35 Interesting Plitvice Lakes Facts

Over 35 fun facts about Plitvice Lakes including 10 fun facts about Plitvice Lakes especially for kids plus learn more about its geography, legends, and much more!

About Plitvice Lakes
Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes
Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes for Kids
Geography and Geology
Legends of Plitvice Lakes

Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes – About Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes, also known as Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a renowned natural wonder located in Croatia. A fun fact about Plitvice Lakes is that tt is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

The park is renowned for its breathtaking series of cascading lakes and waterfalls, all interconnected by a network of lush forests and pathways. The sixteen lakes within the park are arranged in terraces, with each lake flowing into the next through an intricate system of waterfalls and cascades. The vibrant turquoise and emerald colors of the lakes are a result of the mineral-rich waters and the unique organisms that thrive in this ecosystem.

Visitors to the Plitvice Lakes can explore a series of well-maintained wooden footbridges and hiking trails that wind their way around the lakes, offering stunning panoramic views of the natural scenery. The park is home to an abundance of plant and animal species, including deer, bears, wolves, and numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Boat rides and electric trains are available to transport visitors around the park, providing convenient access to different sections and viewpoints. Swimming is not allowed in the lakes to preserve the delicate ecosystem and protect the water quality.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is open to visitors year-round and offers a truly unforgettable experience, showcasing the beauty of Croatia’s natural landscapes.

Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes – Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about Plitvice Lakes:

The Plitvice Lakes National Park covers an area of approximately 300 square kilometers (116 square miles).
It is the largest national park in Croatia.
The park was established in 1949 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to 16 interconnected lakes, which are formed by natural dams of travertine.
The lakes are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from azure to turquoise and emerald green, which change depending on the mineral content and sunlight.
The lakes are divided into the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja jezera).
The tallest waterfall in the park is Veliki Slap, which reaches a height of 78 meters (256 feet).
The Plitvica River, which flows through the park, is responsible for the creation of the lakes and waterfalls.
The lakes are fed by numerous underground springs, with the water taking around 10 years to travel through the karst underground system before reaching the surface.
The park is home to an abundant variety of plant and animal species, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, otters, and over 160 bird species.
Plitvice Lakes National Park has been featured in several movies, including “Winnetou,” a popular German Western series.
The park experiences a significant change in scenery throughout the seasons, with lush greenery in spring and summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and frozen waterfalls in winter.
Wooden footbridges and walking trails cover a distance of about 18 kilometers (11 miles) and allow visitors to explore the park’s lakes and waterfalls.
Boat rides are available on Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park, allowing visitors to admire the lakes and surrounding landscapes from a different perspective.
Swimming is not allowed in the lakes to preserve the water quality and protect the delicate ecosystem.
The park receives over one million visitors annually.
Plitvice Lakes National Park was used as a setting for the video game “Mortal Kombat” in the iconic stage “The Pit.”
The park offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
The Plitvice Lakes area has a long history, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Stone Age.
Wooden houses in the park showcase traditional architecture, providing a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
The park is open year-round, offering unique experiences in each season.
The highest point in the park is Seliški Vrh, standing at 1,280 meters (4,199 feet) above sea level.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, adding to its scenic beauty.
The park’s flora includes several endemic plant species found only in this region.
Plitvice Lakes is considered one of Europe’s most stunning natural attractions and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Plitvice Lakes!

Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes – Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Plitvice Lakes that kids might enjoy:

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is like a real-life fairy tale with its enchanting waterfalls, colorful lakes, and magical forests.
The lakes are so clear that you can see fish swimming beneath the surface, almost like a natural aquarium.
The park is home to cute and playful otters, which kids might spot if they’re lucky.
The wooden footbridges and pathways in the park feel like walking on a fun adventure trail, leading you to exciting discoveries.
There are secret caves and hidden tunnels within the park that explorers can imagine as entrances to a magical world.
In winter, the waterfalls freeze and create icy sculptures, turning the park into a winter wonderland.
The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 160 bird species to spot, including colorful kingfishers and majestic eagles.
Kids can learn about different types of trees and plants in the park, like tall pine trees, fragrant flowers, and beautiful ferns.
There are special electric boats that kids can ride on to explore the biggest lake, making them feel like adventurers on a water expedition.
The park offers exciting ranger-led activities and workshops for kids, where they can learn about nature, wildlife, and conservation in a fun and interactive way.
Kids can bring their sketchbooks or cameras to capture the stunning landscapes and create their own artwork or photo albums.
The park has picnic spots where families can enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The waterfalls create a soothing sound that can help kids relax and feel at peace with nature.
The park is full of different colors, from the vibrant turquoise of the lakes to the lush greenery of the forests, providing a feast for the eyes.
Kids can pretend to be nature detectives, searching for animal tracks and signs of wildlife along the trails.
The park’s visitor center has interactive exhibits and displays where kids can learn interesting facts about the lakes and the animals that live there.
During spring and summer, butterflies flutter around the park, adding a touch of magic and wonder.
Kids can try their hand at skipping stones on the lakes and compete with their friends to see who can make the most skips.
The park offers special Junior Ranger programs where kids can earn badges and certificates while learning about nature conservation.
There are designated swimming areas nearby where kids can cool off and have fun in the water after exploring the park.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Plitvice Lakes!

Fun Facts About Plitvice Lakes – Geography and Geology

he geology and geography of Plitvice Lakes National Park play a crucial role in shaping its unique and captivating features. In addition to the fun facts about Plitvice Lakes, here’s an overview:

Geology: The park is located in the mountainous region of central Croatia, specifically in the Dinaric Alps. It is situated on the boundary between two geological units: the Adriatic Carbonate Platform and the Dinaric karst. The underlying rocks consist mainly of limestone and dolomite formations.

Over millions of years, the geological processes of erosion, tectonic movements, and the dissolution of soluble rocks have shaped the landscape of Plitvice Lakes. The limestone and dolomite rocks are particularly susceptible to the dissolution by water, leading to the formation of sinkholes, caves, and underground river systems.

Karst Topography: The park exhibits a classic karst topography, which is characterized by unique landforms resulting from the dissolution of soluble rocks. The combination of soluble limestone and the abundance of water in the form of rainfall and underground springs contributes to the formation of numerous lakes, waterfalls, and cascades.

The Terraces and Lakes: Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its interconnected series of lakes. The lakes are divided into two main sections: the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera). These lakes are arranged in terraces, with each terrace overflowing into the next through beautiful waterfalls and cascades.

The lakes owe their distinct colors to the presence of minerals, algae, and sunlight. The mineral-rich waters, combined with the reflection of sunlight, create vibrant hues ranging from azure blue to turquoise and emerald green. The constant movement of water, the deposition of calcium carbonate, and the growth of travertine-forming organisms contribute to the continuous evolution of the lakes’ physical appearance.

Water Sources: The water sources in the park are primarily rainwater and underground springs. The high precipitation in the area, combined with the permeability of the karst terrain, results in the formation of numerous small and large springs that feed the lakes and waterfalls. Some of the water comes from distant catchment areas, which takes several years to percolate through the karst underground before emerging in the park.

Flora and Fauna: The unique geology and hydrology of Plitvice Lakes support diverse and rich flora and fauna. The park is characterized by a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests, including beech, fir, spruce, and pine trees. The lakes and surrounding wetlands provide a habitat for various plant species, including water lilies, reeds, and mosses.

The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, deer, otters, and numerous bird species. The lakes and their surroundings offer ample food sources and shelter, making it a thriving ecosystem.

In addition to the fun facts about Plitvice Lakes, the geology and geography of Plitvice Lakes National Park create a stunning and dynamic landscape, with its cascading lakes, waterfalls, karst features, and diverse plant and animal life. It is a remarkable example of the beauty and significance of karst formations in nature.

About Plitvice Lakes – Legends

Plitvice Lakes National Park has a rich history and folklore associated with it. In addition to the fun facts about Plitvice Lakes, here are a couple of legends related to the park:

The Legend of the Black Queen: According to local legend, there was once a beautiful and powerful Black Queen who ruled over the area surrounding Plitvice Lakes. She had magical powers and could shape-shift into different animals. The Queen fell in love with a young shepherd, but their love was forbidden. As punishment for their forbidden love, the Black Queen was turned into a river, and the shepherd was transformed into a rock. It is said that the river flowing through the park represents the Black Queen, and the rock stands as a reminder of their tragic love story.
The Legend of the Flying Horses: Another legend tells the tale of the Flying Horses. It is said that on moonlit nights, horses with wings emerge from the depths of the lakes and fly above the waterfalls. These mythical creatures are believed to be messengers of the gods, bringing blessings and good fortune to those who witness their majestic flight.

These legends add an air of mystery and enchantment to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, sparking the imagination and wonder of visitors as they explore the natural beauty of the area.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Plitvice Lakes!