Sightseeing in Plitvice Lakes National Park 

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 above ground 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 park admission ticket includes a bus ride 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.

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.

Back to Top

©CroatiaTraveller 2005-2012 All rights reserved