Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia’s oldest natural wonder

20.04.2020
National parks and beauty

Halfway between the Croatian capital and the Adriatic Sea lies a natural treasure that defies comparison — Plitvice Lakes National Park. With its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes, and ancient forests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe’s most enchanting wonders.

Each year, visitors from across the globe — from Japan and Australia to the USA and Russia — come to experience a place where nature remains the sole architect.

🌿 A natural treasure between Zagreb and the coast

Plitvice Lakes National Park, the most visited national park in Croatia, sits between Zagreb and the Adriatic Sea. It’s easily reachable for a day trip or a longer nature escape.

🍂 Plitvice Lakes National Park changes with the seasons

Over half of all first-time visitors return to Plitvice during a different season — and for good reason. In winter, the waterfalls freeze into shimmering sculptures, turning the park into a silent world of glass and snow. In spring and summer, nature bursts to life. Autumn wraps it all in golden hues.

Plitvice isn’t just beautiful — it’s alive, and it’s always changing.

💦 The magic behind Plitvice’s waterfalls

At the heart of the park is a unique natural process: tufa barrier formation. Over millennia, minerals and ancient microorganisms have worked together to build a cascading chain of 16 lakes. These calcite formations trap water and connect lakes with stunning waterfalls — a geological phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth.

EXPLORE PLITVICE LAKES

🌲 Europe’s last primeval forest

Plitvice is also home to one of Europe’s last remaining virgin forests, where human access is strictly limited. These ancient woods are a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife — owls, woodpeckers, wolves, and even the elusive lynx. Here, nature thrives untouched, and every shadow might hold a wild secret.

🕳️ Caves and mysteries beneath the lakes

Beneath the surface, Plitvice hides an equally mysterious world. With over 100 caves and pits, some reaching depths of more than 200 meters, the park draws explorers and scientists alike. While many remain closed to the public, several accessible caves allow visitors to step into this otherworldly realm.

🌺 Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to rare plants and wildlife

Despite its compact size, Plitvice is home to 1,267 plant species and more than 200 animal species. Many are endemic or endangered, like the striking Lady’s Slipper Orchid or rare carnivorous plants that capture unsuspecting insects. This vibrant ecosystem continues to attract global researchers and nature lovers.

🍖 Savor traditional local cuisine

After exploring, sit down to enjoy a traditional meal. Local specialties include slow-roasted lamb, veal, or wild game — often prepared the same way for centuries. Surrounded by nature and the scent of wood smoke, it’s a rustic dining experience that perfectly matches the raw beauty of the park.