General Info

Some are drawn by curiosity, some by romance, some by regular tradition, some as a part of education, some planned a longer vacation in the countryside… visiting the Plitvice Lakes is an individual experience for everyone. The best and most popular among the eight national parks in Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National park, was included in the list of World Heritage Sites (UNESCO) in 1979. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, croatian academician Ivo Pevalek was the first to scientifically explain the reasons for the protection of lakes. By studying the growth of moss and algae, he concluded that the genesis and growth of travertine, which participates in the construction of morphological forms of lakes, is the most important and most sensitive biogenic process that is "the essence of Plitvice Lakes." The efforts of Pavelek led up to the historic date of 8th April 1949 when the Plitvice Lakes were declared the first Croatian National park.

Gallery of waterfalls and murmurs

Plitvice Lakes are divided into Upper and Lower lakes. The upper lakes from the Proscansko lake to the Kozjak lake are situated in slightly inclined extensions of dolomite substrate, while the lower lakes are situated in an limestone canyon. Length of the Plitvice Lakes (the longitudinal profile of the engineer M. Petrika in 1952) is 8200 m, and if we add Liman draga on Kozjak lake and the farthest point on the lake Ciginovac - sideline lake water surface is 9050 meters.

The national park spreads over 296,85 km². Each year, more than 900,000 visitors are recorded. Entrance is subject to charges. Strict regulations apply.

Flora

Among the first scientific studies in the Plitvice Lakes, back in mid-19th century, were the studies of plant life. These studies have shown an early knowledge of wealth and value of the park’s flora and its role in building the natural phenomena.

Systematic studies on the plant life began relatively late (in 1984). On the relatively small park area there were 1267 plant species grouped in 112 families. Great variety, the presence of relict, endemic, rare and protected species classified in the botanical park area is extremely valuable not only in Croatia but in Europe and worldwide. The geographical position and geological substrate, which is held by a number of karst features allow the development of such a rich and diverse flora. The park is rich in endemic species (72 species.)

Fauna

When it comes to the animal world, the first association in Plitvice Lakes is their trademark - the bear. However, the richness of the fauna of the park is more valuable than the "glory" of its most attractive representative.

From the earliest period, when the area of the lakes awakened the interest of the scientist, the presence of many animal species has been proven and documented. Most of the invertebrates were investigated in groups – zooplakton, macroinvertebrates and microinvertebrates, since the aquatic habitats are of primary importance in this area. Common inhabitants of the lakes are tow types of cancers: river and creek cancer. Fauna of birds with 157 species recorded so far is the third most number of species among the national parks in Croatia.

There are also more than 50 species of mammals: door mice, shrews, voles, hedgehogs, marten, ston marten, wild boars and others. The latest research has found 20 distinct species of bats which live in various habitats, holes and caves. The population of wolves, roe deer, wild cat, lynx, otters and brown bears is of special interest.

Water

Plitvice stream water creates a 78 meters high amphitheater of the Great Waterfall, highest in Croatia. It is this water element, along with the tectonic movements in the past, that continues to model Plitvice relief and is one of the conditions for the formation of travertine because it is saturated with calcium carbonate.