Croatia is rich in protected natural areas – and each national park has its own unique charm. The Plitvice Lakes, with their turquoise cascades, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world-famous. Krka National Park entices with its impressive waterfalls and monasteries set in the heart of nature. The Kornati Archipelago, with nearly 90 islands, is a paradise for sailors, while the Velebit mountains with their peaks and gorges invite hikers to explore. Lake Vrana, a bird reserve, and Paklenica with its striking rock walls also offer unforgettable experiences. Whether on the water, on a hike, or simply in awe of the scenery – Croatia’s national parks are a powerful testament to the diversity and unspoiled beauty of the Adriatic region.
Information
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
The oldest national park in Southeast Europe was founded in 1949 and covers around 297 km². It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 16 interconnected lakes surrounded by travertine cascades and lush forests. The official website provides up-to-date information: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr - Nationalpark Krka
Mit etwa 109 km² Fläche beeindruckt Krka durch spektakuläre Wasserfälle wie den Skradinski buk sowie eine reiche Flora und Fauna entlang der Krka-Schlucht. Webseite: www.np-krka.hr - Kornati National Park
This uniquely maritime national park covers a total area of 217 km², most of which is sea. It consists of a dense archipelago of 89 islands and reefs – a true paradise for sailors. Website: www.np-kornati.hr - Paklenica National Park
Covering about 95–96 km², Paklenica is renowned for its impressive Velika and Mala Paklenica gorges, rock walls rising up to 700 meters, diverse flora, and its popularity as a prime climbing area. More information: www.np-paklenica.hr - Northern Velebit National Park
Covering around 109 km², this park offers dramatic karst landscapes, numerous caves, and the botanical garden in Zavižan. It is part of the UNESCO Velebit Biosphere Reserve. Official website: np-sjeverni-velebit.hr - Vrana Lake Nature Park
This nature park covers 57 km², with the lake itself accounting for about 30 km². As the largest natural lake in Croatia, it lies close to Biograd na Moru. Its defining feature is a rare karst cryptodepression, forming an ecological wetland that hosts more than 256 bird species, including many endangered ones that overwinter or nest here. The park is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. For more information, visit the official website: www.pp-vransko-jezero.hr - Telašćica Nature Park
The park covers 70.5 km² and features the deeply indented bay of Telašćica, cliffs rising up to 161 meters, and the saltwater lake “Mir.” It is a natural harbor with unique flora and fauna. Website: www.telascica.hr