CERTIFICATION
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, achieved the Silver Green Destinations Award in 2023.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Enchanting lakes and waterfalls in the green heart of Croatia
Why visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
The extraordinary beauty of the lakes and waterfalls surrounded by a dense
forest, teeming with flora and fauna, makes the Plitvice Lakes National Park
one of the must-see destinations in Croatia. In addition to being the largest
and oldest national park in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes have been on the UNESCO
list of natural heritage since 1979. The tufa process, which creates lakes and
waterfalls through its growth, makes the outstanding universal value of the
Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Park nurtures the local culture and tradition
of the Lika destination through gastronomy and numerous events all the year
round.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Culture & Local Life
The Park strives to preserve local tradition through the gastronomic offer in its
restaurants, which use locally sourced ingredients, as well as through selling
local products such as cheese, brandy, honey, and souvenirs. During the year,
the Park engages local cultural and artistic societies in various events, which
convey to visitors a piece of the tradition of Lika Destination through song,
dance, and presentations of local customs. On the outskirts of the Park are
examples of traditional architecture that belong to the protected cultural
landscape and a water mill that preserves the craft of grinding grain.
Sustainability
Being a national park under the protection of UNESCO and located within the Ecological Network NATURA 2000, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is progressing towards improving existing, and developing new sustainable practices. Through revenue from tourism, nature protection is financed, jobs are provided, and better living conditions for the locals. Park is a very influential entity in the region and an example to others in ecosystem preservation. Sustainability is approached by green procurement, the “zero
waste” business strategy, the purchase of green energy, the use of biodegradable packaging, the introduction of electric vehicles, strengthening cooperation with the local community, and other responsible practices.
Health & Safety
Members of the Lika Destination Cluster were trained on how to behave when receiving guests, renting accommodations and providing services. They were given instructions on how to clean the premises and how to allow guests to be as safe as possible in the facility where they stay. There are disinfectants at the entrance of catering facilities, the staff wears protective face masks. Each guest must have their temperature measured before entering the facility, the total number of guests is limited, tables are set at the prescribed distance, the rooms are regularly ventilated and card payment is recommended everywhere.
At attractions such as national parks where visitors come in groups, circular tours have been created so that the groups do not meet each other.
Good Practice Story
Lika Destination is the ecological core of Croatia that, beside its unique natural beauty, has just as unique cuisine, using products that are made and grown within this ecological oasis. The goal is to preserve the natural heritage as protected natural sites and develop tourism in Lika exclusively according to the model of sustainable development.
The products of local producers are promoted under a common brand – Lika Quality and are included in the tourist offer. By networking all members within the destination, we are working on the integrated management of the destination to make the guest as satisfied as possible.
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GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
The flora of the Park includes over 1450 species, while 259 species of
vertebrates have been identified so far, of which three large European
carnivores stand out: bear, wolf, and lynx. A walk through the Park is an
essential activity for those who decide to visit this green destination in the
heart of Croatia. In addition to 8 tour programs with about 22 km of trails in the
lake zone, there are 4 hiking trails within the area. Wooden rowing boats can
be rented on Kozjak Lake, while in winter, in the nearby village of Mukinje,
visitors can enjoy skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. In the vicinity of the
Park, there are numerous natural attractions and facilities for an active
Getting around
Plitvice Lakes National Park is well connected with the rest of Croatia by the
national roads D429 and D52, and numerous bus lines that connect the
interior of Croatia with its coast. If you arrive by car, there are parking lots for
visitors at the main entrances to the Park, as well as in front of the hotels and
catering facilities of the Park. Inside the Park, there are 22 km of walking trails
and 37 km of hiking trails. In the visitor system, tourists can use panoramic
vehicles and electric boats as a part of the programs. Cycling is not allowed in
the lake area, but the website of the Park offers an application with a network
of cycling paths ideal for exploring the surroundings outside the Park`s
borders.
Local foods
The gastronomic offer of the Plitvice Lakes National Park includes local
products from numerous farms in its surroundings. A visit to the Lika
Destination, where the national park is located, is not complete without tasting
local specialties such as unique Lika soup, grilled lamb and veal, grilled trout,
vegetable orzo, potatoes from Lika with onions and bacon, plum strudel and
cake made from fresh local cheese “”basa””. In the shops and souvenir shops
of the Park, visitors can buy homemade brandy, honey, jams, and other
homemade food products.
Places you should not miss
By getting to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will have the opportunity to
see the highest waterfall in the Republic of Croatia, 87 meters high from the
top to the river Korana. The Big waterfall is one of the must-see sights which
offers a unique experience of nature.
Places you should not miss
Lička Kuća Restaurant is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the
ambiance of a traditional Lika house and the flavors of Lika gastronomy. This
restaurant, located at Entrance 1 to the national park, offers dishes made from
local ingredients prepared according to traditional recipes and their modern
versions.
Explore the surroundings of Plitvice Lakes
In the vicinity of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are numerous natural
attractions such as two more national parks, Paklenica and North Velebit,
Velebit Nature Park, Barać Caves, Cerovac Caves, and Grabovača Cave
Park. In addition to the memorial center in Smiljan, the birthplace of one of the
world’s greatest inventors, Nikola Tesla, there is also the old Drežnik town from
the 12th century, the House of Velebit – a modern visitor center that reveals
the secrets of the Velebit mountain, and the Sanctuary for young bears in the
village of Kuterevo. The surrounding area offers cycling, horse riding, zipline,
and numerous other outdoor activities. There is something for everyone, for
sure!
Enjoying the Park all year long
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. From the
first spring flowers, the lush green forest in summer, and the colors of autumn
up to the magical winter idyll, the Park is a wonderful experience in every
season. In winter, the Upper Lakes are closed due to safety reasons for
visitors in snow and ice conditions. The best tip we can give is to allow yourself
to enjoy the beauty and the sounds of the lakes with your own eyes and ears,
at least for a moment, without modern technology.
Find out here about suggestions from the destination of 7-day trips to visit Lika Destination.
Travel tips from our editors
Tips from locals
Congress offer within the Park The beautiful nature of the Park can be enjoyed
by business guests who have at their disposal 224 accommodation units, a
large congress hall with 220 seats, and 4 meeting rooms with top audio-visual
equipment. With the Park close at hand, a gastronomic offer that uses locally
sourced ingredients, and wellness facilities such as whirlpool, saunas, and
massages, Hotel Jezero is a unique place for a combination of business and
leisure.
Tips from locals
Revival of cultural heritage Every year the Plitvice Lakes National Park
organizes several events in which traditional Lika songs and dances are
presented. In addition to cultural and artistic societies, guests that are
announced in advance have the opportunity to see the traditional craft of flour
milling in the Špoljarić water mill in the nearby village of Korana and to buy
local products in the souvenir shops and stores of the Park.
Tips from locals
The charm of the old times Only a few minutes walk from the highest waterfall
in Croatia is situated the traditional restaurant Lička kuća, decorated like an
ethno museum. Whether you want to taste the flavors of Lika cuisine or just to
take a walk through the ambiance of an old Lika house, this restaurant is an
interesting place to visit.
Sustainability Recognitions
Carlos Bernardes |Mayor of Torres Vedras
“Torres Vedras does not have any doubts that it has to make its way towards a sustainable future. For example, we initiated a program of small vegetable gardens in schools; decided to join the Paris “Pact for Impact”; and developed the Santa Cruz Declaration on Climate Change.”
What does it mean?
- They have shown at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria. Check out their scorecard to see their performance on each criterion.
- They have submitted a story that was selected to the list for its innovative, effective and / or transferable good management practice.
Lika Destination Good Practice Story
Lika Destination was submitted Good Practice Story’s. It was about the creation of a regional quality system for local productions in Lika helped foster sustainability. Read the full story here.
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