Croatia

Welcome to Plitvice Lakes National Park!

View from the top of Plitvice Lakes park

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia has been at the top of Seth’s bucket list for as long as I can remember. Since he first created his bucket list, the stunning images of the turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls have adorned his desktop. So, when we decided to visit, we rented a car for the drive. On the way to pick up our car, our cab driver gave us some helpful tips about driving in Croatia.

Pro Tip: Engage with the locals! Every person we’ve talked to on this trip has offered at least one useful piece of advice. For example, our driver emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits, no matter what. This was a bit concerning, considering we had just come from speeding down the Autobahn. He also warned that if we were pulled over, the officer could request immediate payment for any fines—a practice that’s common in the region. It felt a bit unsettling, but that’s just how things work here sometimes. I couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious.

Driving in Croatia

We easily picked up our rental car and set off on the two-hour journey to the park. The drive was scenic, though there wasn’t much to see at first, just a lot of trees. As we approached the area, however, we began noticing little streams with the most brilliant blue color. For the last 20 minutes, I honestly thought I was seeing things or that the color was a reflection from the clear skies. But once we arrived at the park, it was clear that the water was truly that vibrant blue and green—a sight so beautiful that it’s hard to put into words.

Before entering Plitvice Lakes National Park, we made a quick stop at a market/restaurant/bar to grab some snacks and water. It was a bit of an awkward pit stop, though. We initially thought we could order takeaway from the bar, but quickly realized it was more of a locals-only spot, and we were the obvious tourists. After a quick detour to the market area, we picked up what we needed and continued on our way.

Exploring the caves

Entering Plitvice Lakes

To enter Plitvice Lakes National Park, tickets are required. We paid 40 euros each for entry. While it felt a little expensive, we were visiting during peak season, so that probably played a part. Once inside, we saw maps outlining the various trails and park rules. We began our journey in the middle of the lakes, making our way towards the lower sections. The park features wooden walkways and bridges that meander through the landscape. Despite there being many people purchasing tickets and parking, the trails weren’t crowded, which made the experience even more peaceful. While swimming in the lakes is prohibited, there is a designated swimming area in the upper lakes—most likely where everyone else was enjoying the water due to the heat and humidity.

Crystal clear water!

Exploring the Water and Waterfalls

Walking around the park felt almost surreal—like stepping into a dream. We were both filled with a strange, fuzzy feeling as we took in the beauty of the surroundings. Along the way, we encountered a large lake with an island in the center, surrounded by waterfalls. We decided to rent a canoe to get a closer look. Seth did all the paddling, and let’s just say, he was sore afterward! We glided near the waterfalls and even made a little duck friend along the way. It was incredibly tranquil out there.

After our canoe adventure, we returned to land to continue our hike. From the map, we knew there was a large waterfall at the bottom, and that was our next destination. The sound of the water gently trickling and the mesmerizing blue hues were almost hypnotic. We took a detour around a bend and stumbled upon a huge bat cave! Of course, there were steps to climb to reach it, and I’m so glad we did. From there, we were rewarded with stunning views of the lakes, including the exact spot where Seth’s desktop background photo had been taken. The view of all the waterfalls from that vantage point was breathtaking—no photo or video could truly capture its grandeur.

I will never forget my time here. I don’t even need to look at the pictures of this place to remember it. The feeling we got when we came here is indescribable, and I wish everyone could experience it. It’s places like this that make me feel closer to God. When I picture Eden, this is what I see. 

Tomorrow we are back on the trains to our next country! Where will we go next?…

Greetings from Zagreb, Croatia!

This morning, we arrived in Zagreb, Croatia, after taking our very first overnight train ride! The night before, we managed to find surprisingly clean shower facilities at the Munich train station for just 7 euros, which gave us a nice, refreshing break. After freshening up, we hopped aboard our sleeper train, excited for the adventure ahead.

The Train Ride & Arrival in Zagreb

Delicious coffee at the train station

We woke up feeling well-rested and arrived at the Zagreb Glavni Kolod train station early the next morning. Sleeper trains are a game changer! Since we couldn’t check into our hotel yet, we decided to spend some time exploring the town.

But first, coffee! Just outside the train station, there was a cozy little cafe with tables and chairs set up. It was still early, and the weather was already heating up, so an iced coffee sounded perfect. However, we quickly learned that Europeans have a unique take on iced coffee. In France and Spain, asking for an iced coffee often meant getting a small, blended espresso or just an espresso poured over ice—great for a quick fix but not exactly satisfying for coffee lovers.

At this little cafe, we were greeted by two friendly gentlemen who I believe were the owners. We had some difficulty explaining what we meant by “iced coffee,” but with the help of translator apps and a few pictures from Google, they were willing to give it a shot. When they brought our drinks, we were pleasantly surprised—they were the best iced coffees we’d had so far! The two gentlemen even joined us for a chat, which helped me feel more relaxed. I had been a bit apprehensive about visiting Eastern Europe, but these warm, welcoming locals really made me feel at ease.

Exploring King Tomislav Square

After our caffeine boost, we decided to check out the grand yellow building located just outside the train station, which stands in King Tomislav Square. This beautiful building houses an art pavilion. We spent a few hours wandering around the area, taking in the views and stopping to relax.

Eventually, we made our way to our hotel, the Palace Hotel. This stately building exudes elegance, with its luxurious velvet interiors and rich, dark colors. It’s the kind of place that feels fit for royalty—but surprisingly, it was within our budget! A luxury hotel at a Motel 6 price? We couldn’t pass that up.

Delicious Dining at the Palace Hotel

At the Palace Hotel, we had one of the best meals we’ve ever had—definitely in our top 5 dishes worldwide. We ordered a club sandwich that came with crispy potato wedges wrapped in perfectly cooked bacon. It was absolutely heavenly! I’m a sucker for crispy bacon, and these were cooked to perfection. Needless to say, I ordered another side because I wasn’t too eager to share. The hotel also served breakfast, and it was one of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve had on this trip. There was a wide selection of fresh items, and the service was top-notch. If you’re ever in Zagreb, I highly recommend staying here!

Lunch at the Palace Hotel

Tomorrow, we’re headed to one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so stay tuned for breathtaking views and more adventures!