Memory Lane: Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes was one of those places I’d been excited for, even if the weather decided to do its usual thing and turn up gloomy. Still, the moment we stepped into the park, it didn’t really matter. Pine trees, fresh air, and that quiet “you’re not in the city anymore” feeling… until you remember you’re definitely not the only one here.

Our tour leader gave us a choice of routes, and we went for the one that covered both the upper and lower lakes. We started with the park shuttle, then spent hours walking through waterfalls, turquoise water, and those famous wooden boardwalks that make you feel like you’re walking right on top of the lakes.

The views were stunning, even in the grey. Misty, moody, and honestly still unreal. The boardwalks were beautiful but a little slippery in places, especially with the damp weather. And even back in 2017, Plitvice was already so busy that you couldn’t really linger. If you stopped for more than a few seconds, you weren’t just taking a photo. You were basically holding up the entire line.

Right at the end, we took the little ferry across the lake, and it was easily the calmest moment of the whole visit. Just gliding over the water after all the walking, crowds, and boardwalk traffic.

Even with the gloomy skies, Plitvice was completely worth it.