The waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes are an iconic spectacle that visitors to Croatia can’t wait to see. Tufa sediments have been formed from the Pleistocene onwards in sinkholes or depressed areas between the surrounding mountains. While passing the vegetation, barriers are being created by foaming water. The lake is named after a building (Croatian. A ne pas manquer During the summer months of July and August, the temperature rises to 17.4 °C (63 °F). Pour préserver le Parc National de Plitvice (Plitvička Jezera), la baignade est interdite, au contraire des cascades Krka où vous pouvez prendre un bain dans la partie basse de la rivière. The area then formed part of Banovina of Croatia within the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and then part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within the Socialist Yugoslavia. Generally, the following could be said: The colder the water, the higher the quantity of dissolved calcium hydrogencarbonate. The Village of Rastoke By passing through the limestone underground the karst rivers dissolve chalk (calcite), which concentrates in the water. First a crag is formed but later a cave roof forms under the crag. Priroda: mjesečnik za popularizaciju prirodnih znanosti i ekologije, 89, 20-22, Zdunić, D. & Movčan, J. [15], The afforested mountain slopes serve as water reservoirs. Within the national park area there are 19 small settlements. At the springs this saturation level is about 1. Des dizaines de lacs et plans d’eaux, d’un bleu turquoise presque lumineux se déversent les uns dans les autres par le biais de centaines de cascades. Calc-sinter formation processes that have not emerged along a river flow can be observed at the Mammoth Hot Springs within Yellowstone National Park (USA) or at Pamukkale in Turkey. There are seven other national parks in Croatia, as well as ten nature parks. Other larger municipalities within the surrounding area are Ogulin, Rakovica, Otočac, Gospić and Bihać in Bosnia. This little river flows into the Plitvice Lakes at the lower and final part of the lakes. This phenomenon of underground karst rivers (Croatian rijeka ponornica) can also be observed at the Plitvice Lakes. [6] These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. The nearest airports are Zadar, Zagreb and Rijeka. Sur les hauts plateaux de la Croatie, au milieu des forêts, coincé quelque part entre les montagnes, se cache le site de Plitvice, classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO depuis 1979. Cascade à Plitvice - Croatie. The water becomes significantly mineralized, super-saturated with calcium and magnesium-hydrogencarbonate.[20]. About 90% of this area is part of Lika-Senj County, while the remaining 10% is part of Karlovac County. The national park became famous during the 1960s and 1970s through several Western film productions of Karl May novels. n. Hrvoje Iveković, "Kemija na Plitvičkim jezerima, Priroda 47 (1960) 10; 376-379)", Plitvice Lakes National Park, Otvorenje ZSC-a "Ivo Pevalek", "Kreiszeitung.de. Hidden deep within the woodlands of Croatia lies a breathlessly stunning paradise: sixteen crystal-clear lakes fused together by an amazing series of waterfalls and cascades. Altogether they form the Plitvice Lakes municipality (Croatian općina Plitvička Jezera). Even though the vegetation has beneficial effects for the formation of tufa, excessive concentrations of organic substances within the water impede its formation. The national park is located at the national route D1 Zagreb–Split between Slunj and Korenica in the vicinity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo about Plitvice Lakes National Park with turquoise lake in Croatia. Miles and Love, c'est notre blog mais aussi plus de 5800 photos à decouvrir sur notre galerie photos de voyages. Under Julius Caesar the region was incorporated as the province of Illyricum into the Roman Empire. Parcul Național Lacurile Plitvice (în croată Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera, denumit popular Plitvice, pronunțat plîtʋitse) este cel mai vechi parc național din Europa de Sud-Est și cel mai mare parc național din Croația. They tell a lot about regional affiliations or social standings of those who have worn those costumes. Since 1850, only professional soldiers served in the Military Frontier. Each of the Plitvice Lakes has a story or legend to tell. From an aerial perspective, significant differences between the terrain of the Upper and the Lower Plitvice Lakes can be observed. The most successful film of this series, Treasure of the Silver Lake was also produced at some locations within the national park. According to a legend, the lake was named after a shepherd called Mile who drowned in it, or after the miller Mile Perišić who owned a mill at the lake. The area around Ocho Rios Jamaica is another region famous for its calc-sinter rivers. The mosses foster not only the creation of tufa barriers, but also become part of the barrier. In the partially primeval beech and fir forests various rare species, such as the brown bear have survived. The Plitvice Lakes do not represent an abandoned or lonely nature reserve. À l'intérieur des terres de l'Ouest de la Croatie, le Parc national des Lacs de Plitvice (ou Plitvička Jezera) est un site particulièrement intéressant. The Plitvice Lakes area has always been regarded as part of the historic regions of Lika and Kordun. During the Ottoman Wars, the region was part of the Croatian Military Frontier that was under direct control of the Habsburg Council of War. For centuries, water has changed the limestone and thus the landscape of this area. Successively, the Ostrogoths took over the rule. Cascades & Autumn Colours – Plitvicka Jezera Extremely beautiful cascades which are a treat to watch with amazing colours and movements, the National Park is well known for its lakes arranged in cascades. Another unique and distinctive feature are the natural factors, particularly the influences of the vegetation in the process of sedimentation. La grotte Å upljara qui tranche totalement avec le reste du parc, est très sympa à descendre ou remonter. Truly an enchanted place full of waterfalls and tranquil settings Spent the day at Plitvice National Park at the end of a tour we did of Croatia and Slovenia. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Due to the apparent risk of mines, the park was even put on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger during the war years. (It is possible that by the effect of rainwater about 1 m3 of limestone is dissolved in about 10,000 years.)[21]. Due to the features of limestone, many rivers drain away into the rock. In 1527, the Croatian Parliament elected the Habsburg monarch Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria as the new king of Croatia in the hope of resources to ward of the Ottoman advance. Dolomite rock is slightly harder than limestone. The Ottomans advanced far into Western lands up to Croatia and Hungary. This place is called Sastavci (English confluence or composition). In March 1991 it became the scene of the Plitvice Lakes incident (also called the "Plitvice Bloody Easter"), the first armed confrontation of the Croatian War of Independence that resulted in fatalities. Joined together, Plitvice… Many scenes have been shot at the lakes or waterfalls. The existing wooden paths are anchored within the travertine sediments, creating the danger of seepage and cracks of the weak travertine. (Lake Kaluđerovac served as scenery for the Silver Lake. Les cascades de Plitvice. On the remnants of an ancient settlement of the Japods and Romans a monastery was built at the lakes. The Plitvice Lakes are surrounded by various mountains. Rare fauna such as the European brown bear, grey wolf, eagle, owl, Eurasian lynx, European wildcat, and capercaillie can be found there, along with many more common species. In contrast, limestone rock is more compact and massive, but has a higher water permeability.[9]. when the water warms up or by evaporation or by another loss of carbon dioxide, additionally fostered by water plants and moss. However, some very significant meetings took place at the Plitvice Lakes during the Second World War, as for example the first secret regional conference of the League of Communists of Croatia (Croatian: Savez komunista Hrvatske, SKH) in 1940. For centuries, legends have been created about this mythic mountain range. This phenomenon particularly occurs on abundantly available mosses, enabling better adherence of the crystals. Other caves e.g. The quantity of carbon dioxide decreases along the water route. Furthermore, there are only a few lakes at the Lower Lakes. For the precipitation, the water saturation level needs to be higher than 3. People reported that a villager named Batinić used to dwell at this lake. Plitvice is absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend visiting, if you’re ever in Croatia. Calcite, however, is dissolved by carbonic acid, thus creating calcium hydrogencarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2). For example, smaller lakes were filled up with earth or people adapted the flow of the rivers to their individual needs. High quality Plitvice gifts and merchandise. The Lower Lakes, however, are much larger and virtually drill their path through the rock. Tufa formation processes thus surpass erosion activities, which would destroy the sensitive barriers of the lakes. Usually, the lakes are frozen during December and January.[18]. That is why the greatest depths of Kozjak lake are in its lower basin (north from the little island).[23]. Carte des lacs Plitvice At Plitvice, this constant interplay between water, air, rock and vegetation can easily be observed. Examples of some animals found in the national park: While other nature protection areas are located far away from any interference by man, the Plitvice Lakes have permanently been exposed to human influence in the course of history. Jolies photos ! la Croatie ? The shortest linear distance between the Adriatic coast and the national park is 55 km (34 mi). Calcium carbonate is secreted in the form of microcrystals that are deposited, eventually creating tufa sediments (CaCO3). Le parcours est assez simple et bien balisé (même trop pour les amateurs d'aventure). This is shown by the following formulas: The quantity of calcium hydrogencarbonate (also called calcium bicarbonate) dissolved in water depends on the quantity of dissolved carbon dioxide in the water. ", Measurements of carbon dioxide quantities in the water show that they correspond with continuous sedimentation processes in the Plitvice Lakes area. For the sustainable formation of tufa it is therefore imperative to protect this extremely sensitive area from excessively harmful human influence. The saturation level of calcite within the frontal flows is thus very high. In 2000, the national park was expanded by a further 102 square kilometres (39 sq mi) in order to protect the underground tributary streams. Nature formed shallow basins (Croatian pličina or plitvak, plitko means shallow), which have been filled with water. For the visit of Crown Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, the wife of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria in 1888, the Plitvice Lakes and their surroundings were arranged for tourist purposes for the first time in history. According to a legend, a roma (gypsy) drowned in this lake while fishing. Plitvice Lakes National Park can be reached from Karlovac exit in the north, from Otočac exit in the west or Gornja Ploča exit in the south.[11]. In Rodića Cave at Sertić Poljana and in Mračna Cave at the Lower Lakes, cave bear bones were found, so these sites may be considered paleontologically significant. Temporarily, water from other, usually dead creeks reaches Prošćansko jezero from the west.[17]. Šafarek, G. Plitvička jezera - 16 srebrnih stepenica, Gušić, B. The 16 lakes are separated into an upper and lower cluster formed by runoff from the mountains, descending from an altitude of 636 to 503 m (2,087 to 1,650 ft) over a distance of some 8 kilometres (5.0 mi), aligned in a south–north direction. the Gacko polje). Other reports say that a man named Novaković used to offer boat rides across this lake. On April 8, 1949, the Plitvice Lakes were declared as a national park area and rigorous nature protection measures were established. Plitvice Lakes National Park is situated in the Plitvice plateau which is surrounded by three mountains that are part of the Dinaric Alps: Plješevica mountain (Gornja Plješevica peak 1,640 m), Mala Kapela mountain (Seliški Vrh peak at 1,280 m), and Medveđak (884 m). The complex processes of dissolution and sedimentation of limestone require specific climatic preconditions. Sur routard.com, retrouvez les meilleures photos de voyage des internautes. On Lake Kozjak, low-noise and ecologically friendly electric boats are being used. The areas of the neighborly tribes of the Pannonians, the Liburnians and Dalmatians were united into the province of Dalmatia. They have formed a canyon, which continues as river Korana. Tufa barriers are the result of continuous sedimentation processes along natural thresholds. Parmi toutes les choses belles et étonnantes qu’on a pu voir dans la journée, il y a encore quelque chose qu’on n’a pas su expliquer, ni même par une guide du parc. Branimir Prpić), The living world in the lakes and around them, Milorad Mrakovčić, Plitvice Lakes National Park, cultural heritage, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, "UNESCO World Heritage Committee report, December 1998", "International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, Judgement against Milan Martić", "Broj posjetitelja u NP Plitvička jezera u razdoblju 2006.-2011. g.", https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/plitvicka-jezera-pucaju-po-savovima-hocemo-li-postati-generacija-koja-je-uspjela-ubiti-biser-hrvatskog-krsa---485495.html, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/safety-and-security, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/plitvi-ka-jezera-plitvice-lakes, https://www.dw.com/en/croatia-pristine-nature-in-peril/av-43891996, "Video. Que dire, à part que toute la journée, tu as une étrange sensation qui t’arrive en tête, cette impression d’assister à quelque chose d’unique au monde. The nearest train stations are Josipdol and Plaški, although no direct bus connection from these train stations to the lakes exists. [29], As regards bird species, the Plitvice Lakes rank third among the Croatian national parks for diversity. The Band-e Amir lakes within the Hindu Kush mountain range form a similar system of lakes and dams, though diverging tufa formation processes prevail. These naturally created barriers decelerate and dam the waters, thus forming lakes. Le parc naturel, site classé UNESCO est la pure représentation du Paradis sur terre. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia puzzle in Waterfalls jigsaw puzzles on TheJigsawPuzzles.com. Scientists, however, estimate that up until now only about 40 percent of the whole population of butterflies has been identified. There is a proposal to replace the wooden bridges and paths by floating pontoon bridges. Parc de Plitvice : lacs et cascades à perte de vue Situé entre les villes de Zagreb et Zadar, avec une superficie de 296 kilomètres carrés, le Parc national des lacs de Plitvice est le plus grand de Croatie. In 1893, Janeček founded the Society for the preservation of the Plitvice Lakes (Croatian Društvo za uređenje i poljepšanje Plitvičkih jezera), with the aim of preserving the lakes after all negative influence they have been exposed to. Salmo trutta fario is found mostly in the Upper Lakes, while Salmo trutta lacustris is mainly found in Lake Kozjak. Se află la graniţa Croaţiei cu Bosnia … On the one hand, chalk tufa is being washed away partly. [12] Using public transport the lakes can easily be reached by direct bus lines from Zagreb, Karlovac, Zadar or Split. Et une trentaine de minutes plus tard, en sortant de notre chemin, on s’est rendu compte qu’on était à l’intérieur du parc, de l’autre coté de l’entrée… Bon comme il était pas question de gratter les quelques kunas de l’entrée au parc, on a donc été payé nos billets, en arrivant de l’intérieur…, Arrivés donc au coeur de Plitvice, viennent les premiers instants de pure hallucination, suivis de contemplation, qu’il sera bien difficile rendre honneur en photo. The availability of water, influenced by the configuration of the terrain, has a great impact on the biodiversity of this area. With regard to plant and animal diversity, the area of the Plitvice Lakes is one of the most significant areas of Croatia, due to climatic conditions and its relatively remote location, since the lakes are at a fair distance from polluted and noisy cities and industrial plants. The national park was founded in 1949 and is in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia, at the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vacances en Croatie. Impossible de savoir pourquoi… bref, si jamais vous avez la réponse, histoire de combler notre petit coté naturaliste en herbe... :). However, this law did not contain adequate measures of protection and is thus not regarded as official founding declaration of the national park. These plains are characterized by many karst poljes (e.g. It is thus not a static phenomenon occurring at only single places. The colors change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. On a donc commencé la visite par les lacs inférieurs (ce que l'on conseille de faire aussi car tu as le soleil le matin qui donne sa belle couleur bleue aux lacs) et d'emblée on en a pris plein le yeux. "Kroatien: Schatz hinterm Silbersee", 25. Due to constant changes it is not even possible to pursue individual analyses of single lakes. During the 1960s, a modern road connection to the Plitvice Lakes was constructed, which led to increasing traffic volumes. Mais comme de toute façon, il y a plein d'autres endroits pour se baigner en Croatie... Un des grands lacs du parc que l'on peut traverser paisiblement en bateau. After traversing the Velebit mountain range travelers reach the Croatian karst plains of Lika. [9] In 1898, one of the waterfalls was named after Croatian opera singer Milka Ternina. Limestone or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) mainly consists of calcite (CaCO3), which is not very soluble in water. The travertine barrier at the Kozjak bridges (at the current end of the Kozjak lake), however, grew faster. Nature landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park is the UNESCO World Heritage in natural mountain Karst area of central Croatia. Cascades à Croatie : Consultez les avis et photos de 10 cascades à Croatie, Europe sur Tripadvisor. A distinctive feature of the Plitvice lakes is the fact that they do not represent separated, stationary waters. The lower part (near the hotels and tourist bus drop-offs) can be pretty crowded, but as I hiked to the upper part, the crowds definitely thinned out (at least in early June). The overall difference in altitude within the national park area is 912 m (the highest elevation is Seliški vrh at 1279 m, the lowest elevation is reached at 367 m at the bridge across the Korana river).[16]. en Croatie This page was last edited on 22 December 2020, at 15:32. At the Upper Lakes several little lakes have formed parallel to each other and a rather shallow water flow can be observed. The number of crayfish, which were almost extinct, is now again increasing. As the water flows in thin layers over thresholds, it is splashed up. During the period under the control of Serb forces loyal to Belgrade, Croats were ethnically cleansed from the region systematically. It is estimated that the tufa sedimentations at the ground of the lakes date back 6,000 or even 7,000 years. Generally, the whole area of Plitvice Lakes National Park can be attributed to the South-East European karst area. Farmers had to focus on securing the daily bread for their families in these dour times, which was accompanied by grave changes to nature. Depending on the species found locally, various biological types of travertine can be differentiated.[20]. It's worth it to spend several hours here, as there is a lot to see and plenty of walking paths (and two ferry rides) that can fill some time. The large difference in altitude in a narrow space between the mountains in the south and the Korana river in the north also represents a significant criterion for biodiversity in this region. Comment expliquer ce qu’on peut ressentir, à tomber devant un point de vue où tu vois, devant toi, une série de lacs de toutes tailles en étage, les uns au dessus des autres. The altitude drop from the first lake to the last is 133 metres (436 feet).[14]. Older travertine is filled with fossilized algae and mosses. And yet Rastoke, a village with cascading waterfalls flowing through it, barely registers as a blip on the tourism radar. The particular geographic position of the Plitvice Lakes and the specific climate features contributed to the emergence of many natural phenomena and a rich biodiversity within this area. This has led to increasing eutrophication of the lakes (increased concentrations of organic substances within the water). Le tout entouré d’une végétation luxuriante, et au coeur de gorges calcaires tout aussi impressionnantes. Carbon dioxide quantities at the springs are about twenty times higher than in the atmosphere. None of the other lakes in the park exceeds 25 metres (82 feet) in depth. In its current state, UNESCO threatens to remove the park's status as a World Natural Heritage site. After 1814, the area of the Plitvice Lakes came back under Habsburg rule. Please, click on above photos to see detailed images of cascades. [18] Since sedimentation only occurs under warm, humid climate conditions, these phenomena have only been occurring since the end of the last ice age. However, some buildings that would fit current standards were already demolished during the 1980s by the Communist authorities. The Croats eventually defied Avar control and settled permanently in this region. On the other hand, new sediments are continuously being formed. Local cuisine consists of drinks, such as Slivovitz (Croatian šljivovica), wine and coffee or dishes, such as soft cheese (Croatian vrhnje), polenta, pršut, paprika sausage, roasted suckling pig (Croatian: odojak) or lamb (Croatian: janjetina). In 1805, another major rule change happened, which created an economic upturn. The park authorities have therefore begun systematic removal of excessive vegetation along the barriers.