcome visitors for rides in colorful meadows. Quad biking, rock climbing, paintball, archery, zip lines, there are many ways to have fun and enjoy yourself around the Plitvice Lakes.
Also in the vicinity of the national park, the Barać caves are a great place to join to dive into the long tradition of caving tours in Croatia. Here you enter caves where a wonderful world is found: that of thousand-year-old geological and mineral formations, and whose secrets are revealed by a guide.
And then, those who wish to enjoy all the richness of the Lika region in Croatia can take advantage of their stay to admire the Plitvice Lakes and contemplate the beautiful mountain landscapes of the neighboring Paklenica and North Velebit national parks. The karst formations and the biodiversity are also incredible there and many hiking trails allow you to enjoy the beauty of the place.
Accommodation and local gastronomy near Plitvice Lakes National Park
There is nothing like spending time in contact with nature to relax, forget the hectic pace of everyday life and recharge your batteries. To make the most of the enchanting natural setting of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are severalaccommodation options available, such as hotels that welcome holidaymakers within the park itself. The hotels Jezero, Plitvice, Bellevue and Grabovac offer elegant rooms in a natural environment that is ideal for rest. For camping enthusiasts, there is the Borje campsite, located in the middle of a pine forest, or the Korana campsite, one of the most beautiful inland campsites in Croatia. The latter offers direct access to thick, green forests and the peaceful banks of the Korana River.
The campsites are also equipped with restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. In the region, the chefs cook with the best local products, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. At the entrance to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the restaurant Lička kuća is a great address to taste local specialties. The cuisine here is traditional, but some dishes are also revisited in a modern way and always prepared with local ingredients, most of which bear the Lika Quality label. Among the must-try dishes are lamb peka, a dish prepared under a cast iron bell covered with embers, or grilled trout.
The Plitvice Lakes region is also known for its brandy and cheeses, made according to traditional and new recipes. Local producers welcome visitors for tastings. A stay in Croatia to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park will definitely get all the senses going.
