Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in Croatia, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Despite its popularity, there are still hidden gems within the park that many visitors may not be aware of. In this blog post, we will explore some of these lesser-known features of the park and discover the unique experiences they offer.
One of the most enchanting experiences in Plitvice Lakes National Park is rowing on Kozjak Lake. While the park is known for its beautiful pathways and wooden bridges, rowing on the lake provides a different perspective of the natural beauty. In the past, rowing was allowed on other lakes as well, but to preserve the ecosystem and maintain its natural balance, it is now limited to Kozjak Lake. Rowing on this lake offers a more intimate experience of nature, surrounded by lush vegetation and monumental waterfalls. It is a peaceful opportunity to observe wild animals and enjoy the serenity of nature.
The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. With over 168 species of birds, including common buzzards, Ural owls, and tawny owls, birdwatchers will be in heaven. Various species of frogs, salamanders, and stone crayfish can also be found in the park, along with snakes and lizards. The Horvath’s rock lizard, an endangered species, is another noteworthy creature that can be encountered. In addition to the rich bird and reptile life, the park is home to more than 50 species of mammals, including brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and otters. The abundance of vertebrae in the park’s lakes and tributaries is teeming with wildlife, including the brown trout, which is a true gem of these waters.
While the waterfalls are the obvious highlight of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are many hidden footpaths and gems to explore. The “K programme” offers a longer route through the park that takes visitors past waterfalls, through thick forests, and uphill to concealed lookouts. This less frequented route allows for quiet moments of reflection and a deeper connection with the natural beauty of the park. On the pathway leading to Kozjak Lake, visitors will discover secluded coves and breathtaking views reflected in the lake’s tranquil water. These less trodden parts of the park offer unique opportunities for photography and a chance to truly appreciate the hidden wonders of nature.
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The park’s karst formations, created by carbonate rocks from the Mesozoic Era, are another fascinating feature. While many of these formations can be seen above ground, some remain hidden and unexplored underground. There are over 100 explored speleological objects in the park, with the longest cave, Golubnjača, spanning 165 metres and the deepest one, Čudinka, reaching 203 metres in depth. Some of the caves in the Lower Lakes canyon and the Korana river have been declared geomorphological monuments of nature, highlighting their importance. The park also houses a rare karst formation known as the cave garden, which can be found beneath cascades and waterfalls during the tufa barrier formation process. These caves and formations provide integral habitat to rare and protected species, as well as awe-inspiring cave decorations that have been forming for millennia.
Overall, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers so much more than its famous waterfalls. Exploring the hidden gems of the park, such as rowing on Kozjak Lake, discovering the diverse fauna, walking the less frequented footpaths, and marveling at the underground cave system, provides a deeper appreciation for the park’s exceptional beauty. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems and the wonders of nature. So, when planning your visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, be sure to venture beyond the surface and uncover the hidden treasures that lie within.
