Our journey led us to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Here, we were able to disconnect from the digital world and immerse ourselves in the magnificent beauty of nature.
Our Rustic Stay: Embracing Serenity
Our accommodation was a Airbnb nestled in the heart of the National Park, accessible via a dirt road. The rustic charm of the house was amplified by the sounds of nature, including the bells of grazing cows from a nearby farm. This was the perfect setting for a digital detox, as the lack of reliable cell phone connection allowed us to disconnect from the digital world and connect with each other and our surroundings.
Online Ticket Mandatory
If you plan to visit the park, it is advisable to buy park tickets online in advance. During our visit, we encountered some difficulties loading the website due to our unstable internet connection. However, after 80 minutes of reloading and retrying, we successfully secured our tickets. This effort proved to be worthwhile because the park tickets were completely sold out the following day. Without the online purchase, we wouldn’t have been able to enter the park. The prices may be steep, but they are definitely worth it. The experience and beauty of the park make it a valuable investment for any nature enthusiast. Here is the link to the ticket website: https://ticketing.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/index.aspx?l=EN. Please note that the ticket website accepts Visa and Mastercard as payment options, but there is no Paypal available. As for the ticket prices, the cost for adults is 40,00 EUR per day or 59,70 EUR for a two-day pass. If you are a student or traveling with children, there are discounts available for you.
Trails for Visitors
The park’s trails are well-marked. We entered from Entrance 2 and took the E trail the first day. After a scenic boat ride across the lake, we followed the trail past numerous beautiful waterfalls. The return journey was via a convenient bus ride back to the entrance.
A Breakfast with Nature
The next day, we woke up to a morning without electricity and running water due to a thunderstorm the previous night. But we made the most of it. Enjoying breakfast on our balcony in our Airbnb, we reveled in the sights and sounds of pure nature.
Later in the day, we ventured to Entrance 1 and took the B trail, which led past the park’s most famous waterfalls and included a longer boat ride.
Winnetou’s Legacy
The national park holds a special place in German hearts due to the Winnetou movies shot here in the sixties. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any references to this in the park. However, outside the park, we came across a themed restaurant celebrating the movie’s making.
In all, our time at Plitvice Lakes National Park offered a refreshing blend of adventure, tranquility, and a welcome return to nature’s splendor.