If you are looking for a holiday rental in Rastovača, you can separate choosing where to stay from selecting natural and cultural themes for your trip. The wider destination of the Općina Plitvička Jezera offers a broader regional setting. Plitvice Lakes National Park is at the heart of this municipality.
Natural heritage and history in the wider destination
Plitvice Lakes National Park was declared Croatia’s first national park on 8 April 1949. On 26 October 1979, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition of the outstanding universal value of its tufa-forming process. The two dates mark different stages in the park’s recognition—first as a national park and later as a World Heritage Site.
The natural landscape is defined by more than just the lakes. The park’s forests are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. Those interested in forest landscapes will find further features on Medveđak: this wooded ridge is eight kilometres long and offers panoramic views over part of the Plitvice Lakes and the area between Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica.
Forests, viewpoints and historic trails
Along the Medveđak trail, information panels explain the forest ecosystem and other natural features; their exact locations may change. The old beech forests along this trail are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species. The lowest peak of Medveđak offers a viewpoint of its own: from there, the view extends to Lake Kozjak, towards the Great Waterfall and to the villages of Poljanak and Plitvica.
The history of the trails goes back to the 19th century. A hiking trail to Tupi Medveđak was laid out in 1894. Blankin put was created in 1900 as a trail from a hotel to Oštri Medveđak and was named in honour of Princess Blanka. These historical details give the trails a cultural context, without implying anything about current visiting conditions based on when they were created.
Lakes, waterfalls and marked routes
At the eastern end of Lake Milanovac, the Milka Trnina Waterfalls commemorate the Croatian opera singer Milka Trnina, who donated part of her income to the Plitvice Lakes. Lake Milanovac is bordered by cliffs more than 20 metres high; a trail runs along the water, and there are also stone viewpoints above the canyon. Here, a waterside landscape, viewpoints and a piece of cultural history come together in a small area.
Entrance 1 is the park’s northern entrance. From there, visitors can choose from four marked lake routes. The circular lake programmes starting from this entrance include the canyon of the Lower Lakes, the Great Waterfall and the Sastavci Waterfalls; several named lakes, Lake Kozjak, electric boat rides and panoramic rides are also included. The Great Waterfall is 78 metres high. The water at its base forms the source of the Korana River. When choosing your route, follow the current markers and safety instructions.
Practical information for visiting the park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open 365 days a year; public opening hours vary by season. Check the current hours before your visit so you can plan your day accordingly. The Plitvice train provides internal transport for visitors in the park: its 6.5-kilometre route runs between Rapajinka, Velika Poljana and Labudovac.
There are also different options for travelling on Lake Kozjak. The park has eight electric boats, and the longer ride takes 20 minutes. Visitors can rent wooden rowboats at Kupalište (P1); rowing is permitted only on Lake Kozjak. Check whether rental boats are available before your trip. Themed tours on geology, biology, forestry, the lakes and other subjects are offered in consultation with park experts; availability depends on arrangements with the park.
Discover more destinations: Gornji Vaganac, Plitvička Jezera, Vrelo Koreničko, Korenica, Poljanak, Prijeboj, Gornji Babin Potok, Rudanovac.
For the wider travel overview: Općina Plitvička Jezera.
