The City Nature Challenge (CNC) began in the United States in 2016, when employees of the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History and the California Academy of Sciences created a friendly competition between the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The competition was organized to see which city could record the largest number of plant and animal species with the largest number of participants over 8 days. Over the following years, an increasing number of cities have joined this initiative and invited their residents (or visitors) to find and document the urban biodiversity. In just 6 years, the CNC has developed into an internationally recognized urban bioblitz event.

The collection of records is carried out through media, most often photographs, and is shared on the virtual platform iNaturalist. It is an open approach that leads to data on the presence of plant and animal species. Once the observations are transferred to the virtual platform, they can be seen and identified by the entire community within the platform. The flexible nature of this methodology and its inclusiveness in terms of participation is precisely what has driven its rapid adoption around the world.

The City Nature Challenge in Croatia is organized by the Institute for Environment and Nature (Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition) and compared to last year, there are now significantly more co-organizers covering 12 counties among which are Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lika-Senj County.

How to join the challenge and conduct observations and input of wild plant and animal species please check on these photos:

Objava Join this year’s City Nature Challenge 2026! pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

World Water Day, which we celebrate every year on March 22, was established by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of water to our lives and the need for its sustainable use. Around 71% of our planet is made up of water, but only 2.5% of it is freshwater, of which only 1% is available for use. Water is not evenly distributed across the globe, leaving almost 2.2 billion people without access to safe drinking water today. Climate change and steady population growth further increase the water crisis and require urgent action.

The theme of this year’s celebrations is Water and Gender. It highlights the harsh realities of daily life, as water scarcity and lack of sanitation disproportionately affect women and girls, especially in many regions where poverty, gender inequality, and water scarcity are closely linked. Without safe water, sanitation and hygiene close to home, women and girls bear a heavier burden than men and boys. In eight out of ten households facing water scarcity, women and girls are responsible for collecting water.  They care for people made sick by unsafe water. They lose time, health, safety, and opportunities. And, they are often left out of decision-making. Furthermore, access to safe sanitation is essential for women’s health.

This makes the global water crisis a women’s crisis.

It’s time to centre women and girls in water solutions – not only as users, but as leaders, engineers, farmers, scientists, caregivers and changemakers. Because when women and girls are empowered to play their full role alongside men and boys, everyone thrives.

That’s why this year’s campaign is called ‘Where water flows, equality grows’.

Water plays a particularly important role in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It creates tufa barriers, waterfalls and lakes, is a habitat for numerous plants and animals, and serves to supply drinking water and other human needs. That is why every year, on World Water Day, we also remind ourselves of the need to protect and conserve freshwater ecosystems. We have also used this opportunity for many years to inform eighth-graders from local elementary schools about the waters in our park, the problems associated with freshwater and the theme of World Water Day through presentations and workshops.

Slike: Radionice u OŠ dr. Franje Tuđmana i Oš Slunj

Objava World Water Day – Water and Gender pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Protected area management effectiveness (PAME) is defined by the World Commission on Protected Areas as an assessment of how well a protected area is managed, i.e. to what extent the protected area conserve its values ​​and achieves its established objectives. Effective protected area management is the basis for achieving long-term biodiversity conservation, but despite the established protected areas of which there are more than 140,000 in the European Union and Natura 2000 areas of which there are more than 25,000, the mere designation and establishment do not ensure success in preserving all values.

It is for this reason that the LIFE PAME-Europe project was launched with the aim of establishing a framework for a European-wide system for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of protected area management. The project partners are EUROPARC Federation (Europe), DHP Conservation S.R.O. (Czech Republic), Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland (Finland), Nationale Naturlandschaften EV (Germany) and Department de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica (Spain). The project runs from 2024-2028, and the testing phase of the tool or framework for assessing the management effectiveness of pilot sites across Europe, but also outside the European Union, is from 2026 to 2027. Pilot areas participate at the level of the site itself, individually, for example a protected area or Natura 2000 area, while other pilot areas are represented at the system level (ministries, agencies) that test the tool for, for example, all protected areas under their jurisdiction.

The pilot sites have a task to test the tool in the coming period through a self-assessment process, but also through online workshops, while the support of the project team is provided. Within the given deadlines, covered chapters will include checking and supplementing data with site information, conservation objectives, pressures, conservation measures, monitoring and conservation outcomes.

We will continue the project activities in the coming period with online training on the European Nature Academy platform, which will support participants on this exciting journey. We hope that the experience of participating in and implementing this PAME-Europe Framework will provide us with additional experience needed in the development of a new Management Plan.

In following this topic, we kindley invite you to join the Management Effectiveness Community here https://life-pame-europe-mec.grwebsite.eu/.

Objava Plitvice Lakes National Park as one of the pilot sites in the LIFE PAME-Europe project pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Ticket sale (Entrance 1, Auxiliary entrance II – Flora): 8:00 – 13:00
Parking Entrance 1, Parking Entrance 2: 7:00 – 17:00

Mukinje Ski Resort
Sleighing trail: CLOSED
Ski trail: CLOSED

Before arrival, we recommend checking the conditions at the Park by calling +385 53 751 015.

Electric boat

Panorama train

The Plitvice Lakes National Park application – your pocket guide for visiting the park

Experience the idyllic scenes of the sleepy nature of Plitvice Lakes, feel the benefits of a healing stay in the fresh air and taste the richness of our gastronomic offer inspired by the Lika tradition. In order to provide you with a unique winter vacation and a break from the hectic pace of life, we have prepared a winter package which includes 1, 2 or 3 nights with breakfast or half board at Jezero Hotel.

In this special offer, we have arranged discounts on numerous facilities: massage at the Fors Fortis Body Care studio, horseback riding at Ranch Terra, tickets to Speleon – Centre of subterranean heritage , tickets to Velebit House and visit to the Stilanova Lika. For all of you who opt for a bed and breakfast service, we offer a discount on lunch or dinner at Vučnica Bistro.

Take a winter vacation and experience the magic of Lika winter at Plitvice Lakes!

• 1-night stay with bed and breakfast
• national park entrance ticket (valid for the entire stay)
• complimentary access to whirlpool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam bath
• complimentary access to fitness room
• complimentary parking for hotel guests
• 10 % discount on lunch or dinner at Vučnica Bistro
• 20% discount on a 60-minute RELAX massage at the hotel’s Fors Fortis Body Care Studio (advance notice required by calling +385 95 901 3866)
• 15% discount on horseback riding at Terra horse ranch (advance notice required by calling +385 97 629 3343)
• 35% discount on the entrance ticket to the “ Velebit House ” (please check the opening hours before your visit by calling +385 53 665 380)
• 20% discount on a visit to the “Stilanova Lika” and tasting of brandies and liqueurs with local products (advance notice required by calling +385 98 425 506)
• Price per person: from 62,00 €

WINTER FAMILY IDYLL IN THE HEART OF PLITVICE LAKES

Enjoy a vacation that combines the peace of nature and the joy of family gatherings, creating moments that you will remember for a long time. To ensure a truly special family vacation, we have prepared a package that includes 2 nights with half board at Jezero Hotel. In this special offer, we have arranged discounts on numerous facilities: massage at the Fors Fortis Body Care studio, horseback riding at Ranch Terra, and a discount on tickets to Speleon – Centre of subterranean heritage.  In addition, all our guests can enjoy a special discount on lunch at the Lička kuća and Restaurant Poljana – Black River restaurants.

We invite you and your family to experience the winter idyll of Plitvice Lakes and enjoy unforgettable moments together in the heart of nature.

• 2 nights with half board
• welcome gift: bottle of water and fresh fruit in the room on the day of arrival
• entrance tickets to the National Park valid for the entire stay
• TOP benefit in superior triple rooms: 1 child up to 11.99 years stays free
• TOP benefit in all room types: 1 child up to 4.99 years stays free (should be specified in the reservation notes)
• free use of the whirlpool, Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath
• free use of the fitness room
• free hotel parking
• 15% discount on lunch at Lička kuća and Poljana – Black River restaurants
• 20% discount on a 60-minute RELAX massage at the hotel’s Fors Fortis Body Care Studio (advance notice required by calling +385 95 901 3866)
• 15% discount on horseback riding at Terra horse ranch (advance notice required by calling +385 97 629 3343)
• 20% discount on entrance ticket to Speleon – Centre of subterranean heritage (please check the opening hours before your visit)
• Price per person: from 150,00 €

Built in 1972 and furnished as a version of the ethno museum, the Lička kuća Restaurant, with its ambience and gastronomic offer based on food of local origin, authentically revives the richness of tradition in Lika region. A walk through the restaurant takes you to another world, the soothing warmth of the old Lika house, while the scents and tastes bring back the memories of the childhood and our grandmothers kitchens, where the food is made by hand from home-grown ingredients. In the food preparation we use products of local origin, of which many are protected by the regional quality system Lika Quality as products produced in the ecological oasis of Lika Destination with proven farm-to-table traceability. By using home-made ingredients of exceptional quality, our employees prepare their own foundations and produce local soft cheese „Basa“, sausages, potato rolls and even home-made plum jam, all without any additives or artificial ingredients.

Just imagine the scene – an open fire pit, the crackling of the fire flickering under the spit, the air filled with aromatic spices and aromas beckoning you to taste the freshly-roasted delicacy of the Lika region which is about to appear on your plate in just a few minutes. Discover this gastronomic adventure in the unforgettable ambience of the Lička kuća Restaurant, let it conquer all your senses and take you on a journey through the centuries of tradition of Lika region!

Located just two kilometers south of entrance 2 to the National Park, Pizzeria Vučnica is the perfect stop for your gastronomic adventure and a peaceful location that offers an incredible view of the picturesque ski resort.

Our diverse menu will satisfy all your cravings. Start with our delicious pizzas, prepared with love and fresh ingredients. If you’re looking for a classic taste, try our juicy hamburgers and homemade sausages, made according to an authentic recipe. For dessert, there is no better choice than our irresistible “Basa cake” – the perfect ending to a meal for true gourmets.

The unbridled beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park enchants every visitor. Its crystal-clear lakes, the murmur of water and the sound of waterfalls echoing through the forest are the reason why Plitvice Lakes is by far the most visited national park in Croatia. Situated in this oasis, located only about 300 m from the biggest lake Kozjak and its lush greenery, Hotel Jezero is hidden away in the quiet environment of Plitvice Lakes, which makes it a perfect location for a holiday in nature. Inside, you can find Restaurant Waterfall and enjoy the view of relaxing greenery from it’s terrace. The pleasant ambience of our lobby bar and outdoor terrace is as enjoyable as our wide selection of beverages and treats.

Restaurant Borje

Bar: 07:00 – 20:00
Buffet – self-service: 10:00 – 17:00
A la carte Restaurant: 12:00- 20:00

Built in 1977 as part of the auto camp and in close proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park, alongside the busy road that served as the only highway link to Northern and Western Europe at the time, where numerous tourists traveled to the coast, Borje Restaurant has remained an indispensable place for relaxation and refreshment with its local gastronomic offerings. Clean lines, playful colors, and the elegance of the space, combined with the irresistible aroma of homemade delicacies and friendly staff, make this restaurant an essential destination for rest and enjoyment, continuing a long-standing tradition passed down from generation to generation.

• Restaurant Poljana
• Bistro Kozjačka draga (payment only by cards)
• Buffet Slap
• Caffe bar Rapajinka – (Sat-Sun, payment only by cards)

Objava Winter at Plitvice Lakes pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

WHAT AWAITS YOU?

The three-day New Year’s Eve package includes two nights at Jezero Hotel and three days in the winter idyll of Plitvice Lakes with a ticket to the Park and a diverse musical program throughout your stay.

The festive New Year’s Eve dinner at Jezero Hotel will feature a superb performance by the Oaza group, playing a variety of genres. On New Year’s Day you will have the opportunity to enjoy an organized tour of the Park accompanied by a guide, a performance by the Izvor – Rakovica Cultural and Artistic Association, lunch at Poljana Restaurant with Plitvički bećari band and the band Like during the New Year’s After Party at Lička Kuća Restaurant.

SOUND THAT BRINGS GENERATIONS TOGETHER

The Oaza band is a musical group with many years of experience playing and performing live. It was founded in 1986, and throughout all these years it has remained true to quality and love for music. From Oaza you can always expect professionalism, credible performance and great sound. Their music of various genres is guaranteed to entertain you and keep you on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning!

WHY CHOOSE PLITVICE LAKES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE?

Step into 2026 in one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks and Croatia’s top destination, whose exceptional natural beauty delights millions of visitors from all over the world. Combine that with top-notch gastronomy and music, and you’ll have the perfect escape from everyday life and a New Year’s Eve that you’ll remember for a long time.

BOOK NOW!

Spaces are limited, so secure your place today and spend the first moments of 2026 with your loved ones in the beautiful surroundings of Plitvice Lakes!

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Plitvice Lakes NP Sales Department
Mon – Fri │ 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: +385 53 751 545
E-mail: sales2@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Objava New Year’s Eve at Plitvice Lakes pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Given the topic of project activities related to climate change, the key lecture at this gathering was given by Prof. Dr. sc. Mirko Orlić from the University of Zagreb, presenting global trends in climate change and projections. Conservator from Trogir, Jasna Popović, gave a presentation on the UNESCO cultural heritage management, the topic of the impact of climate change on natural heritage using the example of the Plitvice Lakes National Park was presented by Maja Vurnek, an employee of the National Park Conservation Service. As the main activities in the work package 1 of the CAMPUS project are related to the development of vulnerability and multi-risk assessments for UNESCO sites, representatives of the University of Venice, Silvia Zannin and Federica Parlato, presented the results so far for the areas included in the project. Risk maps of cities and modelling for Trogir and Stari Grad on Hvar were presented by Ivan Carević, along with the results of surveys conducted with residents regarding their experiences with climate change. From the Ministry of Culture and Media, Petra Smajić gave a lecture on the topic of risk management for cultural heritage and the legislative framework, while Martin Bućan from Split-Dalmatia County presented the Desirmed and A-AAGORA projects.

At the end of the presentations, a round table was held on the topic “From global science to local action”, moderated by Sandra Bračot, and the discussion was attended by Professor Mirko Orlić, Vinko Trbušković, Petra Smajić and Martin Bućan.

The second day of activities was reserved for a project meeting of partners, about the activities carried out so far, future tasks in further work packages, financial construction, and the outline content of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan was presented, which will be further developed in the coming months.

For more information about the CAMPUS project, visit https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/campus.

Objava The International Conference and the 4th meeting of partners on the CAMPUS project pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

“Feel the Pulse of the Forest” is the name of the initiative that was implemented in 2024 in cooperation with Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, and refers to the installation of 10 sustainable biomonitoring stations in the Park area that monitor tree growth, carbon absorption and meteorological data. One of the stations is located in the visitor zone of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where visitors can see the biomonitoring station on site with a detailed explanation of the research on information boards and read the data on the trees they are currently observing from the QR code. In this way, exploring the nature of the Plitvice Lakes turns into an interactive learning experience that deepens the visitors’ awareness of forests as key “carbon reservoirs” and their importance in understanding climate change.

Biomonitoring of tree growth and carbon storage allows scientists from the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology to gain a deeper understanding of forest and climate processes, while the measuring station in the visitor zone enriches educational programs, guided tours and visitors’ insight into the Park’s efforts to preserve nature and adapt to climate change.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Management is extremely proud that through this nomination, the efforts of the Park’s employees to preserve this unique natural treasure have been recognized on a global level.

The announcement of the winners in all categories will take place at the ITB Berlin fair in 2026, one of the world’s most influential tourism fairs, where Plitvice Lakes National Park will once again be in the spotlight as one of the prominent examples of sustainable development in tourism.

Objava Top 100 Story of Plitvice Lakes National Park finalist for prestigious Green Destinations Award in Environment and Climate category pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

It was a great honour to host the Croatian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which has presented the final activities of the Nature for All in Sign Language project on the 15^th of May. The leader of the project, which was granted funding by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, selected all Croatian national parks as associated partners. Members of the Karlovac County Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing also participated in the final conference because there is currently no association for people with this type of disability in the Lika-Senj County.

The project mainly aimed to create content in the form of videos recorded by the Croatian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with all the special features of the protected areas interpreted into Croatian Sign Language and International Sign. This task was not easy due to the complexity of some concepts, which the translators tried to simplify while retaining the facts and meaning. Also, the project was done in collaboration with the Association of Employers in Croatian Hospitality, with workshops being held for tourism workers during the project.

The final conference gave us the opportunity to learn more about how we can communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing (no yelling!), how challenging lip reading is (the deaf and hard of hearing understand only about 30% of the content), as well as trying to understand sign language and certain phrases.

In the coming period, stickers with a QR code will be placed at the main entrances to Plitvice Lakes National Park and other locations, giving the deaf and hard of hearing access to videos with content about the national park, i.e. tour programs and natural features. 32 videos are available in Croatian Sign Language and 17 in International Sign, with subtitles for every video.

Objava The final conference of the “Nature for All in Sign Language” project pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The facts are taken from the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, and the “Climate Fresk” concept comes from France, with its main author being Cédric Ringenbach. The hard work of the mentors has brought the workshop to Croatia to improve climate literacy and attempt to raise awareness of the problems caused by climate change, or rather climate crisis we are experiencing.

Objava Workshop on climate change pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".