3 national parks. Uniqueness of this region is the fact that there is a variety of differ-
ent natural sites in a geographically small space, so you can experience the beauty
of Plitvica Lakes and the wilderness of Risnjak Mountain without having to travel
far from one site to the other. We hope this text will encourage you to visit here and
explore the rest for yourself.
N
A T U R A L H E R I T A G ED
E S T I N A C I J ETh e region begins with Karlo- vac-city of four rivers. Among of Croatia’s biggest treasures are these relatively intact lowland rivers that are a favourite lace for many swim- mers and amateur rowers who were the fi rst to discover them in search of peace and virgin nature.
Th e four rivers-Korana, Mrežnica, Dobra and Kupa- sneak between hills till they end up in karst area with red earth and luscious vegeta- tion that enchants every visitor. An hour from Karlovac downstream there is a lovely miller’s village Ras- toke where the rivers Korana and
Slunjčica meet. Th is village is special for its richness of vegetation and lit- tle islands and reefs where the locals made their homes and mills some 300 years ago. Th ey are also called Litt le Plitvice because they precede the national park Plitvička jezera (Plitvica Lakes).
Plitvice is an area of rough karst, dark and rocky underground and breathtaking lakes that connect them all. Th is park is on the UNES- CO list of the most beautiful world sites and they are among the most beautiful European national parks! Th ey are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and have been since 1979, among fi rst in the world. Th eir specifi c beauty is a sanctuary to nature enthusiasts and artists and their uniqueness is a never-ending source of curiosity for scientists. Th e national park is a mountainous area that consists of lakes arranged in cascades. Currently, 16 lakes can be seen from the surface. Th ese lakes are a result of the confl uence of several small rivers and subter- ranean karst rivers and they are all interconnected and follow the water fl ow. Th ey are separated by natural dams of travertine that form beau- tiful waterfalls and lakes. Th e park
35 CROATIA AT A GLANCE off ers visitors a chance to enjoy this
magnifi cent view through an orga- nized round trip and activities such as hiking, drive on electrical boats and panoramic train, photograph- ing, rowing, mountain climbing and skiing. Aft er enjoying these activi- ties during the day tourists can fi nd nourishment and a place to rest in numerous hotels that will provide them with everything they need.
One other place that is worth see- ing is Skrad, situated on the north- western part of this region that is only one hour drive from Zagreb. It is an ideal weekend place for people who wish to relax and enjoy an active weekend. Th ere are two nature won- ders you need to experience; Zeleni vir and Vražji prolaz. Zeleni vir is a strong spring located at the bott om of a shallow wide cave whose en- trance is guarded by looming vertical rocks 70 meters high down which a lively waterfall falls. Th e spring was named aft er its greenish colour of the lake that is inside of the cave. Th ere are several footpaths and hik- ing paths and one of them leads to Vražji prolaz (Devil’s passage) that is an 800 meters long canyon that was made when a mountain river Jasle broke through surrounding rocks, thus forming a narrow passage. For millenniums the water corroded the rocks and fi nally created a magnifi - cent and wild space. Th ere are litt le
bridges and steps in the rocks above the canyon made by way of metal girders.
We continue our adventure with a visit to Lokvarsko Lake. One of the best anti-stress therapies is a visit here, especially if you take the time for a raft ride on the lake where you can enjoy the view. You can also enjoy long walks and swimming in the summer or maybe fi shing that is good throughout the year. You can fi nd a place to sleep in a litt le place called Fužine that is surrounded by picturesque mountains, silent pine- woods and beautiful lakes. Th ere are some excellent restaurants you shouldn’t miss with specialties like dishes from various game, mush- rooms, fi sh or forest fruits. You can enjoy lake swimming, fi shing, ca- noeing or you can visit cycling roads and hiking paths. You can go riding, coach driving or hop onto tourist train for sightseeing.
If you desire a more active vaca- tion there is the Premužić path, a mountain path that leads through national park Velebit. Th e path itself isn’t steep so even people who are not used to hiking can enjoy it and its serpentines that lead thorough rough karst area. If you want an adrenaline-fi lled vacation though, you can choose free climbing in Pak- lenica or Risnjak. Th ere’s something for everyone, you simply have to de- cide and take it on the road!