The Plitvice Lakes are among the absolute highlights of Croatia. Together with the Krka National Park this is undoubtedly one of the most famous and beautiful natural parks in the country. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of sixteen crystal-clear lakes connected by impressive waterfalls and streams. A visit to Plitvice should therefore not be missed during your tour of Croatia. However, it is good to prepare your visit well, as the park is popular and there are some things you really need to take into account. Check out our practical tips and be prepared for your trip!
General information on Croatia
Are you planning a holiday to Croatia? Then check out our tips for the best route, the best travel period and transport to and in Croatia.
Why visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia?
If you are not yet convinced, we hope this blog will change your mind. Our visit to the Plitvice Lakes was one of the most impressive experiences during our trip through Croatia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 16 emerald lakes, wooden bridges and more than 90 waterfalls, is a paradise for nature lovers.
Besides, it is a destination worth visiting in any season. In winter the waterfalls are frozen, in spring they are at their peak, in summer everything is fresh green and the water of the lakes crystal clear, and in autumn the trees turn a beautiful red, orange and yellow. In other words, this is definitely a destination you won't soon forget!
Tip: The months of July and August are the busiest. If possible, we advise you not to go during this period. Do you still go in summer? Then visit the park as early as possible in the morning or just later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Transport to Plitvice National Park
It is best to visit the Plitvice Lakes by car or motorhome. This is by far the easiest and ideal if you are on a tour. Should you prefer not to hire a car, you can also travel to the park by bus. Both entrances to the park have a bus stop and from here buses depart to several major cities such as Zagreb, Zadar and Split. More information on departure times and ticket prices for the bus to Plitvice can be found at the APVarazdin website.
In addition, it is also possible to book a day tour. Several tours are available on the site of Getyouguide.co.uk. Super convenient! Then you don't have to worry about anything. Get in and go! Just keep in mind that you will be on the road all day.
- Tour from Zagreb to Plitvice National park
- Tour from Zadar to Plitvice National park
- Tour from Split to Plitvice National park
Tip: Do you do choose to rent a motorhome or a car? Then make sure you always choose a well-known rental company such as Sunnycars.co.uk, Wildcampers.co.uk or Camptoo.co.uk. Read more in our blog by motorhome through Europe.
Read also: Krka waterfalls - Krka National Park, Croatia. See our tips!
Read also: Taking a campervan to Croatia, this is what you need to know!
What is there to see in Plitvice National Park?
The park is actually one big attraction with an area of 266km2. Each lake has its own shape and size but they all have the beautiful emerald green colour. At the entrance, they indicate all the different routes. To make good choices here, it is useful to know what you will find in the park!
1. The upper lakes of Plitvice National Park
The park is divided into the upper lakes (Gornja) and the lower lakes (Donja). The largest lakes in the park can be found in the upper lakes and this is about 70% of the entire park. In total, you will find 12 large lakes here and in this area you can hike for hours if you want!
2. The lower lakes of Plitvice National Park
This part of the park is a lot smaller but certainly no less beautiful. This section consists of four lakes set in a limestone gorge. You walk across the lakes and directly past the waterfalls via wooden bridges. Many find this the most beautiful part of the park, curious to hear your opinion!
3. Lake Kozjak
This is the first lake you see as you enter through entrance 2 (the south side of the park). Lake Kozjak is the connection between the upper and lower lakes. You can walk around this lake, although we don't directly recommend it. After all, you already spend a lot of time on all the other beauty in the park. So opt for the boat! Every few minutes, a boat leaves from one side of the lake to the other. Besides being super convenient, it's a fun 15-minute trip. Besides, the trip is free as it is already calculated in the ticket price.
4. Veliki Slap waterfall
In the lower lakes lies the highest waterfall in Plitvice national park and all of Croatia. The Veliki Slap is 78 metres high and impressive. Bear in mind that this waterfall can be a little less spectacular in summer due to a long period without rain.
4. Kayaking through the Mrežnica gorge
Okay... this is not in the park itself but we'd like to give you this tip anyway. If you're staying near the Plitvice Lakes, check out a kayaking trip down the Mrežnica River. This river is located just north of the national park and, in our opinion, is absolutely worth it!
The clear, turquoise water is reminiscent of the Plitvice Lakes, but here you hardly meet other travellers. Along the way, you paddle past small waterfalls, tranquil lakes and green shores. The kayak tour starts about a 40-minute drive from the Plitvice entrance and is easily accessible by both car and bus. Don't forget your swimwear and waterproof shoes, as you will sometimes walk on rocks or through shallow water. Book your Kayak trip through the Mrežnica Gorge here
Entrances, entrance fees and opening hours
Opening hours of the Plitivce National Park
Plitvice National Park is open all year round however the opening hours and admission prices per season. We therefore recommend that you always first the official website consult before planning.
Plitvice lakes tickets
You can buy tickets online at the website of Plitvice National Park. During busy periods (May-September), we recommend booking in advance! When booking your ticket, you have to indicate whether you choose entrance 1 or entrance 2. This is quite tricky if you have never been there before. To make a good choice here, it is useful to have some more information.
Entrance 1 (north side): This entrance is at the lower lakes. The advantage of entrance 1 is that you are directly at Valiki Slap (the largest waterfall).
Entrance 2 (south side): This entrance is at the upper lakes.
Want to see the whole park? Then it doesn't matter which entrance you start at. In fact, you can walk between the lower and upper lakes but also choose to take a boat or the little train. In addition, buses run from entrance 1 to entrance 2. Very nice for the way back!
Tip: Many blogs recommend starting at entrance 1 because it is often quieter here. Besides, you immediately start with a cool viewpoint and the biggest waterfall. However, our experience was different. On the contrary, we started very early at entrance 2. This allowed us to see a large part of the park without too many other tourists around us.
Parking, catering & toilet facilities
Parking is available at entrances 1 and 2 and costs around €8 per day. You will also find picnic tables, toilets and eateries in several places in the park where you can take a rest. Are you travelling with your dog? No problem! They are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Check out the current rules, so you won't face any unexpected surprises.
What are the hiking trails in Plitvice National Park?
The park has kilometres of footpaths connected by wooden bridges. You can choose from 4 different routes from each entrance. The routes are clearly marked and you will receive a map at the entrance. Want to see all the sights? Then choose route H (start entrance 2) or route C (start entrance 1). There are a total of 8 different routes:
Entrance 1
A - Lower lakes & the waterfall Veliki Slap | 3 km - 2/3 hours
B - Lower lakes & Kozjak lake incl. train ride | 4 km - 3/4 hours
C - Lower lakes & upper lakes incl. train ride & boat trip | 8 km - 4/5 hours
D - Route for the entire park | 18.3 km - 6/8 hours
Entrance 2
E - Upper lakes incl. boat trip & train ride | 5 km - 2/3 hours
F - Route B only in reverse | 4 km - 3/4 hours
H - Route C only in reverse | 8 km - 4/5 hours
K - Route D only in reverse | 18.3 km - 6/8 hours
Tip: From November to March, the train and boat between the 2 areas do not run. If you still want to see the whole park, you only have a choice between route D or route K.
Plitvice lakes map
Now we hear you thinking: nice, all these routes, but this doesn't tell me much yet. And that's right. A map of Plitvice Lakes National Park is therefore really indispensable if you want to plan your route through the park. We ended up choosing route H with a start at Entrance 2, but take a look and see what is the best option for you. See all other routes and maps here of Plitvice National Park so that you are well prepared for your trip!
Source: The official website of Plitvice National Park
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Do I need to book tickets in advance? Yes, from May to September, online booking with time slot is recommended. Although we always recommend it!
- Is there swimming facilities? No, swimming is basically forbidden.
- How long does a visit last? It depends on your choice of route: route A takes a few hours, route H is a full-day trip.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip to Croatia. Still have questions? You can always send us a message via Instagram.
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