Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most iconic natural wonders – a place where 16 crystal-clear lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls, mossy wooden walkways, and dense forest trails. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to relive the magic, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes?
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979
- Home to 16 interconnected lakes and over 90 waterfalls
- Wooden boardwalks that bring you incredibly close to the water
- Multiple hiking routes for every fitness level
- Open year-round, with each season offering a unique experience
From turquoise waters in summer to frozen waterfalls in winter, Plitvice truly transforms with the seasons. Photographers, hikers, families, and nature lovers will all find something magical here.
When to Visit Plitvice Lakes
Best months: May, June, September
- Spring offers lush greenery and strong waterfalls from snowmelt
- Summer brings warm weather, longer days, and the biggest crowds – arrive early!
- Fall means golden foliage, cooler temps, and fewer tourists
- Winter is magical with snow-dusted trees and frozen cascades – but check ahead for trail closures
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning (8 AM opening) to beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of nature. Weekdays are better than weekends.
How to Get There
- By car:
- 2 hours from Zadar
- 2.5 hours from Zagreb
- 3.5 hours from Split
- By bus: Regular departures from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split
- Private tours: Many tour operators offer day trips or guided visits
There are two main entrances: – Entrance 1: Best for dramatic views and waterfalls – Entrance 2: Ideal for boat rides and starting lakeside walks
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Summer price: €40/adult
- Discounts: Available for students, children, and groups
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (high season)
- Low season: Cheaper rates and shorter hours
- Online booking: Highly recommended, especially in summer
Which Route to Take?
Plitvice offers 8 official hiking trails (Routes A to H), ranging from short walks to full-day hikes.
Route A (Short & Scenic Loop)
Duration: ~2–3 hours
Start point: Entrance 1
Includes: Lower Lakes, Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), canyon views
Route A is ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see some of the park’s most iconic sights. We started at Entrance 1 and followed the wooden pathways along the Lower Lakes, ending at the foot of the impressive Veliki Slap. It’s a relatively easy walk with breathtaking views the entire way—perfect for a half-day visit or if you’re traveling with kids.
Route B (Recommended for First-Time Visitors)
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Start point: Entrance 1
- Includes: Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap), boat ride across Kozjak Lake, lower and upper lakes
We started our day at Entrance 1, arriving just before 8 AM, and took Route B. It offered a perfect mix of dramatic waterfalls, peaceful lakes, and scenic boardwalks. We even grabbed lunch by the Kozjak Lake – a stunning spot to relax.
Route C (For the Energetic Ones)
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Covers almost the entire park
- Great if you have a full day and want to explore deeper into less crowded areas
- Includes both shuttle and boat rides
Route E (Short & Sweet)
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Starts at Entrance 2
- Includes a boat ride and some upper lakes
- Ideal for families or travelers short on time
Route K (Full-Day Adventure)
Duration: ~6–8 hours
Start point: Entrance 1 or 2
Includes: Upper & Lower Lakes, Veliki Slap, both boat and train rides
Route K is the most comprehensive way to explore Plitvice. We started from Entrance 2 and followed the full loop through all 16 lakes, combining footpaths with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Kozjak and a scenic panorama train ride. It was a long day, but the variety of landscapes—from thundering waterfalls to quiet forest trails—made it our favorite experience in the park. Just make sure to bring snacks and water!
What to Expect on the Trail
Once you enter through the gate and scan your ticket, you’ll immediately be greeted by Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall in the park. It’s an impressive start that sets the tone for your visit. We recommend taking a short detour off the main trail to get closer to the falls — it’s worth it for the misty views and powerful sound of water.
As you continue on the trail, you’ll pass a series of wooden walkways that wind through smaller waterfalls and emerald pools. The atmosphere here is peaceful and otherworldly — especially if you’re lucky enough to have the trail to yourself early in the day.
Eventually, you’ll reach the boat dock at Kozjak Lake. The boat ride is included in your ticket and takes you gently across the lake in about 20 minutes. It’s a relaxing break and offers a unique perspective of the park.
On the other side, the upper lakes await, with cascading streams and calmer, shallower waters surrounded by dense forest. These are often less crowded and perfect for slower, more contemplative walks. When you’re done, hop on the free shuttle bus that takes you back to your starting entrance.
Don’t forget to check our Youtube video about Plitvice Lakes as well!
Tips for Visiting Plitvice
Where to Stay
For convenience and value, we suggest Jezerce, a small village just outside Entrance 2. (We stayed in this apartment: Link)
Recommended options:
- Budget: Local guesthouses and hostels
- Mid-range: Charming B&Bs and small hotels
- Luxury: Park hotels with early access and dining options
What Else to Do Nearby
Make the most of your time in the region:
- Rastoke: A fairy-tale village built around waterfalls and mills – only 30 minutes away
- Barac Caves: Explore underground chambers and cool off on a hot day
- Zeljava Air Base: One of Europe’s largest abandoned airfields, great for urban explorers
- Slunj: Another picturesque town nearby with bridges, rivers, and nature trails
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that “wow” moment in nature, Plitvice delivers. It’s one of those places that actually lives up to the photos — or even surpasses them. Whether you’re on a Croatia road trip or just visiting for a day, this park will be a highlight of your trip.
Take your time. Wander slowly. Soak in the silence and the sound of waterfalls. This isn’t just a sightseeing spot — it’s a true reset for the soul.
Save this guide for your next adventure, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube travel video on Plitvice Lakes – full of extra tips, visuals, and everything we wish we knew before going.
📍 Want our full Croatia road trip map? Grab it here
Happy hiking!
