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Plitvice is composed of sixteen interlocking lakes that are generally
visited in two groups: the Upper lakes and the Lower lakes. The lakes
are supplied with water from three rivers called the Crna and Bijela
(Black and White) rivers and the Rjecica. The largest of the rivers
is the Black River. A number of subterranean sources also feed the lakes
as well as a web of aboveground brooks, tributaries and springs. After
tumbling over waterfalls the lake waters flow in the Korana river.
The distances between the lakes can involve
long stretches of hilly terrain which is why the admission ticket
to the park allows use of a bus to the Upper lakes (driving is forbidden)
and a boat to visit the larger lakes. I recommend taking a bus to
Okrugljak lake (where the road ends) and then walking down.
Plitvice Lakes
Upper Lakes
The scenery of the Upper Lakes is wilder and more spectacular,
making it well worth the effort of getting there.
Proscansko Lake
It's the largest (68.2ha), deepest (37.4m) and highest (636.6m)
of Plitvice's Upper lakes and the most remote as it's surrounded by
dense forest.
Ciginovac
Just below is this much smaller lake which receives it's
water from Proscansko.
Okrugljak
This lake is known for its 53m long cave that contains two
halls and a small pond. The travertine formations here are exceptionally
beautiful.
Batinovac, Great Lake, Small Lake, Vir or Small
Burget
Okrugljak and Proscansko feed into these lakes that are ravishing
in spring when the dams and barriers between them are sprinkled with
hundreds of small waterfalls.
Galovac
Galovac wins the beauty contest of all the Upper Lakes as
it's supplied with water by three small lakes and supplies water to
a series of ponds that are also linked by waterfalls. There were once
concrete stairs over the main waterfall (Galovacki Buk) which were
in turn covered by travertine and have now become part of the scenery.
Milino Lake
This tiny lake is linked with Galovacki Buk and tumbles into.
. .
Gradinsko Lake
Surrounded by reeds, this lake is a favourite nesting place
of ducks. From its shores, there are peaceful views over the park.
Great Burget
More of a pond than a lake, the Great Burget is the last
great barrier of the Upper Lakes.
Kozjak
This is the largest lake of the Plitvice lake system at about
3km long and is the last lake in the Upper Lakes. In the middle of
the lake is a small oval island which now contains a restaurant. Kozjak
Lake is notable for the ever-changing colours of the water, a spectacle
you can admire from your hotel room as Plitvice
hotels have rooms overlooking this lake.
Lower Lakes
It's a different feeling here in the Lower Lakes.
The steep shores are surrounded by cliffs and there are an abundance
of grottoes and caves.
Milanovac
Whether azure, sky-blue or emerald green, this lake is beautiful
to contemplate as the sun brings out its changing colours.
Gavanovac
The water from Milanovac rushes down into this lake in a powerful
array of falls.
Kaluderovac
The intense blue of this lake is echoed in its partially submerged
Blue Cave that can only be appreciated by boat.
Novakovica Brod
Last but not least, this lake provides the water for the park's highest
and most spectacular cascade, the Sastavci.
Related Pages
Plitvice Lakes National
Park Travel Guide
Accommodation
in Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes
Photo Gallery
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