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National Park Plitvice Lakes are situated some 200 km from the coast. Sixteen beautiful Plitvice Lakes, crystal clear and turquoise, are situated one beneath the other in forested mountain area. High waterfalls are created when water decants from the higher lakes into lower lakes, which leaves the visitors breathless. Combination of continental and coastal climate results in pleasantly warm summers and snow rich winters, lush green springs and colourful autumns that have been attracting visitors for many years. Plitvice Lakes is a destination you can visit all year long; each visit will feel like the first.
General information
- Geographical position: West continental Croatia
- Climate: continental
- Average summer temperature: 24° C
- Average winter temperature: -3° C
Gastronomy
The gastro offer of this region is truly interesting and diverse and we suggest you forget about counting calories because the food is quite “rich” and extremely delicious. It is based on corn and other grains, milk and meat. Cornmeal, in other words palenta, is served with milk and dairy products such as yoghurt and sour milk. Milk is also used here to make great cheeses which are served with smoked meat. Of course, this region is most famous for lamb, and is best when it is served right from the spit.
In the winter, smoked meat is served with sauerkraut or beans in various stews. We also recommend you try the various type of pickled vegetables served with seasoned cornmeal. And don’t forget the ustipke, dough fried in hot oil and for those of you with a sweet tooth there is apple strudel or ustipke with sugar.
to topSport
The Plitvice Lakes are perfect for long walks or taking a boat ride on the lakes to get a better view of how beautiful they are. There is also a tourist train for those of you who don’t like walking. Walking through the park is good for your eyes – green is a soothing color and long walks and fresh air balance body and spirit.
For those of you in search of adventure we suggest rafting on the Korana River. It is especially exciting in springtime, when the river overflows from the melted snow. Your desire for adventure can be satisfied on the rapids of the Korana River either by canoe or kayak.
This is a mountainous region, which means the possibilities are endless when it comes to hiking and free climbing.
to topFun and night life
If you like staying up all night or like partying all night long, then we should be the ones to tell you that this place is better suited for people that like peace and quiet. After your daily activities that can include going for a walk, rafting or canoeing, combined with the fresh air of Velebit, you will feel pleasantly tired and look forward to falling asleep.
During the day you will have plenty to do in the park itself and the surrounding area. In the evening relax at one of the hotels or cafes with a glass of wine and make a toast to a lovely evening in Plitvice.
to topHow to get there?
- By car:
- Zagreb-Plitvice 132 km
- Split-Plitvice 252 km
- Zadar-Plitvice 132 km
- Opatija-Plitvice 206 km
- By bus: www.akz.hr
What to see?
Sixteen Plitvice Lakes
The lakes are divided into two groups: the upper lakes (12), surrounded by a vast forest, are larger and calmer, while the lower 4 lie at the foot of a 70 meter cliff and are surrounded by vegetation. The Plitvice Lakes offer its visitors kilometers of trails, the majority of which are in the shape of wooden bridges, that are elevated above the lakes and connect each mainland with winding paths. During the warmer months, the vegetation flourishes due to the coastal climate, while the continental geographical location of the Plitvice Lakes means lots of snow during the winter period, making the park a place you can visit all year round.
Butterflies at the Plitvice Lakes
We all like butterflies because of their colourful wings and it seems that butterflies really like the Plitvice Lakes because as many as 50 different species have been identified here. Some visitors will enjoy their simple, carefree flight while biology lovers will be able to identify the species according to the colourful patterns on their wings. Butterflies are a sign that spring is on the way however, most species are visible during summer.
Plant life
Although the flora at the Plitivce Lakes was researched relatively late, the results soon showed the abundance of plant life especially since more than 1140 types were discovered. Among the types found, there are numerous endemic types that are protected by law of the Republic of Croatia. Since the Plitvice Lakes are situated on the intersection of continental and coastal influences, it is only natural that you will find diverse plant life. The lakes themselves also contain certain kinds of plants so you will be able to see beautiful water lilies and the grass that grows right alongside the waterfalls is called “Green Chin.”
Animals
Of the different types of animals that can be found at the Plitvice Lakes, the most common include bears and wolves, that mainly come out at dusk or dawn and foxes, lynxes and badgers. The lakes are populated by trout however fishing is not permitted. The bird world is also quite abundant: more than 140 types of birds can be found here from song-birds to predators that use the forests of the national park to take shelter from the cold. 30% of Croatia’s total fauna of butterflies can be found at the Plitvice Lakes and its fields.
to topWhere to go on a trip?
Dreznik
Dreznik is a small settlement near the old town of Slunj, in the north-western part of Croatia. Slunj, aside from being a transit town on the main road Zagreb - Zadar is also a historical town which was first mentioned in the 14th century, while Dreznik, although small, is known for its ruins of a medieval town dating back to 1278 held by the dukes and noblemen of the region. Dreznik is a nice stop-over destination on your journey from continental to coastal Croatia. It is a good place to take a break because aside from the great food on offer such as seafood specialties and game delicacies, the surrounding area and natural beauty of the landscape provide a unique experience.
Slunj
The town of Slunj is situated on the Slunjcica River near the mouth of the river and is known for the beauty of the Korana River on the main road Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes – Zadar. Slunj has much to offer its guests such as the rich historical legacy of an old fortified city that dates back to 1323 and an unusual landscape particularly Rastoke – a miller settlement that looks like something out of a fairytale.
In Rastoke there are old wooden houses, some of which are 300 years old that have been completely renovated and decorated with flowers and field bushes so one glance is enough to make you want to spend the night. So if you are heading south towards Dalmatia, stay a day or two in the region of Slunj, go rafting, rent a kayak or a canoe and test the rapids of the Korana River and don’t forget to try the seafood and game specialties – we’re certain you won’t regret it.
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