Rastovača

If you are looking for a hotel in Rastovača, planning excursions can be a helpful guide. A nearby natural attraction is Šupljara Cave: it is the only cave in Plitvice Lakes National Park open to visitors. Check the current visitor regulations before your trip.

Landscape and Nature in the National Park

The forested Medveđak ridge is eight kilometres long and offers panoramic views over part of the Plitvice Lakes and the area between Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica. From its lowest peak, the view reaches Lake Kozjak, in the direction of the Great Waterfall and the villages of Poljanak and Plitvica. The viewpoints offer different perspectives on the landscape.

Along the Medveđak trail, information panels explain the forest ecosystem and other natural features; their locations may change. The old beech forests along the trail provide a habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy both views of the forest and information about its diversity here.

At Lake Milanovac, the shoreline cliffs rise more than 20 metres above the water. A path runs along the lakeshore, while stone viewpoints in the upper canyon offer further perspectives. The Milka Trnina waterfalls at the eastern end of the lake commemorate Croatian opera singer Milka Trnina: she donated part of her income to Plitvice Lakes. The Great Waterfall is also a striking landscape feature. It is 78 metres high; the water at its foot forms the source of the Korana River.

Trails, Waterfalls and History

At the national park’s northern Entrance 1, visitors can choose from four marked circular lake trails. The routes provide access to the canyon of the Lower Lakes, the Great Waterfall and the Sastavci waterfalls, as well as several named lakes and Lake Kozjak. Electric boat and panoramic train rides are also part of the routes. A hiking trail from Entrance 1 leads towards the Great Waterfall or continues through the Lower Lakes to Lake Kozjak. Follow the current trail markers and safety instructions.

The history of the trails is also part of the cultural heritage: a hiking trail to Tupi Medveđak was laid out in 1894. Blankin put was created in 1900, running from a hotel to Oštri Medveđak, and was named in honour of Princess Blanka. These historical details describe how the trails came about; on their own, they do not indicate whether the trails are accessible today.

In the Wider Destination of Općina Plitvička Jezera

Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the centre of Općina Plitvička Jezera. The municipality is considered a meeting point of mountain landscapes and a rich water heritage. The park was declared Croatia’s first national park on 8 April 1949. On 26 October 1979, UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List for the outstanding universal value of its tufa-forming process. Its forests provide a habitat for bears, wolves and many rare bird species.

The national park is open 365 days a year; visitor opening hours vary by season. Check the current hours before your visit. To get around the park: the Plitvice train serves internal visitor transport and runs along the 6.5-kilometre route Rapajinka – Velika Poljana – Labudovac.

There are eight electric boats in the park; the longer crossing over Lake Kozjak takes 20 minutes. As information about the fleet may change, check the latest details before your visit. Wooden rowing boats can be rented at Kupalište (P1) on Lake Kozjak; rowing is permitted only on this lake. You should also check boat availability before your trip. Themed tours covering geology, biology, forestry, the lakes and other topics are offered in coordination with park experts; the specific arrangements depend on agreements with the park.

The 21-kilometre Čorkova Bay Trail is another option in the wider destination. Organised visitor groups can reach Čorkova Uvala only using transport arranged by the park; groups must also be accompanied by a ranger. This requirement is important when planning a group visit.

Discover more destinations: Gornji Vaganac, Vrelo Koreničko, Poljanak, Gornji Babin Potok, Prijeboj, Rudanovac, Plitvička Jezera, Ličko Petrovo Selo.

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Plitvička Jezera.