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Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
"Famed for its surreal waterfalls and dreamlike surrounding greenery, it really is something out of a fairytale…"
Plitvice Jezera is the Croatian name for the Plitviče Lakes National Park, one of the most spectacular places in all of Europe. It is a natural wonderland, replete with 16 interconnected lakes bathed in shades of emerald and turquoise sapphire. They are linked by a series of stunning cascading waterfalls, where rushing water tumbles over the sheer rock face, ideal for anyone to explore on a group holiday. This majestic system of waterways is surrounded by narrow trails that dip in and out of the woods and are shared by a family of brown bears, three packs of wolves and 157 bird species. It is the ideal place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the regal majesty of mother nature. Discover the crystalline lakes by setting aside at least six hours to reach all the lakes on foot.
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The Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a large 296-kilometre forest reserve in the centre of Croatia. It is famous for its exquisite natural beauty, which earned it UNESCO status in 1979, best demonstrated by the series of 16 lakes that are joined by majestic cascading waterfalls and extend into a beautiful limestone canyon. There are plenty of sensational hiking trails and walkways that meander around the lakes, making it ideal for anyone who wants to get out and explore awe-inspiring natural scenery.
Plitvice Jezera’s unique geography and topography, means that the weather is different to the rest of Croatia. The hottest months of the year come in May, June, July, August and September, when temperatures tend to average over 20 degrees. However, the chance of rain and thunderstorms increases during the summer months, with June being the wettest time of year. Conversely the drier months tend to occur during the Spring and Winter, with February the driest month of the year.
The Plitvice lakes and the surrounding area, have been inhabited by humans for many millennia, although the settlements tended to be small and hence not especially historically noteworthy. The area was conquered by the Ottoman Empire during their advance to Vienna in 1528 and subsequently remained a part of it for 150 years. Then as it began to retreat, it fell to the Austrians, who incorporated it into there empire, and it was during this period that it developed its association with tourism. It became a tourist attraction in the late 19th century and was a favoured destination of wealthy people from around Europe. The park was considered so important to the country that it was nationalized by the Yugoslavian government in 1949, being added to the list of World Heritage Sites, thirty years later in 1979. The park’s history becomes darker in the ‘90s and an incident there was the spark for the Croatian war of independence in 1991, with the park falling under the control of the Yugoslav army until 1995, when it was taken back by the Croatians towards the end of the war.
A wilder part of the country, its appeal for most tends to be the lack of human inhabitation. This along with its distance from the sea, means that there are less culinary options than in the rest of Croatia. The food in the area tends to be simple, focusing on grilled meat, bean stews and things like škripavac cheese and delicious cherry strudels. The restaurants around the park will be well-equipped with delicious local wine, but it is more a place for an active holiday of exploration, than foodie heaven.
Plitvice is a spectacular natural wonderland of interconnected lakes and incredible hiking trails. This makes it ideal for families who want to get out and explore the magic of the natural world on their family holiday. Thus, if you want to go hiking, biking or kayaking then Plitvice is the place for you a secluded jewel, where you and your family can forget about the modern world and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of nature.
The secluded nature of the Plitvice area, means that it is not famous for its nightlife and visitors certainly won’t find massive clubs there. There are a small spattering of restaurants and bars in the area, which are all replete with a convivial atmosphere and stunning views. It is more the kind of place that you have a picnic under the stars and enjoy the natural world in all its unadulterated beauty.
