There are 16 larger lakes that have been named and a considerable number of smaller lakes connected by cascades. People have always thought of water as having mythic features
The protected Plitvice Lakes cover an area of around three hundred square kilometres. The Lake Gardens are connected with waterfalls and covered by mountain forests. The unquestionable answer concerning the origin of Plitvice Lakes and travertine barriers has been provided by science. The most meritorious for the appearance of Plitvice Lakes are algae, bacteria and moss, as well as climate conditions and places of intensive aeration of water that provide favourable conditions for life of these organisms. Nevertheless, in karst areas people have always thought of water as having mythic features. Hence, according to the legend, after a long-term drought that befell the province, the Black Queen took mercy on the karst and let tremendous rain fall on the ground, with the remaining water creating the lakes. There are 16 larger lakes that have been named and a considerable number of smaller lakes connected by cascades.
Over time, calcium carbonate settles on the bottom and on plants in the form of small crystals with layers of barriers slowly growing on the riverbed, creating lakes in the upstream segment of the course. The process is continuous, and the lakes change constantly. There are also barriers submerged in the lakes and those that will eventually grow and rise above the water surface. Hence, the current appearance of Plitvice Lakes is always merely a moment of their future history. Under the last lake in the system, Novakovića Brod lake, Sastavci waterfalls are being created. Water at the bottom of these cascades, together with water coming from the cascade of Veliki slap, creates the Korana River, which continues its flow over several cascades, passing through its limestone rock canyon. Forests in the area of Plitvice Lakes are among the best-preserved forests, with as many as 11 forest communities. The locality of Čorkova uvala is the best-preserved natural forest complex in the Park. It is a pristine virgin fir and beech forest covering an area of 80 hectares of land up to 1,028 metres above sea level. The trees there rise over 50 metres high.
The best-known inhabitant of these forests is the brown bear. Research on migrations of this species has been conducted for years, so we are currently aware that bears regularly leave the boundaries of the Park. Brown bear is a protected species, just like the wolf. Otter is yet another rare species that lives in the area of Plitvice Lakes, as well as the European crayfish and the brown trout. The flora is also protected, as well as a large number of orchid species – as many as 60 of them, including the lady’s slipper orchid. Considering the fact that the lakes are located in a karst environment, the area includes karst phenomena such as dolines and sinkholes, as well as pits and caves. In the limestone segment of Plitvice Lakes and in the Korana River canyon there is the Black Cave (Crna pećina) and Vila Jezerkinja cave. Irrespective of the path that you choose through Plitvice Lakes, you need to bear in mind the fact that you have the honour of passing through the most impressive karst phenomenon in the world and that you are a welcome visitor of one of the world’s most valuable protected areas.
