Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia‘s most beautiful natural gems, offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning lakes and waterfalls via beautiful trails and bridges. The total length of trails and bridges within this unique lake system is about 22 kilometres. The trails are made of a combination of stone and gravel, making them easy to walk on, while the bridges, made of chestnut timber, are perfect for connecting different parts of the Park. The width of the trails and bridges is 1.6 metres on average, allowing for easy movement and enjoyment of natural beauty.
The history of these trails dates back to 1888, when the first bridges were built on the Upper Lakes, followed by those on the Lower Lakes in 1894. In the first half of the 19th century, the bridges were mostly made of concrete, but today, wooden bridges have become a recognizable symbol of Plitvice Lakes.
The maintenance of trails and bridges is a continuous process that requires daily care and attention. A special department within the Park is responsible for this task, facing the challenges of difficult-to-access terrain. The material is often delivered by boats or special machinery, while in many cases, manual labour is also used. Every year, about 2 kilometres of trails and bridges are renovated to ensure visitor safety and preserve the beauty of this natural gem.
Josip Movčan’s vision: An innovative approach to trail planning
Josip Movčan, a key figure in the development of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, was a forestry engineer and long-time manager of the Park who transformed the way visitors experience this world natural heritage. Born in Čakovec in 1925, after studying at the Faculty of Forestry, Movčan began his career in forestry before assuming a key role at the Plitvice Lakes in 1958. His contributions include the construction of trails, bridges and transportation systems, significantly enhancing access to and preservation of the Park.
Movčan’s idea of wooden chestnut footbridges allowed visitors to move freely through the unique landscapes of waterfalls and lakes, without disturbing the natural ecosystem. Tannin-containing and moisture-resistant sweet chestnut wood is an ideal material for the footbridges. His most famous work, the wooden bridge on the Great Cascades, enables a close encounter with nature and a feeling of admiration for the power of water. As the Park’s long-time manager, Movčan emphasized the importance of education and awareness among workers and visitors about the need to protect nature. His strategy for shaping the visitor experience included information infrastructure and preserving the natural environment. Movčan was an advocate for reducing traffic within the Park and moving tourism activities outside sensitive areas, which is why he received various international awards, including the Van-Tienhoven European Award.
After retiring, Movčan continued to actively work in nature protection, spreading the idea of close-to-nature tourism beyond the borders of Croatia. His passion for preserving natural beauty and dedicated work on environmental protection remain an inspiration for all future generations.
Continuous reconstruction of trails and viewpoints
Plitvice Lakes National Park is constantly making efforts to preserve and improve its beautiful trails and viewpoints in order to provide visitors with the best possible experience. Significant projects of modernization and expansion of key trails and viewpoints in the Park have recently been completed. The reconstruction of the trail to the Big Waterfall, the largest and most impressive waterfall in the Park and in Croatia, is one of the most important projects. This trail has been widened and additionally secured to increase the safety of visitors and enable a two-way route on the trail towards the Big Waterfall. The new wooden pathway, handrails and widened passages allow for easier access and a more comfortable walk, even during peak visitation times.
In addition to the reconstruction of the trails, the panoramic viewpoint Tomićevo Pogledalo has recently been opened, rising to 684.82 meters above sea level. Situated on the Upper Lakes, this viewpoint offers spectacular views of the first five lakes. In 2018, Plitvice Lakes National Park expanded the viewpoint at Entrance 1, which offers a magnificent view of the Big Waterfall. Designed with care for the environment, located in a strategic place and built from natural materials that fit perfectly into the environment, the viewpoint is equipped with information panels that give visitors an insight into the geology, flora and fauna of the area.
Maintenance and preservation of trails for future generations
The maintenance and preservation of trails in the Plitvice Lakes National Park is crucial for the protection of natural beauty. Regular cleaning, repairs and improvements ensure that the Park is accessible and safe for all visitors. A special department within the Park takes care of the paths and bridges on a daily basis. Hard-working employees monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the trails, and repairs include the restoration of dents and broken parts. For these repairs, natural materials such as stone, wood and sand are used, which fit perfectly into the natural environment. Visitor safety is very important, so wooden bridges, steps and fences are constantly maintained. The installation of handrails on steep sections, the addition of rest benches and information boards with data about the flora and fauna contribute to the overall visitor experience.
Plitvice Lakes National Park provides visitors with diverse visiting programs, established rules of conduct, and customized infrastructure that directs visitors, preserving the ecosystem and the original beauty of the landscape. This infrastructure enables a safe visit, a presentation of the Park’s value and an unforgettable experience of preserved nature. Regular maintenance and improvement of visitor infrastructure, including trails, bridges, dedicated places for rest and experiencing nature, viewpoints, signage and information panels, is all carried out with great care in order to preserve the natural balance of the Park. The use of environmentally friendly materials and techniques ensures that the trails do not harm the environment and remain functional in the long term. In this way, we want to preserve the priceless natural heritage of the Plitvice Lakes National Park for future generations, so that they can also enjoy the unique beauties of this wonderful Park. At the same time, we ensure that the Park remains accessible and safe for all visitors, both in the present and in the future.
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