Beth is looking back this week. Originally it was John´s post, and now Beth hands it over to us – please take a look at both posts!
I am just back from a trip to Croatia, a trip I have wanted to make for some years now, but life got in between. I hope you will enjoy following me along to some of its highlights!
I have never seen so many waterfalls in one day, or even a year – or maybe in my whole life. And they were all different, and all magnificent. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and the largest national park in Croatia, and a UNESCO World Heritage. It covers an area of just under 300 km2 and the lake system is comprised of 16 named and several smaller unnamed lakes, cascading one into the next. There are twelve lakes in the Upper system and four in the Lower system.
Walking through a forest where water surrounds you – and every tree – imagine the sound! The biggest waterfall, Veliki Slap, is a wonder where you walk across the lower part and can truly enjoy its beauty, all the way from the top and down. You also walk on boardwalks, to come closer to the falls in every lake. So much magic. The exceptional beauty of this park makes it outstanding and something to put on your bucket list – if it is not already there.
I hope the pictures speak for themselves. The walk took 7 hours with photo stops and food. So be sure to give it a whole day. And if you can – go in low season, we had read about the masses of tourists during the high season and did not want that stress.
As we were driving from Zagreb to Plitvice, we happened upon a village we had never heard of before, Rastoke, on the Korana River. On the water! The houses were literally situated on the water and the village is renowned for its mills and waterfalls. A wonderful surprise!
Thank you, Beth, for a wonderful challenge – just right for me this week! Show anything on the water. You can choose to show watercraft, things floating, closeups of water, scenic water landscapes, or anything else you can think of. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to her original post.
Last week your responses to John’s “History Through the Lens” challenge were all inspiring. I enjoyed all of the images and learned a lot from your posts. Thank you to everyone who joined the challenge..
On Saturday, May 2 at noon eastern time it’s my turn to be your host – Ann-Christine/Leya.
Leya 
Another marvellous trip, you are having a wonderful time this last month or three! those waterfalls looking incredible and Rastoke is certainly picturesque
Thank you – yes, so grateful we could go. And Rastoke was such a surprise!
😊😊
Another place to visit at some point, Ann-Christine. You are giving me loads of future holiday destinations! As it is, I will enjoy the experience through your wonderful photos. The first one is once in a lifetime photo, superb!
Thank you, Sofia! I was lucky to just have come back from Plitvice to use the photos for the challenge!
A wonderful collection, Ann-Christine! That area is a photographer’s dream!
True about the dream, John – I could have walked there for more days. It is a big area and we only touched the lake and waterfalls part (1% of it all).
It’s all falling water with you today. Lovely to see them all in one gallery
Thank you – mass effect.
Such gorgeous waterfalls Ann-Christine and an amazing place to visit – thank you for taking us along! 💚💦 xxx
♥ A pleasure!
Croatia should pay you for this post. What a stunning gallery! Those places look wonderful, and your description of the park and town is so inviting.
Thank you, Egidio! I had expected much from this visit, but got even more! Nice people too and beautiful countryside on the way.
Oh My Ann-Christine! When you told me you’d been there I looked online and I’m sure you’re much too humble to agree with this but your images are FAR better than the ones on their website!! It just looks magnificent! Thanks so much for introducing me to this wonder!! Do you know if they worry or are affected by climate change?
Thank you, Tina! I had expected much from this visit, but got even more. You are very kind about the photos – thank you. But, you cannot make a bad one in this beautiful place… I am glad they turned out that well even if I had a severe cold and was coughing all the way…
I did not see any effects from climate change, but read that rising temperatures in the air as well as in the water causes a disturbance in the karst ground and might lead to a change in the falls. Wildlife too, especially birds and in the lakes, changes and invasive species take over. It’s the same problem as in the rest of Europe. They must also limit the amount of visitors. They are carefully monitoring everything.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park has been on my list for ages too but so far we’ve not made it! It looks so beautiful and your enthusiastic descriptions make me want to go even more!
Do go – it’s Nature at its best – in low season!
What a beautiful place – so many waterfalls. Your images are amazing — I can hear the sound in my imagination. Great post.
Thank you so much – it was a dream walking there! We could here the falls everywhere and all the time.
What an amazing collection of waterfalls and that first image is divine. Well done Ann-Christine.
Thank you, Brad – divine is the word for this area!
Ann-Christine, you have captured these waterfalls beautifully. What an amazing place to spend the day.
Thank you, it really was. And just when this challenge was on!
What a wonderful village! Thanks so much for the picture postcards.
Thank you, Margaret – a treat it was – unforgettable.
The Village of Rastoke reminds me of pictures I have seen of Rivendell from Tolkien’s work.
Thank you – when you say it – I realise the resemblance! And I love Tolkien!
What amazing waterfalls and the color of the water… SO gorgeous. you have captured them beautifully
Thank you, Ritva! That green colour beats everything.
Looking at your beautiful photos I can just hear the sound of the falling water. Wonder how dangerous it can become for the houses in Rastoke during really heavy rain-storms and floods . . . ?
I wonder too – with climate change there is a much higher risk too.
No wonder you had this wonderful place on your ‘must visit’ list, Ann-Christine. The way the water falls in multiple ‘ribbons’ is truly magical.
Thank you, Tish – those ribbons were really special and ran through the forest. Amazing.