Croatia - Plitvice National Park

 Plitvice National Park in Croatia is stunning. 

16 named lakes and countless smaller bodies of water are linked by cascading water everywhere.


Yes, the water really is this color. 

The surrounding stone is rich in carbonate which the water wears away. 

The carbonate settles on the lake bottom and reflects bright aquamarine. 


This is the tallest waterfall in Croatia. Veliki falls 87 meters. 

Here at the end of summer the water volume is a little low.


Another view of Veliki.


Water flowing through the forest.


Yet another beautiful cascade.


Chestnut wood walkways allow passage without damaging the ground. 

There were even a couple of places where the walkways went over a rushing cascade of water just below our feet.


Stairs from lake level have been installed inside this sinkhole all the way to the top of the gorge walls.

Given the size of the trees growing inside, this hole has been around for quite a while. 


The water travels through the landscape from lake to lake. In the process sediments are captured by plant roots. Algae and bacteria help the plant create gypsum and travertine. Over time as material accumulates, the barriers between the lakes grow and change. Submerged waterfalls in the park aren’t particularly visible but they exist. These are former falls that disappeared as the downstream lake barrier grew taller and therefore the lake got deeper. New lakes can be formed in the same way.


There is a boat shuttle across the largest lake. You can also hike around it.


Water color varies from bright aquamarine to deep teal.



Can’t even imagine how many years this barrier has been building.


Larry called our route today a Tri-Rambleon. 

We hiked (red), rode the shuttle bus (purple), and took a boat (teal).

Most of the time we weren’t hiking very fast due to crowds or photo taking.

Overall 7–8 miles including the .4 from our accommodation to the park entrance.


Well earned apres hike beverages. 

Little dried roses in the Gin & Tonic are unusual and pretty.


Veliki falls in the background and our travel crew in the foreground.


xxx

Comments

  1. JHJG2014September 6, 2021 at 11:27 AM

    gorgeous! This place is a bucket list item for James and I.

    ReplyDelete

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