Winter Madness Journey

Plitvice National Park – A Natural Wonder of the World

Waking up at 6 a.m. was not easy for me, but I knew it was necessary—today would be a long, adventurous day. My last breakfast in Bosnia was, of course, a champion’s meal: a hot, flaky, and delicious burek. After savoring it, I crossed the border back into Croatia, heading toward one of the country’s most famous treasures: Plitvice National Park.

The park is among the most visited in Croatia, and even though the morning was foggy and the air carried a sharp autumn chill, there were already quite a few visitors when I arrived. I chose to take Trail H, which was listed as a 9 km route expected to take four to six hours to complete. The trail included both a boat ride across the lake and a short bus transfer between sections. In the end, I completed it in just four hours, and to me, it felt more easy than moderate, despite what the official map claimed.

The true magic of Plitvice lies in its hiking paths. I walked along narrow wooden boardwalks that hovered above rushing rivers and wound through dense forests. Along the way, I passed several waterfalls, each one pouring into emerald-green pools below. The grand finale was Croatia’s tallest waterfall, crashing down into the valley with immense power. While I have to admit that the waterfalls I’d seen earlier in Bosnia struck me as even more dramatic, Plitvice offered something unique—the harmony of mountains, rivers, lakes, and falls blending together into one breathtaking landscape. It truly felt like stepping into a living painting.

From Plitvice, I continued on to my final stop: the coastal city of Zadar. Smaller and quieter than Dubrovnik, it has a peaceful charm, especially in early October when the crowds have thinned. The city’s most unusual attraction is the Sea Organ, a fascinating architectural installation built into the promenade. Sitting by the Adriatic, I listened as the waves pushed air through hidden pipes, creating haunting, almost otherworldly music. It was both soothing and surreal.

The Old Town of Zadar was pleasant to wander through, with its stone streets lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs elsewhere, it felt calm and unhurried, allowing me to really take in the sights. Among the highlights were the Roman Forum, the round Church of St. Donatus, and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, each carrying centuries of history. It was the perfect way to close out a day that had begun with mountain trails and waterfalls, and ended with the sound of the sea echoing through ancient streets.

The last day of the trip wasn’t the best—by the time I checked into the hostel, I’d broken out in rashes, probably from bug bites. The journey back to Prague felt endless, my skin prickling the whole way 🥲. Still, after ten days of nature and history, I’m back in my cozy room, already feeling nostalgic. Time to recharge… and start dreaming of the next adventure 🌍

One Day in Dubrovnik

I set foot in Croatia for the first time with a single day in Dubrovnik—the famed “Game of Thrones city.” It wasn’t only on the way to my main destination, Bosnia; the city’s walls and shimmering coastline had long looked magnificent to me.

We landed in Zadar, rented a car, and set out on the long drive south. Heavy rain and lightning chased us for hours, forcing us to slow down and pull over more than once. By the time we finally reached Dubrovnik, the sky had cleared just enough to let us arrive before dark. After that stormy ride, an early night was not just welcome but necessary.

To make the most of my time and money, I bought the city pass (€48), which includes entry to the city walls, several museums, and unlimited public transportation. The pass isn’t cheap, but for a full day of exploring, it’s a bargain.

The highlight, without a doubt, was walking the ancient city walls—the same ones that inspired the backdrop for Game of Thrones. I spent about an hour and a half strolling slowly, pausing often to admire the red-tiled roofs and the sparkling Adriatic far below. The view from above makes the whole city feel like a living postcard.

I also wandered through the Cultural History Museum, which offered a fascinating glimpse into Dubrovnik’s past. But the most adventurous part of my day came on the water: a kayaking tour around the city. According to the guide, we paddled 5 to 6 kilometers—enough to leave my arms sore but my spirits soaring. Sitting in the middle of the sea as the sun melted into the horizon was a moment I’ll never forget.

Food in Dubrovnik isn’t cheap, so I kept it simple—snacks during the day, and quick bites like burek or hot dogs, which you can find for around €5–6. For just one day, it was enough.

Overall, I enjoyed Dubrovnik. Even at the tail end of peak season, the streets were still crowded with tourists, but one full day felt just right for me: enough to walk the walls, paddle the sea, and watch the sunset over the city that once doubled as King’s Landing.

🌧️ Rainy Beginnings and Island Adventures: My 2 Days in Gothenburg

Gothenburg, Sweden's charming second city, welcomed me not with sunshine—but with heavy rain and strong winds. Not exactly the warmest greeting, but there was still something refreshing about it. I had planned to explore the city on foot, but the wind quickly turned my umbrella into a near-casualty. So instead, I opted for public transport, and honestly, it gave me a different (and very local) perspective on the city.

☀️ The Sun Breaks Through: Exploring the City
By afternoon, the skies cleared and the city revealed its beauty. My first stop: Skansen Kronan, a hilltop fortress with a history dating back to the 17th century. Once used for defense, today it’s a peaceful lookout, with its iconic crown still gleaming proudly on top. The view from up there is worth the climb.

Next, I made my way to Haga, a delightful neighborhood filled with cozy cafés, vintage boutiques, and sweet-smelling bakeries. The streets are lined with charming old buildings that make every turn feel like a postcard.

Later, I wandered through Gothenburg’s old town. It’s much more modern than where I live in Prague but still has a unique character—clean, stylish, and full of energy. Cafés, restaurants, and small shops make it a fun area to get lost in.

For a taste of nature in the city, I visited Slottsskogen Park and Zoo. It’s a massive green space that also houses an open-air zoo—free to enter! I strolled among seals, penguins, goats, geese, and more. The animals seemed well cared for, and the setting made for a very relaxing and pleasant walk.

🏝️ Day 2: Into the Archipelago
For my second day, I dedicated the entire time to exploring Gothenburg’s southern archipelago—a string of scenic islands just off the coast. Ferries made it super easy to hop from island to island. I managed to visit three of the larger ones, including Vrångö, the northernmost island I explored.

Walking around these islands was a truly special experience. With sea air in my lungs and the wind brushing my face, I felt totally immersed in nature. It was quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly wild considering how close it is to the city.

💬 Final Thoughts
Gothenburg may not have greeted me with perfect weather, but it more than made up for it with its charm, lush greenery, rich history, and sea-soaked serenity. From hilltop forts and cozy cafés to open-air zoos and ferry-hopping across calm waters, my first two days in Sweden were full of small surprises and peaceful moments.