Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

Last Updated on 03.09.2023 by Iliyan

With its wonderful nature, architecture, history, and cuisine, Croatia is one of the most popular destinations in the world. There are countless places in the country that you could visit and see. However, Croatia is home of many beautiful national parks, but Krka National Park and the picturesque lakes are on the top. Continue reading below and find everything you need to know before visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Croatia — Plitvice Lakes National Park

Contents

1 Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park
2 Routes
3 How to Get to the Plitvice Lakes?
4 Working Hours and Prices
5 Tips
6 When Should We Visit the Plitvice Lakes?

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

Nestled between the mountain ranges Mala Kapela to the west and northwest and Lička Plješivica to the southeast, the Plitvice Lakes are an incredible oasis and a wonderful place to visit with magnificent natural surroundings. The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest national park in Southeastern Europe. It includes an area of nearly 300 square kilometers and became part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1979 because of its magnificence. An interesting fact is that the lakes cover under 1% of the total area of the park.

The Plitvice Lakes consist 16 lakes, connected by a series of waterfalls and surrounded by beautiful green forests. The lakes themselves are divided in two parts – 12 upper and 4 lower lakes. The difference between the highest and the lowest lake is around 135 metres.

The park houses various flora and fauna, which only add the to the rare natural beauty of the lakes. You will get enchanted by the colors of the water – from amazing emerald green to crystal turquoise blue. Before feeling tempted to jump in the waters, be aware that swimming in the lakes is completely forbidden.

Routes

There are a few hiking routes going through the Plitvice Lakes, named with different letters of the alphabet starting from 3 to 18 km. You can get detailed information on the official page of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. All routes are well kept and marked, so there is no danger of getting lost.

How to Get to the Plitvice Lakes?

The National park is located in the middle of Croatia and is easily accessible from the big cities like Zagreb (135 km) and Split (260 km). The most comfortable way to travel is by car. The roads are in excellent condition, there are affordable paid parkings nearby the area of the park, where you can leave your vehicle. If you prefer to travel by bus you can book your ticket here. Keep in mind that there are two entrances to the park, so you have to specify in advance which entrance you would be using.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia — Plitvice Lakes

Working Hours and Prices

The national park is open for visitors during the whole year from 07:00 to 20:00 o’clock, the ticket desk closes at 18:00. Ticket prices vary according to period of visit. You can find all prices here. The ticket includes a boat trip and a train ride within the National park as well as an insurance for tourists. Keep in mind that there could be long lines for the ticket desks.

Tips

I would advise you to plan in advance using the park’s website and an early arrival, so you can avoid the crowd. Don’t forget the sunscreen, water, light snacks and comfortable walking shoes.

If you book a hotel in the area of the national park you will have the advantage of avoiding the crowd if you head for the park in the early morning or by taking a walk during the later hours of the day. If you decide to spend more time in one of the hotels, the one day tickets can be extended for free at the hotel’s reception.

You can find more tips and useful information about Plitvice Lakes here.

When Should We Visit the Plitvice Lakes?

The natural surroundings are beautiful in every season, but I would advise you to visit the Plitvice Lakes during the spring, when everything is in bloom and in high water. I was there in the beginning of May and it was divine, but rainy and a bit cold. The country’s high season is during the summer – July and August, but during that time it’s too crowded and the prices are too inflated.