"A Symphony of Water and Life: Plitvice Lakes National Park"

Plitvice Lakes is a national park located in the heart of

Croatia. It is known for its stunning turquoise lakes, cascading
waterfalls, and lush green forests. This natural wonder is one
of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations and attracts
visitors from all over the world.

The park is situated in the mountainous region of Lika,

covering an area of 296.85 square kilometers. It was
established in 1949 and is one of the oldest national parks in
Southeast Europe. Plitvice Lakes is also a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty
and biodiversity.
1. I!ustration by Weronika Borkowska

The park is home to 16 interconnected lakes, divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes. These lakes
were formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate, a process that has been going on for thousands
of years. The water in the lakes is crystal clear and changes color depending on the angle of the
sunlight, ranging from azure blue to emerald green.

One of the park's most spectacular features is the series of waterfalls connecting the lakes. The
tallest waterfall, Veliki Slap, is 78 meters high and is one of the most photographed spots in the
park. The sound of the rushing water and the mist that rises from the falls create a magical
atmosphere that is hard to describe.

The park is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The
forests surrounding the lakes are dominated by beech, fir, and
spruce trees, while the meadows are covered with wildflowers
in the spring and summer. The lakes themselves are home to
several species of fish, including trout and carp. The park is also
home to numerous species of animals, including brown bears,
wolves, lynxes, and deer.

Visitors can explore the park on hiking trails that wind through
the forests and around the lakes. The courses range from easy
walks to more challenging hikes, with the longest trail taking
around six hours to complete. Several boardwalks allow visitors
to get up close to the waterfalls and lakes.
2. I!ustration by Weronika Borkowska
 One of the best ways to experience the park is by taking a boat
ride across the largest lake, Kozjak. The boat ride offers a
unique perspective of the lakes and allows visitors to see the
park from a different angle.

Plitvice Lakes is a year-round destination, with each season

offering a different experience. In the spring and summer, the
park is alive with color, with wildflowers in full bloom and the
lakes shimmering in the sunlight. If you’re lucky you might see
a very rare sight of the birth of animals inhabiting this area. In
the fall, the garden is ablaze with the colors of the changing
leaves, while in the winter, the lakes freeze over, creating a
winter wonderland.
3. I!ustration by Vesna Zivcic

In conclusion, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and
anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. The park's interconnected lakes,
waterfalls, and cascades are a true marvel of nature and make for an unforgettable experience.
The park's unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife make it a perfect destination for eco-tourism,
and the park's guided tours and hiking trails provide visitors with a chance to explore the park's
natural beauty up close. If you're a nature lover, a hiker, or a photographer, Plitvice Lakes will
leave you in awe.

Borkowska, Weronika. A Symphony of Water and Life: Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bielsko-
Biała, 2023,