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Croatia by car & Plitvice Lakes

Posted by Christina | | Posted On Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 3:54 AM

Plitvice Lakes
We are officially driving through Europe! For the first time ever, we aren’t relying on trains, buses, ferries or drivers to get us from point A to point B. It’s just us, a Garmin, some road maps and the open roads of Europe.

I had some HUGE butterflies in my stomach when we first got in our rental car. Having observed how European drivers navigate around town on both this trip and our previous one, I was pretty terrified that we were way in over our heads. But once we got out onto the road, having the car has been incredibly freeing and given us a chance to experience a whole new side of foreign travel and some new scenery too.

 Our first big stop was Plitvice Lakes, a national park in the central region of Croatia a few miles from Bosnia. Driving into the park felt like being home – the mountains, the trees, the wildlife, the trails and the clean, fresh air were so incredibly familiar to the lifestyle and surroundings we grew up with in Washington. However, what you won’t find in Washington is the unique geological features that make this park so incredible.

Matt on one of many boardwalk bridges across the falls
The park is comprised of 16 different lakes, all connected through a series of beautiful waterfalls. And, for a number of scientific reasons involving mineral deposits, the water is bright aqua blue (Matty note: Think the color of the Mariners alternate teal jerseys from the 90s). No mud, no dirt, no other sediment – just solid travertine lake bottoms plus mountain water that turns them bright, Crayola blue. Boardwalks serve as the main “trails” through the series of lakes and waterfalls, along with a boat that takes hikers from the lower lakes to the upper lakes.

It was truly like something out of a postcard. And, once the hoards of bus tours made their way out of the park in the late afternoon, we soaked up the peacefulness of all of the natural beauty around us and wandered the trails a bit longer to snap more photos, look out over the lakes and breathe in the mountain air.

Enjoying the view and the hike
After a wonderful day of hiking, we headed out of the park first thing in the morning to the Istrian peninsula – Croatia’s most Italian region. Our drive started out slightly mis-guided on a very tiny, one lane country road, but our unexpected detour led us into some eye-opening territory.

In addition to getting a glimpse into rural life in Croatia, we passed roadside grave markers, bombed out farm houses and signs warning people about landmines in the woods. We even encountered a military vehicle driving ahead of us marked with explosives placards, we assume, detonating landmines that continue to be an issue in this mountainous region where the war raged just 20 years ago. It was a solemn reminder of just how sad and destructive war is, and how even once the conflict is over, the scars continue on for generations.

The boats connecting the Lower & Upper Lakes
Despite the slight detour, we made it to the Istrian peninsula to Rovinj, our final Croatian destination. We’re already in love with romantic Rovinj from its cute, Italian-style charm to its delicious food (it’s known for truffles). We can’t wait to squeeze every last drop of beauty and personality out of this adorable town before heading into Slovenia.
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