Finding Rivendell. September 2018. Plivitce, Croatia.
Plivitce Lakes National Park, Croatia.
If you enjoy The Lord of the Rings as much as I do, then you may see a bit of JRR Tolkien’s Imladris aka “Rivendell,” the refuge for the Elves, in Plivitce.
Plivitce Lakes National Park is a group of 16 lakes situated on different elevations; twelve upper lakes and four lower ones. Upper lakes cascade down into the lower lakes, creating countless spectacular waterfalls. The water that feeds Plivitce is runoff from nearby mountains and moves over the limestone formations surrounding the lakes. As it flows, the water dissolves the rock and becomes saturated with calcium carbonate which creates a travertine coating on the bottom and sides of the lake. Essentially, the water calcifies everything it touches and that is why the lakes are so clear — no mud or algae ever accumulates. This also means that the water has stunning and distinctive shades that range from crystal clear, to aqua, blue, green, and grey. Colors change between lakes and also alter depending on the sunlight and the minerals in the water.
Plivitce is a stunning gem of a UNESCO site and perhaps the only one that would be adequate for Lord Elrond.
Finding Rivendell. September 2018. Plivitce, Croatia.