Croatia’s stunning natural beauty calls out to travelers, inviting them to explore its remote blend of waterfalls, lakes, and lush forests. It’s hard to believe that such a gorgeous place could once be a battleground, but indeed, Plitvice is where the first shots were fired in the war between Croatia and Serbia back in 1991. The park remained deserted for five long years during the conflict until 1995, when Croatia finally gained independence from the former Yugoslavia. Today, Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a serene sanctuary tucked away in the most distant corner of Croatia. Here, you’ll find rolling hills, cozy villages, and reminders of the past in bullet-scarred buildings and abandoned homes.
Our tour group made its entrance into the park from the highest point, treating us to a jaw-dropping view of the lower lakes and waterfalls below. Cameras clicked away, and a few “wow”s echoed in the crowd of fellow visitors. Even though it was a regular weekday, the park was bustling with activity, and this was just a few weeks shy of the official start of the summer season. The dirt path leading down to the lower lakes was a bit of a steep and winding journey, but the payoff was definitely worth it. Once we hit level ground, it was like someone cranked up the volume on a surround sound system. The sound of rushing water enveloped us, and the visuals were just as awe-inspiring: clear-as-day waters, roaring waterfalls, and dense, vibrant forests. It was an all-out feast for the senses.
WALKING ON WATER
The misty spray from the waterfalls and the water droplets kicked up by the waves dampened our skin. A single-file wooden walkway guided us over a series of bridges just above the water’s surface. Yep, you could say it felt like we were walking on water! The park’s popularity meant that lines could stretch across the walkway, sometimes leading to elbow-to-elbow encounters with fellow tourists, or even coming to a complete halt, especially around the bigger waterfalls. So, having a bit of patience was definitely a must.
Plitvice National Park has a history dating back to the 19th century when it was officially declared Croatia’s very first national park in 1949. The park features a chain of 16 terraced lakes, fed by streams rushing down from the mountains, cascading over rocks, and forming a multitude of waterfalls. The water is so clear and infused with minerals that it takes on shades of emerald and turquoise. In many of the lakes, the water is so pristine that you can see all the way to the bottom – a truly amazing sight!
THE BIG WATERFALL
Of course, the highlight that draws the most attention – and the longest line – is what’s called the Big Waterfall, also known as Veliki Slap. This colossal natural wonder thunders away, making every person feel small in comparison. It’s the ultimate spot for snapping photos, and it’s also the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Plitvice’s charm extends beyond the Big Waterfall. As you continue hiking along the trail, you’ll come across a series of interconnected lakes with smaller waterfalls, calm waters, and peaceful woodlands.
HIKING THE TRAIL OF LAKES
To cap off our day of exploration, we hopped onto a tour boat that glided across a glassy lake surface. The scent of fresh pine trees hung in the air as we enjoyed the ride along the forested shoreline. Plitvice National Park is a journey full of nature’s contrasts: the power of roaring waterfalls and the serenity of free-flowing lakes, all set against a backdrop of tranquil walking paths and peaceful forests.
WALKING TOUR VIDEO
VIDEOS BY STEVE GEIGER
PHOTOS BY SUSAN GEIGER
