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Plitvice Lakes are composed of 16
interlinked lakes between the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica
in the region of Lika. The whole area is on certain maps called
the Devil's Garden, due to its landscape and history. According to
the legend the Plitvice lakes were created after a long period of
drought. People, animals and nature were longing for water, even
the Black River went dry. People prayed and prayed. Then appeared
in the valley the Black Queen with her magnificent suite; a strong
wind begun to blow and with a thunder rain fell down on earth. The
rain was falling until the water had grown enough to create the
Lakes.
The
lake system is divided into the upper lakes and the lower lakes.
The highest of them is Prošćansko Lake (639m) and the lowest is
Novakovica Brod (503m). The upper lakes, surrounded by thick
forests and interlinked by numerous waterfalls, lie in a dolomite
valley, while the lower lakes, smaller and shalower, surounded
only by sparse underbrush, lie on the limestone bedrock. The lakes
receive most of their water from rivers called Black River nd
White River. After the waterfall Sastavci on the lower lakes, the
lakes' water continue to the korana river and the Plitvice brook,
which falls from an elevation of 76m. Cliffy rocks around the
lakes and along Korana comprise 14 caves in limestone and 6 caves
in travertine.
Climate is alpine. The water
temperature in Prošćansko lake and Kozjak reaches even 24°C in
summer. The whole region is coverd with snow from November till
the end of March; the lakes are frozen in December and January
offering a magical view on the winter landscape.
Ther are lodging facilities and
hotels in the area. The Plitvice lakes are situated on the main
road (M13.01, E751). |
