Nature reserves and national parks of croatia. Krka national park in croatia Telaščica natural park in the southeastern part of the island of Dugi otok
Croatian nature national parks
Croatian nature unique for its reserves and amazing national parks that will leave the most pleasant memories of Croatia. Croatia is considered one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world, because environmental care is in the first place in this country. All eight national parks of Croatia have preserved their pristine natural beauty, creating a unique paradise, which we will visit in this article.
Plitvice Lakes
The most popular among tourists are Plitvice Lakes... Earlier on maps this national park was designated as "Devil's Forest" due to the fact that the park was surrounded by impenetrable dense forests. Here you will see many rivers and waterfalls, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. In the depths of the forests of the reserve, many animals live, including bears.
Plitvice Lakes are closely related to historical events in Croatia. It was around this national park that the struggle for Croatian independence was going on. Soldiers on both sides hid in caves from their opponents and mined the territory of the park. Now it is quite safe in the park, after the war the area of Plitvice Lakes was cleared of mines and military shells.
Plitvice Lakes won the sympathy of tourists already in the 19th century, and in 1983 the first hotel was built on the territory of the park, which undoubtedly increased the interest in this beautiful place. In addition, Plitvicike lakes are considered a place where hunting for wild animals is not allowed. And in 1949 Plitvice Lakes became the official national park of Croatia. For the convenience of visiting, walking paths were built, noiseless and environmentally friendly electric trains, ferries with pleasure boats were launched. The park itself receives guests all year round.
Additional Information:
Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of Croatia, in the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac. The nearest town is Slunj.
The entrance to the park is paid: from November to March from 35 to 80 HRK, from April to October from 50 to 110 HRK. Free admission for children under 7 and disabled people.
Details on the official website: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Brijuny park
Another national park that is not inferior in its beauty to the Plitvice Lakes - Brijuni Islands... Brijuni Park was recognized as a national park of Croatia in 1983 and is located on the west coast of Istria. This is an amazing park, consisting of two large and 12 small islands, which amaze with their beauty and natural vegetation. For example, here you will see Mediterranean oaks, laurels, pines, olives and rosemary.
The Brijuni Islands are famous for their temperate climate, which attracts a large number of tourists. An interesting fact is that in the last century the islands were acquired by a certain Austrian businessman Paul Kupelweiser. Thanks to Paul, the Brijuni Islands have become a resort destination. Hotels and inns were built, and a golf course, tennis courts, wine cellars and other tourist amenities were added. Even malaria mosquitoes were exterminated! And that's all for a comfortable stay in the national park.
In addition, this place pleases not only with picturesque landscapes, but also with historical sights. Here you will find monuments created in the era of ancient Rome, as well as be pleasantly surprised by the variety of exotic animals. It is allowed to swim on the Brijuni islands, however, be careful, it is here that sea urchins are found, which once again confirms that the water here is absolutely clean!
Additional Information:
Brijuni is a group of 14 islands and reefs in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, off the western coast of Istria. The nearest towns are Pula and Fazana.
Details on the official website: www.brijuni.hr
Krka park
Another national park with the same name is located along the Krka River - Krka. The park pleases with its beauty of waterfalls and a variety of birds; you can even see a golden eagle here. In addition, you can visit the park at any time of the year and watch migratory birds. This will be especially interesting for bird lovers.
In addition to birds, the park has historical sights that you simply cannot pass by. For example, Franciscan Visovac monastery, built in the XIV century by the monks of St. Augustine. The monastery is rich in art objects and a historical archive. And for lovers of outdoor activities, it will suit the ancient town of Skardin, which will provide the opportunity to ride a yacht or sail.
Due to its beauty and diversity of animals, Krka in 1985 became a national park in Croatia, which still pleases a huge number of tourists to this day.
Additional Information:
Krka Park is located in central Dalmatia, in the valley of the Krka River. The nearest towns are Knin and Sibenik.
The entrance to the Krka Nature Reserve is paid. The ticket price depends on the month of the year and ranges from 20 to 95 kuna. Children under 7 years old admission is free.
Details on the official website: www.npkrka.hr
Kornati park
For lovers of high cliffs, rocks and diving, ideal Kornati National Park located in Dalmatia. Here you can enjoy the variety of aquatic animals and the beauty of the rocks growing straight from the sea! Such a phenomenon is called Crowns, which are not admitted to tourists due to the great danger. In addition, olives and sheep are raised in the Kornati National Park. But this is by no means the only advantage of the park. There are many other animals here: snakes, lizards, martens, birds, and the underwater world is rich in corals, pearls, shellfish and fish.
Those who are not indifferent to history will also find something to do. On the beautiful island of Kornat there is Toureta fortress, founded in the 6th century, the brainchild of the Byzantine era, as well as the Church of St. Mary, built at the same time. Due to its scenic beauty and richness of nature. The islands of Kornati in 1964 became a national park of Croatia.
Additional Information:
Kornati Park is located in central Dalmatia, on the Kornati archipelago in the Adriatic Sea. The nearest cities are Zadar, Sibenik and Biograd na Moru.
Entrance, as well as the use of vehicles in the park are paid. The cost and details can be found on the official website: www.kornati.hr
Park Mljet
also rich in vegetation and a variety of animals. Located in the south of Croatia. It received the status of a national park in November 1960, which made it possible to protect this beautiful place from being exploited by people. It is famous for its two lakes with salt water - Big and Small. Island of saint mary just located on the Big Lake, where the historical landmark is located - Benedict monastery, founded in the XII century.
The island of St. Mary is famous not only for the monastery, but also for its history. In the XII century, the monks decided to connect the sea with the Big Lake, which caused the salinization of the lake. Although earlier, the water in the lake was fresh. In addition, in order to fight snakes and lizards, mongooses were brought to the island, which not only exterminated snakes, but also birds, while eating their eggs, which ultimately led to the reduction of animals on the island.
Big and Small lakes are considered to be ecologically clean reservoirs, and this made it possible to preserve one of the oldest species of jellyfish - Aurelia. This park will delight those who seek to escape from the bustle of the metropolis and enjoy the silence.
Additional Information:
Mljet is an island in the southern part of Croatia, near the Dalmatian coast. The nearest city is Dubrovnik.
Paklenica park
If you prefer active rest, then Paklenica National Park- the perfect solution! The park is famous for its mountain rivers - Malaya and Velikaya Paklenitsa, caves, rocks, and, of course, canyons. Like Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica Park received the status of Croatian National Park in 1949.
Attracts climbers mainly Annich Cook rock with a height of 712 meters. Well, for lovers of simple walks and excursions, there is an opportunity to admire the beauty caves Manita Pech. Unlike the parks Krka and Plitvice Lake, where you can come with the whole family, Paklenica Park is by no means for relaxing walks. The presence of rocks and mountainous terrain does not always attract tourists with children, because here you will mainly have to climb rocks and mountains. However, Palkenica is famous not only for its rocks and canyons. In the hike for new experiences, you will see how diverse the animal world is. This is a great location for filming European westerns, as Paklenica Park perfectly creates the atmosphere of the Wild West.
Additional Information:
NP Paklenica is located in northern Dalmatia, on the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range. The nearest town is Zadar.
The entrance to the park is paid. The cost depends on the month of the year and ranges from 10 to 40 kuna. You can buy a ticket for 1, 3, and 5-day visits.
Details can be found on the official website: www.paklenica.hr
Risnjak Park
took official status in 1953. The name, as you may have guessed, comes from the lynx, which was once found in these places. It was precisely the rich fauna and variety of vegetation that Risnyak needed to be protected from the extinction of rare animal species. After that, the status of a national park was assigned. The variety of animals and plants is explained by the climatic conditions of the park. It is here that the Mediterranean climate is intertwined with continental air and cold streams from Dinarid.
You will also have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the karst caves. But even special mobile tourists seeking a dose of adrenaline will be able to go mountaineering and rock climbing without any problems. After all, Risnjak is rich not only in nature and caves, but also in rocks. For example, Mount Snezhnik will be a delight for climbers.
But the main advantage of the park is Mount Veliki Risnjak is the highest mountain in the park. It will take about three hours to climb this mountain. This extraordinarily beautiful mountain is covered with conifers, and standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the sun setting, ending the day.
Additional Information:
NP Risnjak is located in Gorski Kotar near the border with Slovenia. The nearest towns are Chabar, Delnice, Bakar.
In the park, you can rent holiday cottages with all the amenities.
Details on the official website: www.risnjak.hr
Northern Velebit
The youngest of all national parks - Northern Velebit, which was founded quite recently, in 1999. Located on the northern slope of the Croatian mountain range - Velebit.
Famous for its amazing botanical garden and a deep karst dip called Lukina Yama. This is the deepest failure in the entire world! The depth of the cave is equal to 1392 meters. Also, you can see the karst peaks of Khaiduchki and Rozhanskie kukovy.
Climbers will not remain indifferent, because there is an opportunity to conquer Mount Velebit itself, and for tourists a hiking trip will be organized uphill, thanks to the paved path. But the main pride of Northern Velebit is Bothnian garden where you can admire a variety of plant species, the beauty of which will leave a mark on your memory for a long time.
Additional Information:
NP Northern Velebit is located in northern Dalmatia. The nearest town is Senj.
The entrance to the park is paid. A ticket for 1-3 days costs 30 kn. 4-7 days - 70 kuna, visiting all year round - 100 kuna. Excursion service is paid separately.
Details can be found on the official website: www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
Attention, all prices in the article are as of 2010.
In Central Dalmatia, the beautiful country of Croatia, there is a unique beauty of the Krka River National Park. Such a riot of green colors against the background of azure water and waterfalls is just a gift to a person exhausted by the metropolis. If you are resting in the area of Sibenik, 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 famous for its unusually beautiful nature, and the Krka National Park can be safely called the country's jewel. There are other river valleys, there are the famous Plitvice Lakes, which constitute the main rival of Krke, but these are all useless comparisons. You must see the beauty of Krka with your own eyes, breathe in the cleanest air, take unusually beautiful photographs and once again marvel at how nature could create such a miracle.
A fast-running river spreads out in the middle of a gorgeous forest, and the numerous cascades of waterfalls and rapids that the water overcomes with perky noise and foam make this place especially unusual.
The most convenient way to get to the national park is from Sibenik by an ordinary shuttle bus from the bus station or by joining an organized excursion.
It will not be difficult to get to Krk on your own, because regular buses drove up to the main entrance almost every 15-20 minutes. Another question is that you will also have to get to Sibenik from other cities on your own. In my opinion, if you are not relaxing in Sibenik and not in 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, in a hotel, on the embankments, sometimes even in a cafe, they will find you themselves.
I went on an excursion from Trogir with the company of Ibza. The excursion to the Krka River consisted of two parts. First we were brought to Šibenik, shown the famous Cathedral, the city and the fortress, and then we headed for the river valley.
It is better to sit on the bus 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, the park has two entrances, but it is difficult to get to the second one and it is not clear why. The main entrance is called Lozovac, on the map look for its designation below.
Krka National Park Map ( click to view in larger size or download)
The map is clickable
Near the entrance there is a ticket office, a souvenir shop, a cafe, a toilet and a tourist information center (traditionally marked with a circle with the letter i). In the information center, you can take a map of the park, ask questions, and also learn about guided tours of Krka, by boat or by bus.
We go on foot and without a guide, so we are interested in hiking trails in 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 one, making a large circle. The walk along the lower part took us about 3 hours, physically it is not difficult, since there are not so many uphills. We did not have the opportunity to walk in a large circle, because the time of the excursion is limited.
It is impossible to get lost in the park, because you can only walk along specially laid bridges and paths that themselves will lead you to the exit.
Throughout the entire route, I only had time to sigh with admiration and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
There is a seething river around, pleasantly rustling waterfalls, and birds sing in the shade of trees. Just heaven on earth! About halfway along the way, you will see a clearing for rest. Here and there people are resting on the grass, eating sandwiches, sunbathing ... You can also swim here. Imagine how great it is to plunge into the river near a beautiful waterfall, which, by the way, is the largest in the park (46 meters). I wish there were such heavenly places for recreation in the Moscow region. Probably, we would immediately become kinder and happier, like Pechkin.
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 Soviet 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 main protected natural attractions include eight national parks and eleven natural parks. The total area of national parks is 994 km², of which 235 km² are on the water surface. The concepts of "national park" and "natural park" are defined in clauses 11 and 13 of the Law on Nature Protection.
Kopački Rit (Croatian Kopački Rit) is a nature park in Baranja, in the eastern part of Croatia. It is located on the border with Serbia, northwest of the confluence of the Drava with the Danube and northeast of Osijek. The area of the park is 17,700 hectares.
Lonsko 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, in the place where the Lonia River flows into the Sava with several branches. Founded in 1998, it 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 deciduous forest, the composition of which changes with height.
Zhumberak (Goryantsi, Slovenian Gorjanci, Croatian Žumberak, Žumberačka gora, Serb. Zhumberak) is a mountain range in the north-east of Croatia and southeast of Slovenia. The highest point of the massif is Sveta Gera (Croatian Sveta Gera or Slovenian Trdinov vrh ), 1181 m (1178 m),
Velebit is a mountain range in Croatia. The highest point of the massif is Mount 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.
Vransko lake (Croatian Vransko jezero) is a lake in Croatia near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The largest lake in Croatia is located 4 km east of the town of Biograd na Moru and 10 km northwest of the town of Vodice. The western part belongs to the county of Zadar,
Croatia ‹Nature Reserves and Parks
Nature reserves and national parks in Croatia
National reserves of Croatia
Even on a European scale, Croatia is a small country. All the more surprising is such a large number of state reserves. It must be said that this surprises only those who have not seen them, and who do not know to what extent our nature is beautiful and preserved.
On the Adriatic, the State Reserve is undoubtedly dominant Kornati is the most winding island group in the Mediterranean, with about 140 uninhabited islands, islets and rocks. This is a real labyrinth in the sea, known for high cliffs and unusual relief formations. The Kornati archipelago is a favorite destination for yachtsmen.
Part of the southern slope of the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit (as part of the Nature Park), from the top to the coast, covers the State Reserve Paklenica... It got its name from Velikaya and Malaya Paklenica, two impressive mountain passages with many unusual karst relief formations and several caves. Due to the exceptional richness of flora and fauna and numerous endemic species, Velebit has been declared a world biosphere reserve, and its summit is a state reserve. This park covers the natural reserves of Rozanski and Khaiduchki kukovi with unusual karst formations and the Lukina cave, one of the deepest in the world, as well as the famous Velebit botanical garden.
Not far from the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, there is a National Nature Reserve Briune, consisting of two large and twelve smaller islets. The Mediterranean vegetation is well represented here, there is a zoo in nature, excavations from the era of ancient culture are interesting.
State reserve Risnyak- wooded mountain range north of the port of Rijeka. In the places where the Alps and Dinarids converge, you can find brown bear, lynx, mountain goat, deer, snake eagle ...
State reserve Krka covers the course of the Krka River - our most beautiful karst river, flowing through deep canyons. Of the many cascades, the Skradinski buk and the Roski cascades stand out, between which, in the lake-like part of the river, there is an islet of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery (15th century).
The most beautiful and most famous Croatian state reserve Plitvice Lakes is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located not far from the main road connecting Zagreb with Dalmatia. The phenomenon is represented by 16 small lakes, mutually connected by cascades, which were formed as a result of limestone deposition. Of value are dense beech and spruce forests, sometimes reminiscent of taiga, in which numerous animal species have survived (brown bear); transportation is organized for visitors by special panoramic cars and electric boats.
Southwest of the city Dubrovnik the island is located Mljet The state reserve covers its western part with two deep bays, which, due to a very narrow passage to the open sea, are called lakes; lush Mediterranean vegetation, valuable antique monuments and a 12th century Benedictine monastery on an island in the middle of the lake - a bay.
Croatian nature parks:
Along with the already mentioned Velebit, this is also:
BIOKOVO is an imposing karst mountain located directly by the sea above the Makarska Riviera, with a rich varied flora and fauna and a beautiful panorama. Among animals, mountain goats are especially distinguished.
KOPACHKI RIT is a large natural swampy area at the confluence of the Drava River with the Danube with an exceptional wealth of various plant and animal species, especially fish and wading birds. Dense forest, numerous herds of deer and wild boars.
LONSKOE POLE - a swampy area next to the Sava River between the town of Sisak and Novaya Gradishka, one of the largest preserved bogs in Europe with endless oak forests. Of the animal world of birds, storks, which nest on the roofs of local wooden rural houses, are of particular interest.
MEDVEDNICA is a mountain range in close proximity to the capital of Croatia Zagreb, thanks to well-preserved beech and spruce forests and many different natural phenomena (caves, waterfalls, canyons). Medvednica has become the main recreational part of Zagreb.
TELAŠČICA - the southwestern part of the Dugoga island in central Dalmatia with a wide and deep bay of the same name - a popular destination for yachtsmen. There are several beautiful islets in the bay, and next to the sea there is a small salt lake, on the side of the open sea there are the highest Croatian steep cliffs, the height of which reaches 180 meters.
The natural attractions of the country are the National Parks of Croatia. The 4 most popular are Plitvice Lakes, Kornati, Krka and the Brijuni Islands. Photos and reviews.
National parks of Croatia are the property of the country. Plitvice Lakes, Krka, Brijuni and Kornati islands are real natural treasures on the Croatian shores of the Adriatic.
Holidays in this country will especially appeal to connoisseurs of the vibrant and unspoiled Adriatic nature. Here you can visit the extraordinarily beautiful and luxurious national parks and nature reserves.
Plitvice Lakes water 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 connected by 92 cascades of waterfalls. Falling water fills the space with a melodic noise that merges with bird trills and rustle of foliage. The huge value of the park is the century-old beech and pine forests.
Plitvice Lakes are located far from the main Istrian resorts, so it is worth coming here for a couple of days to see all the wonders of this park.
2. Brijuni Islands
The Brijuni Islands are uninhabited and very picturesque!
National Park "Brijuni" is located on the archipelago of the same name near the ancient city of Pula. Ancient Roman patricians and medieval nobility loved 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 donated to the Yugoslav leader Joseph Broz Tito. All his life he spent six months on the island of Bolshoy 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 reserve "Krka" lies in the bed of the river of the same name and is famous for its numerous lakes and ringing waterfalls. Here you can find various Mediterranean trees, bushes and grasses, and 18 species of fish live in the lakes. The most beautiful waterfall, Skradinski Buk, rises 45 m. Its crystal waters cascade and turn into azure lakes.
An unforgettable experience will be given by walking along the wooden bridges that are installed above the water. It is also worth visiting the Franciscan monastery of the 15th century. with an ancient library.
4. Archipelago Kornati
One of the beaches of the Kornati archipelago
Alien Kornati is no less interesting than other national parks in Croatia
Croatian National Park "Kornati" 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. On some islets, the ruins of incredibly ancient Illyrian settlements have survived, and the Byzantine fortress Toureta 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 perception of information, and, perhaps, planning your future trip, we have mapped the most beautiful national parks in Croatia.
