Plitvice Lakes: Croatia's Oldest National Park and Major Tourist Attraction

UNGKIT.COM – Plitvice Lakes is a national park renowned for its cascading lakes, stunning waterfalls, and crystal-clear blue and green waters.

Spanning approximately 296.85 square kilometers, this national park and natural attraction is situated across Lika-Senj and Karlovac Counties in the Republic of Croatia, located between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar.

The Plitvice Lakes area is part of the Dinaric Alps, with elevations ranging from 367 meters to 1,279 meters. The lakes lie within a valley surrounded by hills, rivers, and forests, with the Korana River flowing from them.

Historically, the Plitvice area served as a border between kingdoms. Today, it stands as one of Croatia's most beautiful national parks and a renowned natural landmark.

Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's oldest national park, having been under protection since 1949. Its lakes and waterfalls were formed over thousands of years through the creation of tufa (travertine) barriers.

In 1979, Plitvice Lakes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now a major tourist attraction and one of the most visited places in Croatia, drawing tourists and nature lovers from around the globe.

A unique feature of this natural site is its 16 main lakes, which are interconnected by beautiful waterfalls. While enjoying the natural splendor, visitors can walk along wooden bridges suspended over the water and take electric boat rides. (*)