Unusual Places: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

One of the first locations in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes, located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a remarkable and unique sight to see. Ever year, over 1.2 million tourists from all over the world travel to Croatia to see its cascading lakes. What makes these cascades so amazing is that they are all interconnected and follow the same flow. Sixteen of these lakes can be seen from above. The lakes are also well known for their gorgeous colors, ranging from deep blues to vivid greens.

The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. The lakes are all interconnected and follow the water flow. They are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae, and bacteria.

Animal life flourishes in the unspoiled conditions. The stars of the park are bears and wolves, but there are also deer, boar, rabbits, foxes and badgers. There are over 120 different species of bird such as hawks, owls, cuckoos, thrushes, starlings, kingfishers, wild ducks and herons. You might also occasionally see black storks and ospreys. Flocks of butterflies flutter throughout the park.

Special attractions at Plitvice include the Veliki Splat, a 100 foot waterfall surrounded by nearby boulders to which tourists have access. There is also a large waterfall complex that can be access via a cave in the surrounding rock face.

The main attraction is obviously the hiking and walking in the area. Keep in mind that swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park.  Trails very well maintained and well marked.  It's worth noting that this area is one of the only remaining regions of Europe where bears roam.

Several large hotels have been built by the entrance to the park. These largely cater to older European tourists. If you are looking for less expensive lodging, ask around, some local apartment owners rent out rooms for low prices.

In addition to snack shops at the entrance and exit of the park, there is a large picnic area with various food stands which can be reached via ferry across the main lake. 

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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