Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice-2003 - |Turquoise-colored lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera) in Croatia is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. Due to its beauty and significance, this system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it were set aside as a national park in 1949. In 1979 the park was inscribed on the UNESCO List. Many Germans will recognize features of the park, as many of the Karl May Westerns were shot here.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, Galovac jezero - |250 px|Galovac Lake Plitvicai5 - 250 px|Large waterfall near Lower Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park Halal Explorer

History

Humans have inhabited the Plitvice Lakes area for thousands of years. It was settled in turn by Illyrians, Thracians, Celts, Japods, Romans, Avars, Slavs and Turks. The area fell to the Islamic Ottomans in 1528, and was retaken by the Austrian Empire 150 years later. The Austrians incorporated it into their Military Frontier and, in addition to the native Croats who already inhabited the region, Serbs who had fled Ottoman repression settled there.

The Plitvice Lakes became a major tourist attraction in the late 19th century. The first hotel was built in 1896, and as early as 1893 it had a conservation committee – the predecessor of today's national park authority. In 1949 the communist government of Yugoslavia nationalized the lakes and made them a national park. The park was inscribed on the UNESCO List in 1979 in recognition of its "outstanding natural beauty, and the undisturbed production of travertine (tuff) through chemical and biological action".

The park soon became one of Yugoslavia's most popular tourist attractions. In March 1991 it became the scene of the Plitvice Lakes incident - the first armed confrontation of the Croatia|Croatian War of Independence that resulted in fatalities. The park was held by forces of the Republic of Serbian Krajina during the conflict and suffered some damage in the process, with hotels and other facilities being used as barracks. A massacre of three children by the Yugoslav Army occurred around Grabovac in September of 1991. It was retaken by the Croatian Army in August 1995 during Operation Storm, which ended the Croatian war.

The war led UNESCO to add the park to its List of World Heritage in Danger. Due to the economic importance of the park and the Croatian government made it a priority for its de-mining efforts, and in December 1998 UNESCO recognized the parks new mine-free status by removing it from the list of endangered sites. The surrounding municipalities outside the park boundaries still have minor problems with mine contamination.

How is the Landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Wood way in plitvicka - 250 px|Walkway leading into the forest

The lakes are on the Plitvice plateau, between the mountains of Lička Plješevica (Gornja Plješevica peak 1,640 m), Mala Kapela (Seliški Vrh peak at 1,280 m) and Medveđak (884 m). The 26 lakes are separated into an upper and lower cluster formed by runoff from the mountains, descending from an altitude of 636 m to 503 m over a distance of some 8 kilometers, aligned in a south-north direction. The lakes collectively cover an area of about 2 km², with the water exiting from the lowest lake to form the Korana River.

The Plitvice Lakes lie in a basin of karstic rock, mainly dolomite and limestone, which has given rise to their most distinctive feature. The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other, forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm per year.

The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

The lakes are divided into the 12 Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the four Lower Lakes.

Flora and fauna

The Plitvice Lakes national park is heavily forested, mainly with beech, spruce, and fir trees, and features a mixture of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation. It has a notably wide variety of plant communities, due to its range of microclimates, differing soils and varying levels of altitude.

The area is also home to an extremely wide variety of animal and bird species. Rare fauna such as the European brown bear, wolf, eagle, owl, lynx, wild cat and capercaillie can be found there, along with many more common species. At least 126 species of birds have been recorded there, of which 70 have been recorded as breeding there.

How is the Climate in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, Galovac jezero (5) - |Fish in Galovac Lake

The area knows a mountainous land climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Although generally cooler than coastal Croatia because of its altitude, sunny days in summer get very hot with temperatures up to 35°C. As there are few opportunities to buy refreshments in the park, visitors should bring plenty of water along for rehydration. In the evening, occasional thunderstorms can unleash large amounts of rain in a short time, so make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid being surprised by heavy rain in the absence of shelter. The many calm streams in the park may quickly transform into wild water torrents, so stay away from the water in case of heavy rain.

In winter, heavy snowfall can be expected, enabling the Mukinje Ski Resort to operate from December to early March. Fog is common in the morning and can occur very locally, making driving up and down the often narrow roads in the park hazardous.

Tourist information

• Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera - Plitvice Lakes National Park - @plitvicka-jezera.hr Josipa Jovića 19, Znanstveno - stručni centar "Dr. Ivo Pevalek", HR 53231 Plitvička jezera 44.87829, 15.62305 ☎ +385 53 751 015 | Opening Hours: 07:00-20:00 Aug: 180 kn; April - Jun, September - October: 110 kn; November - Mar: 55 kn; 2-day cards 280, 180, 90 kn respectively; discounts for students (an ISIC student card is required) and children; tickets sold at the entrances and they are also valid for park's internal buses and ferries

Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park

44.8841|15.6189

Travel on a Bus in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Some buses from Zagreb (83 kn) and Zadar or Split take a route along the road which passes by the park entrances. Ask the driver beforehand to make a stop at the either park entrances: GPS 44.905253,15.611959 entrance 1 or GPS 44.881190,15.624254 entrance 2. Among the other direct connections are Biograd na Moru, Vodice, Šibenik, Primošten, Trogir and even Novalja (island of Pag). Also there is a direct bus connection to the Krka National Park.

Buses in Croatia often do not run on time. They can come early or late, and either way they stop only long enough to pick up riders and then continue on their way. Especially in a place like Plitvice, which is quite a distance from other stops on a bus route. So get to the bus stop early and plan on waiting for a while. Bus schedules are usually posted at the tickets office at the entrances, but they may not reflect seasonal changes.

Best way to travel in Plitvice Lakes National Park by a Taxi

Taxi drivers will await near the bus stations and will offer to drive for the same price of the bus ticket if around 10 persons are willing to take the taxi. It costs the same, takes an hour less and most probably they wouldn't charge for the extra baggage (The bus service charges extra). If the taxi driver is kind enough, he will also provide something like a tour guide and will leave you close enough to your destination. If for example you are waiting for the Zadar bus at 17:00, a taxi driver will be waiting 15 minutes early to attract clients, and when arriving at Zadar, if your are going to take the ferry and the driver might leave you near the pier.

Get Around

Exposure 5 seconds - 250 px|Cascades of Plitvice

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The paths near the entrance of the park are extremely well maintained and it is a relatively short walk (about 1 hour) around the nearest lake.

Paths, mostly made of wooden planks or gravel, will take you through the whole park. In most places they are wide, but since the park is extremely well visited they can feel very crowded during the day.

The park have made some different routes through the park so it is easy to choose how much you want to or have time to see. A walk from one end of the park to the other normally takes around 4 hr, but due to the unique views the park offers it is a shame to be in a hurry. Take your time and enjoy it. The buses and boats are free so it is feasible to plan a walk zig-zagging up or down the lakes and the many waterfalls, and then not have to walk back the same way.

Many of the paths can be used by disabled persons, but since there are a few steps here and there is some height differences between the lower and the upper lakes it will take a strong helper to get around with a wheelchair.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Plitvice Lakes National Park

2 lines of small electric ferries connect far banks of the Jezero Kozjak, a bigger lake close to the entrance #2.

Travel on a Bus in Plitvice Lakes National Park

2 shuttle bus lines run along the lakes (which are useful to take you up hills and to the entrances).

The costs these buses and ferries are included into the entrance ticket.

What to See

Plitvice Lakes National Park is perhaps the most beautiful natural wonder in Croatia. In addition to the numerous waterfalls, a bevy of wildlife can be seen, including fish, frogs and a variety of bird species. Special attractions at Plitvice include the Veliki Splat, a 30-m waterfall surrounded by nearby boulders to which tourists have access. There is also a large waterfall complex that can be access via a cave in the surrounding rock face.

Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera)

Prošćansko jezero (Shrubbery lake or desired lake) at 636 the highest lake of the National park , as well as the second largest by area and the second deepest. Ciginovac

• Okrugljak Despite the name meaning "round lake", this lake isn't all that round. The ca. 20m high waterfall Lobudovaclinks Ciginovac with Okrugljak.

Batinovac }} Veliko jezero Despite the name translating to "big lake", it is one of the smaller ones

• Malo jezero This name too ("small lake") is somewhat misleading, as it is 0.5 ha larger than the "big lake"

Vir Galovac A bight is home to Galovac Waterfall At 25 the highest waterfall in the Upper Lakes. North of this one there's the ca. 20 m high Prštavci waterfall.

• Milinovo jezero }}

Gradinsko jezero Gradinsko comes from gradina which means "castle ruin". The name derives from the medieval Krčingrad ruin(also Kozjak ruin) which is on the penisula between Gradinsko jezero and Kozjak. Buk

• Kozjak (Goat lake, 535}}) The biggest and deepest lake in the national park. On an island in the lake (today called Štefanijin otok) goats are said to have been protected from wolves once.

Lower Lakes (Donja jezera)

• Milanovac (524 m)

Gavanovac

• Kaluđerovac
• Novakovića brod

Things to Do

The major tourist attraction is obviously the hiking and walking in the area. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park.

Walking

• Upper Lakes 44.8751, 15.6078 - A series of smaller lakes and waterfall cascades between Proscansko lake and Kozjak lake. Numerous walking trails lead visitors around the lakes. The lakes can be visited from Entrance 2 by crossing Kozjak lake with a ferry, which is included in the admission fee. Alternatively, a shuttle bus can be taken to the highest lake and then descended back to the ferry terminal by foot to avoid the climb. There are good indications of walking trails in the park, so a map is not necessary.

• Lower Lakes 44.89947, 15.61084 - A chain of lakes below Kozjak lake, carved out in a canyon. Walking trails lead visitors around and over the lakes. The Lower Lakes can be visited from Entrance 1, or from Entrance 2 after traversing Kozjak lake by ferry, which is included in the admission fee of the park. The largest waterfall (Veliki Slap) can be found near Kaluderovac lake.

• Šupljara cave 44.90003, 15.61177 - A cave system between Gavanovac lake and Kaluderovac lake. Stairs are carved out into the rocks, allowing visitors to ascend up to the canyon ridges, or descend down to the hiking trails along the waterfront. The stairs are moist and steep, so good walking shoes are required. Not recommended for children.

Tip: If you arrive at the same time as a big group, walk one of the very well established routes in reverse. You'll probably be walking uphill for most of the trek, but you'll probably not see another person for a few hours.

Walking trails through the park, most of which are along the shores of the numerous lakes, are rarely steep. However, expect to climb a substantial fraction of your visit, and especially in the hot summer months this can quickly lead to dehydration. Few opportunities to buy drinks are available in the park, and the drinks sold at stands are expensive, so visitors are advised to bring the necessary water along with them into the park. Between 1 and 2 liter of water per person per day is advised. A hiking backpack is crucial to comfortably carry water over long distances.

Boating

• Plitvička Jezera Boat Rental 44.88060, 15.61775 Opening Hours: 09:00-19:00 - Rental service for wooden rowing boats, 60 kn per hour. Visitors can explore Kozjak lake and its numerous waterfalls from the water front. Fresh water snakes can often be found sunbathing on tree trunks along the water. Swimming and fishing are not permitted in the national park. Although it is feasible to cross Kozjak Lake and the boats must be returned to the pier where they are rented.

Take a Hiking Tour in Plitvice Lakes National Park

A few hiking trails are described at park's web page and their flyers].

Skiing

• Ski Center Mukinje Mukinje 55, Plitvička Jezera 44.87119, 15.62977 - In winter and the Ski Center of Mukinje is open, offering skiers 3 slopes with a total length of 1 km. Primarily targeted at beginners and the lift is located in the center of the town. Ski equipment can be rented locally.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Numerous souvenir shops can be found near the entrances of the park. Caution is advised however, as many souvenirs sold as "authentic hand crafts" from Croatia are made in China.

• Robni Centar D1, 53231, Plitvička Jezera 44.87406, 15.62828 ☎ +385 53 751 099 | Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 - Supermarket selling a variety of soft-drinks, cooled and uncooled. The most common bottled water of Croatia is Jana, available as mineral water or in many flavored versions. Around 5 - 10 kn per bottle.

Halal Restaurants in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The park offers few opportunities to buy food, with the exception of food stalls and restaurants around the entrances and ferry terminals. A large picnic area can also be found near the ferry terminals. All restaurants are managed by the park authority, and the food quality they serve is low compared to the prices they typically charge. Restaurants in the numerous hotels at the park entrances suffer the same problem. Visitors are advised to bring their own food into the park if feasible (and of course, take the trash out as well!) The neighboring villages offer better eating opportunities, but require a short walk from the park entrances.

A local specialty are pancakes, which are typically served with Nutella or ground walnuts. Prices between 15 and 25 kn. Most restaurants or konobas have them on their menu in the desert or snack section.

• Bistro Vučnica Mukinje 55, 53231, Plitvička Jezera 44.87153, 15.62935 ☎ +385 51 751 282 | Opening Hours: 07:00-22:00 - Mid-range restaurant in the center of Mukinje, on a 15-minutes walk from park entrance 2. Large selection of fresh Pizzas for 60 - 90 kn. The largest pizza size is meant for 2 to 3 people. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

• Robni Centar D1, 53231, Plitvička Jezera 44.87406, 15.62828 ☎ +385 53 751 099 | Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 - Supermarket selling drinks, energy bars, croissants and local pastries for breakfast or lunch, or bread and a wide variety of toppings. Fair prices. Conveniently located on the shortcut path leading from Mukinje to Entrance 2 of the park.

There are few places to stock up on drinks in the park, with the exception of* Kozjacka draga 44.89443, 15.60314 which has 2 drink water fountains to refill bottles. However, no large bottles can be purchased there, so travelers must bring them from outside the park. On hot summer days, a supply of 2 liters water per person is a minimum, since considerable physical effort (climbing stairs) is required to get around the park.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Plitvice Lakes National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Plitvice Lakes National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Plitvice Lakes National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPlitvice Lakes National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Plitvice Lakes National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Plitvice Lakes National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Plitvice Lakes National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Plitvice Lakes National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Plitvice Lakes National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Plitvice Lakes National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Plitvice Lakes National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Plitvice Lakes National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Plitvice Lakes National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Plitvice Lakes National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Waterfall in plitvicka romanceor 5 - Water, water everywhere

There is a travel agency at the entrance to the park. From here, you can organize for a homestay. There are numerous local residents who will rent bedrooms in their house and provide food for a competitive price.

Lodging

Several large hotels have been built near Entrance 2 of the park. These largely cater to middle or high class European tourists. Expect to pay very high prices for the luxury of spending the night close to the park entrance.

Private house and apartment owners in the nearby villages of Mukinje and Jezerce, both in walking distance from Entrance 2, offer rooms for better prices. In addition, visitors will have the chance to explore the lifestyle of rural Croatia and meet with local inhabitants. OpenStreetMap provides an overview of private guest houses and apartments in the area.

• Guesthouse Bor Mukinje 59, 53231, Plitvička Jezera 44.87155, 15.62955 €80 - A small guest house in the center of Mukinje, next to the skiing facilities and the only bistro of the town.

• Miric Inn Jezerce 18, 53231, Plitvička Jezera 44.86795, 15.63635 - A small inn, offering mid-range lodging. A bus connection leads to the entrances of the park.

Camping Places

There is a camping site in the nearby town, mostly used by people visiting the park. Facilities are fine, good clean toilets, a small shop, and a couple of dining places. Camping can be made wherever you want; it is feasible to choose a place between the trees, or a cosy hole in the hills or a more open place with a magnificent view.

• Cvetkovic Camping Cvetkovic, D429, Mukinje, Plitvicka Jezera 44.86341, 15.63997 - Camp site 10 minutes from the park entrance. A bus stop at the primary street takes guests to the park entrance.

As long as you are staying at the camping site, your ticket to the park can be renewed for free at the information office. It’s a good way to spend more time at the park and visit it outside the busier hours. Parking at the park is free, but if you don't want to drive the camping site arranges buses to and from the park in the main season.

Backcountry

The national park is a restricted area, limiting the opportunities for backcountry lodging. Firewood gathering and campfires are prohibited, just like fishing and berry gathering.

{{warningbox|Areas outside the national park boundaries may be contaminated with land mines left over from the Croatian Independence War, making it dangerous to wander into the forests and leave the marked roads.

Stay Safe

This area is one of the only remaining regions of Europe where bears roam. It would probably more interesting than dangerous to see a bear, but were you to surprise a mother and her cub because you did not expect to see bears at all, you could be in danger. A lone bear is more frightened of you than you are of it. Yell and bang something that makes loud noises, and the bear will almost always run off. Bears can run and climb faster than you can, and running signals “prey,” so don’t run.

As mentioned above, land mines may still be present in the forests around the national park, being relics left over after the Croatian Independence War. Although the park itself is cleared from mines and safe, do not wander off trails in forests outside the park boundaries.

Travel Next

• Zadar, a port city and destination of many of the long distance coaches traveling through the Plitvice area.
• Rijeka and the largest city in the Kvarner region.
• Split and the second largest city of Croatia and home to another UNESCO Heritage site, Diocletian's Palace.Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
  

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