If
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.
