Croatia, the country of great natural beauty, is home to 8 national parks and 11 nature parks. The oldest, largest and the most beloved among them is Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a must-see on every travel bucket list as well as the most visited site in Croatia.
Why visit the Plitvice Lakes
National Park?
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a place of unique natural beauty. What makes Plitvice Lakes so unique is the process of tufa formation. This process forms tufa barriers, which are responsible for the creation of the lakes. There are 16 larger lakes and several smaller lakes. The lakes are all interconnected as if they were a ladder – they are cascading one into the other over a number of beautiful waterfalls.
The 16 lakes are divided into 12 Upper (which are also larger) and 4 Lower lakes. The largest lake in Plitvice is lake Kozjak. The largest waterfall in the Park (Veliki Slap) is 78 meters high, while the second largest (Galovački Buk) is 25 meters high. The lakes end in the impressive waterfall Sastavci, which falls into the Korana River.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park covers the area of around 300 km2. Besides the above-mentioned lakes and waterfalls, of different shapes and sizes, there is also a lot of greenery in the Park. Thick forest, that surrounds the pristine blue and green water of the lakes, is rich in flora and fauna. It is home to more than 250 animal species and more than 1,400 plant species. Even bears and deer live in the protected area of Plitvice but they stay away from the touristic routes, of course.
The value of this place was first recognized in 1949 when it became a protected area. However, it was in 1979 that the place gained international attention and was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
lakes
km2 of protected area
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Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia, in the interior part of the country, about 2h from Zagreb and 2h30 from Split.
What to do at Plitvice Lakes
Upon your arrival, there are two entrances to the Park, with the ticket sales office and a parking lot at each of them. The north entrance (Entrance 1) is just above the Lower Lakes, and south entrance (Entrance 2) is next to the Upper Lakes.
The Plitvice Lakes National Park offers visitors seven different routes to tour the lakes, as well as four hiking trails. The infrastructure of the Park is great. On the most common route (route B) there are 3 points with toilet, coffee shop, and ice cream. In addition to these points, there is a very large area with tables and benches for a picnic, where you can also buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Route B lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. It starts at the Entrance 1 and includes the walk around the Lower Lakes, a boat ride across the lake Kozjak and a panoramic train ride that will get you back to the start.
For more detailed tour programs visit the official website of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
When to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Park is open to visitors year round. When planning your visit to the Plitvice Lakes, you should know that every season brings a different experience of the lakes. If you like to rest your eyes upon delightful green scenery then you should definitely visit Plitvice during the summer.
However, if you are more of a Frozen fan then we recommend coming in winter when everything is almost completely frozen and covered in snow. You will be welcomed by a very idyllic and peaceful scene.
You should bear in mind that, due to the weather conditions, certain parts of the Park can have a limited access, mainly during the winter months. In July and August the number of visitors is at its highest, so consider coming to the Park the earliest possible, to avoid the crowd.
For those that prefer lower temperatures, spring seems like the best time to visit Plitvice. The weather is nice and the prices are lower than in the summer months.
Plan your visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park
When visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park there are a few things you should pay attention to:
- Prior reservation is not required for individual visitors. You can just buy your ticket at the ticket sales desk at the entrance.
- Reservation is required for organized visitor groups (15-50 individuals). You can make a reservation by contacting the Marketing and Sales Department of the Park at +385 (0)53 751 014 or info@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
- Ticket sales desks can be found at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.
- The price of the entrance ticket depends on the time of the year, as well as the time of the day (in high season).
- The entrance ticket includes the selected tour, transport with the electric boat and panorama train.
- You can choose between one-day tickets and two-day tickets (if you are planning to expand your stay at the Park).
- There are two main entrances to the Plitvice Lakes National Park – north entrance, known as Entrance 1, and south entrance, known as Entrance 2.
- Parking is available at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 and is paid upon exiting the Park. The price depends on the type of the vehicle and the time of your stay.
- Dogs are allowed to enter the Park but must be kept on the leash at all times.
Plitvice Lakes do’s and don’ts
- DO wear the appropriate clothing and footwear – sports or hiking shoes are recommended
- DO check the weather forecast before visiting – in case you need an umbrella or sunscreen
- DON’T walk outside the marked footpaths
- DON’T drop litter
- DON’T disturb or feed the animals
- DON’T pick the plants and damage the trees
- DON’T walk dogs unleashed
- DON’T swim in the National Park area
Price list for Plitvice Lakes National Park:
| January–March Nov–Dec |
April–May October |
June–September | |
| CHILDREN* | 35,00 HRK 5,00 EUR** |
50,00 HRK 7,00 EUR |
120,00 HRK 16,00 EUR |
| ADULTS | 80,00 HRK 11,00 EUR |
180,00 HRK 25,00 EUR |
300,00 HRK 40,00 EUR |
* Children up to 7 years can enter free of charge
** Price shown in Euro is an approximate value based on the current Euro exchange rate, but please note that payment is available in local currency only (HRK)
For more up-to-date information about the pricing, you can visit the official website of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The opening hours of the Plitvice Lakes National Park are as follows:
| Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 | 7 am – 7 pm |
| Ticket sales desks | 7 am – 5 pm |
| Parking lot | 7 am – 9 pm |
Why swimming is not allowed in Plitvice Lakes National Park
To preserve the ecosystem, swimming is not allowed in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Increased tourism and water pollution caused by wastewater from the facilities surrounding the lakes led to a higher rate of harmful substances within the water. For the sustainable formation of travertine, it was necessary to protect the ecosystem from excessive human influence and to forbid the swimming.
Visit Plitvice Lakes with a private guide
If you want to visit Plitivce Lakes, get in touch and book a day trip with a private escort guide in english or other language!
How to get to Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the mountainous region of Lika, roughly halfway between Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and the Adriatic coast. The Park is just a couple of hours drive from Zagreb or Rijeka, and about 1h30 from Zadar. Split and Dubrovnik are a bit further – it takes 2h30 from Split to Plitvice and about 4h30 from Dubrovnik.
Because of its central position, Plitvice Lakes is perfect for a one day trip no matter where you stay. It is also possible to stop at Plitvice and visit the lakes during your transfer from Zagreb/Rijeka/Ljubljana to the Adriatic coast because they are right on your way!
You can get to Plitvice Lakes by car, public bus or organized transfer. Unfortunately, no train goes to Plitvice and the closest airport is the one in Zadar (130 km from Plitvice).
If you’re arriving by public bus, check out the links below for the detailed bus schedules and plan your trip!
Zagreb main bus station
Zadar main bus station
Split main bus station
General Bus search engine
Marzito Tip
When visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, wear some comfortable shoes (never flip-flops!) because the paths can be narrow and uneven. Also, try to get to Plitvice Lakes as early as possible to avoid the crowd.
Where to stay at Plitvice Lakes
Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo is a resort located in the National Park area. It is both a luxury and rustic resort since all the 4* and 5* rooms and apartments are situated in the traditional wooden houses. All the rooms and apartments are equipped with rustic wooden furniture and each one has a private bathroom. Apart from luxurious accommodation, the resort offers a restaurant, a wine bar, an outdoor pool, wellness, and a gym. And for the little ones, there is a playground, playroom, and mini ZOO. Those that prefer an active holiday, can try air rifle, badminton, mini golf, table tennis, or some other activity offered.
Fenomen Plitvice⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fenomen Plitvice is a resort perfect for those that love a dash of luxury while traveling. The resort is located in the National Park area, which means that you are surrounded by beautiful nature at all times. Here you can book a suite, a studio, or even an entire lodge. What’s more, there is also a restaurant in the complex, so you can have full experience in one place. The 4* accommodation units are spacious, comfortable, and decorated in a contemporary style. The resort area is big enough to take relaxing walks, get away from everything, and find your own private place to enjoy the view.
Plitvice Holiday Resort⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plitvice Holiday Resort is a unique place that offers camping and glamping, as well as different types of rooms and bungalows. The resort is located right on the border of the National Park area, just a few minutes by car from the entrance to the Park. Along with the beautiful nature that surrounds it, the resort houses a restaurant, mini market, swimming pool, and a playground. The accommodation units are arranged to suit every pocket. From campsite parcels and tipi tents to the luxurious lake houses and tree houses, everyone will find their spot in this camp.
Hotel Degenija⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hotel Degenija is located only 4 km from the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a modern and spacious hotel, which also has two on-site restaurants and a bar. There is free parking available, as well as a pool and free Wi-Fi. In addition, the hotel has an elevator to ease the movement of their guests. The 4* rooms are contemporary and comfortable. Each room can be either double or twin, with a possibility of adding an additional bed. Right next to the hotel, there is an additional house that offers 3* rooms, all with a private bathroom and a balcony.
Hotel 16 Lakes⭐⭐⭐⭐
Located only 10 km from the Plitvice Lakes National Park, in Grabovac, the 16 Lakes Hotel offers you more than a comfortable stay. Whether you are staying for one night or more, this modern hotel offers you full service. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, a pool, a bar, and a restaurant are just some of the amenities they provide. The 4* rooms can be either double or twin, depending on your desires. And there is always the possibility of adding an additional bed in the room. Also, there is an elevator in the hotel, which facilitates the movement on the premises.
Mirjana Rastoke⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mirjana Rastoke Hotel and Tourist Center is located s bit further from the Plitvice Lakes National Park, but closer to the ethno village Rastoke. The hotel offers more than 50 top quality 4* rooms, each equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, balcony, and minibar. There are also an elevator, a bar, and a restaurant at your disposal. Along with the comfortable accommodation, Mirjana Rastoke Hotel offers all kind of additional services. There is a brand-new conference room, an eco-ethno shop, and all sort of activities for the braver quests, such as rafting or quad adventure.
Where to eat at Plitvice Lakes
After spending your day in nature, exploring the lakes, there is nothing better than sit, relax, and eat a nice meal. There are a few restaurants near the Plitvice Lakes National Park, mainly located within the hotels, such as Hotel Degenija, 16 Lakes Hotel or Mirjana Rastoke. All of those offer an open-type restaurant for both hotel guests and those that are passing by.
All of these restaurants serve a wide range of meals – you can basically get anything from pasta to roast meat. They also serve traditional cuisine of the Lika region, which is mostly based on meat, so we encourage you to taste a real deal and visit one of the restaurants.
If, however, you want something on the site, at the very National Park, below are our suggestions!
National Restaurant Lička Kuća
Lička Kuća is a traditional restaurant of the Lika region, therefore it serves traditional food, such as lamb baked under the iron bell, grilled dishes, roasted potato halves, trout, Lika cheese, apple or plum strudels, etc. Besides the tasty food, you can also enjoy traditional architecture and get to know more about the Lika region. Furthermore, it is located right at the north entrance to the Park. Check it out.
Bistro Kozjačka Draga
If you get hungry while touring the lakes, take a break at Kozjačka Draga. This bistro is located within the Park, on the shores of lake Kozjak. On a wide green field, you will find a bunch of picnic tables – pick one and enjoy a tasty meal with the perfect view. Click here for further detail.
Marzito Tip
Do not depend on the strategic rest points in the Park. We recommend that you take your own bottle of water and even some snacks, such as fruit or cereal bar, to make your tour more enjoyable.
What to visit near Plitvice Lakes
Barać Caves
Another option is to visit the Barać Caves (near Rakovica) that are just 20 minutes drive from Plitvice Lakes. There you will get to know everything about speleology and the inhabitants of the caves – bats! More info available at the website.
The White Peak – Zip Line
For those of you that are brave enough and love the adrenaline rush, we recommend visiting Sports/Recreation Center The White Peak. The center is located just a few minutes drive from Plitvice Lakes and it offers activities like Zip Line, climbing or cycling in the area of 100ha. If we got your attention, visit their website.
Karlovac
If you have an extra day to spare, consider visiting Karlovac, a nice town located only 40 km south of Zagreb. Karlovac is known as the town of parks and rivers – it has four rivers flowing through it, which gets very handy during the summer months. You can try swimming or even rafting in one of them. Furthermore, you can enjoy your walk through the central part of the town, the so-called star, which was built in the 16th century as a Renaissance fortress. Since Karlovac is inevitable on your way to the Plitvice Lakes, why not expand your trip? Check it out here.
Homeland War Museum
Finally, history enthusiasts can also visit the Homeland War Museum in Turanj located just a few kilometers down the road from Karlovac towards Plitvice. You will learn everything about the military past of the city of Karlovac – from the 16th century to the Homeland War. More information available here.