Plitvice Lakes

The grand 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. Several subterranean sources also feed the lakes and a web of above-ground brooks, tributaries and springs. After tumbling over waterfalls the lake waters flow into the Korana river.

Experience the unique environment of the lakes

The unique and delicate ecology of the park was recognized as far back as 1893 when a society was formed to safeguard the lake environment. It was declared a national park for the first time in 1928 and in 1949 its legal status was formalized. In 1979 UNESCO named Plitvice Lakes National Park a World Heritage Site and it became a popular tourist attraction in former Yugoslavia.

Unfortunately, the park was situated in a conflict zone when the war in the former Yugoslavia broke out. In March 1991 rebels seized control of the park headquarters and retained control of Plitvice for four years. At the end of the occupation, the park infrastructure was in tatters but the natural beauty was intact. Plitvice Lakes is now one of Croatia’s most popular and visited sites.