About Plitvice Waterfalls
Nestled deep within the mountainous Lika region of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvička Jezera) is a world-renowned natural wonderland. Famous for its vibrant cascade of 16 interconnected lakes, the park transforms throughout the day into shades of brilliant emerald, azure, and turquoise, depending on the mineral content and sun angle.
The Upper and Lower Lakes
The park is geographically divided into two main sections:
- The Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera): Comprising 12 lakes cradled by dense pine and beech forests. These lakes feature gentle wooden boardwalk trails winding right across bubbling waters and soft, moss-covered travertine barriers.
- The Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera): Four lakes set within a dramatic limestone canyon. Here, visitors will find the park's crowning jewel, Veliki Slap (The Great Waterfall), which drops a staggering 78 meters into the Sastavci waterfalls below.
An Unmatched Ecosystem
Beyond the aquatic spectacle, Plitvice is a haven for biodiversity. Deep in the surrounding primeval forests live brown bears, wolves, rare bird species, and wildcats. Winding boardwalks allow you to walk mere inches above rushing river currents without disturbing fragile biological crusts.
History
The unique landscape of Plitvice Lakes has evolved over thousands of years through a process called travertine formation. Tiny plants, algae, and mosses capture dissolved calcium carbonate from flowing karst rivers, creating living limestone dikes (tufa barriers) that constantly reshape the course of the water.
Park History & Protection
Recognizing its extraordinary natural beauty, the area was designated as Croatia's very first national park on April 8, 1949. In 1979, UNESCO inscribed Plitvice Lakes National Park onto the World Heritage list for its rare geological phenomena and natural habitat conservation.
The park also holds significance in modern history. In March 1991, it was the site of the 'Plitvice Lakes incident,' one of the first armed clashes of the Croatian War of Independence. Following the war, extensive demining and eco-restoration restored the park to its pristine status, welcoming millions of global travelers today.