What is the name of this national park in Croatia. Nature reserves and national parks in Croatia
The natural attractions of the country are the National Parks of Croatia. 4 most popular: Plitvice Lakes, Kornati, protected Krka and Brijuni Islands. Photos and reviews.
National parks of Croatia are the property of the country. Plitvice Lakes, Krka, the islands of Brijuni and Kornati are real natural treasures on the Croatian shores of the Adriatic.
Holidays in this country will especially appeal to connoisseurs of the bright and untouched Adriatic nature. Here you can visit extraordinarily beautiful and luxurious national parks and nature reserves.
The water of the Plitvice Lakes is exactly the same color as in the photo!
An excursion to Plitvice Lakes can be one of the most exciting!
Plitvice Lakes is the most famous natural attraction in Croatia, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. An amazing phenomenon: 16 lakes of the national park are interconnected by 92 cascades of waterfalls. Falling water fills the space with melodic noise, which merges with bird trills and the rustle of leaves. The great value of the park is the hundred-year-old beech and pine forests.
Plitvice Lakes are located far from the main Istrian resorts, so it's worth coming here for a couple of days to see all the wonders of this park.
2. Brioni Islands
The Brioni Islands are uninhabited and very picturesque!
Brioni National Park is located on the archipelago of the same name near the ancient city of Pula. Ancient Roman patricians and medieval nobility liked to rest here, as evidenced by the remains of ancient villas and the ruins of a Byzantine city.
Amazing animals walk in the park - zebras, antelopes, ostriches. These are the descendants of exotic animals that were presented to Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. All his life he spent half a year on the island of Big Briun, and also received the heads of other states, famous actors and artists.
3. Krka National Park
Lakes and waterfalls of the Krka nature reserve
The Krka Nature Reserve lies in the bed of the river of the same name and is famous for its numerous lakes and sonorous waterfalls. Various Mediterranean trees, bushes and herbs meet here, 18 species of fish live in the lakes. The most beautiful waterfall, Skradinski Buk, rises to 45 m. Its crystal waters cascade and turn into azure lakes.
An unforgettable experience will give a walk along the wooden bridges that are installed above the water. It is also worth visiting the Franciscan monastery of the XV century. with an ancient library.
4. Kornati archipelago
One of the beaches of the Kornati archipelago
Alien Kornati is no less interesting than other national parks in Croatia
The Kornati National Park of Croatia is an archipelago of 140 tiny uninhabited islands where nature reigns in all its pristine beauty.
Fragrant pines and silvery olives grow in the reserve, white rocks rise directly from the sea, huge fish swim near the surface of the water, birds sing in the forests, martens and squirrels run around. On some islets, the ruins of incredibly ancient Illyrian settlements have been preserved, and the Byzantine fortress of Tureta is located on the island of Kornat. Bernard Shaw wrote that the gods created these islands from the stars and the breath of the sea.
National parks of Croatia on the map
For the convenience of perceiving information, and, perhaps, planning your future trip, we have put the most beautiful national parks of Croatia on the map.
How are the natural resources of Croatia divided? What types of them exist?
So, some dry but impressive statistics. In Croatia you can discover the following natural beauties:
9 national wonderful parks;
75 monuments connected in one way or another with natural resources;
10 protected areas;
more than a hundred monuments of landscape gardening;
70 isolated natural reservations.
All of these objects are under state protection and are deservedly a source of pride for the inhabitants of the country. When you see these beauties, you will understand that in the place of the Croats, they themselves would become proud of such innumerable natural treasures. And now more about the most popular natural masterpieces of Croatia.
Plitvice lakes are a special pride of Croatia, one might even say - a “visiting natural card” of the country. You could see this miracle of the landscape more than once, only not live, but on the screen, since a huge number of films were shot here (especially the adventure genre), and the famous Plitvice Marathon is held annually, within which competitions are held between 15 states.
Plitvice Lakes is a fairy tale, consisting of a picturesque park, 16 lakes united by hundreds of waterfalls and many "indigenous people": plants, animals, fish, birds (including their rare species).
The history of the park is interesting and rich. Previously, this place was called nothing more than the "Devil's Forest", since the park was located in a ring of dense, virtually impenetrable forests. Perhaps this feature saved the lives of many soldiers who, during the aggravated moments of the Croatian struggle for independence, took refuge in the caves of the park from the enemy. So Plitvice Lakes have not always been a quiet, touristy place that strikes the eye with its beauty. However, in the 19th century, everything changed. The guests of the country began to independently become interested in local beauties, the number of tourists increased from year to year, so in 1983 the local authorities decided to build the first hotel near the park, thereby increasing the flow of travelers. Since 1949, the miracle of nature has been given the title of a national park.
And in 1979, UNESCO added this landscape masterpiece to the World Heritage List.
The park is huge, to see it completely, you need to spend almost the whole day. If you do not have such time, you can take a bus tour, which will take about an hour and a half, or speed up movement in individual areas, using a pleasure boat or an electric train (by the way, completely silent). The main highlight of the Plitvice Lakes is the birth of new waterfalls, and no one knows when and where to expect the birth of a “newborn”. The park workers, out of habit, record the appearance of new waterfalls, put them on the map and in booklets, and tourists never cease to be amazed at the quirks of nature.
Open at any time of the year, but the price of entry varies. At the peak of the season (July-August), a ticket costs 180 kunas (32 dollars), in the last two spring months and the first two autumn months, you will have to pay 110 kunas (20 kunas) to enter, the rest of the time the cost is even lower - 55 kunas (10 dollars). There are discounts for students and children, and babies under 7 years old and the disabled are always allowed in for free. There are also two-day tickets on sale, it is more profitable to buy them, so be guided by the length of your stay. For detailed information, you can follow the link of the park - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr.
Direct competitor of Plitvice Lakes - Brion Islands, which are an archipelago of 14 pieces of land, are located in Istria. Brijuns are shrouded in mystery and have a fascinating birth story. Allegedly, when the Lord created a perfect region - Istria, the devil, unable to withstand the success of this operation, decided to spoil everything, and, having taken away a bag of stones from one of God's helpers - an angel, he began to misbehave, scattering them in a chaotic manner over the sea. The angels, seeing what the demon had done, decided to at least protect the stones from the waves. And so the Brion Islands were born, from the beauty of which it is now impossible to take your eyes off. Today, Brijuni is an elite resort where tourists from all over the world seek to get. What is interesting on the islands?
The park;
Tito Museum;
Safari Park;
rental of yachts;
ornithological park;
tennis court;
ethnopark;
golf Club;
hotels;
restaurants.
The national park is located on the largest island and occupies 4 hectares. Undoubtedly, the most interesting here is the wild nature. Quite calmly, a spotted deer, fallow deer or mouflon can pass by you. Being at the edge of the reservoir, you can see how the fish, gathering in flocks, swim with you in a race. The ethnopark presents all the domestic animals that are found in Croatia. The ornithological park is a bird's paradise, where there is such an incredible number of all kinds of birds that you are unlikely to have ever seen in one place. The safari park is the highlight of Brijuni, which occupies 9 hectares of territory. Local inhabitants: llamas, antelopes, elephants, and zebras roam free and you can see them up close. The entrance to the territory of the national park, as well as to the safari park, is 110 kunas (23 dollars). There are two wonderful hotels nearby. Local residents rent out luxury villas. If you do not have time to see the natural complex during the day, you can spend the night.
krka
Another miracle of Croatian nature is the Krka River, which flows along the bottom of a deep (200 meters) canyon in central Dalmatia and forms lakes along the way, which in turn fall like waterfalls. Around this magical water extravaganza there is another wonderful park of the same name - Krka. A riot of colors, primordial nature and the water element intertwined here. A lot of living creatures are “registered” in Krka, but the most interesting “inhabitants” of the park are birds. There is a great abundance of them, you can meet rare species and birds of prey. In addition to natural beauties, there are also historical monuments, for example, the Visovac monastery, originally from the 14th century.
Fans of outdoor activities will certainly be interested in the ancient settlement - the town of Skardin, where you will also be offered to sail or ride a yacht. Entrance to the national park, depending on the season, varies between 20-95 kunas (4-17 dollars), reaching a peak price in July-August. You can learn more about Krka on this resource - www.npkrka.hr.
Mljet
In the south of Croatia, on an island located near Dubrovnik, there is another natural masterpiece - Mljet Park, which received the status of a national park in 1960. The highlight of the park is the unearthly beauty of the lake with salt water. There are two of them - Small and Large. Due to the fact that the local waters have retained their original purity, Aurelia, the oldest type of jellyfish, is still found here. Mljet has lush vegetation, striking in its abundance and shades even the most capricious biologists.
History buffs are waiting for the Benedict Monastery, built in the 12th century, ready to unearth its hidden secrets, the surviving remains of the imperial palace. To move around the park, you can rent a bike or travel with a guide in a canoe. Mljet is a quiet and cozy park, as if from the Middle Ages, here you can perfectly relax from the bustle of the city and be alone with your thoughts.
Paklenica
Croatia has long been recognized as one of the most ecologically clean corners of the planet. It is attractive for its curative climate, amazing coastline with excellent beaches, wonderful islands, as well as virgin nature, the picturesque landscapes of which are a fetish of true romantics and numerous amateur photographers.
The unique charm of this region is represented by natural parks - an invaluable asset, carefully protected by the state. There are 11 of them in the country, 8 of them have the status of national ones. Each of the reserves has its own zest and endows visitors with its own emotions.
Even if you don't feel adventurous, we still recommend taking a tour there. This is an incomparable experience that is remembered for a lifetime.
Plitvice lakes
Plitvice National Park is a truly divine place. It is the oldest and most famous in Croatia and throughout southeastern Europe.
The roar of falling water resounding for kilometers in the area leads tourists to awe long before approaching the entrance itself.
The park is a basin of the Korana River, forming 16 cascades of karst lakes strung on top of each other, interconnected by 140 impressive waterfalls and kilometers of wooden bridges.
About ¾ of the entire territory is covered with beech and coniferous forests, which are often inhabited by bears, wolves, roe deer and owls.
Location: near Slunj, in the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac
krka
The Krka River is a real natural phenomenon. Taking its sources at the foot of Mount Dinara, it diligently paves the way to the Adriatic Sea, forming many lakes and waterfalls on its way.
Due to the rarest geological characteristics, the richness of the animal world and the stunning beauty, the area around Krka with an area of 109 km² was declared a National Park in 1985.
Its most famous waterfalls are Roshki Slar (24 m)
and Skradinski Buk (22.5 m).
Location: in Central Dalmatia, the entrance is from Skradin or Lazovac.
bryuny
Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of three large (Veli, Brijun, Mali) and twelve small islands.
He won the sympathy of travelers in the early 20th century. Its mild climate, luxurious vegetation and alluring beauty still attract a huge number of tourists to this day.
It is noteworthy that these lands have been inhabited since the Roman era, as evidenced by the remains of luxurious Roman villas, Byzantine castles and basilicas. After the end of World War II, the island of Veli Brijuni was the residence of Josip Brozo Tito, the permanent president of Yugoslavia.
Location: near the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, near the cities of Pula and Fažana.
Kornati
The Kornati Islands amaze with their impressive size (220 km²), grandeur and mesmerizing beauty.
The superbly preserved marine ecosystem, diverse coastal landscape, the rarest representatives of flora and fauna - all this gave grounds for taking patronage over this natural object in 1980.
The Kornati are 89 islands, islets and reefs with straits that form a network of labyrinths between harsh rocks. The seabed abounds with shellfish and various types of fish.
This is a paradise for divers, yachtsmen and all those who are looking for an oasis of solitude in the bosom of magnificent untouched nature.
Location: in Central Dalmatia, on the archipelago of the same name, the nearest cities are Sibenik and Zadar.
Mljet
Many researchers and experts believe that the island of Mljet was the very island of Ogygia, on which, according to Homer's famous poem "The Odyssey", the beautiful nymph Calypso held Odysseus by force for 7 years.
The beauty of the island, in addition to its luxurious views, is evidenced by the name itself. It is derived from the Greek word "Melite Nesos", which means "honey island".
In 1960, its western part was fenced off from human interference. There are two lakes with salt water
And the island of St. Mary, "stuffed" with historical sights.
Location: in the south of Croatia, near the resort of Dubrovnik.
You can talk about the uniqueness of the National Parks of Croatia for a very long time, but it's better to see for yourself.
The Republic of Croatia (Croatian Republika Hrvatska) is a state in the south of Central Europe, partly in the west of the Balkan Peninsula, a former federal republic within Yugoslavia, which became independent in 1991. The form of government is a parliamentary republic. The name of the country is derived from the ethnonym Croats.
Croatia's top protected natural attractions include eight national parks and eleven nature parks. The total area of national parks is 994 km², of which 235 km² are water surface. The concepts of "national park" and "natural park" are defined in paragraphs 11 and 13 of the Law on Nature Protection.
Kopački Rit (Croatian: Kopački Rit) is a nature park in Baranja, in eastern Croatia. It is located on the border with Serbia, northwest of the confluence of the Drava into the Danube and northeast of Osijek. The area of the park is 17,700 hectares.
Lonjsko polje (Croatian: Lonjsko polje) is a natural park in Croatia, located in the southern part of the Moslavina region on the left bank of the Sava River below the city of Sisak, where the Lonja River flows into the Sava in several branches. Founded in 1998, has an area of 50,600 hectares.
Medvednica (Croatian Medvednica) is a mountain range north of Zagreb, a popular holiday destination for Zagreb residents. The maximum height is 1033 meters above sea level. 63% of the territory is covered with broad-leaved forest, the composition of which varies with altitude.
Žumberak (Goryantsi, Slovene Gorjanci, Croatian Žumberak, Žumberačka gora, Serbian Žumberak) is a mountain range in northeastern Croatia and southeastern Slovenia. ), 1181 m (1178 m),
Velebit is a mountain range in Croatia. The highest point of the massif - Mount Vaganski Vrh (Vaganski Vrh), 1757 m - one of the highest peaks in the country. The ridge stretches from northwest to southeast along the Adriatic Sea, separating the coast from the Lika region inland.
Lake Vransko (Croatian Vransko jezero) is a lake in Croatia near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The largest lake in Croatia, located 4 km east of the city of Biograd na Moru and 10 km northwest of the city of Vodice. The western part belongs to the county of Zadar,
Croatia, a country with a long tradition of tourism, has something to offer even the most sophisticated traveler. The cleanest sea and secluded beaches, with rocks reflected in the water, ancient castles, on the slopes of the Croatian Zagorje and the endless fields of Slavonia, the hills of Gorski Kotar covered with dense forests and healing thermal springs in small cozy towns hidden in the valleys between the mountains.
But, perhaps, one of the most pleasant memories remains with tourists after visiting the unique reserves and national parks of Croatia, thanks to which the country is one of the most environmentally friendly places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique paradises that captivate with their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This picturesque region, which is one of the visiting cards of the tourist face of Croatia, may be well known even to those who have never been to this country. The unique living scenery of the park was widely used in the famous films "about the Indians" with Gojko Mitic in the title role. The landscapes of Plitvice Lakes Park look truly fabulous: 16 karst lakes connected to each other by numerous waterfalls and streams, surrounded by dense beech, larch and pine forests. The Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of the country, so the easiest way to get here is for tourists who have chosen North and Middle Dalmatia, as well as Zagreb, for recreation.
National Park "Krka"
This park got its name from the river Krka, which is famous for its unique views. For most of its length, Krka flows through a canyon, the depth of which varies from 100 to 200 meters, thanks to which the waters of the river form lakes. The water collected in the lakes rushes to the bottom of the canyon in silvery jets of seven waterfalls, which you can admire while walking along the paths, equipped specifically for hiking excursions. Popular with tourists are boat trips to the island of Visovac, where the old Franciscan monastery is located, as well as trips to the nearby picturesque ancient town of Skradin.
Brijuni National Park
The territory of the Brijuni Park is made up of 14 islands located to the west of the Istrian coast, the temperate climate of which allows the Mediterranean flora to show all its beauty. Laurel trees, olives and rosemary, mighty oaks and slender cypresses form magnificent alleys, in the shade of which one can meet pheasants, chamois or deer. History lovers are attracted to the islands by numerous archaeological and architectural monuments left here from the Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. Sunbathing and swimming are allowed on the beaches of the Brijuni Park, but you should be careful - it is easy to stumble upon sea urchins in the crystal clear water.
Kornati National Park
A beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from the pebbles left by the god after the creation of the earth. Carelessly thrown over his shoulder, the stones fell into the Adriatic Sea and turned into 140 islands - there is no denser cluster of islands in the entire Mediterranean. The national park includes 110 islands that amaze with a variety of flora and fauna, and the underwater kingdom of the archipelago boasts an abundance of fish, corals and mollusks, in which pearls are found.
Paklenica National Park
Of course, Paklenica will impress athletes and tourists who prefer outdoor activities. The territory of this national park stretches between the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and the sea. Mountain rivers - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenica, rocks, caves, canyons, waterfalls seem to challenge climbers and brave explorers. For less prepared tourists, there are hiking trails and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech cave.
Mljet National Park
In the western part of the largest of the Croatian islands is the Mljet National Park, named after the island itself. The park area includes an untouched forest and two lakes, the larger of which was connected to the sea many centuries ago by a narrow channel dug by hand by the monks. In the small towns of Polace and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive for yachtsmen, modern tourism infrastructure is gradually developing, but in general the island still remains a suitable place for a quiet, secluded holiday. Closest to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where boats and a ferry depart on schedule.
National Park "Northern Velebit"
The vast territory of the Northern Velebit mountain range received the status of a national park relatively recently - only in 1999. But this does not mean at all that there is nothing to see in the youngest national park in Croatia. Here is the Lukina Cave, which is one of the deepest caves in the world, and in the central part of the park there are two reserves - Rozhanski Kukovy and Haiduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone rocks and stones of bizarre shape. For lovers of flora, a visit to the park will be remembered for a long time thanks to an excursion to the Velebit Botanical Garden.
Risnyak National Park
Risnyak Park, which got its name from the lynxes that once lived here in a large number, is practically not developed in terms of the tourism industry. On the territory of Risnjak, starting near the city of Rijek and stretching straight to the Slovenian borders, there are several mountains where mountaineers and rock climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Velikiy Risnyak, which is the highest point in the park (1528 m), there are wonderful views of the boundless expanses of untouched mountain nature. The route up the mountain lasts just over three hours, but the spectacle is worth it!
It is difficult to describe in a few paragraphs all the richness and beauty of the nature of Croatian national parks, each of which is worthy of separate laudatory publications. Just know that at any time of the year and in any corner of Croatia you can find something new and exciting, different from what you have seen before.
