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Plitvice Lakes Like You’ve Never Seen: Skip the Crowds and Discover Nature’s Beauty


The crystal clear water of the lakes. Photo Alpha Whiskey
The crystal clear water of the Plitvice lakes. Photo Alpha Whiskey

Plitvice Lakes: Nature Where Even the Water Poses for Photos

View at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Photo Tamás Dombora
View at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Photo Tamás Dombora

When it comes to the Plitvice Lakes, even the most inspired description can sound like a dry assembly guide for a bookshelf. But really, how do you describe a place with 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, and water so turquoise that even your favorite Instagram filter would be jealous? We'll give it a try. And to make it more convincing, we'll add photos from professional photographers.

Why Are the Lakes So Special?


16 lakes. Too many? Well, if you add to that hundreds of waterfalls, it gets a bit more interesting. Water is everywhere. It flows, cascades, sparkles, and dances, creating a sense that you've entered a fairy-tale world where each drop knows its place.

The main star of the show is the Great Waterfall, with its 78 meters that firmly earn it the title of “the most handsome guy in town.” In the summer, it roars so loudly that the spray will reach your camera, and in the winter, it turns into a frozen fortress.

Plitvice lakes at winter time Photo Luka Esenko
Plitvice lakes at winter time Photo Luka Esenko

Every corner turns brings a new waterfall or stream. Photo Brendan van Son
Every corner turns brings a new waterfall or stream. Photo Brendan van Son

The lakes are split into Upper and Lower. The Upper Lakes — that’s the power, the roaring cascades and the rugged cliffs. The Lower Lakes — that’s the calm, the reflections of forests, and the blue sky. And whatever you choose, you’ll find that everything here is soaked in some kind of unexplainable magic. No wonder the park became Croatia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 — this beauty was recognized as part of humanity's heritage.


Summer? Prepare for a Quest


And yes, half of Europe gathers here in summer, along with their tours, guides, selfie sticks, and cries of "Maaaria, look here!" As a result, even the most magical views lose a bit of their charm under the pressure of the tourist chaos.

The cascades of waterfalls of Plitvice lake of all shapes and sizes, from tall bridal-veil falls to short falls that gurgled over natural rock dams of travertine only a couple of feet high. Photo Tamás Dombora
The cascades of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, from tall bridal-veil falls to short falls that gurgled over natural rock dams of travertine only a couple of feet high. Photo Tamás Dombora

We're not against tourism, but we’re definitely for slow travel. It's better to come in spring when nature wakes up, in autumn when the leaves turn golden, or in winter when the park is especially quiet and romantic.


Walking along the empty trails, listening to the water telling its secrets — isn’t this what travel is all about?


Upper or Lower Lakes?

Every tourist asks themselves this question. But let’s be honest: the Upper Lakes in summer are packed with people and selfie sticks. The Lower Lakes are quieter, but still, it's not always a break from the crowds.

The secret is simple: it doesn’t matter where you go, the beauty is everywhere. Here, the charm doesn’t pick sides — it’s all around.

Plivice lake. Lakes flow into lakes via a series of lovely waterfalls. Photo Tamás Dombora
Lakes flow into lakes via a series of lovely waterfalls. Photo Tamás Dombora








Tips Without the Rush

The water rushes over moss-covered rocks from one lake to the next in total serenity. Photo Tamás Dombora
The water rushes over moss-covered rocks from one lake to the next in total serenity. Photo Tamás Dombora

We won’t give you the usual life hacks. There are plenty of them on the internet, and honestly, they’re all the same. We just want to show you the beauty of this place (thanks to our photographers!) and inspire you to enjoy a slower, more mindful journey without the chaos.

But here are a couple of useful tips:

  1. Don’t take a guide. All you need is a map, a bit of intuition, and a willingness to explore.

  2. Pack a snack. Or bring sandwiches with you, because the restaurants here leave much to be desired.

  3. Camera is a must. Your smartphone is good, but believe us, these views deserve something more serious.

Why Should You Go?



The Plitvice Lakes aren’t just a park; they’re a true theatre of nature, where water plays the lead role. The turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, paths through the forests — every detail here is made to make you marvel.

Yes, the crowds of tourists can be distracting, but if you pick the right time, you’re in for a unique experience. We hope our photos will convey even a fraction of this magic and inspire you to visit.

And remember, once you see this beauty, you’ll never forget it. And don’t forget your camera. You’ll regret the extra weight in your backpack more than the fact that you didn’t take it. 🌿

We are all about slow travel and appreciating the true beauty of a place, without rushing through it. Take your time, soak in the magic, and let the place leave its mark on you.



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