Veliki slap, Tallest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Veliki slap is a waterfall at the end of the Lower Lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park, near Plitvice Selo and Entrance 1. The Plitvica stream drops 78 metres in a single fall over a cliff, then joins the Lower Lakes to form the Sastavci, which after 150 metres descend a travertine barrier into the Korana. Unlike the park's other falls, it was not formed by lake overflow but by the collapse of the Plitvica, which rises 3 km west below Preka Kosa.

Veliki slap formed differently from the other Plitvice waterfalls: while they arise from water spilling between lakes over travertine barriers, this one was created by the collapse of the Plitvica stream, which rises 3 km west at the foot of Preka Kosa mountain. The waterfall and its travertine base are now within Plitvice Lakes National Park, and walking beneath the fall or off marked paths is forbidden to protect the deposits.

The name Veliki slap means "Great Waterfall" in Croatian. Unlike the other Plitvice falls, which spill from lake to lake over travertine barriers, this one is formed by the Plitvica stream plunging over a cliff after rising 3 km west below Preka Kosa. The falls are fullest in spring and autumn, especially about two days after rain, when an underground wave pushes water into the stream.

The waterfall is easily reached from park entrance 1, with adequate parking available and a viewing platform nearby. The best time to visit is on dry days when you have clear views and can safely navigate the surrounding paths.

During winter months the water flow occasionally freezes solid, transforming the falling cascade into a towering ice formation. This rare occurrence creates an entirely different visual experience and shows just how cold it gets in this region.