A string of wood-shrouded lakes linked by a sequence of waterfalls and rapids, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most visited natural attraction, a place of rare beauty that’s well worth braving the crowds to visit.

Layout

The cataracts that lead from one lake to another were formed over many centuries by the slow build-up of travertine, a limestone sediment carried downstream by gushing waters and then deposited to form a sequence of stepped barriers. This combination of tranquil lakes and foaming rapids is the unique setting for a well-organised system of waterside trails and wooden boardwalks, with electric-power ferries and buses (included in the National Park ticket price) helping you get from one part of the park to another.

Exploring

Thanks to this transport network there is a lot you can see in the space of one day. You should allow 3-4 hours for a basic tour of the park; longer if you want to really savour the landscape and relax with picnics or snack food while you’re here.