Throughout October, the bistrica plum takes centre stage at Plitvice Lakes National Park – one of the region’s distinctive flavours and the inspiration behind a special selection of dishes available at several locations throughout the Park.

The Story of the bistrica Plum

The bistrica plums used in our dishes come from the Lika region, where they are locally harvested and prepared using traditional methods. By following time-honoured recipes and techniques, we preserve their natural flavour and distinctive aroma. Our bistrica plum jam holds a special place in this tradition, made without any added sugar, additives or artificial colourings.

With its simplicity, authentic character and strong ties to the region, the bistrica plum has become a source of inspiration for our culinary team this October.

A Taste of Autumn at Plitvice Lakes

This October, take a break after exploring the lakes and waterfalls and treat yourself to a special selection of dishes inspired by the bistrica plum. From traditional home-style favourites to contemporary takes on autumn flavours, each of our venues offers its own interpretation of this local fruit.

At Lička kuća, a restaurant whose atmosphere and culinary heritage are closely tied to Lika’s traditions, the bistrica plum is a natural part of a menu celebrating homemade flavours, local ingredients and dishes that reflect the character of the region.

At Waterfall Restaurant, autumn takes on a more contemporary flavour. Its special bistrica-inspired menu brings together seasonal ingredients, creative cuisine and the unique experience of visiting Plitvice Lakes.

Borje Restaurant is another stop on this October culinary journey – a place to pause after discovering the area’s natural beauty and savour another taste of autumn in Lika.

The experience continues over coffee, dessert or a relaxing break. At Kozjak Caffe & Pastry and the lobby bar of Jezero Hotel, the bistrica plum adds a sweet touch to autumn moments, offering one more way to round off your visit to Plitvice with a flavour that truly belongs to this region.

Each location offers its own take on the bistrica plum, with a shared aim of showcasing its place in Lika’s traditional cuisine.

Book Your Autumn Escape at Jezero Hotel

October is an ideal time to experience Plitvice Lakes at a more leisurely pace. Walks along the lakes surrounded by rich autumn colours, fresh air, the soothing sound of waterfalls, a relaxing stay and the traditional flavours of Lika all come together to offer a different perspective on Plitvice Lakes.

That is why we have also created a special “Autumn charms at Plitvice Lakes” package, inviting you to turn a day trip into a memorable autumn getaway.

Explore the lakes. Take your time. Savour the local cuisine. Discover the story of the bistrica plum. After all, our fondest travel memories are often made not only of the sights we see, but also of the aromas, flavours and little moments we discover along the way.

Objava October – the month of the local bistrica plum at Plitvice Lakes pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The project to produce the Basic Geological Map of Plitvice Lakes National Park at a scale of 1:50 000, together with the Explanatory Notes for the Basic Geological Map of Plitvice Lakes National Park, was carried out from 2021 to 2025 by the Croatian Geological Survey, in cooperation with the staff of Plitvice Lakes National Park. More than 30 experts participated in the preparation of the map and the accompanying explanatory notes.

A geological map is a multidisciplinary scientific and reference work based on systematic geological research across various geological disciplines. For national parks, geological maps primarily enable a higher quality assessment and management, and a more detailed evaluation of existing natural resources, as well as greater visibility of the deep interconnection between geology and other components of the ecosystem.

The national park is located within the Dinaric massif and consists almost entirely of dolomite and limestone. Geological mapping identified a total of 24 lithostratigraphic units, 15 formations, 3 members, and 6 unconformity-bounded Quaternary units, spanning a period from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous (200 to 70 million years ago). A special section dates from the recent geological past, namely the last 10,000 years, during which the tufa barriers and most of the lake system were formed. The map provides valuable insight into the geological structure and development of the area around the Plitvice Lakes National Park. During the four years of field research, which included prospecting, geological profile surveying and geological mapping, numerous representative rock samples containing fossils were collected. The samples were set aside and stored in the geological heritage collection of Plitvice Lakes National Park, further enriching the collection and documenting the geological diversity of the Park. The new map will provide a basis for numerous specialised studies, primarily in the fields of hydrogeology, speleology, geomorphology, and dating of tufa barriers.

Objava New Geological Map of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The principal aim of the three-year researches of bark beetle fauna in Plitvice Lakes National Park was to assess the population dynamics and abundance of spruce bark beetles, focusing on Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus. These are the two most significant bark beetle species and, when their populations reach outbreak levels, can trigger spruce forest dieback such as that seen in recent years in the forests of Gorski Kotar and Northern Velebit. Three years of monitoring with pheromone-baited flight-interception traps at 13 representative sites established the pattern of catches, used as an indirect measure of abundance. Catches peaked in 2022 and declined in 2023 for both monitored spruce bark beetle species. In addition to this objective, the study encompassed the entire bark beetle assemblage (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae). A total of 32 species were recorded within the Park’s present-day boundaries, representing an increase of 12 species compared with historical records from the 1950s. Two invasive species that are already widespread in this part of Europe are particularly noteworthy: Xylosandrus germanus and Gnathotrychus materiarius. Conversely, Ernoporicus caucasicus and Xyloterus laeve represent rare and noteworthy records. Among the closely related pinhole borers (Curculionidae, Platypodinae), in addition to the expected and widespread oak pinhole borer (Platypus cylindrus), the presence of a very rare Palaearctic relict, the fir pinhole borer (Treptoplatypus oxyurus), was also confirmed in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Native to the Palaearctic, this pinhole borer is considered a relict species and an indicator of the old-growth character of Europe’s beech–fir and fir forests. Outside Croatia, it is currently known from only a handful of European countries: France (the Pyrenees and Corsica), parts of Spain (the Pyrenees), Greece (the Peloponnese), Italy (Sardinia and the pre-Alpine region) and Slovakia (Badín Primeval Forest). In addition to incidental catches made as part of the spruce bark beetle monitoring programme, a series of additional traps was deployed and repeated researches focusing on xylophagous and saproxylic insect fauna associated with dead wood were conducted, yielding some very interesting results. Only those species that indicate a well-preserved forest habitat – specifically, the old-growth character of the faunistically rich beech–fir forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park – are highlighted here: the longhorn beetle Pogonocherus ovatus, the fir jewel beetle Eurythyrea austriaca, the beetles Synodendron cylindricum and Ceruchus chrysomelinus, and two rare click beetles, Lacon lepidopterus and Lacon querceus. In addition to these species, some of which were recorded in this area for the first time, the presence of rare and valuable deadwood indicator species associated with old-growth conditions was reconfirmed, including Rhysodes sulcatus, Cucujus cinnaberinus, Peltis grossa and Peltis ferruginea.

Objava Research of bark beetle and other xylophagous beetle fauna in Plitvice Lakes National Park 2021–2023 pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Visitors and other interested parties can access the weather station’s current readings by downloading the free Pinova Mobile app, selecting the “Log in” option, and entering the username “itztzg” and the password “903147”.

The objectives of this project are multidisciplinary and aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the interactions between climate change, tourism, and nature conservation across three protected areas: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Kopački Rit Nature Park, and the Vis Archipelago Geopark. The first objective is to assess the current state of tourism in these protected areas in order to identify key climate-related threats. Subsequently, the vulnerability of these areas to climate change will be analyzed, with a particular focus on extreme weather conditions, changes in species habitats, and tourism development. Identifying relevant vulnerability indicators will be crucial for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of climate change. By developing tailored vulnerability and resilience indices, the research will contribute to more effective management of climate change impacts on tourism. The ultimate goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the protected areas while maximizing the benefits of tourism for local communities and nature conservation.

Follow the activities related to this project at the link https://iztzg.hr//en/main-projects/scientific-projects/pact-vira/

Objava New Weather Station in the National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

One of the finest examples is Lička kuća, a restaurant that has been preserving the flavours of Lika for more than half a century. Its authentic setting, which perfectly captures the spirit of Lika’s traditions, provides the perfect backdrop for dishes prepared according to recipes passed down through generations. The menu features specialities such as lamb, trout, local cheeses, basa – a traditional cheese from Lika, freshly baked bread and homemade strudels, with many of the products prepared in the restaurant’s own kitchen. The famous lamb cooked under the bell – the peka – is a particular highlight, as is Lički zavežljaj, a modern interpretation of a traditional dish that combines heritage with contemporary presentation in an imaginative way. It comes as no surprise that, in recent years, Lička kuća has regularly ranked among Croatia’s most highly regarded restaurants, attracting guests eager to discover the authentic flavours of the region.

Black River – Steak & Pasta House, located at Entrance 2 to the National Park, offers a completely different yet equally appealing experience. Its modern interior, relaxed atmosphere and carefully curated menu make it an excellent choice for guests seeking a more contemporary dining experience. At the heart of its offering are premium steaks made from meat dry-aged in dedicated chambers for up to 55 days, resulting in the depth of flavour and texture appreciated by discerning meat connoisseurs. The handmade pasta selection and extensive wine list are equally enticing, making this a place where the food, atmosphere and overall experience can be enjoyed in equal measure.

The culinary story of Plitvice Lakes extends well beyond these two restaurants. Kozjak Caffe & Pastry adds a lighter, more relaxed touch and is the perfect place to pause for coffee, cake or a sweet treat after exploring the Park. Meanwhile, the Waterfall restaurant at Hotel Jezero reflects the increasingly ambitious development of hotel dining at Plitvice Lakes. Its menu draws on local ingredients and Lika’s culinary traditions while catering to guests who expect comfort, quality and a complete dining experience within a hotel setting.

There is also Borje restaurant, which has held a special place in the culinary offering of the Plitvice area for many years. Conveniently located along a major route and well known to numerous travellers, it is an excellent choice for a short break during a journey, as well as for organised tour groups. Thanks to its long-standing tradition, reliable service and consistently high quality, Borje remains an essential stop for anyone seeking a tried-and-tested dining experience near Plitvice Lakes.

What unites the culinary offering of Plitvice Lakes is a shared commitment to quality, local ingredients and the preservation of the authentic flavours of Lika. From Lička kuća and Black River to Kozjak, Waterfall and Borje, each of these establishments enriches the visitor experience in its own way and tells a unique culinary story.

Today, Plitvice Lakes are therefore not only synonymous with unspoilt nature and unique landscapes, but also a place where the beauty of the destination can be experienced with all the senses. If you are planning a visit, be sure to set aside some time for a culinary break – because one of the best ways to discover a region is not only through its sights, but also through the flavours that remain in your memory long after you return home.

Objava Where to eat at Plitvice Lakes? pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

This year, Plitvice Lakes National Park is joining the celebration of World Tourism Day with a series of events and activities at Entrance 1. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free guided tours in multiple languages, interact with our mascot Medo, receive informative materials from our presenters, and sample local products such as Lika cheese, bacon, fritters, brandy and a performance by the “Lipa Sinac” Cultural and Artistic Association.

CELEBRATING THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

On 27 September, a variety of activities await you at Entrance 1 to the National Park:

• Free guided tours for individual visitors, departing from Entrance 1. Two separate tours will be available at different departure times (10:00 and 11:00) until the maximum number of visitors per guide has been reached.
• The bear mascot will be meeting visitors from 9:30 to 12:30, ready for photos and fun moments with our youngest visitors.
• Park Information officers and Park Interpreters will distribute leaflets and inform the visitors about the activities from 10:00 to 13:00.
• While the tasting of local products (the Lika platter with cheese, bacon, authentic “uštipak”, strudel, fritters and “rakija” fruit brandy, hot tea) awaits visitors from 10:30 to 13:00.
• The “Lipa Sinac” Cultural and Arts Association will perform from 11:00 to 12:30 at Entrance 1,

Note for guided tours:

* The number of visitors is limited. Guests will be able to sign up for guided tours by obtaining their reservation number at the information point.

Special offer at Jezero Hotel

To mark World Tourism Day on September 27, book a stay at Hotel Jezero and take advantage of a special offer that includes accommodation, a ticket to the Park, and additional perks for a more enjoyable stay.

The offer includes:

• Ticket for Plitvice Lakes National Park (valid for the entire duration of your stay)
• Complimentary access to the whirlpool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam bath
• Complimentary access to the fitness room
• Complimentary parking for hotel guests

Objava World Tourism Day pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The goal of this event is to raise public awareness about the importance of bats and ways to protect them, as well as to break the common prejudices surrounding these tiny and higly beneficial creatures.

This year, Plitvice Lakes National Park will mark this day on August 29th at Entrance 1 of the National Park.

Starting from 2:00 PM, Park staff will be present at the entrance to provide information and educate visitors and interested individulas about the biology, ecology and importance of bats.

At 7:00 PM – as dusk falls – we will start guided tours towards the lakes using a bat detectors, devices that make bat vocalizations audible to humans.

We look forward to see you!

Objava International Bat Night pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The kingfisher, known for its metallic blue plumage, is a relatively rare sight in the Park and can be hard to spot. The dipper is somewhat more common and is often seen foraging along rapids. It typically nests behind waterfalls, in tufa barriers.

The BIOM Association conducted the “Research on Kingfishers and Dippers in Plitvice Lakes National Park” project in 2021 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department. The research aimed to assess the population status of these two species in the Park area, as well as identify potential threats they face. Both species are protected by law and are Natura 2000 target species for the Park.

Objava Research on Kingfishers and Dippers in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

OIKON d.o.o. conducted the “Research on Loaches in Plitvice Lakes National Park” project between 2020 and 2022 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department.

The project aimed to assess the structure of the loach community and the traits of their populations.

Previous research has recorded both loach species only in Lake Kozjak and downstream. They have not been recorded in Lake Prošćansko and other lakes in the Upper Lakes system. In Lake Kozjak, their populations are in good condition, and their large presence alone suggests that they play an important role in the lake’s biocenosis.

Objava The Italian Spined Loach in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

This semi-aquatic species is found across most of Europe. It is a carnivore and prefers fish, although it also eats crustaceans, birds, amphibians, and other smaller mammals it is able to catch. It inhabits all types of freshwater habitats, and is also found along the sea coast. Otters are very shy and elusive animals, making them hard to spot. It is easiest to spot them at dusk and dawn, when their activity peaks.

OIKON d.o.o. conducted the research on otters in the Park area between 2019 and 2022 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department. The research aimed to assess the size and condition of otter populations and individual otters, to determine which space they use and to record potential threats. Monitoring of otters is still ongoing.

The relatively large number of about 25 individuals (confirmed through DNA analysis of the collected samples) indicates that the Park area offers an ideal habitat for this species.

Objava The Otter in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".