Plitvice (PLEET-veet-seh) Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest National Park in Croatia. It includes 16 turquoise colored lakes, joined by hundreds (at least it seemed like that number!) of waterfalls that run through a karst landscape (in other words, limestone and caves...lol). Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water: an electric boat links the upper and lower lakes.
An entrance fee is required to enter this stunning park and we recommend buying the two-day pass to thoroughly enjoy the park. Bring snacks and water for the hike but stop at the concession stand for lunch. Our trip began in Budapest where we rented a car to drive to Croatia (stay tuned for an upcoming post on what could have been a Visa commercial. #priceless). Plitvice Lakes National Park is located between Split and Zagreb. If you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country, bus service is available from both Split and Zagreb. If you do drive take these tips from us: Get an international driver's permit from AAA, buy full insurance just in case, and be aware of each country's drinking and driving laws. Croatia has strict laws regarding drinking and driving (Zero Tolerance), so skip the drink with dinner if you are the driver.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular during the summer months and therefore can become very busy and crowed. We recommend renting a hotel room or Airbnb, staying overnight and arriving at the park when it opens to beat the crowds and tour buses.
When you arrive at the Park, be a good tourist and follow all posted rules: don't litter, clean up after yourself and others, and stay on the trails while in the Park because landmines were laid by the Croatians and Serbians during the war. "What's that?" you ask. "Did you say landmines?" Yup-
that's what we said! While it is said that the Park was cleared of all landmines, some were buried in remote areas of the park, so don't take any chances by straying off the beaten path. If at any time you see a sign with the international sign for landmines ( a red triangle with skull and crossbones) heed the warning and go back from where you came - carefully! Don't let this warning stop you from visiting this amazing place. Just stay on the trails and don't go bushwhacking into remote areas to get that perfect shot.
You can almost hear the rush of the waterfalls. Jednostavno spektakularno!
Translation: Simply spectacular! (thanks Google translate! )
Crystal clear water but swimming and fishing is strictly forbidden. In some places you will see schools of fish trying to swim upstream but not making any progress. #fishtreadmill
Hiking Trails and Waterfalls
We rank Plitvice Lakes National Park as one of the most beautiful places we've been to and is comparable to Havasupai Falls in Arizona. This is a place of pristine beauty and a must see if you ever find yourself in Croatia.
If you are interested in continuing your outdoor adventure, you don't have to travel too far! Barac Caves is located in the village of Nova Krslia and is worth a side trip. The same landscape that created Plitvice Lakes is responsible for these caves. The guides will fit you with a hard hat and explain the cave formations and archaeological discoveries made at the cave. The tour is about an hour in length and there might be a short wait when you arrive.
Avantura na!
Translation: Adventure On (thanks again Google translate!)
No comments:
Post a Comment