Natural parks of Croatia. National parks of Croatia. Mljet National Park
Natural resources Croatia is large: 9.2% of the land and 1% of the sea are under state protection. This includes eight National Parks, ten nature reserves, 73 separate reservations, 23 forest parks, 75 natural monuments and 120 monuments of landscape gardening, as well as 380 species of fauna and 44 species of flora.
Panorama of the river and canyons. national park"KRKA"
Dinosaurs also loved him. National Park "BRIUNY"
On 14 islands near the Istrian peninsula, time seems to have stood still. Dense forests, ancient oaks, alleys of fir and cypress trees, an olive tree that is 1600 years old... This is a real little paradise, where lush flora, rich fauna, modern comfortable hotels and historical monuments, among which are the ruins of the summer residence of the Roman emperors and buildings from the Venetian era. On Brijuni you can relax in the shade of the trees and watch how pheasants, chamois and deer roam freely around the island. Meanwhile, according to paleontologists, dinosaurs once lived here.Playgrounds for athletes who love nature. National Park "PAKLENICA"
The area between the highest peak, Velebit, and the sea was declared a national park in 1959. The canyons of the Bolshaya and Malaya Paklenitsa rivers are unique. The cliff, more than 400 meters high, waterfalls and rocky landscapes create an atmosphere imbued with drama. This area is a real challenge for climbers, explorers and scientists. Bird lovers admire the hawks and eagles (including a famous colony of bald eagles), while walkers, climbers and rock climbers admire the rocks, mountain peaks and canyons.
The wonderful world of water. National Park "MLET"
It is located on beautiful island southwest of Dubrovnik. It is covered with coniferous forests, olive trees and vineyards. There are many lakes with islands on Mljet. It is rich in numerous cultural monuments, including the 12th century Benedictine monastery on the islet of St. Mary, and the remains of a Roman palace and basilica in Polac. Tourists can explore the island by bike, canoe, kayak and car. The bays of the towns of Polacha and Pomena are especially attractive for yachtsmen.
Lakes with a cinematic past. National Park "PLITVICK LAKES"
 |
Those who have seen films “about Indians” with the participation of Gojko Mitic are familiar with this region - many films of the famous series based on the works of Karl May were filmed here, in unique live settings. With 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, this national park looks like a landscape from a fairy tale. On its territory there are many dense beech, larch, pine forests, juniper thickets, in which over 120 species of birds live. Athletes from more than 15 countries meet here every June to participate in the Plitvice Marathon, which takes place in the national park. Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage since 1979. |
Kingdom of a Hundred Lakes. National Park "Kornati"
A mountain world for botany lovers. National Park "NORTHERN VELEBIT"
This area, covering the largest part mountain range Northern Velebit was declared a National Park in 1999. Its territory has preserved the integrity and stability of the ecological system to this day. In the very center of the park are the Rozanski Kuk and Hajduchki Kuk nature reserves with limestone stones and rocks of interesting shapes, one of the deepest in the world, Lukina Cave, and the rich Velebit Botanical Garden.
The highest happiness for researchers. National Park "RISNYAK"
The territory of this park begins near the city of Rijeka and extends all the way to the border with Slovenia. Here, over a large area, there are a number of natural phenomena and there is not a single tourist site. "Risnyak" rare place with real untouched mountain nature, which is especially magnificent in spring. The most high peak Risnyak (1528 m), and the lowest point of the park in the valley of the Kupa River 195 meters.
Source "Colors of Croatian tourism"
- the most popular national park in Croatia, it is visited annually by about seven hundred thousand tourists, most of them are foreigners, the parks and Brijuni are two times behind in terms of attendance, the parks Paklenica, Kornat, Mljet, Risnjak also deserve attention.
Paklenica National Nature Park
National natural Park Paklenica is located in northern Dalmatia in the Velebit mountains, is part of the national park of the same name and overlooks the Adriatic coast. The most high mountain in Vaganski Vrh park 1757 meters and Sveto Brdo 1753 meters. Tourists will be interested in the Paklenica karst caves, the Sveto Brdo and Vaganski Vrh mountain peaks, as well as the Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica canyons. Unfortunately, the river in the small canyon has dried up today.
Northern Velebit National Park
Northern Velebit National Park is located in the north of the mountain range of the same name; the park area is 109 square kilometers. Tourists will be able to follow the Premuzhitsev Staza route, take a walk in the local botanical garden, visit karst cave Luki, the mountain peaks of Rozanski Kukovi and Hajdicki look absolutely stunning, but the highest mountain in the park is Zavižan, topped with a meteorological station.
Risnjak National Park
Risnjak National Park is located in Gorski Kotar in northern Croatia, 15 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, the nearest cities are Bakar and Cabar, the name of the park comes from the word lynx.
The highest mountain in the park is Veliki Risnjak with a height of 1528 meters and Sneznik with a height of 1506 meters. You can enter the park through the village of Crni Lug, in the east.
Tourists are offered a 4-kilometer-long trail from Crni-Luga in a circle; the source of the Kupa River from Lake Kupeshko is noteworthy. On the slope of Mount Veliki Risnjak there is the house of Josip Kalasancie Schlosser-Klekovsky, a prominent Croatian botanist, just below there is Mount Sneznik, there is also a remarkable building on the slope called Albahari's House.
Mljet National Park
The park has an area of 109 square kilometers; there are 7 cascades of waterfalls on the river with a total height of 242 meters. Most high waterfall Skradinski buk has a height of 46 meters, Manoilovac 32 meters, Miljačka Slap 24 meters, Bilusic Buk 22 meters, Roški Slap 22.5 meters. Tourists will be able to visit the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Krka and the Franciscan Monastery of Visovac, which is located on the island of the same name on the Krka River, and near the Skradinski Buk waterfall there is an ethnographic museum with a waterfall-powered washing machine and water mills.
Croatia has long been recognized as one of the most ecologically clean places on the planet. It is attractive due to its healing climate, amazing coastline with excellent beaches, wonderful islands, as well as virgin nature, whose picturesque landscapes are a fetish for 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 which have national status. Each of the reserves has its own flavor and gives visitors its own emotions.
Even if you are not feeling adventurous, we still recommend visiting it on a tour. This is an incomparable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice National Park is truly a divine place. It is the oldest and most famous in Croatia and throughout southeastern Europe.
The roar of falling water, which can be heard for kilometers around the area, leaves tourists in 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, connected by 140 impressive waterfalls and kilometers of wooden bridges.
About ¾ of the entire territory is covered with beech and coniferous forests, in the thicket of which bears, wolves, roe deer and owls live.
Location: near Slunj, in Lika-Senj and Karlovac counties
Krka
Krka River - real natural phenomenon. Taking its origins at the foot of Mount Dinara, it diligently makes its way to the Adriatic Sea, forming many lakes and waterfalls along the way.
Due to its rare geological characteristics, rich wildlife and stunning beauty, the 109 km² area around Krka was declared a National Park in 1985.
Its most famous waterfalls are Roški Slar (24 m)
And Skradinski Buk (22.5 m).
Location: V Central Dalmatia, entry is from Skradin or Lazovac.
Brijuni
Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of three large (Veli, Brijun, Mali) and twelve small islands.
He won the sympathy of travelers at the beginning of the 20th century. Its mild climate, luxurious vegetation and alluring beauty still attract great amount tourists.
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: close to west coast peninsula of Istria, near the cities of Pula and Fažana.
Kornati
The Kornati Islands amaze with their impressive size (220 km²), grandeur and mesmerizing beauty.
An excellently preserved marine ecosystem, a diverse coastal landscape, rare representatives of flora and fauna - all this provided the basis for the fact that in 1980 over this natural object patronage was taken.
The Kornati Islands are 89 islands, islets and reefs with straits that form a network of labyrinths between the harsh rocks. The seabed is rich in shellfish and various types fish
This is a paradise for divers, yachtsmen and all those who are looking for an oasis of solitude in the lap 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 same island of Ogygia, on which, according to Homer’s famous poem “The Odyssey,” the beautiful nymph Calypso forcibly held King Odysseus for 7 years.
The beauty of the island, in addition to its magnificent 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 protected from human intervention. There are two salt water lakes here
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 Croatian National Parks for a very long time, but it’s still better to see it for yourself.
In Central Dalmatia, the beautiful country of Croatia, there is a uniquely beautiful Krka River National Park. Such a riot of green colors against the backdrop of azure water and waterfalls is simply a gift to a person exhausted by the metropolis. If you are vacationing in the area of Šibenik, Split, Trogir or just passing by, be sure to check out the Krka National Park.
Travel to the national park in the Krka River valley on your own or with a guided tour
Croatia is incredibly famous beautiful nature, and the Krka National Park can safely be called the jewel of the country. There are other river valleys, there are the famous Plitvice lakes, which are the main competition of Krka, but these are all useless comparisons. You need to see the beauty of Krka with your own eyes, breathe the cleanest air, do something extraordinary beautiful pictures and once again be amazed at how nature could create such a miracle.
The fast-flowing river is located in the middle of a gorgeous forest, and the numerous cascades of waterfalls and rapids that the water overcomes with provocative noise and foam make this place especially unusual.
The most convenient way to get to the national park is from Sibenik by regular bus from the bus station or by joining an organized excursion.
Getting to Krk on your own will not be difficult, because Shuttle Buses We drove up to the main entrance almost every 15-20 minutes. Another question is that you will also have to travel independently from other cities to Sibenik. In my opinion, if you are not vacationing in Sibenik or in its neighboring towns (Skradin, Knin, etc.), then it is better to buy an organized excursion to visit the river.
Excursions in Croatia are offered at every step, you don’t have to look for them. On the beach, at the hotel, on the embankments, sometimes even in a cafe, they will find you themselves.
I went on an excursion from Trogir with the company Ibtsy. The excursion to the Krka River consisted of two parts. First they took us to Sibenik, showed us the famous Cathedral, the city and the fortress, and then headed for the river valley.
On the bus, it is better to sit on the left (behind the driver) in order to have time to photograph a piece of Krka from above.
The bus will drop you off at the parking lot in front of the main entrance to the park. In general, there are two entrances to the park, but getting to the second one is difficult and it’s not clear why. The main entrance is called Lozovac, look for its designation below on the map.
Map of Krka National Park ( click to view larger or download)
Map is clickable
Near the entrance there is a ticket office, a souvenir shop, a cafe, a toilet and a tourist information center (traditionally indicated by a circle with the letter i). At the information center you can get a map of the park, ask questions, and also find out about guided tours of Krka, by boat, or by bus.
We are going on foot and without a guide, so we are interested walking routes through the park. There are only two of them, of varying complexity and length.
You can walk along the lower part of the park, or you can go along the upper, making a large circle. The walk along the lower part took us about 3 hours, physically it is not difficult, since there are not many climbs up. We did not have the opportunity to go around the large circle, because the excursion time is limited.
It is impossible to get lost in the park, because you can only walk along specially laid bridges and paths that will lead you to the exit.
Throughout the entire route, I only had time to sigh in admiration and rejoice at the surrounding beauty.
There is a raging river all around, pleasantly noisy waterfalls, and birds sing in the shade of the trees. Simply heaven on earth! About halfway along the path you will see a clearing for rest. Here and there people relax on the grass, eat sandwiches, sunbathe... You can also swim here. Can you imagine how great it is to plunge into the river near beautiful waterfall, which, by the way, is the largest in the park (46 meters). If only there were people like this in the Moscow region heavenly places for relax. We would probably immediately become kinder and happier, like Pechkin.
Croatia, a country with a long tourism tradition, has something to offer even the most seasoned traveler. The clearest sea and secluded beaches, with rocks reflected in the water, ancient castles, on the slopes of Croatian Zagorje and the endless fields of Slavonia, the densely forested hills of Gorski Kotar and healing thermal springs in small cozy towns hidden in the valleys between the mountains.
But, perhaps, some of the most pleasant memories remain with tourists after visiting unique reserves and national parks 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 will captivate you with their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This picturesque region, which is one of business cards tourist face of Croatia, may be well known even to those who have never been to this country. The unique live scenery of the park was widely used in the famous films about Indians with Gojko Mitic in the title role. The landscapes of the 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 forest. Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of the country, so it is easiest to get here for tourists who choose Northern and Central Dolmatia, as well as Zagreb, for their holidays.
Krka National Park
This park takes its name from the Krka River, which is famous for its unique views. Most Along its length, the Krka flows through a canyon, the depth of which varies from 100 to 200 meters, due to which the waters of the river form lakes. The water collected in the lakes falls to the bottom of the canyon in silvery streams of seven waterfalls, which can be admired while walking along paths specially equipped for walking excursions. Popular among tourists are boat trips to the island of Visovac, where the ancient 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, whose temperate climate 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 you can meet pheasants, chamois or deer. History buffs are drawn to the islands by numerous archaeological and architectural monuments left here by Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. Sunbathing and swimming are allowed on the beaches of Brijuni Park, but you should be careful - in the crystal clear water it is easy to stumble upon sea urchins.
Kornati National Park
The beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from pebbles left by 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, which amaze with a variety of animals and flora, and the underwater kingdom of the archipelago boasts an abundance of fish, corals and shellfish, in which pearls are found.
Paklenica National Park
Of course, Paklenica will not leave indifferent athletes and tourists who prefer active recreation. 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. There are routes for less prepared tourists hiking and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech cave.
Mljet National Park
In the western part of the largest of Croatian islands Mljet National Park is located, named after the island itself. The park area includes 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 monks. IN small towns Polache and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive to yachtsmen, are gradually developing a modern tourism infrastructure, but in general the island is still suitable place for a quiet, secluded holiday. The closest place to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where scheduled boats and ferries depart to the island.
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 that there is nothing to see in Croatia's youngest national park. Here is Lukina Cave, one of the most deep caves in the world, and in the central part of the park there are two reserves - Rozansky Kukovy and Hajduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone cliffs and oddly shaped stones. For flora lovers, 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 received its name from the people who once lived here large quantities Lynx, in terms of the tourism industry, is practically undeveloped. In the territory of Risnjak, starting near the city of Rijek and stretching straight to the Slovenian borders, there are several mountains where climbers and climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Velikiy Risnyak, which is the most high point park (1528 m), offering beautiful views of the vast 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 natural beauty of Croatia’s 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.