NP Plitvice lakes tourist information

NP Plitvice lakes tourist information

Location and weather conditions:

Plitvice National Park is located somewhere in between of Zagreb and Adriatic sea, Croatia, 60 km away from the coastal town Senj, while closer airport locations are in Zagreb, Zadar and Rijeka. There are direct bus lines that visitors can easily reach and visit Plitvice lakes. The greatest rainfall usually falls in the autumn and spring. In January the average temperature counts 2 degrees. We recommend to visit Plitvice lakes in summer when temperature grows up to pleasant 17 degrees. Water temperatures are very different, for example spring temperature is less than 10 degrees while the temperature in lakes grows up to 20 degrees.

Plitvice Lakes were declared as a national park in 1949.

Plitvice Lakes are the most visited national park in Croatia.  They are the only Croatian natural heritage that  was included into the UNESCO's World Heritage list. According to the mapping findings Plitvice were mentioned in the 17th century, but trough the history many written elements have been lost. In the earlier period, Plitvice have been visited by the passersby or those who were looking for the adventure. Due to the close border of the Ottoman Empire, and wild nature Plitvice area were called Devil's garden. Many years before Plitvice lakes were declared to be a National Park, they have been a subject of many research. There are many written stories about its wide range of value. In addition to the unique beauty of distinctive waterfalls and the world-famous 16 lakes, National park Plitvice lakes are offering various forms of geomorphological, beautiful forests, flora and fauna and a rich cultural heritage of the oldest national park in Croatia.

After the reached truce on the borders of Austria and Turkey in 1861, starts the construction of the first building that was called the Travel house. The house was very small, at the beginig it had just 3 bedrooms but as the demands increased in the Plitvice lakes, it was more extended especially in the year 1888. That year is very special for Plitvice history because of its very famous visit by princess Stephanie.  Two years later we have written stories about excellent food and drinks at Plitvice lakes but first restaurants begin to exist in the late 19th century. 

First bigger hotel overlooking the Kozjak lake has been built in 1894 and it was offering 28 rooms, with additional service of 2 boats that offers a ride on the Kozjak lake. 

After many research, especially from dr. Pevalek who wrote many essays about travertine and lake phenomenon, grows the awareness of Plitvice phenomenon is unique in the world and that should be protected. Between the two world wars, tourism has not reached a higher development, but however, after declaring the Plitvice Lakes National Park in 1949 a big number of tourists are coming to visit Plitvice, and it begins with the planned construction of paths, bridges and residential buildings in order to be able to accept visitors in large numbers. Planned construction is very important for the national parks in order not to harm the exceptional beauty of the environment. Particularly interesting is the object of 99 built for Josip Broz Tito and his visit to the National Park.

After listing the National Park Plitvice lakes in UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979, it has been registered increasing number of visitor, tourism got its new face, new capacities are being built to accommodate a large number of tourist from all over the world. 

Besides a tourist who desires a peaceful holidays,  Plitvice lakes are also visited by many poets who needs inspiration, scientists, and especially big fans of nature. After the war, Plitvice were closed to the visitors due to the large destruction of its infrastructure, however in the year 2006 a big number of tourists are coming to visits Plitvice lakes. National park Plitvice lakes has 900 000 visit per year. Today's visit to Plitvice Lakes offers many programs for visitors, you can choose Plitvice exploring by walks, panoramic electric boat or train. You can experience the beauty of his lake by rowing and visit the heights or admire the view planning.

Accommodation in National park Plitvice:

If you decide to stay on Plitvice lakes few days, we advise modernly equipped hotels:

Hotel Jezero, Plitvice Hotel, Bellevue Hotel,  and the Hotel Grabovac. Plitvice offers also kamp Korana located above Korana river canyon. If you are interested just in a one day visit to Plitvice, you can stay in a nearby cities. Choose perfect apartment for yourself in www.super-apartments.com

As for the gastronomy that National park Plitvice offers, you can enjoy many buffet's, coffee bars and restaurant Poljana. In the southern part you can find restaurant Borje which offers beautiful location and top offer of gastronomic specialties. If you're interested in traditional cuisine then you must visit restaurant Licka house, which offers the widest variety of local dishes.

Besides the recreative holidays we need to recommend a congress tourism as well. Plitvice lake offers a congress halls and conference rooms for those tourist who wish to combine work and pleasure. Hotel Jezero offers congress hall and 4 conference rooms with all additional audio equipment.

Spend at least one day of your holidays right here in the stunning surroundings and experience the primeval beauty of life on Earth.