Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in central Croatia, is one of the most famous and oldest national parks in Southeast Europe. Its unique geography and stunning natural beauty made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It’s the source of the Korana River . Oddly, though only 2 hours away from the Adriatic Sea, the river flows in a southerly direction but then turns to eventually join the Danube at Belgrade, Serbia to flow east to the Black Sea 2070 km away.
In October 2024, Lena, a park guide, led us on the lower lakes tour B, 4 km long. An overcast sky provided comfortable temperatures of 15-20 C (about 60-70 F). As we walked Lena described the unique geological features of the park and its flora & fauna. It’s an easy to moderate walk along wooden pathways & bridges, climbing gradually along 5 lakes with waterfalls at each lake.
After a rest stop (concessions and toilets at the boat landing), we took the short boat trip across the lake. We switched to the train back towards entrance #1, ending with a 1 km walk. It’s rated at 3-4 hours, depending on short waits for the boat and the train. I worried when I saw more than a dozen tour buses in the parking lot, but it wasn’t a problem as the groups spread out. We were never hampered by a group . In the summer crowds can be a problem (and also much hotter).
With more time and energy, take Tour C Tour, 7.5 km long over 4-6 hours, also using the boat and train.
Geography:
Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park sits in the mountainous karst region of central Croatia. It’s near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. . It’s about 2 hours drive from Zagreb and 2 hours drive from Šibenik on the coast, giving easy access to Split and Dubrovnik.
- The park covers an area of approximately 296.85 square kilometers.
- Lakes: The park has 16 interconnected lakes, which are divided into two groups:
- Upper Lakes: The upper lakes are larger and mostly formed in dolomite rock. They have softer edges and thick forests surrounding them. Cascading waterfallsconnect the lower lakes.
- Lower Lakes: The lower lakes are smaller, situated at the base of steep cliffs, and formed in limestone rock. Dramatic scenery displays narrower gorges and fewer trees compared to the upper section.
These lakes are fed by several small rivers and subterranean karst water sources,
creating a dynamic landscape of waterfalls, pools, and streams. The lakes in the gorge were formed by a series of tufa dams that built up along the river.
- Waterfalls: The lakes are connected by a series of spectacular waterfalls, with the most famous being Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall), which is 78 meters (255 feet) high. The park’s water cascades over limestone and dolomite rock. We see different colored layers in the water, ranging from azure to green and blue.
- Flora and Fauna: The park’s diverse ecosystems range from thick forests of beech, fir, and spruce to meadows, caves, and lakeshores. Plitvice is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, lynxes, deer, and rare bird species. Like many forested National Parks, visitors will rarely see many reclusive and nocturnal animals. We did see a squirrel(!) and mallards.
- Karst Landscape: The region is known for its karst topography, characterized by porous limestone rock. Over time, water has eroded the rock, creating an intricate network of caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. This unique geology contributes to the formation of the lakes and waterfalls.
Walking Trails: The park has well-marked walking trails that vary in difficulty and length. The trails typically range from 2 to 8 hours. There are wooden footbridges that allow visitors to walk across the lakes and waterfalls.
Boat and Train Rides: Electric boats operate across Lake Kozjak (the largest lake) and panoramic trains (small buses) take visitors between various points of the park, included in the ticket price.
Best Times to Visit:
Summer (June – August): Warm weather and lush greenery make summer the most popular time to visit. However, it can be crowded.
Spring (April – June): Waterfalls are at their fullest from melting snow, and there are fewer crowds.
Autumn (September – October): The fall foliage creates a beautiful contrast with the lakes’ colors, making it a great time for photography. On our October 2024 visit we’d had major rain & thunderstorms earlier in the week so the waterfalls were amazing. Lena said the waterfalls were some of the largest she’d seen in 10 years at the park.
Winter (November – March): Fewer visitors and a snow-covered landscape create a peaceful atmosphere, but some paths may be closed due to snow. The waterfalls can freeze, but unfortunately climbers aren’t allowed ascend them.