The exotic Plitvice Lakes National Park is a 295 square km. forest reserve situated in central Croatia. It possesses a chain of 16 terraced lakes joined by stunning waterfalls which extends into a limestone canyon. It is once of Croatia’s most famous travel destinations which was granted a UNESCO World Heritage status in the year 1979. The captivating scenic spot is located roughly halfway between the capital city of Zegrab and Zadar on the coast.
Travelers from all over flock to Croatia’s rugged interior which is a stone’s throw away from the Bosnian border, considered as one of Europe’s most exotic hikes. It owes its stunning beauty to its 16 interconnected lakes with a series of waterfalls, set amidst deep, woodland inhabited by deers, bears, wolves, and rare bird species. The mineral-rich waters artistically carve through rock formations depositing tufa in continually changing shapes.
The 16 enchanting lakes give a mesmerizing turquoise hue spilling over into captivating waterfalls and bubbling streams. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is equipped with a well-laid out system of wooden walkways allowing travelers to pass all round with hiking trails through the woods.
Considered as Croatia’s Eden because of its verdant forests and tumbling waterfalls, the idyllic Plitvice Lakes National Park is a perfect getaway for adventurers who opt to commune with nature.
Inhabitants have lived in the Plitvice Lakes area for thousands of years. Illyrians, Thracians, Celts, Japods, Romans, Avars, Slavs, and Turks have settled here until the place was ruled by the Ottomans in 1528 and was reclaimed by the Austrian Empire 150 years later. It also was once a Military Frontier.
The Plitvice Lakes became a major tourist destination in the late 19th century. By the year 1949, the communist government of Yugoslavia made it into a national park. The national park is heavily forested, with spruce, beech, and fir trees along with a combination of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation. It is also home to a wide variety of animal and bird species.
A ticket is required to enter the Plitvice Lakes National Park inclusive of a free travel on the boats which run on the lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is perhaps the most beautiful natural attraction in Croatia. Other special attractions at Plitvice travelers shouldn’t miss include the Veliki Slap, a 100 foot waterfall surrounded by nearby boulders to which tourists have access. There is also an enormous waterfall complex that can be accessed via a cave in the surrounding rock face.
Accommodations can be found by the entrance to the national park which largely caters to older European tourists. Cheaper apartments are also available nearby. There is also a camping site in the nearby town of Korana which is 8km, mostly used by people who visit the park. Facilities are fine with good clean toilets, a small shop, and a couple of dining places.
For transportation means, buses from the park leave to Zagreb, Zadar, and Split but are infrequent during the low season. You should check the schedules before taking a 5 hour hike in the park or you might be compelled to spend the night. Bus schedules are made available at the park entrance or at the hotels just near the bus stop.