Croatia: Plitvica Lakes National Park

Once you will face the decision on what trip to choose, you need to know how much time you will have at your hands. There are six different options. And you can leave out a walk on wooden sidewalks and travel by train or boat instead. Everything is included in the ticket price. Also you get a good map which makes navigation within the park easier. Moreover, there are sign posts which get you where you want.

The park consists of 16 lakes. These then split into upper and lower lakes. The upper section consists of 12 lakes(Prošćansko, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Vir, Veliki Jovinovac, Mali Jovinovac, Galovac, Milino, Gradinsko, Veliki Burget, Kozjak), the lower section is made of 4 lakes (Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaludjerovac, Novakovića Brod). A boat gets you across the largest of them – Kozjak lake.

Plitvice lakes are quite unique as they constantly change because of carbonate rock of travertin. Melted rocks around supply calcium carbonate to water. Saturated water than adds the elevent to moss and weed which almost petrifies plants. The process is ongoing creating layers which eventually split a lake and create a new one.

Do you remember the chieftan of the Apaches? Thank you must have seen the movie the Treasure of the Silver Lake. In this case, see Galovacki Buk waterfall near Galovac lake. Here the famous scene with the bandits was shot. 

Also, I highly recommend to arrive early in the morning to the park as it is not so crowded, you may easily walk on the walkways and you don't have to wait to enjoy vistas. To get across Kozjak lake you can take a boat which takes about 30 minutes. On the other side you may buy something to eat or drink and then set out to Milanovac lake. The waterfall by this lake was featured in the third part of Vinettou movies.

We approach the dam between the lakes of Gavanovac and Kaluderovac. The dam consists of rows of waterfalls known as Veliki Kaskade. Despite the waterfalls are not the highest, they are undoubtedly the most popular of localities to take pictures of. Kaluderovac is the most popular among the fans of Karl May. They call it Silver Lake. To visit the cave above the lake is a must. We are about to reach the highest waterfall on the cascade. Being 78 meters high, Veliki Slap waterfall is very interesting to take a picture of especially right beneath it. Or climb theh ill on the opposite side to enjoy a vista from the distance. To get to the parking lot, you may take a road which goes along Kozjak lake or alternatively you may take a train.

Next Saturday příští sobotu už se spolu s námi podíváte do města Šibenik.

GPS: 44°53'38.8"N 15°36'39.7"E

Text and photos: Magdaléna Radostová