Dixit Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, is situated in the mountainous region between the Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica mountain ranges. Spanning two counties – Lika-Senj (90.7%) and Karlovac (9.3%) – the park’s exceptional natural beauty has long attracted nature enthusiasts. In fact, it was designated Croatia’s first national park in 1949.
The park’s defining feature is its system of 16 cascading, terraced lakes, formed by the unique geological process of tufa (travertine) formation. This distinctive phenomenon, which creates the park’s iconic travertine barriers and lakes, is the basis for its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The park’s boundaries were expanded in 1997, now covering an area just under 300 km2.
Predominantly forested, with smaller grassy areas, the lakes account for less than 1% of the total park area. The system is divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes, based on the underlying geology – the Upper Lakes formed on impermeable dolomite, the Lower Lakes on permeable limestone. This has resulted in differing shoreline features between the two lake groups.
To facilitate visitor enjoyment, Plitvice Lakes offers seven tour routes and four hiking trails. However, strict guidelines are in place to preserve the delicate natural environment, including prohibitions on removing plants, feeding animals, swimming, and straying from marked paths. Proper preparation, such as checking the weather and wearing suitable attire, is recommended to ensure a safe and memorable visit.
