Plitvice Lakes National Park
Karlovačka županija
Plitvice Lakes National Park, established in 1949, is Croatia's oldest and largest national park, famous for its exceptional karst landscape and 16 interconnected lakes filled with crystal-clear turquoise waters. These lakes are connected by cascades and waterfalls formed by travertine barriers that have developed over thousands of years, creating a unique natural phenomenon. The park spans nearly 30,000 hectares, mostly covered by dense forests, and is located in the mountainous Dinaric Alps between the Mala Kapela and Plješevica mountains. Its diverse geology includes dolomite formations in the southern upper lakes and limestone in the northern lower lakes. The park's climate is temperate mountain with snowy winters and mild summers, supporting rich biodiversity. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, the park attracts over a million visitors annually who come to explore its scenic walking trails, wooden footbridges, and pristine nature. The source of the Korana River is also located within the park. Human intervention has created two additional lakes in recent decades, though they lack the natural beauty of the original lakes. The park is divided into zones by protection level and lies mostly within Lika-Senj County, with a smaller part in Karlovac County. It offers well-maintained visitor infrastructure, including hotels, campsites, and dining options, making it a top destination for nature lovers and hikers.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring or autumn when the waterfalls are most voluminous and crowds are smaller. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak summer months. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Use the official park apps and maps to plan your trails and check real-time information. Consider staying overnight in nearby hotels or campsites to explore the park fully over multiple days.
Interesting facts
- •Plitvice Lakes National Park was among the first natural sites in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
- •The park contains 16 interconnected lakes arranged in cascades over a distance of approximately 5.5 kilometers.
- •Travertine barriers that form the lakes and waterfalls have been developing since the Pleistocene epoch.
- •The Korana River, which originates in the park, is fed by the lakes' waters.
- •The park's lakes are divided into Upper and Lower lakes, with distinct geological compositions: dolomite in the south and limestone in the north.
History
The Plitvice Lakes area was first mentioned in written records in 1777 by Dominik Vukasović.
The park was officially designated Croatia's first national park on April 8, 1949.
Its travertine barriers, formed over the last ten thousand years, have shaped the lakes and waterfalls into their current form.
In 1979, UNESCO inscribed the park on the World Heritage list, recognizing its universal natural value.
Over the decades, tourism has grown steadily, with the park welcoming over a million visitors annually since 2011.
Recent human activities created two new lakes, but they do not match the natural aesthetics of the original lakes.
Place Guide
Upper Lakes
A series of twelve lakes located in the southern part of the park, known for their stunning turquoise waters and numerous waterfalls connecting them. The Upper Lakes are primarily formed over dolomite rock and feature diverse flora and fauna.
Lower Lakes
Comprising four lakes in the northern part of the park, the Lower Lakes are formed mainly over limestone and are characterized by deeper basins and larger waterfalls, including the famous Veliki slap (Big Waterfall).
Veliki slap (Big Waterfall)
The highest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park, plunging approximately 78 meters. It is a central attraction and a spectacular natural feature formed by travertine barriers.
Korana River Source
The origin of the Korana River, which is fed by the waters of the Plitvice Lakes. This karst spring is a significant hydrological feature within the park.
Contact
Phone: 053 751 015
