The water phenomenon of the Plitvice region

Water makes up around 70% of our body, and just as much of the planet, and it is found in every cell of every living being. The phenomenon of water in general, not only in the Plitvice region, has definitely fascinated us for centuries, simply because it is one of the most important elements on Earth.

Why do the sounds and sights of water have a healing effect on us?

Water does much more for us than just hydrate us. Many scientists highlight the benefits of water in various forms of therapy, such as hydrotherapy, and as an aid in treating or easing the symptoms of PTSD, addiction, anxiety, various disorders and much more. Spending time near water can improve our mood and reconnect us with nature. Being by the water can prompt the brain to release feel-good neurochemicals (dopamine and oxytocin). These chemicals increase blood flow to the brain and heart, which brings relaxation and automatically a lower heart rate and breathing rate.

It is no wonder, then, that so many hotels and resorts are located right by the water. And this is probably one of the reasons why Hawaii is ranked as one of the happier states.

Just remember how you feel after a summer holiday by the sea. Seawater is rich in minerals essential for our health, such as iodine and magnesium, and sea air is charged with negative ions that enrich the blood with oxygen and help detoxify the body. Just like the clean air you can also find in our Plitvice Lakes area

Air charged with negative ions is just as present in forest areas, especially those rich in watercourses. We all know one such area! That negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in greater mental energy, is also confirmed by Dr Pierce J. Howard, author of the book “The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research” and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies in Charlotte, NC.

In addition, many experts believe that the murmur of natural watercourses and waterfalls offers soothing sights and sounds that help us relax and release stress. The fact that Camping Plitvice is only 3 km from the “Plitvice Lakes” National Park, a world-famous gem and a forest area rich in watercourses, means that you will find clean water and air with us. Today, more than ever, we all need the healing effect that water has on spirit, mind and body.

Health benefits of spending time near water

• You breathe fresh, clean air charged with negative ions,
• you strengthen your immune system,
• you sleep better,
• your white blood cell count increases,
• feelings of happiness are boosted,
• you relax more easily,
• you promote a better quality of life.

The water phenomenon of the Plitvice region

Some believe the name “Plitvice Lakes” comes from the word plitvice or pličine, meaning shallow pools, while others say it comes from the Plitvica river. Yet as many as five rivers supply the water of the Plitvice Lakes: the Korana (which has its mouth there), the Plitvica, the Riječica, the Bijela and the Crna. Not to forget the smaller streams, then the famous lakes, 16 of them named plus many smaller unnamed ones, 140 waterfalls, and the underground flows, or karst rivers (sinking rivers). Without water there would be no lakes, waterfalls or lush vegetation. Without water, there would be no Plitvice!

But the fascination lies not only in the phenomenon of water. As this is a karst area dominated by permeable limestone, fragile tufa (barriers) that is sensitive to mechanical damage and formed by calcium carbonate from the limestone combined with plants, algae, moss and submerged trees, as well as impermeable dolomite and forest that also stores moisture, all these watercourses came into being thanks to the interdependence and interplay of these elements, along with changing weather conditions and temperatures.

Nature is a true artist, a real master who constantly creates and creates anew. And this play never stops: the phenomenon of the Plitvice region keeps changing from one season to the next.

The healing properties of waterfalls

Negative ions form mostly where water is in motion, such as rivers, waves and even fountains and downpours, when air molecules separate from the water. Otherwise they are produced naturally by plants and sunlight. If you visit or sit at the foot of waterfalls, the concentration of negative ions can have a positive effect on your metabolism, immune system, digestion, blood pressure, relaxation and emotional state.

Doctors from Salzburg discovered the healing power of the Krimml Waterfalls as long as 200 years ago. According to their description, the spray of water coming from the waterfall helps to treat external inflammation and pain. In addition, the naturalist and inventor Viktor Schauberger claimed that natural spring water is a “living” liquid, full of nutrients, minerals and positive charge thanks to its movement through the natural environment (riverbeds, streams or rocks). He stressed that it is precisely spiral movement that brings it to life, and that this is also how sap moves in a tree or blood in the veins. Tap water, on the other hand, loaded with chlorine and fluorine, he considered “lifeless”, and believed that it actually draws minerals out of our body.

World Water Day

Because water is so important for us and our planet, World Water Day is marked on 22 March. Each year a different theme is chosen to draw attention to current or future water-related challenges. According to a UN report, there are still around 2.2 billion people in the world without access to drinking water.

Let’s celebrate life and protect water

Finally, we invite you to visit our Plitvice region which is rich in clean natural waters, and to let yourself be carried away by this natural phenomenon that will surely recharge your “batteries”. And don’t forget – save tap water, don’t pollute natural watercourses with rubbish, and we will be able to preserve natural gems like this that constantly inspire us. Because that is what nature is like.