Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Within the boundaries of this heavily forested national park, 16 crystalline lakes tumble into each other via a series of waterfalls and cascades. The mineral-rich waters carve through the rock, depositing tufa in continually changing formations. Clouds of butterflies drift above the 18km of wooden footbridges and pathways that snake around the edges and across the rumbling water.
Winter in Plitvice Lakes is harsh – with loads of snow and very cold. Waterfalls freeze, becoming ice fortress.