Page 160 - Off the Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 1 of 2)

156 5 MORE LAKE REGIONS TO RIVAL ITALY’S LAKES

NATURAL WONDERS The Glacial Plitvice Lakes, Lake Balaton,

Lakes of Slovenia
Croatia
Hungary
NEED TO KNOW
NEED TO KNOW
NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Lakes Bled and Bohinj
59 miles (95 km) southwest of
"6453*"
lie in northwest Slovenia, 28 miles
National Park is 68 miles
;BHSFC
(110 km) southwest of
(45 km) from Austria and Italy and
Hungary’s capital, Budapest
34 miles (55 km) from the capital,
Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb
NUMBER OF LAKES
-",&4
Ljubljana (-"$*"- .BSJCPS LOCATION Plitvice Lakes 4-07&/*" $30"5*" LOCATION Lake Balaton is 4-07",*"
NUMBER OF
1-*57*$& -",&4 One main lake and #VEBQFTU %FCSFDFO
NUMBER OF LAKES Two -KVCMKBOB LAKES 16 countless crater lakes
)6/("3:
big lakes and many smaller pools 4-07&/*" DAYTIME #04/*" DAYTIME
DAYTIME 1PTUPKOB TEMPERATURES 4QMJU )&3;&(07*/" TEMPERATURES -",& #"-"50/
TEMPERATURES DSPBUJB Jan: 30°F (-1°C); Apr: 52°F "ESJBUJD Jan: 28°F (-2°C); Apr: 59°F 1ÏDT 30."/*"
Jan: 30°F (-1°C); Apr: 52°F (11°C); (11°C); Jul: 72°F (22°C); 4F B (15°C); Jul: 82°F (28°C); $30"5*"
Jul: 66°F (19°C); Oct: 45°F (7°C) Oct: 55°F (13°C) %VCSPWOJL Oct: 50°F (10°C)
If you think the Italian lakes are romantic, you’ll Nature’s own champagne pyramid, Croatia’s Plitvice Affectionately known as “the Hungarian Sea,”
love the picture-book prettiness of Slovenia’s Lakes are arranged on stepped limestone terraces beautiful Lake Balaton is the largest of all central
glacial lakes. With the majestic Julian Alps as its that are linked to one another by a series of rapids Europe’s lakes, and also one of the most diverse.
backdrop, Lake Bled, a vivid turquoise tongue of and waterfalls. The views across these overflowing A 105-mile (170-km) shoreline fringes this expanse
water ringed by thick forest and stunning snow- pools and sparkling white cascades to Eden-like of green water, offering something for everyone.
streaked mountains, is the must-see here. There emerald forest are mesmerizing. The lakes change The southern shore boasts sandy beaches,
are superb views across the lakeshore to a fairy- hue constantly, from deep blue to azure, green, shallow water, family-friendly resorts, and lively
tale castle of medieval turrets and ramparts. At and gray, according to sunlight and changing beachside nightclubs. But it’s the northern shore
the center of the lake, a 17th-century “floating” mineral content. These tumbling pools lie in that utterly beguiles, its volcanic hills studded
church stands on a tiny island reached by gondola. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World with geyser cones, crater lakes, and wine caves.
It’s a romantic place, and should be coupled with Heritage Site, which is also home to threatened Nearby, pretty medieval towns and the centuries-
a trip to nearby Lake Bohinj, a body of crystal-clear fauna, including bears, wolves, and lynx. old spas of the Tihany Peninsula beckon.
water overlooked by woodland and jagged peaks.
Practical Information Practical Information
Practical Information Getting There and Around International flights arrive at Zagreb, from Getting There and Around FlyBalaton International Airport lies on the shore of
Getting There and Around International flights arrive at Ljubljana. Trains where buses and coaches run to the national park. The best way to get the lake. Shuttle buses run from here to the lakeside towns. Regular ferries and
and buses run from the airport to Triglav National Park, where the lakes are around the lakes is by hiking, but there are also boat and bus services. buses serve the lake, though car rental is wise if you want to explore more freely.
found. The trip by road from the airport takes an hour. An hourly bus When to Go Aim to travel here in late September, when temperatures are When to Go Visit between June and August for summer sun and warm water.
service runs between the two lakes, which are 16 miles (25 km) apart. pleasant and the fall colors truly amazing. Website www.gotohungary.co.uk
When to Go Visit in June and July for long days and blissfully few tourists. Website www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Website www.bled.si Rowing boats moored on the shores of Lake Balaton, Hungary
The tumbling aquamarine waters of the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Church of the Assumption of Mary on Lake Bled, Slovenia

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