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National park in Croatia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇭🇷
Country
Croatia
Type
National park
Best time to travel
May–June, September–October
Budget/day
65–110 €
Getting there from Germany
By car from Munich about 6 hours. From Zagreb about 2 hours, from Split about 3 hours.
About Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's number one natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. 16 emerald green and turquoise lakes are interconnected by a system of waterfalls and cascades, creating a landscape of overwhelming beauty. The lakes stretch over eight kilometers amidst dense beech forests, where bears, wolves, and lynxes still live. The upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) are nestled in dolomite rock and feature larger, calmer water surfaces, while the lower lakes (Donja Jezera) impress with steep gorges and dramatic waterfalls. The Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall) plunges 78 meters down and is the highest waterfall in Croatia. Wooden walkways lead visitors over the turquoise lakes — an experience reminiscent of fairy tale worlds. What makes Plitvice special is the travertine process: limestone deposits continuously change the landscape, creating new barriers, basins, and cascades — the lakes are a living, changing ecosystem. Depending on the season and light conditions, the water colors shift between deep blue, bright green, and milky turquoise. The park offers several circular routes (2 to 8 hours) and is open year-round, with winter revealing a special magic with frozen waterfalls. The drive from Zagreb takes about two hours, and from the coast (Zadar or Split) also about two hours. Early mornings or from September onwards, the park is significantly quieter.
Top 4 highlights in Plitvice Lakes
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Veliki Slap
The Great Waterfall plunges 78 meters down and is the highest waterfall in Croatia.
Lower Lakes
The four lower lakes with their dramatic limestone canyons and wooden walkways directly over the water are the most spectacular.
Upper Lakes
The twelve upper lakes are calmer, surrounded by dense forest, and less visited – ideal for nature lovers.
Boat ride on Lake Kozjak
The electric boat crossing over the largest lake connects the upper and lower lakes and offers wonderful views.
Hotels in Plitvice Lakes
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Plitvice Lakes
Recommended travel time
May–June, September–October
Summer
Warm, 22–28 °C, green and lush
Winter
Cold, -5–5 °C, lakes can partially freeze – magical in the snow
How much does a holiday in Plitvice Lakes cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
35–55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
65–110 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
130–280 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Plitvice Lakes
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Plitvice Lakes
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Be sure to buy tickets online in advance – visitor numbers are strictly limited, especially in summer.
Route H (4–6 hours) includes both groups of lakes and the boat ride – the best overall experience.
Arrive as early as possible (Entrance 1 opens at 7 AM in summer) for the quietest atmosphere.
Swimming and bathing is strictly prohibited – the lakes are under the highest nature protection.
In winter, the lakes are magical, but many paths may be closed – check in advance.
Food & drink in Plitvice Lakes
These specialties you must try!
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