Page 90 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

88  CRO A TIA AREA B Y AREA

n Plitvice Lakes National Park
Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera
The Plitvice Lakes National Park, set in the heart of Croatia,
was founded in 1949. This area of 300 sq km (115 sq miles),
covered in lakes and forest, has been part of the UNESCO
World Heritage list since 1979. It is particularly known for its
spectacular waterfalls. There are 16 lakes within the park and
visitors can move around by following the paths along the
shores or by using footbridges. Shuttle buses take people
to the starting points of the trails and to the hotels in the
park. The largest lake can be toured by electric boat. There
are no towns or villages in the reserve, only hotels. A hut by the lake shore

Otočac

Ciginovac
Prošćansko
jezero

Okrugljak
Labudovac Stubica
Footbridges
Numerous footbridges and rowing
boats enable visitors to get from one
shore of a lake to another and are a
lovely way to access and explore the Galovac
fir, pine and beech forests.

KEY
Gradinsko
jezero
1 Dense forests alongside the Isola
waters are home to some of the
largest European species of animal,
including wolves, lynxes, foxes,
wild boar, roebucks, wild cats, otters
and badgers. Prijeka Gliborita
draga
2 The bird life is extremely varied: Kosa
160 species have been recorded,
including the eagle, marsh harrier,
peregrine falcon, hoopoe, kingfisher,
heron, little owl, and tawny owl.
3 Along the banks of the
River Korana, into which the lakes
drain, are a few shepherds’ huts and Velika
Poljana
several sawmills, which are run on
hydraulic power. The river flows
between steep cliffs in a spectacular
natural landscape. Entrance 2 Zadar
4 The park vehicles, shuttle
buses, take visitors around the area 0 metres 500
on special routes.
0 yards 500
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp226–8 and pp238–40

088-089_EW_Croatia.indd 88 20/10/16 12:28 pm