If the Dalmatian coast offers one of the most spectacular sailing adventure destinations, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers one of Europe’s best outdoor adventure trips, back-to-nature experiences. Located inland near the Bosnian border and approximately 2 hours away. Drive south of Zagreb, this Croatian gem is a canvas of 16 brightly colored lakes, waterfalls, streams, caves, springs and water with rich vegetation and visually elaborate.

Driving on the old highway between Zagreb and Zadar, you take over a dense mix of Alpine-Mediterranean landscape. As the sound of rushing water erases all other noises, you’ll know you’ve reached Plitvice Lakes. The park, a lush 8km square, thickly forested plateau and valley, features beech, spruce and spruce trees and is home to rare wildlife such as the European brown bear, wolves, eagles, owls, lynxes, wild cats and grouse. More than 70 species of birds breed here as well. The stunning crystal clear turquoise, blue, gray and blue waters of the 12 upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) and the four lower lakes (Donja Jezera) are linked by waterfalls created through the sedimentation of travertine, a particular type of limestone. , and miles. of pleasant walks.

Put on your walking shoes to get closer to the stunning beauty of the park: a system of wooden walkways, stairs and dirt trails lead you along the lakes, past waterfalls, natural barriers, pools, springs, caves and crags. Paths literally lead to the middle of the waterfalls, where you’ll get great views of the travertine formations. Climb through the slippery caves to the top of the Plitvice Plateau for breathtaking views of the forested lakes.

The park offers several hiking trails – for those with limited time, the shortest runs through the park in 90 minutes. For enthusiasts who want to experience nature at its best, the longest and most spectacular trail takes 6 to 8 hours. Be sure to take the boat ride along Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park, which connects the upper lakes and the lower lakes, with the lower part of the upper lakes being the most striking area of ​​the park.

After a full day wandering through the mist, stop at one of the wooden strukli (strudel) stalls at the park entrance to enjoy a slice of apple, cheese, or berry strudel, or enjoy some excellent trout a la grill at the Licka Kuca restaurant. If you want to spend a few days in this Garden of Eden, there are hotels within the park’s boundaries and affordable local villas and apartments for rent nearby. To meet the locals, staying in a local Sobe (room for rent) is the most affordable and highly recommended. This area was involved in the early days of the Bosnian war and discovering the history of the region with a local resident is an invaluable education! Sobes are everywhere and easily found; all you need to do is drive up to one.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great active holiday and one of the best family vacation destinations when traveling to Croatia, especially with the youngest. You cannot miss the spectacular wild scenery, the great hiking experience and outdoor adventures back to nature.