"Plitvice ..." a Plitvicka Jezera National Park Travel Page by Mikebb

We had two nights and one day during Autumn to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. This unique area containing 100 waterfalls was declared a National Park in 1949 and was recognised by UNESCO in 1979 with World Heritage Listing.Our visit during Autumn was extra special for us as our home country has evergreen trees which do not lose their leaves as winter approaches. The magnificent colours of the leaves, the mixture of colour from tree to tree was astonishing, just kilometeres of unspoilt treescape adjacent to the lakes was certainly something to see, and the carpet of fallen leaves just made it look unreal.

Our coach tour included a morning half day guided tour and ferry ride around the lower lakes. It was beautiful country and we were lucky to have a good guide who explained the various lakes and waterfalls, and how the water was so clear with its tinged colour. Having our guide was reassuring as the park is so large and paths intercross it would be very easy to get lost. It was a an energetic walk for most of the time on a boardwalk and occassionally climbing a few steps, sometimes catching the spray from a waterfall the walk was most certainly a photographers paradise. We were pleased it was cool as it would be hard work in the summer heat.

We were lucky as our guide took us for lunch in the park and offered to take us on an afternoon tour of the upper lakes. Most of our party took up the offer and we had a most enjoyable afternoon. With 100 waterfalls you would think you would get bored with them, however this was not so as each is different, has a character of its own and is framed by rocks , trees ,lush vegetation and swirling pools .