Plitvice Lakes History
UNESCO World Heritage | 1st National Park of Croatia | Plitvice Lakes History
History of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest national park in the Republic of Croatia, protected since 1949. Its lakes and waterfalls formed over thousands of years through tufa (travertine) barriers. The area of Plitvice Lakes covers 296.85 km². People have lived in the area for centuries, and old legends mention fairies and ancient settlers. The first written records date back to the 18th century.
In 1979, Plitvice Lakes became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it is a top tourist attraction and one of Croatia’s most visited places, drawing nature lovers from around the world.
Plitvice Lakes Location
Plitvice Lakes is located in central Croatia, near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. It lies in Lika-Senj County and Karlovac County, surrounded by forests, hills, and rivers. The park is between Zagreb (140 km north) and Zadar (118 km south), making it easily accessible. The D1 road, a key route in Croatia, passes nearby.
Plitvice Lakes are part of the Dinaric Alps, which rise from 367m to 1,279 m. The lakes are located in a valley surrounded by hills and forests. The Korana River flows from the lakes. Once a border between empires, Plitvice is today one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks and a famous natural landmark.
Plitvice Lakes as a military frontier
Although today Plitvice Lakes is known for its natural beauty, its history as a military frontier shaped the region for centuries. From the 16th to the 19th century, Plitvice Lakes was part of the Military Frontier (Vojna Krajina). It was a buffer and defense zone between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire. In 1881, the military frontier was abolished as the Ottoman threat faded. In the 20th century, Plitvice was one of the key sites in the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995).
Ancient roots of Plitvice Lakes
The Illyrians were the first known settlers of Plitvice Lakes, followed by the Romans in the 1st century BC. In the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavic tribes arrived, forming early Croatian settlements. For centuries, people near Plitvice Lakes farmed, hunted, and raised livestock. The Illyrians and Romans used the land for food and resources. Later, Slavs built villages and lived off forestry and fishing. From the 15th to 17th centuries, the area was a defense point during Ottoman Empire invasions.
The first written record of the name ‘Plitvice’ dates back to 1777, in documents by priest Dominik Vukasović. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Plitvice became popular with visitors, and tourism grew.
A living landscape shaped by water
Plitvice Lakes formed over thousands of years as water created layers of limestone. This process is known as tufa formation. Water flows through limestone, absorbing carbon dioxide and dissolving calcium carbonate. When it reaches the surface, it releases carbon dioxide, causing the minerals to settle and form travertine barriers. These barriers create natural dams, shaping the lakes and waterfalls. This process is still active today, with moss, algae, and bacteria helping to trap and build new travertine layers. Over time, the landscape continues to change, shaping new waterfalls and adjusting the flow of the lakes.
The Black Queen and the faeries of Plitvice Lakes
People have lived near the Plitvice Lakes for centuries. Old stories tell of ancient settlers and mystical creatures. One legend speaks of the Black Queen, who created the lakes after a great drought, bringing rain to the land. Some folklore stories say that long ago, fairies danced on the waters, enjoying the unspoiled nature. When people started cutting down the forest, the faeries created the lakes and waterfalls to protect their home. Some say that on quiet nights, you can still hear their whispers and laughter in the wind.
Crystal clear water
The lakes and waterfalls continue to evolve as the travertine barriers grow and shift. Some waterfalls disappear while new ones form. Depending on minerals, sunlight, and aquatic life, the lakes can appear turquoise, green, blue, or gray. Travertine is a natural filter that keeps lakes clean by trapping dirt and impurities. It forms at 1 to 3 millimeters per year, making Plitvice a rare place where this process can be seen. The lakes at Plitvice are part of a natural water supply system that feeds into the Korana River.
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Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Explore Plitvice Lakes with a certified local guide. Choose a 3 , 6, or 8-hour tour and discover this natural oasis with stunning lakes, forests, and waterfalls. Learn about the park's unique landscape and diverse wildlife. Visit the Lower Lakes, or both the Upper and Lower Lakes, depending on your chosen option. Follow a scenic route with walking trails and an electric boat ride, then relax on a panoramic train.
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Plitvice Lakes Private Tour
Enjoy the stunning landscapes without the crowds on a private tour. Explore Plitvice Lakes with your own guide and at your own pace, and avoid busy areas. Visit hidden viewpoints and the most beautiful photo stops for the best experience. Hear stories about Plitvice’s history and legends. This tour is customizable and offers full flexibility!
A natural wonder of 16 lakes
The Plitvice Lakes consist of 16 interconnected lakes. They are divided into the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera). The Upper Lakes include 12 larger, deeper lakes surrounded by dense forests. These lakes are Prošćansko jezero, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Veliko jezero, Malo jezero, Vir, Galovac, Milinovo jezero, Gradinsko jezero, Burgeti, and Kozjak, the largest lake in the park.
The Lower Lakes include Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod. These smaller lakes are located in a canyon and feature steep cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. Veliki Slap, at 78 meters, is the tallest waterfall in Plitvice.
Flora of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is home to over 1,400 plant species, shaped by nature over thousands of years with little human impact. Its forests, meadows, and wetlands create a unique ecosystem and preserve many rare and endangered plants. The park’s forests, mainly beech, fir, and spruce, have existed for centuries, with some trees over 700 years old. Early settlers, like the Illyrians and Romans, used the forests for shelter and wood. There was no large-scale deforestation, allowing nature to thrive. In the Middle Ages, locals used wild plants for food and medicine. Historical records mention rare species like orchids, gentians, and sundews, some of which still grow in the park today. The mix of limestone, water, and climate has helped preserve Plitvice’s rich plant life, making it a sanctuary for rare species.
Fauna of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes has a rich wildlife population, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, deer, and over 160 bird species. Its remote location has helped protect the wildlife, and the park’s status as a national park in Croatia since 1949 has kept species that have disappeared from other parts of Europe safe.
Wild animals have always been part of life at Plitvice. Early inhabitants hunted deer, wild boars, and rabbits for food, while wolves and bears were feared and respected. In medieval times, local rulers held royal hunts, viewing large predators as a danger and an important part of the ecosystem. By the 19th century, scientists started recognizing the need to protect wildlife. The national park’s establishment in 1949 helped save species like brown bears, lynxes, and otters, which had declined due to hunting. Today, Plitvice Lakes is one of the few places in Europe where these animals still roam freely in their natural habitat.
The role of water in the ecosystem
The park’s lakes and waterfalls have always been a source of life. Trout have lived in the lakes for centuries, while kingfishers, herons, and eagles have hunted in the area for generations. Over time, the balance between forests, water, and wildlife has kept the ecosystem thriving. Plitvice Lakes is one of Europe’s most unique and well-preserved nature protection areas. Plitvice Lakes has remained a living piece of natural history, thanks to centuries of minimal human impact. Modern conservation efforts help plants and animals thrive as they have for thousands of years.
Lake caves of Plitvice
The caves formed over thousands of years due to limestone and karst erosion. They are mostly found in the Lower Lakes, where water has carved tunnels and openings into the soft limestone cliffs. One of the most famous caves is Šupljara Cave near Veliki Slap, the park’s tallest waterfall. It consists of several chambers and offers a glimpse into the geological history of Plitvice. Archaeologists have even found traces of prehistoric human presence inside the cave. Other smaller caves can be seen along the Lower Lakes, especially around Milanovac and Gavanovac Lakes. These caves provide shelter for bats and other small animals and contribute to the park’s rich ecosystem. Over time, water continues to shape and expand these caves, making them an ongoing part of Plitvice’s natural evolution.
Waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is famous for its cascading waterfalls connecting its 16 lakes. Over 90 waterfalls range from small cascades to larger, more dramatic falls. These waterfalls are formed by travertine barriers that constantly reshape the landscape. Over time, they grow as water deposits minerals from the limestone-rich environment. The waterfalls of Plitvice constantly change due to the natural growth of travertine barriers. This makes the landscape of Plitvice Lakes dynamic and ever-evolving.
Most famous waterfalls
VELIKI SLAP (THE GREAT WATERFALL)
At 78 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in Plitvice and one of the most impressive in Croatia. Unlike the other waterfalls in the park, it is fed by the Plitvica River rather than the lakes.
MALI PRŠTAVAC AND VELIKI PRŠTAVAC
These are the highest waterfalls in the Upper Lakes, with water flowing from Galovac Lake. Their name comes from the Croatian word “prštati,” which translates as ‘to splash’ or ‘to spray’.
MILKA TRNINA WATERFALLS
Named after the famous Croatian opera singer Milka Trnina. These waterfalls flow between Kozjak Lake and Milanovac Lake, creating beautiful cascades.
SASTAVCI WATERFALLS
Located near Veliki Slap, these waterfalls mark the spot where the lakes drain into the Korana River. From here, the water continues its journey beyond the park.
GALOVAČKI BUK
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Upper Lakes, where water tumbles down from Galovac Lake into the lower lakes.
Preserving the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes today
Plitvice Lakes is a natural wonder shaped by water, time, and nature. Visitors can walk along trails and wooden paths to see the lakes up close, and boat rides on Kozjak Lake offer beautiful views.
The park has strict rules to protect the National Park area ecosystem. The tourist facilities ensure an improved visitor experience and protect nature. These measures help keep the forests, waterfalls, and wildlife safe for future generations. The park is open year-round, offering a different and stunning experience each season.
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Plitvice Lakes Tour from Split
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Plitvice Lakes Tour from Zagreb
Travel to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb and spend a day exploring Croatia’s most famous natural wonder. Enjoy the pick-up and travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. Explore 16 cascading lakes, over 90 waterfalls, and forests on a guided tour. Walk along scenic wooden paths, take a boat ride across Kozjak Lake, and enjoy a panoramic train ride with stunning views. On the way, enjoy a short stop at Rastoke Village, known for its watermills and charming waterfalls.