Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia ·
Description
Plitvice is nature composing a symphony in water and stone. Sixteen terraced lakes, connected by travertine waterfalls, create a kaleidoscope of turquoise, emerald and sapphire. Wooden walkways wind between waterfalls and beech forests where bears and wolves still live. Each season paints the park in different colors.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Plitvice is an exceptional geological phenomenon where travertine creates natural dams forming lakes and waterfalls. The process continues actively. The park harbors European fauna like brown bears, wolves and lynx in virtually intact forests.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For its unique travertine lakes, spectacular waterfalls and forests with protected European fauna.
It was inscribed in 1979, extended in 2000, under criteria (vii), (viii) and (ix).
No, swimming in the lakes is prohibited to protect the ecosystem.
Spring: waterfalls with more water; autumn: spectacular colors; avoid July-August.
Minimum one full day; routes range from 2-8 hours depending on chosen path.