On the second day at Plitvice Lakes, UNESCO World Heritage Site, we left our apartment at the earliest opportunity. I looked out the window, the sky was grazel-gray – a sign to another rainy day exploring Plitvice Lakes. As it was our last day, we had to make full use of the time and opportunities under the dark sky. As we headed into the jungle path, heavy rainfall hit hard on us that we needed to take shelter from the nearby clinic. Not long, we continued walking to Entrance 2 of Plitvice Lakes. We were adamant to cover the whole lakes section of the Park by taking Route K, which is the longest route taking between 6 – 8 hours to complete.
Route K is the least taken route for it involves long hours of walking along the lakes. We began walking along the east shore of Lake Kozjak; the trail was clearly marked. Route K is brilliant for those who wish to avoid the summer crowd. We walked slowly as we had all the time in the world to enjoy the dazzling beauty of Plitvice Lakes. The rain was reduced to a drizzle, but we soon found the weather changed by the minutes. Hence, we had our raincoat on and umbrellas within reach.
Despite the wet journey, I was charmed by Plitvice Lakes as we reached the junction that connected us to Lower Lake.
We stopped at one of the coffee shops for breakfast. As the shop was still close, we ate our packed food of bread and pieces of salami and smoked beef bought in Sarajevo (best in the world).
Because of the rain, I did not take many pictures as planned and did not get to use the new filters I bought special for the trip. My only regret was not buying DiCAPac SLRpack Waterproof Case for Large DSLR as I had contemplated in buying prior to the trip. Realizing that travel days are not always blessed with blue sky, the waterproof case is indeed a good investment for future trips.
Alpine beech forest left to develop naturally.
A neat wooden bridge connection.
Turquoise coloured lake and small fishes!
So that you know, I believe most famous postcard pictures were taken from a heli as some of those taken along the walking path were blocked by lush trees.
One of the attempts of taking postcard-like pictures.
One of the famous postcard pictures of Plitvice Lakes.
Average annual rainfall is 1550mm. Best to bring raincoat and umbrella.
Limestone and dolomites rocks of various ages (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous) make up the geological bedrock.
To give you an idea of the water overflow at Plitvice Lakes.
Isn’t this surreal?
Still quite pretty with gravel-gray sky.
I love the reflection in the water.
Do’s and don’ts at Plitvice Lakes
– Before you set off, collect information about the trail. Always carry a trail map with you.
– Take only the marked routes and observe the marks.
– Before you start, check the weather forecast and do not start if the forecast is bad.
– Use hiking clothes and shoes.
– Be quiet in the animal’s habitat.
– Never go hiking alone.
– Do not swim in the lakes.
– Do not drop litter.
I was told of a similar yet less touristy alternative to Plitvice Lakes which are Krka National Park and Una National Park. Google them and you will know what I mean.