Plitvice Lakes National Park is part of the European ecological network Natura 2000, which highlights its exceptional biodiversity and global importance in the preservation of endangered species and habitats.

We have prepared a special program for the occasion, running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a variety of activities:

• Presentation of the Park’s natural and cultural values – At Entrance 1, Park Interpeters will share fascinating information about the Park’s significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the natural treasures and history of Plitvice Lakes.
• Free guided tours – Two tours will be available in both Croatian and English, starting at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM from Entrance 1. Availability is limited, so be sure to register on-site to secure your spot.
• The Bear Mascot – Our cheerful bear mascot will be greeting visitors from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ready for photos and fun moments with our youngest guests.
• Performance by the Cultural Arts Society “Lađevčani” – Enjoy the traditional music and folklore of the region, adding an extra layer of charm to our celebration.

Join us in celebrating the 76th birthday and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Objava 76th Birthday of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Lake Kozjak has not always looked like this. Until about 400 years ago, there were two lakes on the site of the one lake we see today. These lakes, like all the others in the Plitvice Lakes system, were separated by a tufa barrier. This barrier, about 400 m wide and about 36 m high, is now 6 m below the surface of the water. It can be seen from the panoramic boat on sunny days as a white obstacle in the dark blue depths.

What happened? How did the barrier end up below the surface of the water when we know that they separate lakes, and magnificent cascades flow over them?

There are two possible theories about the sinking of the barrier, and we can say that in fact the more recent theory has replaced the older one. According to the original theory (Petrik, 1958), the downstream barrier, i.e. the barrier at the end of Lake Kozjak (or the former second lake), which we know today as Kozjački mostovi, grew much faster. With the rise of the downstream barrier, the water level of the upstream lake also rose. At one point, 400 years ago, there was a tipping point when the water level rose so high that it covered the upstream barrier. The downstream barrier continued to grow with the same intensity as before, so the water level continued to rise, and thus the submerged barrier was left deeper and deeper under water. Submerged tufa barriers are found not only in Kozjak, but also in Lakes Milanovac, Gradinsko and Prošćansko, and to a lesser extent in other lakes as well.

In the autumn of 2019, dives along the submerged barrier revealed that the original theory may actually be completely incorrect. More specifically, the divers discovered the point where a part of the barrier probably broke off, thus creating a 4 m deep channel. In this way, the downstream barrier on Kozjački mostovi became the only active barrier on the single Lake Kozjak that was then created. The breaking off of the submerged barrier in Lake Kozjak led to major changes in the system. Not only were two lakes formed into one, but the water level of that lake also rose and thus affected the hydrological conditions.

Cracks in tufa barriers are not a common occurrence, but they are not as rare and unusual as one might think. Tufa is very porous, and therefore susceptible to mechanical damage. As a result of extreme weather conditions, such as sudden and great changes in temperature, great oscillations in water levels due to melting snow and heavy rains, a part of the barrier may crack or even break off. In recent times, we have witnessed several barriers breaking off and it has been shown that the results can be drastic. However, the new views created in this way are only a consequence of natural changes.

Read other interesting stories from the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Objava SUBMERGED BARRIER OF LAKE KOZJAK pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".