I don’t understand how Plitvice Lakes is not high on everyone’s bucket list!
In this Croatian National Park you can experience spectacular waterfalls, turquoise lakes and scenic boardwalks in the heart of Croatia.
Here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is a natural wonder and the most famous national park in Croatia (Croatia has 8 national parks in total) and greets more than 1 million visitors annually!
The park is filled with stunning nature, 16 terraced lakes, wooden paths in the middle of the lakes and many waterfalls.
Plitvice lakes has been an Unesco World Heritage site since 1979 and covers more than 29,000 ha! In total there’s 22 km of trails along the lake system and 36 km of hiking trails throughout the entire park.
Whether you want to explore shimmering turquoise lakes or marvel at the mesmerising waterfalls, Plitvice offers an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay near the National Park
Plitvice Lakes Map
Before visiting, familiarize yourself with a Plitvice Lakes map to make the most of your trip. There’s no cell-service in many areas of this park, so only relying on online maps could be a bit of a problem.
📌Have a route plan📌
I got lost quite a few times and ended up walking 18km because I didn’t have a plan. One thing you need to know is that Plitvice Lakes National Park is divided into Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera), each offering unique landscapes but also makes the park HUGE. There’s 7 official programs/trails you can follow (marked with signs around the park). Look at their official website to find pictures and descriptions of the routes.
But let’s face it – these maps often don’t help very much and the worst part is that there’s no network in the park!
I recommend starting at entrance 1 and following route C halfway up and route K on the way back. This route will take about 6 hours, with stops for food and pictures (and is in my opinion the best and most peaceful route).
View all routes of the park HERE
Best Tips for First Time Visitors
1. GO EARLY!
Plitvice Lakes open from 7am! Try to stay as close to the Plitvice Lakes Park as possible so you can visit as soon as they open. I had the park almost to myself on a Saturday because of this! (And I guarantee you that the crowds get INSANE around 10.30am).
See the parks opening times HERE
2. Take the boat ride from P3!
When taking the boat from P3 to P2 – go on the left side of the boat (so when you sit down you’ll face the right hand side) – this way you get the best view of the lake from the Boat. But honestly the boat ride isn’t that exciting, so don’t get disappointed if the views aren’t that great.
3. Come prepared!
Pack a lunch and some snacks when visiting Plitvice Lakes. You can buy all sorts of snacks in different places of the park but it’s quite expensive. There’s no seach of your bags! You should bring a backpack with some food and plenty of water! Expect to spend at least 4 hours in the park.
4. Dress in layers!
If you start at 7am, it will most likely be a bit chilly in the morning. Depending on which season you visit the park, it slowly becomes warmer through the day (and can even reach very high temperatures of 35+ degrees in Summer). So dress in layers to not freeze in the morning and not die of heat in the afternoon. This also means bringing adequate rain and sun protection (umbrella, raincoat; sunglasses, hat, sunscreen – depending on the season)
5. Take your time!
Plitvice Lakes is some of the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen and there’s no time limit – so relax – take in the sights and explore Plitvice Lakes in your own pace (aka. don’t let the crowds rush you). You can easily spend 4 hours in the park and most likely more.
6. Wear appropriate footwear
For the love of god stop bringing flip-flops for walking in the park! Your feet and knees will hate you, but it’s also safety hazard, as you can easily trip and fall – requiring a special rescue team (depending on where in the park you are).
Plitvice Lakes National Park Tickets
The entrance ticket price includes transport with the electric boat and panorama train, accident insurance, tax and a contribution to permanent protection and landscape maintenance of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
You can buy tickets online or at the site (If you buy the ticket online you HAVE to validate it on site).
🚨Due to many visitors during summer season, you have to reserve a time-slot. If you choose to visit in peak season and DON’T book ahead, be aware that all tickets might be sold out for the day.
From 01 June – 31 August tickets are €40 / adult (€25 for students) until 4 p.m., and €25 (€15 for students) after 4 p.m. From 01 September – 30 September tickets are €40 / adult until 3 p.m., €25 after 3 p.m.
If you visit the park in off-season the ticket price is reduced. Visiting in January, February, March, November and December only cost €10 while visiting in April, May and October is €23 (adults)
It is also possible to purchase a two-day ticket at a reduced price.
Get tickets for Croatia's largest national park and save time on site!
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
How to Get to Plitvice Lakes National Park
There’s 2 entrances to the national Park – Entrance 1 (north entrance) and Entrance 2 (south entrance). Both can be reached by car or bus.
Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1
This entrance is closest to the Lower Lakes and the iconic Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall). It’s ideal for those short on time, offering quick access to some of the park’s most famous sights.
Get a bus ticket from Split to Entrance 1 Here
Get a bus ticket from Zagreb to Entrance 1 Here
Plitvice Lakes Entrance 2
Entrance 2 leads to the Upper Lakes and is a great starting point for visitors who want a more serene experience, as it tends to be less crowded.
If you stay at Falling Lakes Hostel they operate a shuttle to entrance 2 every day at 7.30am + 8am and returning at 3.30pm + 4pm.
Also by entrance 2 is the largest lake in Plitvice Lakes National park, Kozjak, where rowing is allowed. Rowing boats can be rented at the P1 dock, every day of the week.
- Boat capacity: 4 persons
- Rental price: 15.00 eur/hr
- Working hours of boat rental every day between 10:00AM-5:00PM
Parking
If you plan to get here by car there is of course Parking available at both entrance 1 and 2. Parking is paid when exiting the park.
Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Split
The distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes is approximately 250 km, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. You can rent a car or use a direct bus service.
If you’re short on time, consider a Plitvice Lakes day tour from Split, which often includes round-trip transportation and a guided tour of the park.
Visit one of the greatest natural wonders of Europe with a guided tour from Split, Croatia.
Duration 12 hours
Live English tour guide
Boat cruise or train ride in the park included
Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
The park is about 130 km from Zagreb, a journey of roughly 2 hours by car or bus. Many tours also operate from Zagreb, making it a convenient starting point.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plitvice Lakes National Park with a day-trip from Zagreb, Croatia.
Duration 11 hours
Live English tour guide
Transportation by bus
Entrance fee for National park Plitvice NOT included
FAQ
Which Is Better: Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Both parks are stunning, but they offer very different experiences. Plitvice Lakes is larger and more visitor-friendly. Krka National Park offers a more interactive experience with swimming possibilities and old mills.
When to Visit Plitvice Lakes?
Though you can visit Plitvice Lakes throughout the year, I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons – more specifically in April or May. Summer is incredibly busy but prices also go up during the summer season. So not only are there fewer crowds but it’s also cheaper to visit Plitvice Lakes in the off-season.
Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes Croatia
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Can I Use a Drone in Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Unfortunately, drones are NOT allowed in Plitvice Lakes National Park to protect its natural environment and ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.
The good news is that you can of course take pictures and videos while you’re in the park (You’re just not allowed to use them commercially without permission).
