National parks of croatia. Nature reserves and national parks of croatia

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. In all eight national parks of Croatia, the pristine natural beauty has been preserved, creating a unique paradise, which we will visit in this article.

Plitvice Lakes

The most popular among tourists are Plitvice Lakes... Previously, 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 this is 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 observe migratory birds. This will be especially interesting for bird lovers.

In addition to birds, the park has historical sights that simply cannot be passed 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, 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 a lot of 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 rock Annich Cook 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 purchase 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 due to 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 mountain range of Croatia - 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 the Velebit mountain itself, and for tourists a hiking trip up the mountain will be organized, 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.

The natural resources of Croatia are large: 9.2% of the land and 1% of the sea are under state protection. This includes eight National Parks, ten nature reserves, 73 separate reservations, 23 forest parks, 75 natural monuments and 120 monuments of landscape gardening, as well as 380 species of fauna and 44 species of flora.

Panorama of the river and canyons. National Park "Krka"

Dinosaurs also loved him. National Park "BRIUNY"

On 14 islands near the Istrian peninsula, time seems to have stopped. Dense forests, ancient oaks, alleys of fir and cypress trees, an olive tree that is 1600 years old ... This is a real small paradise where lush flora, rich fauna, modern comfortable hotels and historical monuments, including the ruins of the summer residence of Roman emperors and the buildings of the Venetian era. On Briuny you can, while resting in the shade of trees, watch pheasants, chamois and deer roam freely around the island. Meanwhile, according to paleontologists, dinosaurs once lived here.

Areas for athletes who love nature. National Park "PAKLENITSA"

The area between the highest peak Velebit and the sea was declared a national park in 1959. The canyons of the Bolshaya and Malaya Paklenitsa rivers are unique. Over 400 meters high cliff, waterfalls and stone landscapes create a dramatic atmosphere. This area is a real challenge for climbers, explorers and scientists. Bird lovers admire hawks and eagles (among them the famous colony of bald eagles), while walkers, climbers and rock climbers admire rocks, mountain peaks and canyons.

The wonderful world of water. National park "MLET"

It is located on a beautiful island southwest of Dubrovnik. It is covered with coniferous forests, olive trees and vineyards. There are many lakes with islets on Mljet. It is rich in numerous cultural monuments, including the 12th century Benedictine monastery on the islet of St. Mary, and the remains of a Roman palace and basilica in Polač. Tourists can explore the island by bike, canoe, kayak and car. The bays of the towns of Polacha and Pomena are especially attractive for yachtsmen.

Lakes with a cinematic past. PLITVICE LAKES National Park

For those who have seen films "about Indians" with the participation of Goiko Mitic, this region is well known - here, in unique living scenery, many films of the famous series based on the works of Karl May were filmed. With 16 lakes interconnected by waterfalls, this national park looks like a fairy tale landscape. On its territory there are many dense beech, larch, pine forests, juniper thickets, in which over 120 species of birds live. Athletes from more than 15 countries of the world meet here annually in June to participate in the "Plitvice Marathon", which takes place on the territory of the national park. Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1979.

Kingdom of one hundred lakes. National Park "Kornati"

Mountain world for botany lovers. National Park "NORTH VELEBIT"

This area, covering the largest part of the Northern Velebit mountain range, was declared a National Park in 1999. Its territory has preserved the inviolability and stability of the ecological system to this day. In the very center of the park, there are the Rozanski Kuk and Khaiduchki Kuk reserves with limestone stones and rocks of an interesting shape, one of the deepest in the world Lukina Cave and the rich Velebit Botanical Garden.

The ultimate happiness for researchers. National Park "RISNYAK"

The territory of this park begins near the city of Rijeka and extends up to the border with Slovenia. Here, on a large territory, there are a number of natural phenomena and there is not a single tourist site. "Risnyak" is a rare place with a real untouched mountain nature, which is especially magnificent in spring. The highest peak is Risnyak (1528 m), and the lowest point of the park in the valley of the Kupa River is 195 meters.

Source - "Colors of Croatia Tourism"

Sights of Croatia. The most important and interesting sights of the cities of Croatia: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

Any Unesco Game of Thrones

• A well-known fact: Croatia is a very beautiful country. And this applies not only to the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea. Truly all the treasures of Europe that did not belong to unlucky neighbors belong to this bizarre extended blot on the map: mountain peaks, and clean rivers, and fragrant pine forests, and lakes-hills-valleys-it is possible-to-list-for a long time. If we add to this the fact that Croatia is one of the cleanest countries in the Mediterranean, where super-eco vegetables (in particular, olives) grow and the air is saturated with the aroma of pine needles, it becomes clear that local national parks simply could not remain unexplored and unnoticed.

  Perhaps the most popular national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. Excursions are offered here from all over the country, and not in vain. The nature in Plitvice blooms every day, opening up with new facets and colors - both in winter and in summer.

  Tourists living on the Istrian peninsula should not miss the opportunity to visit the Brijuni Islands National Park. Tailed peacocks peacefully strolling around Broza Tito's villa are just a part of the local beauty.

  Slightly less popular with beach goers (but world famous among climbers, cyclists, etc.) are the national parks Risnyak and Northern Velebit. If the former is famous for its alpine meadows, which are adjacent to dense forests, then Velebit attracts with impregnable rocks and stunning trekking routes laid between them. To the south, the Paklenica National Park is surrounded by fantastic nature. Fans of speleo tourism come here, because it is in this park that you can visit amazing karst caves or look into the abyss of dizzying canyons.

  Finally, the list would be incomplete without the Krka National Park (not to be confused with the island of Krk, this park is located on the mainland), which is in the vicinity of Sibenik. He, like Plitvice Lakes, is famous for its reservoirs, namely: the purest river Krka and lakes. In Krka, as a rule, everyone arrives by water: on a tourist boat, which slowly sails past the most picturesque landscapes, it will go around a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery in order to unload their "land rats" for a swim at the end of the excursion. As an exception, not at sea, but in the river of the same name with the park.

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 natural 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.

Lonjsko 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 broad-leaved forest, the composition of which changes with height.

Умбumberak (Gorjanci, Slovenian Gorjanci, Croatian Žumberak, Žumberačka gora, Serb. Zhumberak) is a mountain range in northeast Croatia and southeast 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, located 4 km east of the city of Biograd na Moru and 10 km northwest of the city of Vodice. The western part belongs to the county of Zadar,

Croatia, a country with a long tradition of tourism, has something to offer even the most sophisticated traveler. The cleanest sea and secluded beaches, with rocks reflecting in the water, ancient castles on the slopes of the Croatian Zagorje and the endless fields of Slavonia, the hills of Gorski Kotar overgrown with dense forests and healing thermal springs in small cozy towns hidden in the valleys between the mountains.

But, perhaps, some of the most pleasant memories remain with tourists after visiting the unique nature reserves and national parks of Croatia, thanks to which the country is one of the most ecologically clean places on the planet. All eight national parks are unique paradises that conquer with their natural beauty and pristine landscapes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This picturesque land, which is one of the visiting cards of the tourist face of Croatia, may be well known even to those who have never been to this country. The unique living scenery of the park has been widely used in the famous films "about Indians" starring Goiko Mitic. The landscapes of the Plitvice Lakes Park look truly fabulous: 16 karst lakes, connected with each other by numerous waterfalls and streams, surrounded by dense beech, larch and pine forests. Plitvice Lakes are located in the central part of the country, so the easiest way to get here is for tourists who have chosen North and Middle Dolmatia for recreation, as well as Zagreb.

Krka National Park

This park got its name from the Krka River, which is famous for its unique views. Most of its length, the Krka flows through a canyon, the depth of which varies from 100 to 200 meters, due to which the waters of the river form lakes. The water that collects in the lakes falls to the bottom of the canyon in silvery streams of seven waterfalls, which you can admire while walking along the paths specially equipped for walking excursions. Popular among tourists are boat trips to the island of Visovac, where the old Franciscan monastery is located, as well as trips to the nearby picturesque antique town of Skradin.

National Park "Brijuni"

The territory of the Brijuni park is made up of 14 islands located to the west of the Istrian coast, the temperate climate of which allows the Mediterranean flora to show all its beauty. Laurel trees, olives and rosemary, mighty oaks and slender cypresses form magnificent alleys in the shade of which you can meet pheasants, chamois or deer. History buffs are drawn to the islands by the numerous archaeological and architectural monuments left over from the Roman emperors and Venetian merchants. It is allowed to sunbathe and swim on the beaches of the Brijuny Park, but you should be careful - in the crystal clear water it is easy to stumble upon sea urchins.

National Park "Kornati"

The beautiful legend of the creation of the Kornati archipelago says that it appeared from the stones left by the god after the creation of the earth. Thrown casually over his shoulder, stones fell into the Adriatic Sea and turned into 140 islands - there is no denser cluster of islands in the entire Mediterranean. The national park includes 110 islands that amaze with a variety of flora and fauna, and the underwater kingdom of the archipelago boasts an abundance of fish, corals and shellfish, in which pearls are found.

Paklenica National Park

Of course, Paklenica will not leave indifferent sportsmen and tourists who prefer active rest. The territory of this national park stretches between the southern slopes of the Velebit mountain range and the sea. Mountain rivers - Malaya and Velyka Paklenitsa, rocks, caves, canyons, waterfalls seem to challenge climbers and brave explorers. For less prepared tourists, there are hiking trails and excursions with a visit to the Manita Pech Cave.

National Park "Mljet"

In the western part of the largest Croatian island, there is the Mljet National Park, named after the island itself. The park area includes an untouched forest and two lakes, the larger of which was connected to the sea many centuries ago by a narrow channel dug by the monks by hand. In the small towns of Polace and Pomena, whose bays are very attractive for yachtsmen, a modern tourism infrastructure is gradually developing, but in general the island is still a suitable place for a calm, secluded holiday. The closest thing to Mljet is Dubrovnik, from where scheduled boats and ferries leave for the island.

National Park "Northern Velebit"

The huge territory of the Northern Velebit mountain range received the status of a national park relatively recently - only in 1999. But this does not mean that there is nothing to see in the youngest national park in Croatia. Here is the Lukina Cave, one of the deepest caves in the world, and in the central part of the park there are two nature reserves - Rozhanski Kukovy and Khaiduchki, on the territory of which there are limestone rocks and bizarre stones. For lovers of flora, a visit to the park will be remembered for a long time thanks to an excursion to the Velebit Botanical Garden.

National Park "Risnyak"

Park "Risnyak", named after the lynxes that once lived here in large numbers, are practically undeveloped in terms of the tourism industry. In the territory of Risnjak, which begins near the town of Rijek and stretches directly to the Slovenian border, there are several mountains, where climbers and rock climbers get their dose of adrenaline. From the top of Mount Veliky Risnyak, which is the highest point of the park (1528 m), beautiful views of the vast expanses of untouched mountain nature open up. The climb route lasts a little over three hours, but the sight is worth it!

It is difficult to describe in a few paragraphs all the richness and beauty of the nature of Croatian national parks, each of which is worthy of individual praise publications. Just know that at any time of the year and anywhere in Croatia you can find something new and exciting, different from what you have seen before.