Telling about Plitvička (pleet-VEECH-ka) Lakes National Park in Croatia is sort of like telling of one’s experience visiting the Grand Canyon in the United States, a place well known for its unique geological formations and natural beauty. And yet, why not share the story, because both locations are worthy of being talked about again and again given that there is no other place on earth quite like either one.
Although there are streams that empty into the Plitvička Lakes, their primary source of water is from underground springs. The string of sixteen successive lakes is like a giant necklace of turquoise jewels strung together with a series of waterfalls. Visitors often ask the obvious question, ‘How many waterfalls are there?’ The answer is, of course nobody knows, partly because the definition of how much water constitutes a waterfall is a matter of speculation. Also, the water level changes with the seasons. The underground aquifer feeding the lakes increases in volume with the spring thaw and seasonal rainfall.
Schools of trout follow along as we walk the pathways bordering the lakes. I imagine that a number of tourists have fed bread crumbs to the fish over time so that they are now naturally attracted to the movement of people. That may be the only thing added to the water which maintains an amazing purity that makes it possible to see to the bottom of the lakes. The government of Croatia has recognized the importance of the natural beauty of the area and has protected it as a national park since 1949.
The springs feeding the lakes contain calcium carbonate. The calcium solidifies over time to create the rock formations that have given the lakes their unique shapes. While this calcification typically produces rock at the rate of a few millimeters per year at locations around the world, at Plitvicka the rate of rock formation is 30-50 times that rate. Scientists have not been able to fully explain this rapid rock formation. It is a phenomenon exclusive to this one place in Croatia, which contributed to Plitvicka Lakes being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site.
Other features of the park are worth noting. The highest falls in Croatia can be viewed as one enters the east entrance to the park. Veliki-Slap Falls are nearly 300 feet tall. Visible from across the canyon from the falls is a wood cabin, the remnants of the last watermill in the area used by settlers to grind their wheat and corn. There are also campgrounds, motels and a luxury hotel near the park to provide a vacation experience for any budget. The entry fee to the park is 110 kuna, less than $20.00.
Given the amenities, the beauty and the affordability, a visit to Plitvicka Lakes is too good to pass up. When you take into account the warmth of the people, the great food, the enjoyment of wine country in the north and the Dalmatian Coast to the west and you can see the country beckons with open arms for you discover Croatia for yourself.
What striking photos! Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Now they just need a vegan restaurant or two and maybe I will visit! Celeste 🙂
The restaurants have been great in providing us with vegetarian options, but we do have to ask.
Oh, that’s good to know. Even when you ask you can’t always get vegan meals at a lot of US restaurants.
110 kuna is actually 20 dollars. 🙂 Not that cheap, but definitely worth every penny.
Thank you for correcting my math. You are correct, and I have updated accordingly.
That incredible beauty can very well be a peek inside the generous heart of a loving God. No words to describe it.
Nice thought. Thank you, Nan.
beautiful photo..
Thank you. My wife, Florence, is the photographer. 🙂
Mike and Florence, What a stunning place! Your photos make me want to jump right in, but I suspect it’s a bit chilly this time of year! We weren’t able to get there when we were in Croatia, so now it’s back on my “must see” list. I’m fascinated by the fast rate of rock formation. Thanks for a great post. ~Terri
Thank you, Terri for the kind words. It is true there is nothing quite like this national park. It is a source of great pride to the citizens of Croatia, and rightfully so. It is quite cold, since it is spring fed, and you would not want to get caught swimming there anyway. Fishing and swimming are both prohibited. I hope to get back there in the fall and again in the winter. I am told each season holds something new for tourists.
In case you wish to see more images, here is a link to a slide show video that Florence developed earlier this week:
Great video Florence! The photos are beautiful and the music is the perfect accompaniment! 🙂 ~Terri
I loved this post all around, immensely! The blue of the waters reflecting the sky was extraordinary and the music quite nice, too! I would love to explore and see the waterfalls, too! You are great at “selling” us Croatia. Mike and Florence!
Thank you, Robin. We love Croatia – the food, the people, the beautiful countryside. We have moved Croatia to the top of our list of countries in which we wish to live for six months. It is easier to get by than we thought it would be considering how many people speak English here. – Mike
[…] parks and I have posted only one related story to-date, the story about Plitvička Lakes. This series continues with the following story about two of Croatia’s beautiful […]
Excellent photos, video (thanks Florence!) and commentary. What a stunning, beautiful place!
Thank you, Steve. Florence appreciates the kind words on her behalf. Plitvička Lakes NP is definitely a high point for any visitor to Croatia, which has been flying under the tourism radar for awhile. That is going to change quickly in the next few years. I am glad we visited when we did. – Mike
http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/asia-pearl-shoal-waterfall.html
When I mention Croatia’s Plitvicka lakes to my mom, she told me there’s a similar lake/waterfall area in China as well. I was surprised to see she was right!
Beautiful – thanks for sharing the link. You are right – there are striking similarities between the lakes in China and those in Croatia. – Mike