Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes (Plitvička jezera) are Croatia's number one natural wonder and one of the most spectacular natural spectacles in Europe. 16 cascading lakes, connected by countless waterfalls and cascades, nestled in dense beech forest — a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1979, making it older than most other entries on the list.
The park spans 296.85 km² in the mountainous hinterland, about 130 km from Zadar and 130 km from Zagreb. The lakes are fed by the Korana River, and the mineral-rich water constantly deposits travertine — limestone deposits that form new barriers, dams, and waterfalls. The landscape literally changes every year because of this.
With over 1.3 million visitors annually, it is Croatia's most visited national park. Good planning is therefore essential — especially in high summer.
Upper & Lower Lakes
The park is divided into two areas, encompassing a total of 8 km of lake trails with a height difference of 133 meters:
Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera)
12 lakes in a wooded valley with gentler cascades and moss-covered travertine barriers. The lakes are larger and calmer — Prošćansko jezero (the highest lake), Galovac, and Gradinsko jezero are the main ones. The paths partly lead over wooden walkways directly over the turquoise water. The Upper Lakes are less crowded and particularly spectacular in autumn (foliage!).
Here you feel like you're in an enchanted world: Trees grow on travertine islands, the water shimmers in 50 shades of green and blue, and dragonflies buzz over mirror-smooth surfaces.
Lower Lakes (Donja jezera)
4 lakes in a steep, canyon-like gorge — more dramatic, spectacular, but also fuller. The Lower Lake group is what most people know from postcards. Here are:
- Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall): At 78 meters, the highest waterfall in Croatia. Particularly impressive in spring after the snowmelt.
- Sastavci: The famous spot where all the waters unite and cascade into the gorge. THE photo opportunity.
- Kaluđerovac: Deep blue lake in a natural cave — almost unreal beauty.
The wooden walkways at the Lower Lakes are narrower and fuller. Coming early in the morning or late afternoon is a must.
💡 Tipp
If you only have 2–3 hours: Lower Lakes (Entrance 1) are the highlight. If you have a whole day: Add the Upper Lakes — they are less visited and just as beautiful.
Routes in the National Park
The park offers 7 official routes that combine hiking trails, electric boats across Lake Kozjak, and panoramic trains (free shuttles). The routes are color-coded and well signposted.
Route A — Lower Lakes Short Loop
Duration: 2–3 hours | Start: Entrance 1
The shortest route. From Entrance 1 down to Veliki Slap, along the Lower Lakes to the boat dock, by electric boat across Lake Kozjak, and by shuttle train back to the entrance. Ideal if you have little time — but you miss the Upper Lakes.
Route B — Lower Lakes Large Loop
Duration: 3–4 hours | Start: Entrance 1
Like Route A, but you walk both sides of the Lower Lakes — once there and back on the other side. More perspectives, less crowding because most take Route A.
Route C — Upper & Lower Lakes Complete
Duration: 4–6 hours | Start: Entrance 1
The most popular full-day route. Lower Lakes → electric boat across Kozjak → Upper Lakes → shuttle train back. You see everything. Bring provisions (there is only one overpriced restaurant in the park).
Route E — Upper Lakes from Entrance 2
Duration: 2–3 hours | Start: Entrance 2
Shuttle train to the highest point, then downhill through the Upper Lakes. Electric boat across Kozjak, then shuttle train back to Entrance 2. Less crowded than Route A.
Route F — Upper & Lower Lakes from Entrance 2
Duration: 3–4 hours | Start: Entrance 2
Like Route E, but after the Kozjak boat, you also walk through the Lower Lakes to Veliki Slap and take the shuttle train back.
Route H — The Grand Tour
Duration: 4–6 hours | Start: Entrance 1 or 2
Similar to Route C, but with an additional hike around Prošćansko Lake — the highest and wildest of the Upper Lakes. For nature lovers who want to see everything.
Route K — Full-Day Hike
Duration: 6–8 hours | Start: Entrance 1
The longest route — completely around all lakes, including forest paths away from the wooden walkways. You reach spots that 95% of visitors never see. Only for fit, motivated hikers with good shoes.
💡 Tipp
Our recommendation: Route C from Entrance 1, starting at 8 a.m. You have the Lower Lakes almost to yourself before the buses arrive from 10 a.m. Pack a picnic — the park restaurant is expensive and the line is long.
Entrance 1 vs. Entrance 2
The park has two main entrances, about 3 km apart:
Entrance 1 (Ulaz 1) — Lower Lakes
The most popular and crowded entrance. From here, you go directly to the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap — the "postcard part." Advantage: You see the highlights immediately. Disadvantage: Everyone comes here, the queue at the ticket office can be 30–60 minutes in summer.
Parking directly at the entrance (7€/day for cars). Restaurant, souvenir shop, WC.
Entrance 2 (Ulaz 2) — Upper Lakes
Quieter and strategically smarter. From here, you take the shuttle train to the highest point of the Upper Lakes and work your way downhill — physically more pleasant. Most tour groups start at Entrance 1, so you often have the Upper Lakes almost to yourself.
Larger parking lot (7€/day). Restaurant, shop, WC. From here, you can also reach the Lower Lakes via Lake Kozjak.
💡 Tipp
Strategy for the perfect day: Start at Entrance 2 at 8 AM. Enjoy the Upper Lakes in the morning silence. Around 11 AM, take the boat across Kozjak. Visit the Lower Lakes in the early afternoon when the morning crowds have already left.
Achtung
In July and August, the park is FULL from around 11 AM. Access is closed when the capacity limit is reached. Online tickets with time slots have been mandatory since 2024 — buy AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance! Spontaneous visits do NOT work in high summer.
Tickets & Prices
Since 2024, there is a time slot system — you book a fixed entry window online and can only enter at that time.
Entrance Prices 2026 (Adults)
| Period | 1-Day Ticket | 2-Day Ticket |
| January–March, November–December | 10€ | 16€ |
| April–May, October | 23.50€ | 35.40€ |
| June–September | 39.80€ | 63.70€ |
Discounts: Children 7–17 years: 50% discount. Children under 7: free. Students: 10–20% discount (ID required!).
Included in the ticket price: Electric boat across Lake Kozjak, panoramic shuttle train, all hiking trails.
Booking
Exclusively online at np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. You choose the date, entrance (1 or 2), and time slot (e.g., 8:00–10:00). Ticket is only valid for the booked entrance and time slot. Credit card required.
Achtung
TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE IN ADVANCE! Only remaining tickets are available at the counter — and they are often sold out by 9 AM in summer. In the peak season (July/August), popular time slots are booked out 2–3 weeks in advance. Book early!
Best Visiting Times & Tips
Best Time of Year
- Spring (April–May): Snowmelt ensures maximum water volume — the waterfalls are most impressive. Fewer visitors than in summer, fresh greenery. Mornings can still be cool (8–15°C).
- Autumn (September–October): Foliage! Red, yellow, and orange trees reflect in the turquoise lakes — the most photogenic time. October is significantly quieter than September.
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather (25–35°C), but extremely crowded. Water levels often low in August, some small cascades dry up. Swimming completely prohibited since 2023.
- Winter (December–February): Magical if cold enough — frozen waterfalls are breathtaking. Some paths closed, reduced opening hours. Only 10€ entry, hardly any visitors. Warm clothing and non-slip shoes are a must.
Best Time of Day
The park opens at 7:00 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (winter). Book the earliest time slot! Between 8 and 10 AM, you'll have the wooden walkways almost to yourself. From 10:30 AM, buses from Zadar, Split, and Zagreb arrive. In the late afternoon (from 4 PM), it gets quieter again — the light is also particularly beautiful for photos.
Practical Tips
- Shoes: Sturdy shoes with a profile. The wooden walkways become slippery when wet, and some forest paths are rocky.
- Provisions: Bring water and snacks. There is only one restaurant in the park (expensive, long queue) and a few kiosks.
- Photo Tip: Bring a polarizing filter app or a real polarizing filter — it reduces reflections on the water and brings out the turquoise colors.
- Drones: Completely prohibited. Drone pilots will be penalized.
- Swimming: Strictly prohibited throughout the park since 2023. No exceptions.
- Duration: Plan at least 4–5 hours for a satisfying round. For Route K, the whole day.
Flora & Fauna
The park is a biodiversity hotspot — one of the last areas in Europe where large predators live in the wild.
Large Predators
- Brown Bears: An estimated 40–50 specimens live in the park area and surrounding forests. Sightings on tourist paths are extremely rare — bears avoid people. On the forest paths of Route K, there is a slight chance. No need to panic: There has never been a bear incident with tourists.
- Wolves: A small pack roams the extended park area. Sightings are very rare, usually only tracks in winter.
- European Lynx: The rarest of the three — only a few specimens, extremely shy. A sighting is like winning the lottery.
Other Wildlife
Deer, wild boars, badgers, and otters are more common. Over 170 bird species have been recorded, including black woodpecker, eagle owl, goshawk, and dipper. The crystal-clear lakes are home to trout and river crabs.
Flora
The park is 75% forested. Beech, spruce, and fir dominate. Over 1,400 plant species, including 50 orchid species and numerous endemic mosses that grow on the travertine barriers and contribute to limestone formation. The forest has a primeval character in many areas — dead trees remain and become part of the ecosystem.
Staying at Plitvice
There are hardly any accommodations within the park itself — but in the villages on the edge, you will find numerous options.
Hotel & Restaurant Degenija · Selište Drežničko 57
Family-run 3-star hotel, 9 km from Entrance 1. Cozy rooms, excellent restaurant with local cuisine (lamb, trout). Pool in the garden. The owners give excellent tips for visiting the park.
From 75€/night with breakfast · ★★
Plitvice Holiday Resort · Grabovac, Smoljanac
Modern resort with various room types, 4 km from Entrance 2. Restaurant, bar, children's playground. Good value for families.
From 90€/night · ★★
House Rustica · Jezerce
Private rooms in a traditional stone house, right on the village edge. Quiet, authentic, pure hospitality. The landlady cooks a multi-course dinner on request with products from her own garden.
From 50€/night · ★
Camping Korana · Selište Drežničko
The nearest campsite to the park, on the banks of the Korana. Pitches and simple mobile homes. Close to nature, affordable, ideal for outdoor fans.
Pitch from 15€/night, mobile home from 55€
💡 Tipp
Stay directly at Plitvice instead of a day trip from Zadar or Zagreb. This way, you can book the earliest time slot and arrive before the buses. It makes a huge difference in the experience!
Getting to Plitvice Lakes
From Zadar
Bus: 2–2.5 hours, 12–18€. Several connections daily (Flixbus, Croatia Bus). Stop directly at Entrance 1 and 2. Best to take the earliest bus (around 6:30 AM).
Car: 130 km via the A1 and National Road D1. Approx. 1.5–2 hours. Toll fees approx. 8€.
From Split
Bus: 4–5 hours, 18–28€. Fewer direct connections, often change in Zadar or Karlovac.
Car: 260 km, approx. 3 hours. Via the A1 towards Zagreb, exit Gornja Ploča.
From Zagreb
Bus: 2–2.5 hours, 12–18€. The most convenient connection — many direct buses daily from Zagreb Bus Station. First departure around 6:00 AM.
Car: 130 km via the A1 and D1. Approx. 1.5–2 hours. The classic day trip from the capital.
Organized Tours
Numerous providers in Zadar, Split, and Zagreb offer full-day tours (50–80€ including entry and transport). Advantage: No stress with parking and tickets. Disadvantage: You are bound to the schedule and usually arrive around 10 AM when it's already crowded.