The Plitvice National Park: A Heaven On Earth

The Plitvice National Park is probably one of very few places on earth that can truly get away with hyperbolic descriptions. No one would be exaggerating in describing the park as majestically gorgeous, breathtakingly stunning, and exquisitely beautiful. Nestled in the mountainous karst region of Croatia, the national park also boasts as being the largest in the country, as well as the oldest in Southeastern Europe. It is its amazing natural sights that also made the park become one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979. As such, it would be a great misfortune if you ever traveled to Eastern Europe, without getting to this paradise on earth.

Barrier between Gavanovac_ and Kaluderovac

The Plitvice Park covers more than 296.85 sq kilometers,or about 73,350 acres. This area is blessed with 16 cascading and overlapping bodies of water, waterfalls, lush forest, and mountain slopes. The interlocking rivers and lakes are separated by natural dams developed from travertine sediments and create bridge like formations throughout the area covered by the water. Most important is the water’s transparency and colors which range from turquoise, green, gray to azure and blue and change depending on the minerals and organisms present as well as the sun’s angle. The lakes and rivers are all surrounded by numerous tiered waterfalls, some big and some small falling from high rises of the aforementioned dams creating a wonderful niches of tranquil beauty. Moreover, the water travels in and out of mysterious looking caves all throughout the landscape. One cannot get enough of this magical site.

Plitvice lakes

The park is also densely forested with a rich diversity of Flaura and Fauna abounding all over. Consisting of a mix of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation, and a variety of climatic and altitude differences, it is covered by a wide array of plants some of which are endemic to the region. For the same reasons, the region also houses some of the rarest species of animals and birds in the planet. An estimated 126 bird species have been found there, 70 of which reproduce internally. The water bodies are also home to rare species that date back to pre-human existence.

Bear

Clearly, there is plenty to do and see at the Plitvice Park. To help with sightseeing, a footbridge runs throughout the landscape, weaving in and out of forest, waterfalls and water bodies, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Additionally, due to the expansive area of the park there are boats and buses offered on some trails which are free of charge.

In planning this once in a lifetime trip, you should be aware of the charges for the park. There are a variety of pricing groups that range from group and individual prices for adults, students, children and teenagers. Individual adults are charged 55,00 HRK and groups are 50,00 HRK while student individuals are 45,00 Kuna and groups are 40,00 Kuna. Children and teenagers to 18 yrs are 35,00 HRK for individuals and 30,00 HRK for groups. All children under 7 years of age can enter free. Note that these process are per person.

Waterfalls in Plitvice

There are plenty of accommodations in Croatia for your long term or short term travel options that can help you optimize your trip around the country as well. Specifically for the Park, there are plenty of hotels, lodges, cabins and camping options.

It’s extremely easy to get here with convenient connections from all over Croatia.