Croatia is famous for its rocky beaches and clear waters but the most popular natural attraction is something else: the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is the oldest and largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
The charm of this national park is its lake system and the waterfalls, as one lake cascades into the next. Wooden walkways and little trails through the lush green flora add up the amazing scenery.
Did you know that the lakes cover only less than 1% of the total park's 300 km2 area? It is covered in dens forest vegetation and smaller grassland areas. The wooded hills are also home to loads of animal species like deer, bear, wolf lynx, wild boar, badger, fox and 120 kind of birds.
There are 16 sapphire coloured lakes in the park, divided into the foresty, larger Upper lakes (12 lakes form it) and the Lower lakes (4 lakes) that cut into a deep canyon with steep cliffs towering above them. They are supplied with water by three different rivers and several little springs from underground.
Visitors have seven different routes and four hiking trails to choose from. The shortest walk is about 2-3 hours, depending on the crowd, the length of the line before the boat and your walking pace. It takes about 6 hours to visit all the lakes and waterfalls. We explored the entire lake area via H route from Entrance 2. The 9 km trail took us less than 6 hours (with stops for a quick rest and snack). We didn't have time to discover the hiking trails but if you feel adventurous or have a two-day ticket, make sure you check out a trail that leads to the Medvedak peaks!
The ticket includes transport with the ferry and the panorama train. Always check the actual information, the panoramic vehicles may not operate and some routes may be closed due to maintain social distancing. Rent a boat on instead and observe Lake Kozjak on your own!
The peak season is in summer but the park is open all year round. It is particularly stunning in autumn colours or if you don't mind the cold, try it in winter when the park is covered in snow and the waterfalls are frozen. That sight must be spectacular! But note that in winter time you can go through only Entrance 1 and there is no boat or train service. We visited Plitvice on a rainy week in May, but the park was unbelievably beautiful even in rain and cloudy weather. Moreover, the waterfalls were gushing and the vegetation were super green! So don't worry about the weather, it's gonna be amazing anyway!
TIP: If you go off season, the park is less crowded also the tickets can be 75% cheaper!
Some practical information
There are two main entrances (Entrance 1 in North and Entrance 2 in South) and an auxiliary entrance (Flora)
Buses stop at both main entrances - check the current bus schedule here
Buy your ticket in advance, at least 1 day prior to your arrival - you can buy it here (You might be able to buy tickets at the entrance if they are not sold out, but advanced purchase is highly recommended.)
Choose from one-day or two-day tickets (valid for two consecutive days) - prices vary on the season, check them here
Ticket price includes visitor insurance for accidents
Change your booking confirmation to a ticket at the entrance and get a free map of the park
Your ticket is registered to your name, keep it! You'll need it to hop on the ferry and the train.
Parking costs 5-10 HRK/ hour - you pay when as you leave
You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks but you'll find restaurants and snack stalls in the park
For actual information, restrictions and opening times check out the official website before you go!
Dress according to the weather and wear comfortable shoes - you'll walk a LOT. A raincoat or an umbrella will never hurt either, especially against the Big Waterfall's water drops.
If you're travelling through the country and only stopped at Plitvice, you can leave your luggage at the entrances for free! You can even stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park - choose from Hotel Jezero, Hotel Plitvice, Hotel Grabovac, Hotel Bellevue or Campsite Borje and Korana. If you don't want to stay the the park, there are plenty of other hotels, apartments or private homes to stay in the neighbouring villages.
How to be a responsible traveler? Always follow the marked trains and the listed instructions, don't litter and don't take anything! Swimming in the lakes is also prohibited.
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