Plitvice Lakes, cascades, orchids, and bears

Croatia is primarily associated with pebble beaches and sapphire seas. However, its greatest natural treasure is the Plitvice Lakes, the country’s oldest national park. It was here, among stunning waterfalls, that a series of popular Winnetou westerns were filmed in the 1960s. This fascinating land, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a destination you can reach from Kraków in just 10 hours and is enchanting even in winter!

All the colors of water

The Plitvice Lakes National Park covers nearly 300 km², comprising forests, meadows, limestone rocks, and 16 lakes. These lakes are spread over two levels at altitudes of 500 and over 600 meters above sea level, creating a unique cascade system. Each lake has a slightly different color due to variations in mineral and biological composition and the angle of sunlight. Azure, turquoise, sapphire, and steel-gray surfaces are connected by waterfalls, the tallest of which is 78 meters high, fed by the small Plitvica River.

How did this extraordinary complex come to be? Geologists believe that streams flowing from the mountains eroded chalk and limestone over thousands of years, leading to the accumulation of travertine deposits. This sedimentation process is supported by local species of bacteria, algae, and mosses. The result was the formation of natural barriers that trapped water in basins, giving rise to the lakes. The largest of these, Kozjak Lake, formed 400 years ago from the merging of two smaller lakes. Today, it spans 82 hectares and reaches a depth of 47 meters. It is the only lake in the park where boats are allowed.

Unique flora and fauna

Within the Plitvice Lakes, 1,400 plant species have been identified, representing 30% of Croatia’s flora. This remarkable diversity results from the varied topography, ranging from 369 to 1,279 meters above sea level, and the meeting of marine and mountainous climates. The park features beech, fir, and spruce forests, alpine meadows, heathers, and wetland vegetation, including the rare marsh grass-of-Parnassus. Among the most precious botanical specimens are over 60 species of orchids and endemics such as Scilla litardierei or the large-petaled hellebore.

Among the lakes, 50 species of mammals can be found, including 22 rare and protected bats. The most exciting are the predators—brown bears, wolves, and lynxes—as well as otters. Additionally, the park is home to over 300 species of butterflies, two rare species of crayfish, nine species of woodpeckers, and eight species of owls.

Plitvice Lakes in winter

To protect nature, swimming in the Plitvice Lakes is strictly forbidden—visitors come here to connect with nature and hike, not to sunbathe. Despite this, the region attracts crowds in summer, which can make relaxation difficult. The park is open year-round, and winter offers the most peace and pristine charm.

The trails along the Upper Lakes are closed in freezing weather for safety reasons, but visitors can enjoy wandering around the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap waterfall. Hiking paths also lead to the ridge of the Medveđak massif, which looks stunning covered in snow. On the meadows and in the forests, lucky visitors may even spot lynx, wolf, and bear tracks.

In addition, the village of Mukinje offers a cozy ski resort with numerous slopes approximately 400 meters long. The gentle slopes are perfect for families with children and beginner skiers.