Journey Through Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes

Snaking between boundless overgrown trees, clear lakes, and rocks dripping remnants of the water pouring over the other side of Plitvice Lakes, I’m reminded of how much wonder you can feel when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Even walking on man-made wooden path ways, surrounded by other tourists, it was easy to get caught in the feeling of awe and serenity Plitvice Lakes provides.

Lakes National Park is undoubtedly Croatia’s most famous national park. Pristine lakes laced together by flowing waterfalls at every turn and blanketed with thick green foliage beyond belief, Plitvice Lakes is a traveler's dream come true.

It's a place of fairy tales and magic; water so clear you can see 40-foot-tall trees completely submerged beneath the surface.

As you are ushered through the 295 sq. km and 16 terraced lakes, the air smells so crisp and fresh that you feel as if you might have discovered it yourself, despite the other visitors that share the walkway.

Plitvice Lakes is one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe, established in 1949, and became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.  

Traveler’s Tip: Since Plitvice Lakes is UNESCO provided, you are not allowed to swim in the surreal waters, however, on my second trip to Croatia in 2017, I visited Krka National Park in which you are able to swim in the waters!  

A unique combination of old world charm and untouched wilderness, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not to be missed.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
boating on the lake at Plitvice National Park in Croatia
clear lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia waterfall under the path
lakes and waterfall at Plitvice National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
small waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia boats
Plitvice Lakes National Parks Croatia lunch
boat in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park waterfall
small waterfall in Plitvice Lakes Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia waterfall
Plitvice Lakes National Park path

Note: This article was originally posted in December, 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Next: This Gorge Proves Morocco is Not What You Would Expect

Visit Croatia

Ready to finally experience Croatia for yourself?

We've been to Croatia. We can provide you with relevant recommendations and deeper insights from our personal experiences there for a completely custom vacation with all of the adventure, and none of the stress. 

Start planning your next vacation

 

Explore More