Plitvice Lakes, Croatia ... Of course, almost every modern traveler has heard about this place more than once . What attracts tourists from all over the world here? Amazing nature? Great service? And maybe a combination of both factors? Let's try to figure it out together.
Plitvice Lakes. Croatia - the cleanest and most picturesque corner of the globe
This national park, beloved both by local residents and guests of the country, is geographically located in the center of Croatia, mainly in Licko Senj County. Only an insignificant part of it, about 9%, is attributed to the neighboring region - Karlovac.
Geologists claim that Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) were formed due to the waters of the Koran River. They, flowing through limestone for hundreds of years, applied barriers and formed natural dams. As a result of all these processes, after a certain time period, a picturesque system of lakes, mysterious caves and mesmerizing waterfalls arose.
Let us take a look at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia is rightfully considered to be one of the most visited places on the globe, and since 1979 the mentioned park has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage Register.
How to get to your destination
Of course, the answer to this question depends on what type of transport the traveler was going to use. Although, probably, it’s worth immediately warning that planes do not fly here, and hardly anyone will ever decide to build an airport amid such a riot of pristine nature. The railway is also not laid. Only the usual buses and cars remain.
Note that the attraction is located in a very remote corner of the country, and therefore it is worth preparing in advance for a long journey from coastal resorts. For example, to get to the lakes from Dubrovnik or Western Istria, it will take at least 5 hours (of course, one way).
The ideal option is to rent a car. Then, if you have a modern navigator, there is a chance to find yourself in place after 3-4 hours. If this is not possible, you just need to book an excursion directly to the coast, at a hotel or at any travel agency in a vacation spot. Fortunately, recently, more and more often there is a staff who speaks, if not Russian, then at least English. In general, you can agree.
An excursion into history: how it all began
In general, the idea of attracting foreign tourists to this part of the country arose relatively recently, in 1983. And immediately there was not only a mass of people who wanted to enjoy the waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes (Croatia, of course, is famous not only for waterfalls, but the spectacle is still fascinating), but also for numerous philanthropists who are ready to invest huge sums in the development of the region.
In a short time, even had to develop a special program for the development of the reserve. Within the framework of the project, swimming facilities were purchased for organizing water recreation, trails were laid for tourists eager to walk on foot and unaccompanied by a guide, campfires and picnic places were equipped, and a new modern hotel was built. In the press, after a large-scale campaign, they gave extensive advertising.
This approach turned out to be very profitable, and the results were not long in coming. Not only ordinary travelers, but also important people rushed into the park. For example, Ivo Josipovic, the current president of the Republic of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes is considered a great place not only for relaxation, but also for holding various kinds of business meetings, conferences and meetings.
The tragic milestones of history
Now, few will doubt that it is Croatia that can offer one of the most pleasant and inexpensive types of recreation in Europe. The Plitvice Lakes Nature Reserve and its immense popularity is another confirmation of this statement. However, this amazing place had to endure a real tragedy.
Just over 20 years ago, in 1991, the reserve more than once became the site of armed clashes of those who took an active part in the Yugoslav war. Here the blood was shed of both national heroes and ordinary citizens of this small but amazing country.
Anyone, even the smallest Croat, can tell a tourist about the so-called Bloody Easter.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia worth a visit. Tips & Tricks
First of all, we note that the park is multilevel, that is, it starts at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, but gradually the tourist, without suspecting it, climbs up to 1200. What follows from this? According to experienced travelers, it is recommended to take care of comfortable shoes in advance: ballet shoes and heels will surely ruin the walk.
Plitvice Lakes National Park offers many hiking trails. However, before you go on a trip, you should try to adequately calculate your own physical capabilities. For example, for older travelers or young parents with young children, a short path is suitable, which can be overcome in 2 hours, or even use the services of an electric train. Strong and hardy will certainly go on a 7-8-hour walk.
Do not be afraid to get lost. Even if a tourist accidentally ends up in a park without a map or an experienced escort, they still won’t be lost. Why? Everything is extremely simple: a pointer or a special navigation shield is installed on each fork.
Dangers
Local residents warn against thoughtless movement through the park. The thing is that, in addition to the presence of poisonous plants, a lot of wild animals live in the park, some of which can be very aggressive during the breeding season or during the breeding of offspring.
Often, in an effort to see trout or simply admire the clear blue water, tourists come very close to the edge of the reservoir. It’s definitely not worth doing without compliance with even basic safety rules: Croatia’s mountain lakes are not only cold, but also very deep.
What you should pay attention to
We are all accustomed to the fact that the presence of a reservoir, as it were, implies further water procedures, which means that when going on an excursion, you definitely need to bring your bathing accessories with you. However, swimming is prohibited here.
It's a shame, of course, but there are positive aspects to this. Agree, this is actually almost the only way to preserve nature in its original form.
In addition, you should not rely on the fact that having chosen to rest in such a park, you will set up a tent, light a fire, set up a barbecue and start the long-awaited preparation of barbecue. Of course, you can try, but a fine for such a gross violation of the rules will be set a considerable.
A gift for a true amateur photographer
Have you ever seen pictures taken on Plitvice Lakes? Experts say that even beginners are able to click on great shots. And all thanks to a very successful and soft light. Moreover, this phenomenon is observed at any time of the year and in completely different weather.
So, even if you do not have professional skills, and the quality of the camera leaves much to be desired, still replenish your collection with memorable pictures with the inscription: “Plitvice Lakes. Croatia". The photo will surely become an adornment of any family album.
How to plan a day on the lakes
To get acquainted with the reserve, as recommended by the guides, for a couple of hours is generally unrealistic. It is worth to find yourself among this magnificence, as almost immediately there is a desire to spend as much time as possible here, or even not to leave at all. Experienced travelers say: if some place on the planet can surprise you, it's Croatia! Plitvice Lakes ... Recreation here requires regularity, leisurely and complete immersion in nature. But at the seaside resorts there is always fun and bustle.
Most likely, a traveler who wants to get to know the reserve better needs to spend a night on its territory. However, this fact should in no case be alarming or repulsive. In the vicinity, three hotels were built at once, each of which expects its visitors throughout the year. However, those who are going to visit the reservoirs in the so-called high season should take care of their lodging in advance, otherwise in any of the hotels there may simply not be available rooms.
Pricing policy is very, very acceptable. A night will cost the guest about 70 euros. Agree, taking into account European prices, this is not so expensive.