I f there is an equivalent to the Biblical Garden of Eden remaining on Earth, this might just be it. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is in the center of one of the world's most disputed regions. All of the countries surrounding it have been involved in war, revolution, or some other social upheaval in modern times. But the lakes have remained undisturbed thanks to the rugged terrain and natural beauty. Historic maps of the are refer to it as the "Devil's Garden." This is because it was frequently the frontier between opposing forces during wars. Accessing the lakes isn't the easiest thing in the world. Even though this is one of the most historic regions of Europe, less than 100 years ago it was still an eight day trip from the nearest town to the lakes. The sixteen lakes were formed by the erosion of the surrounding limestone, creating a peaceful valley. At the end of each lake is a natural dam, down which hundreds of waterfalls cascade to the next lake in the chain. In all, the waterfalls mean a 135-meter drop for the water level as it moves through the park. A local legend explains how the lakes came to be. "A sultry oppression sat over the fields and mountains for months. People and animals, meadows and gardens yearned for refreshing, gentle rain. The Crna Rijeka river, ordinarily a cheerfully babbling stream, dried up. The people's prayers and pleading were all in vain -- the skies showed no mercy on them. But then the Black Queen with her glittering entourage appeared in the valley. The people cried for help, asking for water, without which they would all perish. And the Queen took pity on themwith great thunder and lighting, heavy rain began to fall in an instant, bringing life to the people and animals, fields and meadows. The rain poured and poured, and the waters began to grow, until they formed the lakes as we see them today." Thanks to an uncommon interaction of the lake's biomass and the calcium, and magnesium carbonates in the limestone, the dams are made mostly of travertine. The lake beds are lined with algae and moss, giving them a crystal blue-green color.
1862: The first lodge is built in the area. It is constructed by border guards and called the Imperial Lodge.
1896: The first hotel is built in the park.
1928: The Plitvice Lakes become a national park.
1949: The boundaries of the park are finalized.
1979: The National Park is added to the UNESCO Natural Heritage register.
