Can You Swim in Plitvice Lakes? An Exploratory Guide

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, with crystal clear waters, cascading waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. Many visitors are drawn to the lakes with hopes of swimming in the pristine waters, but unfortunately, swimming is not permitted here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a protected area, and as such, visitors are not allowed to enter the water. This is to preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensure the conservation of the lakes for future generations. While it may be disappointing for those looking to take a refreshing dip, there are still plenty of other activities to enjoy in the park.

If you’re looking for a place to swim in Croatia, Krka National Park is a great alternative. Located just a few hours away from Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park offers similar natural beauty with the added bonus of being able to swim under the waterfalls. Visitors are allowed to swim in designated areas of the park, making it a popular destination for those seeking a cooling swim in the summer months.

While you can’t swim in the Plitvice Lakes themselves, there are several hiking trails that will take you alongside the lakes, allowing you to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery. The park offers a range of well-maintained trails, catering to all fitness levels, so you can explore at your own pace.

It’s important to note that swimming is not the only activity that is restricted in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Visitors are also not permitted to fish, boat, or engage in any other water-based activities. This is to ensure the preservation of the park’s unique environment and to protect the wildlife that calls it home.

So while you may not be able to swim in the Plitvice Lakes themselves, there’s still plenty to see and do in this beautiful national park. Whether you choose to hike the trails, admire the waterfalls, or simply take in the breathtaking views, a visit to Plitvice Lakes is sure to be a memorable experience.

Do people swim in the Plitvice Lakes?

Although visitors aren’t allowed to swim in the lakes directly, just a few kilometers north of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, there are other options for swimming. One popular spot is the Korana River, which runs through the park. The river has several designated swimming areas where visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.

In addition to the Korana River, there are also a number of swimming spots in the surrounding area. For example, the nearby town of Slunj has a beautiful swimming area called Rastoke. This area is known for its picturesque waterfalls and cascades, making it a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

It’s worth noting that swimming in the Plitvice Lakes National Park itself is prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem of the lakes. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. By restricting swimming in the lakes, the park can ensure that these habitats remain undisturbed and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Can you swim anywhere in Plitvice National Park?

No, swimming is not allowed in Plitvice National Park. This prohibition has been in place since 2006. The main reason for this restriction is to protect the delicate ecosystem of the park. Plitvice Lakes is known for its stunning turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, but swimming is not permitted in any of these bodies of water.

However, if you are eager to experience swimming in beautiful, crystal-clear waters, you can visit Krka Waterfall National Park in Dalmatia. Krka is another stunning national park in Croatia, located near the city of Sibenik. Here, swimming is allowed in designated areas, such as the Skradinski Buk waterfall. The water in Krka is just as mesmerizing as in Plitvice, with vibrant blue and green hues. It’s a great alternative for those who want to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia’s national parks.

Which lakes can you swim in Croatia?

In Croatia, there are several lakes where you can enjoy swimming. One of the most popular options is the Mljet National Park, located on the island of Mljet. Here, you can find two beautiful saltwater lakes known as the Small Lake (Malo Jezero) and the Big Lake (Veliko Jezero). Both of these lakes offer idyllic locations for safe and enjoyable lake swimming.

The Big Lake in Mljet National Park is especially noteworthy, as it is home to its own Melita island. This island features a stunning Benedictine Monastery that adds to the charm of the area. Whether you prefer to swim in the Small Lake or the Big Lake, you can expect crystal-clear waters and breathtaking surroundings. These lakes are perfect for a refreshing dip during your visit to Croatia.

Why is the water at Plitvice so blue?

The water at Plitvice is renowned for its stunning blue color, which is a result of several factors. The most significant factor is the presence of calcium carbonate, which is derived from the limestone rocks found in the area. When water flows over these rocks, it dissolves some of the calcium carbonate, creating a milky appearance. This milky water then reflects sunlight, filtering out other colors and giving the water its distinct blue hue. The depth and clarity of the water also contribute to its vibrant color, as the limestone bedrock acts as a natural filter, removing impurities and allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper into the water.

The unique ecosystem of Plitvice also plays a role in the blue color of the water. The national park is home to a variety of plant life, including algae and mosses, which thrive in the clear, nutrient-rich water. These plants can contribute to the water’s color by absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others, enhancing the blue appearance. Additionally, the presence of minerals and trace elements in the water, such as iron and sulfur, can also influence the coloration.

Overall, the blue color of the water at Plitvice is a result of a combination of factors, including the presence of calcium carbonate from limestone rocks, the clarity of the water, the unique ecosystem, and the presence of minerals and trace elements. It is this combination that creates the enchanting and mesmerizing blue color that attracts visitors from all over the world to this natural wonder.

Can you swim in the waterfalls of Croatia?

Swimming used to be allowed at Skradinski Buk waterfall, but not anymore. The decision to prohibit swimming was made in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the waterfall and the surrounding area. Although it may be disappointing for some visitors, this measure ensures the long-term preservation of the natural beauty of the waterfall. However, there are other waterfalls around the Krka National Park where swimming is still allowed.

One of the alternatives for swimming is the Stinice waterfall, located in the upper part of the park. The crystal-clear waters of the waterfall offer a refreshing and picturesque swimming experience. Another option is to swim downstream of the Roška slap waterfall, where the water forms natural pools that are perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot day. These areas are less crowded than Skradinski Buk, allowing visitors to enjoy a more peaceful and intimate swimming experience. During my visit to Krka National Park in October 2022 with friends, we had the opportunity to swim in these areas and the weather was perfect.