Plitvice Lakes National Park

First of all, let me explain that Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in this part of Europe; every year, around 1.3 to 1.5 million people visit this national park. The Plitvice Lakes have been a National Park since 1949, and in 1979, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

With that in mind, you can imagine it comes with a price (and it’s not cheap, by the way), and tickets must be purchased, which are limited in number. This can make the experience a bit overwhelming, especially for those of us who enjoy the mountains. However, I must say it’s worth it, and I’ll give you some tips that were very useful to us. As you’ll see in the photos and videos, we were almost alone!

Let’s continue by situating ourselves in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia, famous for its series of interconnected lakes, waterfalls, and lush natural surroundings. The park is divided into two main areas: the upper lakes (Gornja jezera) and the lower lakes (Donja jezera), which are connected by waterfalls and streams.

1. Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera)
These lakes are larger and located in a more forested area. The upper lakes are mainly formed of dolomite, which influences their size and shape. Here are the main ones:

• Prošćansko jezero: This is the highest lake in the system and the first in the series. The water here is a clear emerald green, due to the surrounding vegetation.
• Ciginovac: A smaller lake compared to the others, with crystal-clear waters.
• Okrugljak: A smaller, round lake.
• Batinovac: This lake has a deep green color.
• Veliko jezero and Malo jezero: These two lakes are connected and have turquoise-colored waters.
• Vir: The water here is clear and slightly bluish.
• Galovac: Known for its scenic beauty, with waterfalls feeding it and greenish-blue water.
• Gradinsko jezero: A larger lake with green, calm waters.
• Burgeti: A series of small pools that form a chain of waterfalls.
• Kozjak: The largest lake in Plitvice, with deep blue waters. You can take a boat ride on it, giving a sense of its size.

2. Lower Lakes (Donja jezera)
These lakes are smaller and located in a limestone canyon, surrounded by steep rock walls. The colors here range from deep blue to emerald green.

• Milanovac: Its waters are emerald green, surrounded by vegetation and cliffs.
• Gavanovac: A small, narrow lake with light blue waters.
• Kaluđerovac: The water here is a deep blue, especially near the waterfalls.
• Novakovića Brod: This is the last of the lower lakes, with calmer and bluer waters.

The Korana River
The Plitvice lake system flows into the Korana River, which forms from the last major waterfall in the park, known as the Great Waterfall (Veliki slap). This river is one of the most important in the Karlovac region, and its origin is directly linked to the lower lakes. A few kilometers downstream, the river serves as a border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for about 20 kilometers.
Water Colors
Plitvice Lakes are famous for the vibrant tones of their waters, which can vary from emerald green to turquoise, deep blue, and even gray in some areas. The variety of colors is mainly due to several factors:

• The presence of minerals: Calcium carbonate in the rocks and sediments affects the water’s clarity and color.
• The surrounding vegetation: Algae and plants growing in the lakes contribute to the greenish hues.
• Sunlight: Depending on the angle of the sun and the amount of light reaching the water, the color of the lakes can change throughout the day.
• Soil composition: Travertine formations (calcium carbonate deposits) around the lakes influence the clarity of the water and reflect unique colors.
The combination of these factors creates a unique visual spectacle, where the colors of the water seem to constantly change depending on the angle and environmental conditions.

For all these reasons, it’s worth visiting these lakes.There are several predefined routes, and you can combine buses, boats, and boardwalks. However, if you can, I recommend the following tips:

1. Stay at the small hotels in the park (Upper zone near P3 from the previous link).
2. You can access through the unofficial E3 entrance (but it’s a legal entrance with a checkpoint for guests staying in the area).
3. Get your ticket online a couple of days in advance (they might sell out). If you enter through Entrance 3, you can buy the ticket for E1 or E2, depending on availability. To clarify: tickets are sold for E1 and E2 as if you were entering a “theater” through two doors, to avoid crowding and facilitate movement along the boardwalks. Tickets are not sold for Entrance 3 since it’s only for those staying in the area, but you can pass through with an E1 or E2 ticket.
4. Start the route as soon as the park opens and head to the lower lakes (blue ones), which are the most popular, to visit them almost alone.
5. Plan your route according to your capabilities. We wanted to cover almost everything.

Enjoy it!

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