Family Adventure in Plitvice Lakes National Park

A Croatian Fairytale Begins

After a smooth flight from Heidelberg to Zagreb and a scenic drive, my family and I finally arrived at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The anticipation had been building for months, and I couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of my homeland. It's been years since I've been back to Croatia, and sharing this experience with Greta and Marko is incredibly special. I'm eager to show them the landscapes that shaped my childhood and to create new memories together.

The drive itself was lovely, the Croatian countryside rolling out before us like a green carpet. Marko, bless his heart, was already asking a million questions about the lakes, the waterfalls, and whether or not there were any dragons hiding in the caves. Greta, ever the pragmatist, made sure we had plenty of snacks and water for our adventure. I, on the other hand, was just soaking it all in, feeling a sense of homecoming wash over me.

We checked into our accommodation near the park, a charming little guesthouse with a stunning view of the surrounding hills. After dropping off our bags, we were ready to dive straight into the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Our first stop was the famed Plitvicka jezera Waterfall viewpoint. Even from a distance, the sight was breathtaking. The cascading water shimmered in the afternoon sun, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Marko's eyes widened in amazement. "It's like something out of a fairytale, Papa!" he exclaimed. And he was right; it truly was.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park from the Plitvicka Jezera Waterfall viewpoint. A natural wonder in Croatia.

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.

As we approached the park entrance, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This natural wonder is a testament to the raw beauty of Croatia, a place I was eager to share with my family. The August weather was perfect, with the sun shining, and a gentle breeze keeping us comfortable. According to the forecast, we could expect highs of around 29°C (84°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F), ideal for a day of exploring.

Inside the park, we decided to start with a leisurely stroll along the designated paths, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. The park was bustling with tourists from all over the world, all eager to witness the beauty of Plitvice Lakes. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere was jovial, everyone united in their appreciation of the natural wonders around us.

The trails were well-maintained, winding through lush greenery and alongside the turquoise lakes. The water was so clear that we could see the fish swimming below, darting between the submerged logs and rocks. Marko was particularly fascinated by the ducks, chasing after them with innocent glee. Greta and I exchanged smiles, grateful for these moments of simple joy.

For breakfast, we stopped at Restaurant Jezero. The restaurant was conveniently located near the lakes, and we were able to snag a table with a view. We enjoyed a hearty Croatian breakfast of *štrukli* (cheese pastry) and *kava* (coffee). The food was delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient. It was the perfect way to start our day of exploration.


Experience authentic Croatian cuisine at Restaurant Jezero near Plitvička Jezera National Park, perfect for food lovers seeking local flavors.

As lunchtime approached, we found ourselves near Bistro Winnetou. The aroma of grilled meats wafted through the air, tempting us to stop for a bite. We ordered a *mješano meso* (mixed grill) platter, a classic Croatian dish featuring a variety of grilled meats, including *ćevapi*, *pljeskavica*, and *ražnjići*. It was a carnivore's delight, and we devoured every last morsel.


Experience authentic Croatian flavors at Bistro Winnetou near Plitvice Lakes National Park - a perfect blend of dining and hospitality.

After lunch, we continued our exploration of the park, making our way towards the lower lakes. The waterfalls here were even more impressive than the ones we had seen earlier, cascading down the cliffs in a thunderous roar. We paused at several viewpoints, capturing photos and videos to preserve the memories of our adventure. Marko insisted on taking a selfie with every waterfall we encountered, much to our amusement.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Petar Plitvice Lakes for dinner. This charming restaurant is known for its traditional Croatian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We started with a *riblja juha* (fish soup), followed by *janjetina s krumpirima* (lamb with potatoes). The food was hearty and flavorful, a true taste of Croatian home cooking.


Discover authentic Croatian cuisine at Restaurant Petar near Plitvice Lakes National Park - a culinary gem in nature's embrace.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with families and couples enjoying their meals. The air was filled with laughter and chatter, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Marko, tired from a day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms before the dessert arrived. Greta and I shared a slice of *pita od jabuka* (apple pie), savoring the sweet and comforting flavors.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by the Souvenir Shop Plitvice Lakes. I wanted to get something to remember our trip by, and Marko was keen on getting a toy. We ended up buying a small wooden carving of a Plitvice Lakes waterfall and a plush toy lynx for Marko. It was a perfect memento of our first day in the park.


Discover unique gifts and local crafts at the charming Souvenir Shop near Plitvice Lakes, a perfect complement to your Croatian adventure.

As we walked back to our guesthouse, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today had been everything I had hoped for and more. We had explored the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes, savored the flavors of Croatian cuisine, and created lasting memories with my family.

The summer crowds were definitely present, but it was manageable. I’d read that the park gets particularly busy between 10 AM and 3 PM, so we tried to pace ourselves and find quieter spots during those hours.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Great Waterfall and Supljara Cave. We'll also try out Poljana for breakfast, Hungry Bear National Restaurant for lunch, and Degenija for dinner. And maybe, just maybe, we'll sneak in a visit to Cafe bar Flora for a refreshing drink.

As I tucked Marko into bed, I couldn't help but smile. His dreams were sure to be filled with waterfalls, fish, and maybe even a few friendly dragons. I am excited to continue our Plitvice adventure tomorrow!

Before drifting off to sleep myself, I made a mental note to buy rain ponchos and a portable phone charger tomorrow. I had completely forgotten to pack them, and they would definitely come in handy during our explorations.

What a day! I feel so blessed to be able to share the beauty of Croatia with my family. It's moments like these that make all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.