TRAVEL. DESTINATIONS.
Where Cascading Waterfalls are Shooting out of the Forest
And lakes are shining turquoise blue
The water was shining in the brightest turquoise blue, I couldn’t believe it was real. Cascading waterfalls were running down the rocks, shooting out of the forest from all around us.
It’s karma that right after publishing my ‘P’ story, I stumbled upon the Croatia folder and find the picture of the Plitvice Lakes. Another destination with the letter and a place I absolutely loved.
Sigh.
But instead of regretting writing the other one, I just create a new one describing my experience at this beautiful location.
It was exactly ten years ago that I visited Croatia the last time. Together with my family. Excluding my parents and sister. Sounds weird but yes, with aunts, uncles, cousins and my grandma. We drove South.
If I remember correctly, we stayed two weeks on an island in a house right by the water. Below you can see the views from our balcony.
It was a time when I certainly put some effort into tanning as my skin was rather dark. Together with my cousins, we ventured out on short and longer trips, snorkeled in the crystal clear waters and did all the fun stuff.
But this story isn’t about the Croatian coastline or its beach life. This is about a place hidden in the mountains where the forest is thick and healthy.
Either on our way South or on the drive back home, we did a stop at Plitvička Jezera. A hidden paradise between waterfalls, lakes and jungle feelings. It might not be so hidden any more thanks to Instagram and flocks of tourists but it still is a breathtaking place to visit.
“The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. The exceptional natural beauty of this area has always attracted nature lovers. As a result of that, it was declared the first national park of the Republic of Croatia as early as 8 April 1949. The process of tufa formation, through which tufa barriers and subsequently lakes are formed, is the outstanding universal value for which Plitvice Lakes received international recognition on 26 October 1979, when it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. “ — Plitvicka Jezera
Countless trails are leading from the parking lot down to the lakes. Protected from the beating sun by the lush green forest canopy, the hike up and down in the woods wasn’t exhausting but a rather pleasant experience.
From different points in the park, one can get breathtaking views of canyons, waterfalls and spectacular cliffs.
The lakes below were shining in such a turquoise blue color, I didn’t know that appearance was real. It seemed too perfect, too bright to be found in nature.
“The park is primarily covered in forest vegetation, with smaller areas under grasslands. The most attractive part of the park – the lakes – cover just under 1% of the total park area.” — Plitvicka Jezera
The water lover I was, I had a strong desire to jump into the crystal clear water but the only creatures allowed to swim in these waters are ducks and fish.
Instead, I had to be satisfied looking at the waterfalls and the lakes. The trails were sometimes leading between the cascading lakes where the water dropped below. Bridges and waterways kept the hike interesting.
The protection of nature in this area allowed animals to thrive and live in harmony down by the water.
I do remember countless butterflies dancing around us down by the water and bees were buzzing between the blooming flowers.
And even if visitor numbers have steadily increased since my visit ten years ago, I am still convinced it is worth a stop when traveling through Croatia.
I have never forgotten the color of the water and the fresh air in the forest.
"When you are looking for peace, nature is always the answer." — Unknown
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