Anita Palada, a Croatian travel journalist, guides us through the captivating landscape of Lika and the numerous waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes. This region is renowned for its flowing waters and rich folklore.
Water Everywhere
In every direction, you’ll find lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and rapids. Sometimes, the water is serene and crystal clear, only to become wild and tumultuous a short distance away. Experiencing the natural beauty of Lika is truly mesmerizing. For instance, you can observe the Slunjcica River merging with the Korana River at Rastoke, and similar phenomena at Plitvice Lakes. Here, water gradually intensifies as it cascades down cliffs, creating a thunderous sound as it crashes into the travertine rocks below.
Plitvice Lakes Welcomes You
The legend says that the Black Queen promised to protect the land, ensuring it thrived and attracted visitors from around the world. Plitvice Lakes, a rare and stunning natural phenomenon located in mountainous Lika, is a testament to this promise. Comprising 12 upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) and 4 lower lakes (Donja Jezera), the Plitvice Lakes are interlinked by cascading rapids and waterfalls. These lakes formed from travertine growth, which continues to alter their appearance even today. They date back about 6,000 to 7,000 years, following the last Ice Age.
Folklore and Legends
Residents of the area have always been rich in imagination. After a day spent in the fields, they would gather to share stories about supernatural beings, including the Black Queen. According to one tale, a severe drought dried up even the Crna Rijeka. Desperate for water, the people prayed incessantly. The Black Queen finally heard their cries, and torrential rains followed, creating the first lake, Proscansko Jezero.
The two largest lakes, Proscansko Jezero and Kozjak, are situated in the upper lakes system. A boat ride across Kozjak Lake offers guests a view of Gradinsko Jezero, leading to the mesmerizing waterfalls of Burgeti, Mali, and Veliki Prstavac. The Veliki Slap Falls, Croatia’s tallest waterfall at 78 meters, concludes this stunning display, turning water into a spectacle of glittering drops and deafening roars.
Each season at Plitvice Lakes has its unique charm. Spring brings new greenery, while autumn showcases a riot of colors. Winter transforms the waterfalls into intricate ice sculptures, and autumn boasts a vibrant patchwork of hues. Reflections of green trees, blue skies, and white clouds adorn the clear waters, providing a breathtaking sight.
Rastoke: The Smaller Plitvice
A short drive north of Plitvice, you’ll find Rastoke, often referred to as “Small Plitvice” due to its similar landscape. In Rastoke, the Slunjcica River flows into the Korana, creating lively rapids, waterfalls, and tranquil lakes. The area is dotted with old houses and mills from centuries ago, where families once lived and worked. Though the traditional millers are gone, their legacy lives on in the stories and hospitality of today’s residents.
Hrvoje’s waterfall, the biggest in Rastoke, carries a tragic love story. Vilina Kosa, another beautiful waterfall, is named after fairies said to have borrowed millers’ horses for nighttime rides. Today, visitors can explore the surrounding mountains, enjoy kayaking, and take in the lush forests and meadows. The clear waters of the rivers offer a refreshing experience, inviting all to feel the magic of Lika.
Welcome to Lika, where the enchantment of water awaits you!
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