Rivers that mean life
Plitvice lakes are probably the most memorable waterfalls of Croatia, so it’s no surprise that scientists have been interested in it’s natural beauty since the early 19th century.
The diversity of these exceptionally rare endemic plants makes the Plitvice lakes national park precious not only to Croatia, but Europe. This area, spreading deep into the Velebit outback was in the past called Devils garden. More life paradise, history gives us the origin of the name, since the lakes were on the very border of the then Habsburg Monarchy and Ottoman Empire. The garden of Eden is what Plitivice are with 16 grand lakes covering over two square kilometers. Connected with big and small waterfalls, most of the water is brought in by the Black and White river.
Legend of Plitvice
A hundred year old legend tells the story of the origin of the lakes. After the Black river dried up, and the rain didn’t fall, the people were thirsty and started praying for water – to no end. Then the Black queen appeared in the valley. She had pity for the people and with thunder and lightning let the rain fall… After refreshing the people, animals and fields, the rain continued to fall – creating the myth that became reality – the Plitvice lakes.
A. Brnek-Kostić wrote: “The depth, size and shape, even the number of lakes and their arrangement are in constant change. Only life can give stone such dynamics”. That is only one description of many by various modern scientists that continue the legend of the beauty of Plitvice through their work.
