April 9, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is the largest national park in Croatia; home to rare bird species and some of the most enticing spots for photographers in the world. Join us as we discuss the history, travel tips and more.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:01):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
travel, tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,223 World Heritage Sites
(00:27):
each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
(00:54):
Thank you for listening to the show.
We appreciate all of your support.
You can continue to supportus by subscribing at Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us on TikTok,Clapper, and Facebook, and please
tell your friends about us.
Oh, and of course, please leave us a fivestar review if you like what you hear.
(01:17):
Nestled near the border of Bosnia andHerzegovina Pltivice Lakes National
Park is a breathtaking, natural wonder.
It's one of Croatia's oldestand largest national parks, one
that spans over 73,000 acres.
This UNESCO World Heritage Siteis celebrated for its mysterious
(01:38):
caves and the mesmerizing networkof 16 Interconnected Lakes.
The name Pltivice is derived froma Croatian word, meaning shallow.
First, appearing in writtenrecords in the late 17 hundreds.
With its ethereal beauty and pristinelandscapes, it's no wonder that Plitvice
(02:00):
Lakes draws over a million visitorsannually, making it one of Croatia's
most beloved and iconic destinations.
Whether wandering along the woodenwalkways that wind through the park,
or standing in awe of the powerfulwaterfalls, visitors will find
themselves immersed in a landscapethat feels almost otherworldly.
(02:24):
What makes these lakes trulyextraordinary is their vibrant hues
of green and blue, shifting in color,depending on the angle of the sunlight,
separated by natural travertine dams.
These lakes are constantly evolving,formed by the slow but steady
accumulation of plants and bacteria.
(02:45):
The dams grow by aboutone centimeter per year.
Within its vast expanse, two massivelakes dominate the waterscape, covering
80% of the total water surface andplunging to depths of 154 feet.
Water is at the heart of Plitvice allure.
(03:06):
The lakes originate in the park's Southernreaches where the White River and the
black river merge to form Matica theprimary waterway that feeds the lakes.
Along their journey.
Smaller streams weave theirway in swelling the lakes with
their crystal clear waters.
At the northernmost edge of thepark, the river cascades down the
(03:29):
dramatic large waterfall marking thebeginning of the Korana river, which
flows beyond the park's boundaries.
The largest lake is so infamousthat it's connected to a local folk
tale, the legend of the black queen.
Supposedly.
A long time ago, there was a drought.
(03:50):
A drought so severe that the locals calledupon the queen, who used her magic to
cure the drought by creating the PlitviceLakes, they truly are so beautiful,
it's easy to see why someone thinkit was created through magical means.
Over thousands of years, tufa depositshave shaped the lakes, creating
(04:13):
natural dams that continually evolve.
The upper lakes, formed primarilyof dolomite, feature a network
of smaller interconnected pools.
Their waters flowing gentlythrough lush greenery.
In contrast, the lower lakes, setin limestone, have carved deep
(04:34):
canyons, their waters rushingthrough the rock with powerful force.
Together, these two distinct regionsform a breathtaking contrast.
A testament to the ever-changingnature of the landscape.
The park's unique geographic positionand climate have given rise to
(04:54):
an astonishing diversity of life.
Despite its proximity to the Mediterraneanclimate, the Park experiences a more
moderate mountainous climate due to thetowering Velebit mountain range, which
acts as a natural barrier between thecoastal region and the Lika High plateau.
(05:15):
While the mountains hover like silentsentinels over the park, the dense
forests that cloak these slopes serveas vast water reservoirs providing
sanctuary to a wealth of wildlife.
The dramatic changes in altitude from thetowering peaks in the south to the low
(05:35):
lying Korana river in the north createan environment rich in biodiversity.
Beneath the surface.
The Parks Foundation tellsan even deeper story.
Underground rivers weave theirway through the porous rock.
Forming a labyrinth of unseen waterways.
Visitors can explore one of the cavesthat holds the secrets of the parks
(05:58):
geological past.
Some caves have even revealed theremains of cave bears, offering
a glimpse into prehistoric life.
The Black Cave, which is alsocalled Lake Fairies Cave.
Gets Its name because bats residewithin the cave and their feces have
quite literally colored the cave black.
(06:21):
The underground world of PLtivicealso holds numerous sinkholes.
Though the surface may appear dry inplaces, underground rivers carve their
way through the rock only to reemergewhen they strike in penetrable stone.
The history of this parkis long and a bit torrid.
(06:42):
But I want to focus on one ofthe most interesting pieces.
After World War II ended, the PltiviceLakes were declared as a National Park
area, officially as of April 8th, 1949.
During the 1960s, a modern road connectionto the Pltivice Lake was constructed,
(07:03):
which led to increasing traffic volumes.
By the 1980s, tourism wasbooming in Yugoslavia.
Plitvice National Park soonbecame one of Yugoslavia's most
popular tourist destinations.
The beginning of the 1990s, however,marked another great turning point
(07:24):
in the history of this national parkor dark turning point, I should say.
In March of 1991, it became thelocation a Plitvice bloody Easter.
The first armed confrontation duringthe Croatian War of Independence.
The park was held by local Serb rebelsduring the conflict and suffered
(07:46):
damage in the process with buildingssuch as hotels being used as barracks.
While under the control of Serb forcesloyal to Belgrade, there was an ethnic
cleansing throughout the region.
On June 25th, 1991
croatia declared itsindependence from Yugoslavia.
(08:07):
The region was retaken by the Croatianarmy in August of 1995, and much of
the Serb population was pushed out.
All of this truly shaped and impactedthe lives of those in Croatia and
further shaped the cultural landscapetaking us to the 20th century.
(08:28):
Uncontrolled tourism and waterpollution caused by wastewater from
hotels and agricultural activities inthe surrounding area led to damage.
This resulted in increased concentrationsof organic substances within the water.
Thankfully, measures have been taken toprotect the park from further destruction.
(08:49):
Since 2006, it's been strictlyforbidden to bathe or swim in the lake.
Previously it had been allowed, andto preserve the park's tranquility.
and to protect its fragile ecosystem,only low noise, eco-friendly boats
operate on the lakes, ensuringthat nature remains undisturbed.
(09:12):
This course of action has allowed the parkto thrive and remain picturesque, which is
why so many flock to this site annually.
Now that we've covered thehistory, let's talk about how
to get to this magnificent park.
Located about 34 milesfrom the Adriatic coast.
Pltivice Lakes National Park isa serene retreat, yet reaching
(09:35):
it requires some planning.
The nearest airport is Zadarwith bus services from Zagreb.
Look into the links providedin the show notes as well,
we have some sites where you can book homestays, hotels, tours, and so much more.
So the park itself has two main entrancesand you can purchase tickets ahead online.
(09:58):
They have one or two day ticketsthat include train, transport.
It's recommended that you buyyour tickets, book your lodging,
et cetera, as far in advance aspossible, because tickets do sell out.
As with most national parks, there isa minor entrance fee that rises a bit
during busy seasons like the summer.
(10:20):
The tickets as of recordingare timed, so make sure you
show up at your scheduled time.
If you choose to do a self-guided tour,be sure that you stay on the marked
walking trails and wooden footbridges.
If wildlife watching, boatingor photography is your
thing, this park is for you.
If you explore the cave, be mindfulthat the rocks might be slippery.
(10:45):
There's currently only one cave opento the public to protect the bats and
other animals residing within them.
Also, like I said before, thepark does have animals such as
wolves and brown bears, so justbe careful not to get too close.
That might seem common sense,but still needs to be said.
(11:05):
There are maps online, so youmay want to download one on
your phone prior to arriving.
The climate of Plitvice onlyadds to its dynamic character.
The park experiences its heaviestrains in springtime and autumn.
Winters cloak the lakes in snow, andin the coldest months of December and
(11:27):
January, the waters freeze, turningthe landscape into a frozen wonderland.
Summer brings warmth with temperaturesclimbing to 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though the lakes remain refreshinglycool, in terms of packing, be sure you
layer and wear appropriate footwear.
(11:48):
Bringing SPF won't hurt either.
Many choose to stay in Zagrebor Zadar and do a day trip.
Zagreb is approximately two hours away.
Zadar has Roman and Venetianruins within the city walls.
Zagreb is larger with apopulation of more than 750,000.
(12:10):
The city houses numerous cathedralswith beautiful architecture
and a botanical garden.
There are lots of hotels,hostels, and home stay options
available in both cities as well.
And of course, what would a tripbe without talking about the food?
Interestingly enough, Croatia doesn'ttechnically have a national dish.
(12:34):
However, many would argue that pekais a staple in Croatian heritage.
Peka is a meat or seafood dish,slowly cooked with vegetables.
A metal dish over fire and isconsidered to be a specialty.
This traditional method of cookinghas been used for centuries and gives
(12:56):
the meat a very unique flavor dueto the long cooking process, but the
outcome makes the wait worthwhile.
It's also worth mentioning thatthere are a few dining options within
the park, which is quite unusual.
You can find menus and more informationon the park's official website.
(13:16):
Food is one of my favorite partsof cultural identity and heritage.
Plitvice Lakes National Park isa world where water, rock, and
forest come together to createan ever-changing masterpiece.
From its hidden caves andunderground rivers to its cascading
(13:38):
waterfalls and serene lakes.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site isa place of wonder where forces of
nature continue their timeless work,shaping a landscape as mythical
as the legends that surround it.
Our next episode will take us to theprehistoric sites and decorated caves of
(14:00):
the D'Isere Valley in France, which shedlight on the history of prehistoric art.
The hunting scenes still retain theremarkable detailing, coloring in lifelike
depictions of over a hundred animals.
Until then, keep exploring.
Keep wondering and keeptreasuring the remarkable
(14:22):
diversity of our world's heritage
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
travel, tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,223 World Heritage Sites
(00:27):
each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
(00:54):
Thank you for listening to the show.
We appreciate all of your support.
You can continue to supportus by subscribing at Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us on TikTok,Clapper, and Facebook, and please
tell your friends about us.
Oh, and of course, please leave us a fivestar review if you like what you hear.
(01:17):
Nestled near the border of Bosnia andHerzegovina Pltivice Lakes National
Park is a breathtaking, natural wonder.
It's one of Croatia's oldestand largest national parks, one
that spans over 73,000 acres.
This UNESCO World Heritage Siteis celebrated for its mysterious
(01:38):
caves and the mesmerizing networkof 16 Interconnected Lakes.
The name Pltivice is derived froma Croatian word, meaning shallow.
First, appearing in writtenrecords in the late 17 hundreds.
With its ethereal beauty and pristinelandscapes, it's no wonder that Plitvice
(02:00):
Lakes draws over a million visitorsannually, making it one of Croatia's
most beloved and iconic destinations.
Whether wandering along the woodenwalkways that wind through the park,
or standing in awe of the powerfulwaterfalls, visitors will find
themselves immersed in a landscapethat feels almost otherworldly.
(02:24):
What makes these lakes trulyextraordinary is their vibrant hues
of green and blue, shifting in color,depending on the angle of the sunlight,
separated by natural travertine dams.
These lakes are constantly evolving,formed by the slow but steady
accumulation of plants and bacteria.
(02:45):
The dams grow by aboutone centimeter per year.
Within its vast expanse, two massivelakes dominate the waterscape, covering
80% of the total water surface andplunging to depths of 154 feet.
Water is at the heart of Plitvice allure.
(03:06):
The lakes originate in the park's Southernreaches where the White River and the
black river merge to form Matica theprimary waterway that feeds the lakes.
Along their journey.
Smaller streams weave theirway in swelling the lakes with
their crystal clear waters.
At the northernmost edge of thepark, the river cascades down the
(03:29):
dramatic large waterfall marking thebeginning of the Korana river, which
flows beyond the park's boundaries.
The largest lake is so infamousthat it's connected to a local folk
tale, the legend of the black queen.
Supposedly.
A long time ago, there was a drought.
(03:50):
A drought so severe that the locals calledupon the queen, who used her magic to
cure the drought by creating the PlitviceLakes, they truly are so beautiful,
it's easy to see why someone thinkit was created through magical means.
Over thousands of years, tufa depositshave shaped the lakes, creating
(04:13):
natural dams that continually evolve.
The upper lakes, formed primarilyof dolomite, feature a network
of smaller interconnected pools.
Their waters flowing gentlythrough lush greenery.
In contrast, the lower lakes, setin limestone, have carved deep
(04:34):
canyons, their waters rushingthrough the rock with powerful force.
Together, these two distinct regionsform a breathtaking contrast.
A testament to the ever-changingnature of the landscape.
The park's unique geographic positionand climate have given rise to
(04:54):
an astonishing diversity of life.
Despite its proximity to the Mediterraneanclimate, the Park experiences a more
moderate mountainous climate due to thetowering Velebit mountain range, which
acts as a natural barrier between thecoastal region and the Lika High plateau.
(05:15):
While the mountains hover like silentsentinels over the park, the dense
forests that cloak these slopes serveas vast water reservoirs providing
sanctuary to a wealth of wildlife.
The dramatic changes in altitude from thetowering peaks in the south to the low
(05:35):
lying Korana river in the north createan environment rich in biodiversity.
Beneath the surface.
The Parks Foundation tellsan even deeper story.
Underground rivers weave theirway through the porous rock.
Forming a labyrinth of unseen waterways.
Visitors can explore one of the cavesthat holds the secrets of the parks
(05:58):
geological past.
Some caves have even revealed theremains of cave bears, offering
a glimpse into prehistoric life.
The Black Cave, which is alsocalled Lake Fairies Cave.
Gets Its name because bats residewithin the cave and their feces have
quite literally colored the cave black.
(06:21):
The underground world of PLtivicealso holds numerous sinkholes.
Though the surface may appear dry inplaces, underground rivers carve their
way through the rock only to reemergewhen they strike in penetrable stone.
The history of this parkis long and a bit torrid.
(06:42):
But I want to focus on one ofthe most interesting pieces.
After World War II ended, the PltiviceLakes were declared as a National Park
area, officially as of April 8th, 1949.
During the 1960s, a modern road connectionto the Pltivice Lake was constructed,
(07:03):
which led to increasing traffic volumes.
By the 1980s, tourism wasbooming in Yugoslavia.
Plitvice National Park soonbecame one of Yugoslavia's most
popular tourist destinations.
The beginning of the 1990s, however,marked another great turning point
(07:24):
in the history of this national parkor dark turning point, I should say.
In March of 1991, it became thelocation a Plitvice bloody Easter.
The first armed confrontation duringthe Croatian War of Independence.
The park was held by local Serb rebelsduring the conflict and suffered
(07:46):
damage in the process with buildingssuch as hotels being used as barracks.
While under the control of Serb forcesloyal to Belgrade, there was an ethnic
cleansing throughout the region.
On June 25th, 1991
croatia declared itsindependence from Yugoslavia.
(08:07):
The region was retaken by the Croatianarmy in August of 1995, and much of
the Serb population was pushed out.
All of this truly shaped and impactedthe lives of those in Croatia and
further shaped the cultural landscapetaking us to the 20th century.
(08:28):
Uncontrolled tourism and waterpollution caused by wastewater from
hotels and agricultural activities inthe surrounding area led to damage.
This resulted in increased concentrationsof organic substances within the water.
Thankfully, measures have been taken toprotect the park from further destruction.
(08:49):
Since 2006, it's been strictlyforbidden to bathe or swim in the lake.
Previously it had been allowed, andto preserve the park's tranquility.
and to protect its fragile ecosystem,only low noise, eco-friendly boats
operate on the lakes, ensuringthat nature remains undisturbed.
(09:12):
This course of action has allowed the parkto thrive and remain picturesque, which is
why so many flock to this site annually.
Now that we've covered thehistory, let's talk about how
to get to this magnificent park.
Located about 34 milesfrom the Adriatic coast.
Pltivice Lakes National Park isa serene retreat, yet reaching
(09:35):
it requires some planning.
The nearest airport is Zadarwith bus services from Zagreb.
Look into the links providedin the show notes as well,
we have some sites where you can book homestays, hotels, tours, and so much more.
So the park itself has two main entrancesand you can purchase tickets ahead online.
(09:58):
They have one or two day ticketsthat include train, transport.
It's recommended that you buyyour tickets, book your lodging,
et cetera, as far in advance aspossible, because tickets do sell out.
As with most national parks, there isa minor entrance fee that rises a bit
during busy seasons like the summer.
(10:20):
The tickets as of recordingare timed, so make sure you
show up at your scheduled time.
If you choose to do a self-guided tour,be sure that you stay on the marked
walking trails and wooden footbridges.
If wildlife watching, boatingor photography is your
thing, this park is for you.
If you explore the cave, be mindfulthat the rocks might be slippery.
(10:45):
There's currently only one cave opento the public to protect the bats and
other animals residing within them.
Also, like I said before, thepark does have animals such as
wolves and brown bears, so justbe careful not to get too close.
That might seem common sense,but still needs to be said.
(11:05):
There are maps online, so youmay want to download one on
your phone prior to arriving.
The climate of Plitvice onlyadds to its dynamic character.
The park experiences its heaviestrains in springtime and autumn.
Winters cloak the lakes in snow, andin the coldest months of December and
(11:27):
January, the waters freeze, turningthe landscape into a frozen wonderland.
Summer brings warmth with temperaturesclimbing to 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though the lakes remain refreshinglycool, in terms of packing, be sure you
layer and wear appropriate footwear.
(11:48):
Bringing SPF won't hurt either.
Many choose to stay in Zagrebor Zadar and do a day trip.
Zagreb is approximately two hours away.
Zadar has Roman and Venetianruins within the city walls.
Zagreb is larger with apopulation of more than 750,000.
(12:10):
The city houses numerous cathedralswith beautiful architecture
and a botanical garden.
There are lots of hotels,hostels, and home stay options
available in both cities as well.
And of course, what would a tripbe without talking about the food?
Interestingly enough, Croatia doesn'ttechnically have a national dish.
(12:34):
However, many would argue that pekais a staple in Croatian heritage.
Peka is a meat or seafood dish,slowly cooked with vegetables.
A metal dish over fire and isconsidered to be a specialty.
This traditional method of cookinghas been used for centuries and gives
(12:56):
the meat a very unique flavor dueto the long cooking process, but the
outcome makes the wait worthwhile.
It's also worth mentioning thatthere are a few dining options within
the park, which is quite unusual.
You can find menus and more informationon the park's official website.
(13:16):
Food is one of my favorite partsof cultural identity and heritage.
Plitvice Lakes National Park isa world where water, rock, and
forest come together to createan ever-changing masterpiece.
From its hidden caves andunderground rivers to its cascading
(13:38):
waterfalls and serene lakes.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site isa place of wonder where forces of
nature continue their timeless work,shaping a landscape as mythical
as the legends that surround it.
Our next episode will take us to theprehistoric sites and decorated caves of
(14:00):
the D'Isere Valley in France, which shedlight on the history of prehistoric art.
The hunting scenes still retain theremarkable detailing, coloring in lifelike
depictions of over a hundred animals.
Until then, keep exploring.
Keep wondering and keeptreasuring the remarkable
(14:22):
diversity of our world's heritage
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