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Every year, Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors from all over the world. When Plitvice Lakes is mentioned, the first image associated with them is the Big Waterfall, which is also the first sight that greets visitors at Entrance 1, making it an unmissable attraction of the park. Here are some interesting facts about Big Waterfall.

The Big Waterfall – The tallest waterfall at Plitvice Lakes

The Big Waterfall, with its impressive height of 87 meters, is the highest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park and in all of Croatia. This magnificent waterfall at the end of Lower Lakes is a highlight of every visit. Park. Its size and strength leave anyone who gazes upon it breathless, and the roar of the water cascading down the rocks creates a wonderful soundscape that adds a magical feel to the entire scene. The Big Waterfall reaches a height of 62 meters to the first lake and after flowing in several cascades, the total height reaches 87 meters. Unlike other waterfalls at Park Formed by water flowing from one lake to another over tufa barriers, the Big Waterfall is formed by the fall of the Plitvice Stream, which falls 3 km to the west at the foot of Mount Preka Kosa. This unique characteristic makes it special in terms of the natural environment of Plitvice Lakes.

Natural beauty and surroundings

The surrounding area of ​​the big falls further contributes to its beauty. Dense vegetation, lush forests and crystal-clear waters create an almost fairytale-like environment. During spring and summer, the surrounding vegetation blooms in its full glory, and in winter, the falls often freeze, creating beautiful ice sculptures that attract photographers and nature lovers.

Ecological importance

The Big Waterfall is not only a tourist attraction but also an important environmental phenomenon. The falls, as well as the entire Plitvice Lakes ecosystem, are home to many endemic species of plants and animals. Preservation of this natural treasure is extremely important, and Plitvice Lakes National Park invests significant efforts in the conservation and preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Hydrology and the source of the Plitvice stream

The Plitvice stream, which is 4 km long, rises as a powerful karst spring directly under the cliff, near the village of Rodic Poljana. The source of the Plitvice Stream is continuous, although the water flow varies between the dry summer months and the rainy period. The Plitvice Stream also receives water from the Sartuk Stream, further increasing its yield. This unique hydrographic phenomenon contributes to the spectacular wonder that is the Big Waterfall.

History and Geology

The Big Waterfall, as well as the entire complex of Plitvice Lakes, was formed by long geological processes. The limestones through which the water flows form layered tufa barriers that are constantly changing and evolving. Tufa, a type of porous rock, is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich water. This process takes thousands of years, giving the landscape its unique form and structure.

Visiting a large waterfall

Access to the Big Waterfall is possible through walking trails that are well marked and suitable for visitors of all ages. The park offers several trails leading to these impressive falls, each offering different perspectives and views of the falls and the surrounding natural beauty. The trail leading to the waterfall passes along the Novakovica Broad Lake and ends at the Sastavsi Waterfalls, which are 25 meters high.

Korana river and its course

The Big Waterfall, together with the waters of the Sastavasi Waterfalls, forms the Korana River. The source of the Korana River is located at the foot of the Sastavasi Waterfalls, where the waters of the Plitvice Stream and the lake system merge. The source is located at an altitude of 475 m, and the length of the river reaches from the source to the point where it joins the m.e Kupa River Near Karlovac is 134 km. The Korana River belongs to and flows into the Black Sea basine Kupa Riverthen to the Sava and Danube rivers and finally to the Black Sea.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park and Big Waterfall is an unforgettable experience. This breathtaking example of natural beauty enables visitors to not only feast their eyes but also gain a deeper respect for the natural processes that shape our planet. The Big Waterfall, with its majestic appearance and roar of water, symbolizes the strength and beauty of nature that reminds us of the importance of preserving such wonderful landscapes for future generations. If you haven’t visited this natural paradise yet, Big Waterfall and Plitvice Lakes deserve to be high on your must-see list.