How is Croatia's natural wealth shared? What types are there?

So, a little dry, but impressive statistics. In Croatia, you can discover the following natural beauties:

9 national wonderful parks;
75 monuments, one way or another related to natural resources;
10 protected areas;
more than a hundred monuments of landscape gardening;
70 isolated natural reserves.

All of the listed objects are under state protection and are deservedly a source of pride for the residents of the country. When you see these beauties, you will understand that in the place of the Croats you yourself would become proud of such countless natural treasures. And now more about the most popular natural masterpieces of Croatia.

Plitvice Lakes are a special pride of Croatia, one might even say - a "visiting natural card" of the country. You could see this miracle of landscape more than once, just not live, but on the screen, since a huge number of films (especially adventure genre) were shot here, and the famous Plitvice Marathon is held annually, within which competitions are held between 15 states.

Plitvice Lakes is a fairy tale consisting of a picturesque park, 16 lakes united by hundreds of waterfalls and many "indigenous people": plants, animals, fish, birds (including their rare species).
The history of the park is interesting and rich. Previously, this place was called nothing but "Devil's Forest", since the park was located in a ring of dense, virtually impenetrable forests. Perhaps this feature saved the lives of many soldiers who, at the heightened moments of Croatia's struggle for independence, took refuge in the caves of the park from the enemy. So Plitvice Lakes were not always quiet, tourist place, striking the eyes with its beauty. However, in 19th century everything has changed. Guests of the country began to independently take an interest in local beauties, the number of tourists increased from year to year, so the local authorities in 1983 decided to build the first hotel near the park, thereby increasing the flow of travelers. Since 1949, the miracle of nature has become a national park.

And in 1979, UNESCO included this landscape masterpiece on the World Heritage List.
The park is huge, to see it in full, you need to spend almost the whole day. If you do not have such time, then you can use bus excursion, which will take about an hour and a half, or speed up the movement in certain areas, using a pleasure boat or an electric train (by the way, completely silent). The main highlight of Plitvice Lakes is the birth of new waterfalls, and no one knows what time and where to expect the birth of a “newborn”. Park workers simply out of habit record the appearance of new waterfalls, put them on the map and in booklets, and tourists never cease to be amazed at the quirks of nature.

Open at any time of the year, but the entrance price varies. At the peak of the season (July-August), a ticket costs 180 kuna (32 dollars), in the last two spring months and the first two autumn months, you will have to pay 110 kuna (20 kuna) to enter, the rest of the time the cost is even lower - 55 kuna (10 dollars). There are discounts for students and children, and babies under 7 years old and disabled people are always allowed in for free. There are also two-day tickets on sale, it is more profitable to buy them, so be guided depending on the length of stay. For more information, follow the park link - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr.

Direct competitor of Plitvice Lakes - Brioni Islands, which is an archipelago of 14 pieces of land, located in Istria. Briuns are shrouded in mystery and have a fascinating birth story. Allegedly, when the Lord created a perfect land - Istria, the devil, unable to withstand the success of this operation, decided to ruin everything, and, taking a bag of stones from one of God's helpers - an angel, began to misbehave, scattering them in a chaotic manner over the sea. The angels, seeing what the demon had done, decided to at least protect the stones from the waves. So the Brion Islands were born, from the beauty of which it is now impossible to take your eyes off. Today Briuny - elite resort, where tourists from all over the world strive to get. What is interesting on the islands?

The park;
the Tito Museum;
Safari Park;
for yachts;
ornithological park;
tennis court;
ethnopark;
golf Club;
hotels;
restaurants.

The national park is located on the largest island and covers 4 hectares. Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing here is wildlife... A sika deer, fallow deer or mouflon can pass by you quite calmly. Being at the edge of the reservoir, you can see how the fish, gathering in schools, swim with you in a race. All domestic animals that are found in Croatia are represented in the ethnopark. The ornithological park is a bird's paradise, where there are such an incredible number of all kinds of birds that you have hardly ever seen in one place. Safari Park is a highlight of Briunov, occupying 9 hectares of territory. Local inhabitants: llamas, antelopes, elephants, and zebras roam freely, and you can see them very close. The entrance to the national park, as well as to the safari park, is 110 kuna (23 dollars). There are two lovely hotels nearby. Locals rent out luxury villas. If you do not have time to see the natural complex during the day, you can spend the night.

Krka

Another miracle of Croatian nature is the Krka River, which flows along the bottom of a deep (200 meters) canyon in central Dalmatia and along the way forms lakes, which in turn fall like waterfalls. Around this magical water extravaganza is another wonderful park of the same name - Krka. Here a riot of colors, pristine nature and water element... A lot of animals are registered in Krka, but the most interesting “inhabitants” of the park are birds. There is a great abundance of them, you can meet both rare species and birds of prey. In addition to natural beauty, there are also historical monuments, for example, the Visovac monastery, originally from the XIV century.

Fans of outdoor activities will certainly be interested in the ancient settlement - the town of Skardin, where you will also be offered to sail or ride a yacht. Login to national park depending on the season, it varies between 20-95 kuna (4-17 dollars), reaching a peak in July-August. You can learn more about Krka on this resource - www.npkrka.hr.

Mljet

In the south of Croatia, on an island located not far from Dubrovnik, there is another natural masterpiece - Mljet Park, which received the national status in 1960. The highlight of the park is the unearthly beauty of a salt water lake. There are two of them - Small and Big. Due to the fact that the local waters have retained their pristine purity, Aurelia is still found here - the oldest type of jellyfish. Mljet has lush vegetation that amazes even the most capricious biologists with its abundance and colors.

History lovers will find the Benedict Monastery, erected in the 12th century, ready to reveal its innermost secrets, surviving remains imperial palace... To move around the park, you can rent a bicycle or travel with a guide in a canoe. Mljet is a quiet and cozy park, as if it comes from the Middle Ages, here you can have an excellent rest from the bustle of the city and be alone with your thoughts.

Paklenica

It is a small but very picturesque state, comfortably located in the east of Europe. It is known for its hospitality, a mass of interesting sights, affordable prices for vacations and natural beauties that amaze the imagination of even the most experienced tourist. Croatia is famous for its national parks, many of which are a UNESCO heritage.

Plitvice National Park

The park is home to the famous Plitvice Lakes that amaze with their pristine beauty. There are many campgrounds in the national park, and tourists love to relax on its territory. By the way, this park is the oldest in Croatia. Almost the entire territory of the park is covered with beech and coniferous forests.

Krka National Park

The national park is located on Krka river, which is a real natural phenomenon. The river originates at the foot Dinara mountains, paving its way to the Adriatic Sea itself. Many waterfalls, flood meadows, beautiful mountains awaiting tourists in the huge Krka park.

Brijuny park

Brijuny park in fact is the territory of an ancient archipelago, which consists of three large islands entitled Mali, Briun, Veli... The park became visited for the first time in the middle of the last century. Mild climate, beautiful views, the cleanest air creates a special picture of pacification. The tour of the park itself is carried out in special excursion carriages. Sami Briun land were known and inhabited since the Roman era, and old buildings remained on their territory Roman Empire.

Kornati National Park

Kornati is one of the largest parks on Croatian territory... It is a labyrinth of unusual coastal landscape and beautiful atolls. The park began operating in 1980 and since then it has attracted tourists from literally all over the world. Harbors in Kornati amaze with their unusual view of the water, in this park you can not only walk and admire the local beauty, but also go snorkelling or diving.

Mljet National Park

Park Mljet once was Ogygia Island... If you remember Greek mythology, then it was on this island that the nymph Calypso kept the king Odysseus. Mljet is considered one of the oldest national parks in Croatia, on its territory there are beech forests, waterfalls, incredible beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

Paklenica National Park

Paklenica is a park nestled in the area North Dalmatia... It stretches right on the slopes of the picturesque mountain range Velebit... The main attractions of the park are rocky shores, mountains, flooded meadows, karst caves... The huge steep cliffs stand out especially in this park. For example, the height of the rock Anitsa Cook reaches 712 meters. This is a real paradise for eco-tourists and climbers.

Northern Velebit National Park

Northern Velibit- a real pearl of friendly Croatia. It is located one hundred kilometers in Kvarner region... Although the park is relatively young, it has already won the love of tourists. It was founded in 1999. There are many interesting sights in it, for example, Rozanski Kukovi rocks and Heiditzki, karst Luke's cave, which is one of the deepest in the world. There is also a Botanical Garden in the park, where hundreds of unusual plants and trees grow.

Risnjak National Park

The national park is located in the mountainous region of Croatia in a sparsely populated area near the border with Slovenia. Before Adriatic coast from the park only fifteen kilometers, and thanks to this, there is a special marine microclimate in it. The park is interesting for the wide variety of local flora and fauna; in it you can observe squirrels, martens, and lynxes in natural conditions. Risnjak Park loved by connoisseurs of extreme tourism. After all, there are many bases for trekking and rock climbing lovers, and for cycling lovers there are numerous paths.

Croatia ‹Nature Reserves and Parks

Nature reserves and national parks in Croatia

National reserves of Croatia

Even on a European scale, Croatia is a small country. All the more surprising is such a large number of state reserves. It must be said that this surprises only those who have not seen them, and who do not know to what extent our nature is beautiful and preserved.

On the Adriatic, the State Reserve is undoubtedly dominant Kornati is the most winding island group in the Mediterranean, with about 140 uninhabited islands, islets and rocks. This is a real labyrinth in the sea, famous for high cliffs and unusual relief formations. The Kornati archipelago is a favorite destination for yachtsmen.

Part of the southern slope of the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit (as part of the Nature Park), from the top to the coast, covers the State Reserve Paklenica... It got its name from Velikaya and Malaya Paklenica, two impressive mountain passages with many unusual karst relief formations and several caves. Due to the exceptional richness of flora and fauna and numerous endemic species, Velebit is proclaimed a world biosphere reserve, and its summit is a state reserve. This park covers nature reserves Rozhanski and Khaiduchki kukovi with unusual karst formations and Lukina cave, one of the deepest in the world, as well as the famous Velebit Botanical Garden.

Near west coast the Istrian Peninsula is a State Reserve Briune, consisting of two large and twelve smaller islets. The Mediterranean vegetation is well represented here, there is a zoo in nature, excavations from the era of ancient culture are interesting.

State reserve Risnyak- wooded mountain range north of the port of Rijeka. In the places where the Alps and Dinarids converge, you can find brown bear, lynx, mountain goat, deer, snake eagle ...

State reserve Krka covers the course of the Krka River - our most beautiful karst river flowing through deep canyons... Of the many cascades, the Skradinski Buk and Roski Cascades stand out, between which, in the lake-like part of the river, there is an islet of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery (15th century).

The most beautiful and most famous Croatian state reserve Plitvice Lakes is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located not far from the main road connecting Zagreb with Dalmatia. The phenomenon is represented by 16 small lakes, mutually connected by cascades, which were formed as a result of limestone deposition. The value is represented by dense beech and spruce forests, at times reminiscent of the taiga, in which numerous animal species have survived (brown bear); transportation is organized for visitors by special panoramic cars and electric boats.

Southwest of the city Dubrovnik the island is located Mljet The state reserve covers its western part with two deep bays, which, because of the very narrow passage to the open sea, are called lakes; lush Mediterranean vegetation, valuable antique monuments and a 12th century Benedictine monastery on an island in the middle of the lake - a bay.

Croatian nature parks:

Along with the already mentioned Velebit, this is also:

BIOKOVO is an imposing karst mountain located directly by the sea above Makarska Riviera, with a rich varied flora and fauna and a beautiful panorama. Among animals, mountain goats are especially distinguished.

KOPACHKI RIT - a large natural swampy area at the confluence of the Drava River with the Danube with an exceptional wealth of various plant and animal species, especially fish and wading birds. Dense forest, numerous herds of deer and wild boars.

LONSKOE POLE - a swampy area next to the Sava River between the town of Sisak and Novaya Gradishka, one of the largest preserved bogs in Europe with endless oak forests. Of the animal world of birds, storks, which nest on the roofs of local wooden rural houses, are of particular interest.

MEDVEDNICA is a mountain range in close proximity to the capital of Croatia Zagreb, thanks to well-preserved beech and spruce forests and many different natural phenomena(caves, waterfalls, canyons). Medvednica has become the main recreational part of Zagreb.

TELASCICA - the southwestern part of the Dugoga island in central Dalmatia with a wide and deep bay of the same name - a popular destination for yachtsmen. There are several beautiful islets in the bay, and a small salt Lake, from the side open sea there are the highest Croatian sheer cliffs, the height of which reaches 180 meters.

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 taking care of environment ranks first in this country. All eight national parks in Croatia have preserved their pristine natural beauty creating unique heavenly corners, 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. Swimming is allowed on the islands of Brijuni, however, be careful, this is where you can find sea ​​urchins, 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 Adriatic sea, near the west 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, it will suit 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! This phenomenon is called Crowns, which are not admitted to tourists because of 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 Kornat 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 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 leisure then Paklenica National Park- the perfect solution! The park is famous for its mountain rivers - Malaya and Velyka 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. On the hike for new experiences, you will see how diverse animal world... it perfect place 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 explained climatic conditions parka. 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 most high mountain parka. 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 mountain range Croatia - Velebit.

Famous for its amazing botanical garden and a deep karst sinkhole 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 Mount Velebit itself, but for tourists it will be organized walking tour uphill, 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.

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 - well, 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 unfortunate neighbors belong to this bizarre extended blot on the map: and Mountain peaks, and the purest 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, it is surrounded by fantastic nature National Park Paklenica. 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. It, 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.