There's more to Croatia than the sea

Croatia is known for its incredible seascape, but did you know it has an incredible hike up to the Bosnian border, near Plitvice lakes?

Firstly, I recommend taking a day to visit Plitvice lakes. This incredible national park is cheaper to enter than Krka, and has much more impressive waterfalls! If you visit in Novermber, the prices are slashed in half for the winter season, and the weather isn't even that bad. We paid 6 euro for a day entrance to the park, and all boats and car-trains around the park are included in that price - a serious bargain.

After you've explored the lakes, stay the night at Falling Lakes Hostel and embark on an incredible hike to the border the next day. Or, you can do the hike first - thats what we did. The views are nothing short of incredible by the time you get to the top, and it is easy to spend a long time at the top, snacking on burek or having a pint that you carried up with you. The rock provides the perfect instagram snap, as well as gorgeous views.

The trick with this hike is to stick to the path at all times. The trees and rocks have red spray-painted dots or lines on them, the Austrian markings for a hiking route, and due to the recent war in the late 20th century, there are suspected unexploded mines in the area. Safety - as always - needs to come first. Keep on the trail, hike in the daylight, and have fun.

After you walk about an hour from the hostel, you will reach the bottom of the forest where the hike truly begins. Don't be fooled - there is a lot of uphill. I personally struggle on the uphill, but the very top is worth it and the downhill is manageable. Factor in a few extra minutes for catching your breath and you'll be golden!

Right before you reach the top, there is a steep uphill section. The greatest views come after the hardest climbs! You will then find yourself walking through an abandoned airbase, complete with bunkers and tunnels. If you're brave, go for a wander through the tunnels - I couldn't hack this, and ran out pretty quickly after walking in. They're incredibly creepy, pretty extensive, and awfully lit. We saw a few other people wander in though! Maybe I was being extra-sensitive because it was halloween and I was scared...

I hope you have the best time exploring this hiking route, don't be shy to reach out and ask anything!