Plitvice Lakes Lower Lakes Guide
Where Waterfalls Dance: Discover the Lower Lakes of Plitvice Guide
Prepare to be enchanted by the Lower Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a breathtaking spectacle of cascading waterfalls, emerald pools, and dramatic canyons. This section of the park is renowned for its dramatic scenery, including the iconic Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), the tallest waterfall in Croatia. The Lower Lakes offer a more rugged and intimate experience compared to the Upper Lakes, with narrower pathways and closer proximity to the cascading waters. Like the Upper Lakes, the Lower Lakes owe their existence to the unique geological processes that have shaped the Plitvice Lakes region over millennia. The travertine barriers, formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate, create the dams that separate the lakes and give them their distinctive turquoise color. The constant flow of water erodes and reshapes the landscape, creating new waterfalls and pools over time. The delicate balance of this ecosystem makes it a truly remarkable natural wonder. Exploring the Lower Lakes involves a network of wooden walkways and trails that wind along the edges of the lakes and across the waterfalls. Visitors can hike along the canyon rim, marvel at the Veliki Slap, and take a boat ride across Lake Milanovac. The trails in the Lower Lakes area are generally more challenging than those in the Upper Lakes, with steeper inclines and more uneven terrain. However, the stunning views and the proximity to the waterfalls make it a truly rewarding experience.
Transportation
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is accessible by bus from major cities in Croatia, including Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. Several bus companies operate regular services to the park's entrance. When booking your ticket, specify whether you want to arrive at Entrance 1 or Entrance 2. From either entrance, you can access the Lower Lakes via the park's internal transportation system (electric boats and panoramic trains).