Plitvice Sights and Landmarks Guide, Croatia

Located 57 miles from Zadar and 58 miles from Rijeka, Plitvice lakes National Park is the largest park of the country and also the oldest one being proclaimed a national park in 1949. In 1979 it was included in the UNSCO world heritage sights.

Plitvice sights- Unique diversity

What makes this park so special are the waterfalls, the crystal clear water of the lakes, the fish that swim right next to the pathways not being afraid that someone will catch them; actually they know they get food as tourists throw them pieces of bread; the wild ducks, the caves and the fact that there are pathways made of wood and steps made of stone making it possible for everyone to see the whole park and even the most inaccessible places are made accessible this way.

Every time you visit the park you can see some changes and the park is never the same. All you can see in the lakes, as you can see the bottom, are the fish and the fallen trees.

The travertine formation process is especially present in the waterfalls that are created due to this development and water changes its course.

Plitvice sights-The Forest

Plitvice sights include beech and fir trees. The air has a specific smell and it is quite refreshing. Nothing is changed by man and you are not allowed to swim, fish or tear any flower or plant. There are rangers that walk around the park to make sure nobody produces any damages and rules are respected.

Plitvice sights- Flora and Fauna

You can see more than 1200 species of plants including orchids. Fauna is also rich including many types of butterflies, birds, wild ducks and bats, but the most notable one is the brown bear.

Plitvice sights- Activities

Among the activities you can do are trekking, walking, cycling, boat riding, bus riding, rowing and skiing in winter. You can rent a boat and have your own tour of a lake but you will only see a small part this way. People come to Plitvice and spend the whole day in the park. Do keep in mind that you need to have some packed food with you if you want to spend more hours in the park. There are small shops where you can buy some drinks, ice cream or snacks but those can be found only at bus stops and boat stops.

The waterfalls that sometimes seem to come directly from a hole in the mountain, the crystal clear water, the caves that are not big but add to the charm of the place, the mountain air, all in a unique combination make Plitvice a wonderful sight to see, one that will stay in your heart forever.