If the Dalmatian coast provides one of the most magnificent cruising experience destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park provides among Europe's finest outdoor experience travel, back-to-nature experiences. Located inland near the Bosnian border and about a 2-hr. drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian jewel is a highly vegetated and aesthetically elaborate canvas of 16 lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and remarkably colored water.
Driving on the old roadway in between Zagreb and Zadar, a dense mix of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape takes over. As the sound of hurrying water wipes out every other sound, you know you have actually arrived at Plitvice Lakes. The park, a lavish 8 km square, top rated tourist attractions heavily forested plateau and valley functions beech, spruce and fir trees and is home to unusual wildlife, such as the European brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynx, wild cats and capercailzies. More than 70 bird types breed here as well. The awesome blue-green, azure, gray and blue crystal-clear waters of the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and four Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera) are strung together by cascading waterfalls developed through sedimentation of travertine, a specific type of limestone, and miles of enjoyable strolls.
Put on your hiking shoes to get up close to the park's spectacular beauty: A system of wood-planked walkways, stairways and dirt trails lead you along the lakes, past the waterfalls, natural barriers, swimming pools, springs, caves and crags. The paths actually lead right as much as the middle of the waterfalls, where you'll get fantastic views of the travertine developments. Climb through the slippery caves to the top of the Plitvice plateau for stunning vistas of the forested lakes.
The park uses a number of treking paths: For those limited on time, the shortest one goes through the park within 90 minutes. For lovers wishing to experience nature at its best, the longest and most magnificent path takes 6-8 hrs. Make sure to take the boat ride along Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake, connecting the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, the lower part of the Upper Lakes being the most striking location of the park.
After a complete day of wandering through the mist, stop at one of the wood strukli (strudel) stalls at the park entryway for a piece of apple, cheese or berry strudel, or delight in terrific grilled trout at the Licka Kuca dining establishment. If you want to invest a few days in this Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park limitations, and budget-friendly local rental properties and houses for rent in the close-by vicinity. To be familiar with the residents, lodging in a regional Sobe (room for rent) is most budget-friendly and highly recommended. This area was associated with the beginnings of the Bosnian war and finding out about the area's history from a local citizen is an invaluable education! Sobes are everywhere and are easily discovered - all you require to do is drive up to one.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an excellent active vacation and among the very best household getaway locations when taking a trip in Croatia, particularly with youngsters. The incredible wild scenery, the great hiking and back-to-nature adventure outdoors experience is not to be missed out on.
Ana is a journey specialist, planner and manager who produces unique intercultural experiences for households and likes to impart details, suggestions and personal experiences particularly associated to household experience travel.