Today’s word of the day - travertine.

This chalky rock deposited from mineral springs lakes is responsible for one of Croatia’s (and possibly Europe’s) most spectacular waterfalls and lakes - and their range of turquoise hues.

Welcome to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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PLITVICE - WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, roughly halfway between Zagreb (the capital) and Zadar on the coast.

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PLITVICE - WHAT’S THE ATTRACTION?

The lakes' stunning turquoise colour comes from a unique natural process involving calcium carbonate and moss.

When calcium carbonate from the limestone bedrock dissolves in the water, it interacts with mosses and algae, creating travertine barriers.

These barriers continue to grow by about 1cm per year, constantly reshaping the lakes and waterfalls. So effectively, every time you visit, it’s a different park.

The interaction between minerals, moss and other organisms creates the lakes' distinctive blue-green hue, which can vary in intensity depending on the mineral content and sunlight.

Despite being Croatia's oldest and largest national park (established in 1949), Plitvice Lakes actually served as a battleground during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s.

The park was occupied from for almost four years until 1995, during which time many of its facilities were damaged.

The area was also heavily mined during the conflict. After the war, extensive de-mining operations were carried out to make the park safe for visitors again.

Despite this dark period in its history, the park was fully restored and remains a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting over a million visitors annually.

GO IF…

you need to fill your socials with turquoise hues and your soul with breathtaking beauty.

DON’T GO IF…

you find navigating (sometimes slippery) walkways and climbing up rocky steps challenging.

HOW TO GET THERE:

The best way to reach the park is by car: it’s a 2-hour drive from Zagreb (around 130 kms or 80 miles), or Zadar on the coast, also around 130 kilometres away. Both cities have airports with frequent international flights.

Regular bus services from major Croatian cities like Split, Zadar or Zagreb also serve the park.

CURIOUS? READ ON:

🗺️ A complete guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

🚌 The seven best road trips into the heart of Croatia