Archive for the 'Croatia Nature' Category
Flowing along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, the Krka River is revered for its breathtaking scenic splendor, natural beauty, as well as its contribution to the environment. A home to a multitude of flora and fauna, the land alongside the Krka River was declared a national park in 1985.
The Krka River has its source at the foot of the Dinaric Mountains. The water begins fresh, and then turns brackish. One of the most magnificent features of the Krka River is the seven-travertine waterfalls. The waterfalls are a prominent display of the calcification process inherent to the Karst phenomenon.
Similar to the Plitvice Lakes, the Krka River flows over the Karst formed through limestone and carbon. Together the Karst carves a uniquely beautiful and distinctive landscape that is the foundation of the river and park. Limestone mountains, set the backdrop for the coastal settlements found along the river that still retain their ancient cultural heritage. However, it is the beauty of the flora, fauna, and natural structures that have esteemed the Krka River and the National Park to its premiere place of beauty and grandeur.
When at the Krka, you will first behold the exquisite majesty of the waterfalls. The seven cascades: Krčić, Bilušić Buk, Brljan, Manojlovački Slapovi, Rošnjak, Miljacka Slap, Roški Slap, and Skradinski Buk. Visiting the Krka River and National Park, one will want to stop and take time to explore the wonders of Skradinski Buk. Experience a walk along the majestic waterfall while you enjoy presentations and demonstrations that unfold the wonders of the region. You can also tour the Krka River by boat as part of the Park Tour.
Year round visitors to the Park may explore the fall known as Roški Slap. Taking an excursion boat is one of the best ways to view this cascade in all of its glory. While visiting Roški Slap, you will also enjoy viewing the beautiful Među Grede Canyon, in addition to the museum, church, and Franciscan monastery, Krka. The monastery is a site to behold as it was established in 1402; the monastery and church are superb architectural structures that overlook the Krka River, situated on the Isle of Visovac.
There are over eight hundred plant species that call the Krka River and National Park home. From lush water growing varieties, to those that thrive in dry regions, the plants have all grown harmoniously and represent diversity and beauty. Krka River flora is recognized for its scientific value as well and is protected. Due to the abundance of minerals found in the water and cascades, the river’s water is rich and pure and the plant life thrives.
The Krka River is also home to many fish that are not seen elsewhere. These endemic species have also contributed to the importance of the preservation and care given to the Krka River and National Park. Amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and over two hundred species of birds are indigenous to the region and call the Krka River home. Many of these species are endangered and find protection at Krka.
Surrounding the river, you will enjoy the beautiful ancient charm of Romanesque structured aqueducts and fortress ruins. Steeping above lush rolling greenery, the ancient fortresses speak of days past when Princes ruled and the Turks conquered. Today, many of their jagged structures signify the end of Turkish rule and the rebellion that occurred. Archaeological explorations surround the scenic view as Bribirska Glavica, stands offshore. The exploration is uncovering mysteries dating back to the Early New Stone Age. While visiting, you will enjoy more breathtaking scenic views of the region.
Romanesque ruins and medieval structures pepper their way throughout the abundance of flora and fauna, while cascading waterfalls paint the background. The Krka River is truly a majestic site to behold.
Imagine if you will, breathtaking waterfalls, sixteen magnificent lakes, and beautiful densely forested woods and you have a glimpse of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located between the capitol of Croatia, Zagreb and Zadar Plitvice Lakes National is one of the top picks added to the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage List.
The captivating beauty of this National Park rests underneath the surface. You see, the park is built upon a natural structure known as Karst. Karst is created from a mixture of porous Limestone and Dolomotic rock. The mixture allows water to flow through and forms underground streams. This is why Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to 16 lakes connected by exquisite waterfalls. The other secret to this marvelous wonder is Travertine. Travertine (the mineral used to construct the Roman Coliseum) is a sedimentary rock that forms when mineral springs and streams deposit calcium carbonate mixed with limestone. The mixture releases carbon dioxide and causes the calcium carbonate to crystalize. This process takes place over various fauna that lives underwater and the result is a very porous rock. Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to sixteen natural Travertine dams, the foundational structure for the breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls.
The alluring turquoise lakes are the result of three rivers. These rivers are the Crna, Bijela, and the Rjecica. The Crna is the largest river that leads to the lakes. The lakes flow through brooks, the waterfalls, and eventually make their way to the Korana River. The most striking feature that one notices when admiring the lakes is their color. The colors range from deep Azure or Turquoise to Gray and Blue. The beautifully tinted colors are the results of the various minerals present in the water. The lakes are divided into two main sections: The Upper and Lower. The Upper Lakes include: Proscansko, Ciginovac, Okruglijak, Batinovac, Galovac, Milino, Gradinsko, Great Burget, and Kozjak. When it comes to admiring the mirage of colors viewable in the lakes, Lake Kozjak is noted for being the most visible. The Upper Lakes are also known for their abundance of stunning wildlife. The Lower Lakes are home to various caves and grottoes. The Lakes consist of: Milanovac, Gavanovac, Klauderovac, and Novakovica Brod.
If you are going to stay in the region you will want to choose one of the four hotels that are in the heart of the National Park. The fist hotel is the Hotel Jezero. Hotel Jezero overlooks Lake Kozjak giving you a stunning view of the amazing lake. The hotel also has a restaurant, nightclub, and children’s play room. The next hotel of interest is the Hotel Plitvice. The hotel has 51 rooms. The Hotel Bellevue has 70 rooms and is located near the park as well. Finally, if you really want to be in the core center of the Plitvice Lakes, then you will want to stay in the Villa Mukinja. The Villa is a ten-minute walk from the lakes, and is the stay of choice for the nature lover who wants to leave the modern amenities behind and focus on the beauties of this superb park. With only six rooms, it is the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy the solitude of this natural beauty.
Amazingly, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is still home to all of its native animals. This has made the effort to preserve the natural environment of the park a priority. Visitors should be aware that the animal life that they will encounter at Plitvice Lakes National Park has been untouched by human hands. Some of the animals that call Plitvice Lakes National Park home include: Hares, the Wolf, the Fox, Skunks, Weasels, Otters, Meles, Pine Marten, Stone Marten, Lynx, Wild Cat, Wild Boar, Deer, and the Brown Bear.
The appeal of the Lakes wildlife doesn’t extend to mammals only. It is also home to over 120 species of birds and they nest in the richly dense forests. The most populous tree found in the park is the Beech Tree, which covers nearly 73% of the entire forested area. After the Beech Tree, the next populous tree is the Fir Tree. The Fir Tree comprises about 22% of the park’s forests. The forests are full of some of the most breathtaking natural sites known to man and combined with the majestic splendor of the lakes and the waterfalls, it is no wonder why Plitvice Lakes National Park is revered as one of the most amazing parks in the world.
One of the leading top European nations, Croatia is truly the dream destination for skiers around the world with magnificient ice-laden mountains and wonderful mountain resorts. Thereby making skiing in Croatia, a great experience for people of all the ages. It has become a most sought after tourist destination after being integrated with the European Union & is extremely friendly on the budget.Budget skiing, great mountains, pretty awesome skii resorts together provide great value to the money you spend on a vacation over there. So if you are one of the many looking for a great vacation among the mountains, make sure you have Croatia in your list.
It’s a little known fact that Croatia shares its borders with Italy. Still, however, it boasts of a very diverse historical background & culture when compared to Italy. The food is extremely exotic and this can be seen from the fact that Croatia is filled with lavish restaurants serving mouth-watering delicacies. Attractive nature is ‘packed’ in a well-designed tourist product that Bjelolasica, given its natural resources, well deserves. Croatia offers an excellent skiing vacation with many ski resorts like Bjelolasica training centre for Skiing located at the Zagreb, which has fantastic facilities & great destination for training on Skiing. This explains why Croatian National team has such great expertise in Skiing.
The Hotels are so cheap that sometimes you wonder how they manage. But still it makes up for an awesome fun filled vacation without having to drain your pockets. One more popular Skiing destination is Platak, located nearer the Adriatic and is remote to Bjelolasica. It is, however, much more expensive. But this doesn’t stop it from being an amazing destination for Skiing. This resort is more for the professional skiier and has a lot more to offer. Platak is situated only 30 km from Rijeka. The resort is still under development & is slowly growing to be a great Skiing destination with truly top class amenities. Platak also plans to launch to launch new ski lifts, and a dozen additional snow cannons by 2010. Platak can be compared with any major resort of Europe & with such a low price it is really great value for the money you spend. The Skiing & the snow boarding centre is also world-class & offers great training in multiple languages, So that you can improve your Skiing skills with all the fun & enjoyment on the vacation. Platak Ski resort also offers prepared ski runs, six cable cars, two mountain lodges and other facilities for visitors.
When in Croatia, however, don’t also miss the bustling city of Zagreb which exhibits the Croatian culture & history. It can turn out to be a great retreat for your croatian vacation. Also don’t miss the Mount Medvednica, and the Sljeme resort in Zagred as it offers both the daytime skiing & skiing at night with the flood-lit slopes which really look amazing. Sljeme resort is a wonderful skii point & has got much to offer like highly technical snow cannons & the superb snow coverage at this high altitude.
No one would argue that you should make Croatia your primary ski destination in Europe. It ain’t the Alps that’s for sure. Still, if you’re a skier and going to Croatia anyway, you’ll find the slopes easy to deal with and dirt cheap compared with other European resorts.