Plitvice Lakes National Park

According to legend, the Plitvice lakes were created after a long drought. The "Black Queen" took pity on the people and animals that cried for water. Heavy rain began to fall and continued until they formed the lakes we see today. It seems only natural then that this wonderland is filled with unique creatures and magical landscapes.

The natural attributes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, uniqueness and sensibiliry of that phenomenon, deserve a full attention of our visitors. Recreational aspect of stay and the amazement with beauty of the area that conquers by its natural diversity and harmony of shapes and colours in any of the seasons, is based on many mutually conditioned natural characteristics.

The Plitvice lakes, known as "Falling lakes" have enjoyed the status of a national park since 1949, and since 1979 it has been under the protection of UNESCO. The lakes are positioned between the Mala Kapela and Plješivica mountains, in the region of Lika (139 km from Zagreb ). This is a unique system of 16 lakes linked together by a series of waterfalls which cascade over countless travertine barriers. The lakes are divided into the upper lakes (12) and the lower lakes (4). The highest of these is Prošćansko jezero (639 metres), while the lowest is Novakovića Brod (503 metres). The upper lakes are surrounded by thick forests and are connected by numerous waterfalls, while the lower lakes are smaller, shallower and the vegetation is not so lush. Having passed over the Sastavci waterfall on the lower lakes, the lake waters flow into the River Korana, as does the Plitvice stream, tumbling down from a height of 76 metres. In the craggy rocks around the lakes there are fourteen limestone caves and six travertine. The climate in the area is mountainous and the best time to visit is during the three months of high summer when the water temperature in Lake Kozjak rises as high as 24 °C. Those who prefer the winter season can also enjoy the lakes - waterfalls frozen in mid-air, the silence, glistening snow - all this creates an unforgettable picture.

The National Park Management watches over and safeguards this unique phenomenon: entry is permitted at just two points, all cars must be left in the parking lot, and visitors travel through the park by special train and across the lakes by appointed boats - the aim being to preserve the natural environment. Cost of all rides is included in the price of the admission ticket. The area also provides catering services in a number of national restaurants.

More info:

NP PLITVIČKA JEZERA
Tel:++385 (0) 53 751 015
Fax:++385 (0) 53 751 013
E-mail: info@np-plitvice.com
http://www.np-plitvice.com