"Plitvice Lakes"

National Park
Plitvice Lakes are located in eastern Lika between the Mala
Kapela and Licka Plesevica mountains. Formations of a lime
crust on underwater vegetation where water from the Korana
River wash over, give shape to cascades from which evolve a
series of sixteen terraced lakes with flowing crystal clear
turquoise colored water. Water spills over from lake to lake in
the form of stunning waterfalls, creating a unique masterpiece
of natural art. Much of the Plitvice Lakes area is covered in
dense forest mostly comprised of beech, fir, spruce and white
pine. Amongst the diversity of fauna, local inhabitants include
the bear and wolf, as well as certain rare bird species such as
the Grouse and Horned Owl.

Because of varying natural characteristics, the lakes are divided

into either upper or lower lake systems. The upper lakes are set
on a dolomite base where surface erosion forms a feature rich
relief and common stream valleys. The lakes and various
waterfalls are surrounded by forest. The lower lakes are set on a
limestone base in a gorge with towering steep cliffs, forged by a
river in a time before the lakes had evolved. The upper lakes
include: Proscansko Lake, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Vir,
Veliko and Malo Lakes, Galovac, Milino Lake, Gavanovac,
Kaluderovac and Novakovic-brod. The upper lakes occupy an
area of about 200 ha of which three quarters belongs to the two
largest lakes: Kozjak and Proscasnsko.

Karstic spring lakes are replenished by Crna and Bijela Rivers,

as well as from the Plitvice and Sartuk. Influenced by growing
sediment barriers, water tributaries endlessly change location
throughout the cascade system, perpetually changing the depth,
size, shape and even number and arrangement of lakes. The
crown of this distinctive symphony of water is Sastavci
(tributary of the Korana River and Plitvice Brook) with a 72 m
high waterfall. Cavern sites contribute to the natural beauty of
the Park. Most caverns are located in the Park's limestone area,
and include Supljara, Golubnjaca, Mracnjaca and others.
Caverns that have formed in the sediment under the waterfalls
are particularly special.

Because of its unique natural beauty, in 1949 the Plitvice Lakes

area of approximately 295 km², was declared a National Park.
Many surrounding pastures and forests are included within the
protected area in which arbitrary activities and changes are
strictly forbidden. Only those activities that will improve and
protect the natural environment are permitted. The first
mountain cabin was constructed in 1852 and first hotel in 1861.
Plitvice Lakes are the most famous of Croatian National Parks
and are amongst the most beautiful natural sites in Europe. In
1979 UNESCO listed the Lakes as natural heritage of world
significance.

Plitvice Lakes can be visited at any time of the year. Walks along
forested paths and wooden bridges, woodland and mountain air,
and above all, the very beauty of the lakes and waterfalls
themselves, attract large numbers of visitors from all over the
world. Besides organized walks, the Lakes can also be toured
with tourist trains and electric boats. The average annual
temperature in Plitvice Lakes ranges from 8-10° C, while
average precipitation is from 1.200 to 1.400 mm. Snow is
common from November through to the end of March, which
makes skiing and sledding possible, while in December and
January the lakes are covered in ice. During the summer
months, the water temperature in Proscansko and Kozjak Lakes
rises to 24° C so it is possible to go swimming.

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