Plitvice Lakes Croatia is one the most beautiful places in the world. This unusual Nature Reserve charms with the incredible beauty of waterfalls and cascades of lakes. In 1979 the National Park was announced a part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Plitvice lakes is the largest National Park in Croatia. There are 16 large and a lot of smaller lakes, connected with each other with waterfalls. Visiting Plitvica Lakes Croatia you will see 36 caves and grottos.
The total area of Plitvice National Park is 30 000 hectares.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a natural wonder that offers a breathtaking experience to visitors. With its stunning turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, Plitvice Lakes is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In this article, we will take you on a journey to explore the beauty of Plitvice Lakes, from the various trails to the hidden gems of the park. You will discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia and how to make the most of your visit. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Practical Travel information for visiting Plitvice Lakes Croatia:
The park is open all year round, though the open hours schedule changes depending on the season.
In hot season the park is open from 7am till 8pm.
In winter time the second entrance of the park is closed and only entrance #1 is open.
Tours to Plitvice Lakes Croatia are arranged from many locations in Croatia.
The road from Zagreb or Zadar will take approximately 2 hours by car to reach Plitvica Nature Reserve. Same route by bus will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
One way ticket from Zagreb or Zadar to Plitvice National Park will cost 80 KN. You can buy it upon arrival at the bus station or purchase in advance online.
You can join a guided tour with a group of tourists or plan visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia yourself. Also, you can buy excursion tour without preliminary booking, just upon arrival to the Nature Reserve.
To planner better your tour in Plitvice Park buy maps and brochures at the entrance.
Getting to remote parts of the park is organized by regular shuttle buses, which are free of charge.
Also, you can take a walk among the magnificent beauty of Plitvice Lakes and enjoy every trail, stunning waterfalls and landscapes.
There are hundreds of fish in the lakes of the park. They are so friendly and used to communication with people that can even ask for food from you :), but keep in mind it is not allowed to feed them.
Plan a trip to Biokovo National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing fantasy of nature, combining water and greenery in one place.
Everything here is in harmony and even presence of hundreds of tourists doesn’t break the tranquil atmosphere.
Great place for vacations in Croatia at the seaside – Baska Voda
3 hotels of Plitvice Lakes National Park will be happy to offer you overnight, should you decide to stay longer.
Please note, a few restrictions for visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Here is a brief list of things, which are forbidden in Plitvice Park Croatia:
- walking the dogs,
- swimming,
- hunting and fishing,
- setting fires.
Contents
About Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in the mountains area. The region is called Lika. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located between Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The park is one of the most visited places in Croatia.
The Upper Lakes of Plitvice Nature Reserve consist of 1 lakes separated by barriers. The Lower Lakes group counts 4 lakes.
Plitvice Stream is 4km of steady water flow.
How long is the Plitvice lake walk?
There are three different trails in Plitvice Lakes that you can take, depending on your preference and physical ability. Trail A is the shortest and easiest, taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete, covering a distance of 3.5km, and exploring only the lower lakes. It begins and ends at Entrance 1 and allows visitors to witness the Great Waterfall and Kozjaka Bridge.
Trail B is also easy and takes around 3-4 hours, covering 4km. It follows a similar route to Trail A but includes a scenic boat ride on Lake Kozjaka.
Trail C is the longest and most challenging, taking around 4-6 hours to complete and covering a distance of 8km. It is a moderate trail and includes a visit to the upper lakes in addition to the extended Trail B route.
Is it hard to hike Plitvice?
Exploring Plitvice Lakes on foot is a hassle-free and well-structured experience. There are approximately eight distinct routes available, ranging from two and a half to eight hours of walking/hiking. These routes are identified by the labels A, B, C, E, F, H, and K (refer to the information below) and stretch over a distance of 3 to 18 km.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes Croatia
One of the most popular routes to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park is from Zagreb, Zadar or Split. These are the cities, where most of the tourists arrive. There are number of bus routes to take visitors to Plitvice Lakes.
If you have time and are ready for long relaxing vacations you can stay in one of the villages near the Park. You will save time and will be able to access the Nature Reserve much faster.
Alternatively, upon arrival to one of the cities we have mentioned you can rent a car and enjoying driving. Another recommendation is to join one of the tourist groups going to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
From Zagreb to Plitvice Nature Reserve
The route from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia will be as following:
- Karlovac;
- Take road D1 (direction Slunj);
- Grabovac;
- Plitvice.
The National Park is located about 80 km from Karlovac.
How to get from Split to Plitvice National Park
- Take motorway A1 (direction Nroth;
- Highway, Exit Gornja Ploca;
- Take road D522
- Continue on road D522 to Udbina;
- After Udbina take route D1 to Plitvica Lakes National Park in Croatia;
What is the best time of the year to visit Plitvice Lakes Croatia?
Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is amazing during any season. The only difference you may observe is that during summer season the Park gets a bit overcrowded.
During low tourist season you will certainly have more opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature in Plitvice Lakes Croatia.
In spring the Lakes in the park look different and more vibrant because of the growing level of water. You will watch the waterfalls and streams running wildly.
Autumn brings the charm of its own and Plitvice Lakes look more serene and peaceful. The changing colors of the autumn season will make it even more attractive.
During winter season Plitvice Lakes Croatia remind a fairy tail rather then a place on Earth. Covered with snow, and in some parts with ice, Plitvice Lakes look really magnificent.
What month is best for Plitvice Lakes?
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is from May to September when the weather is pleasant, and the lakes are at their clearest. However, it can be crowded during these months, especially in July and August, which are the peak tourist season. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in May or September. Keep in mind that the park’s opening hours and accessibility can be affected by weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website before planning your visit.
Is one day enough for Plitvice?
While it is possible to visit Plitvice Lakes in one day, it may not be enough time to fully explore and appreciate the park. Plitvice Lakes National Park covers a large area and features many different trails and viewpoints, so it’s worth considering spending at least two days there if you have the time. Additionally, if you visit during peak season, crowds can slow down your progress and make it more difficult to see everything in just one day. However, if you have limited time and can only spend one day at Plitvice, you can still see many of the park’s main attractions and have a memorable experience.
How much does it cost to go to Plitvice Lakes?
The admission prices for Plitvice Lakes National Park vary depending on the month of the visit. For one day tickets, the rates are as follows:
- January, February, March, November, December: €10 or $11.85 USD
- April, May, and October: €23.5 or $26.5 USD
- June, July, August, and September: €40 or $44.5 USD.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for Plitvice Lakes?
It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance for Plitvice Lakes, but it is recommended during peak tourist season (June to September) as the park can get quite crowded. Advance tickets can be purchased online through the official Plitvice Lakes National Park website.
Are Plitvice Lakes worth visiting?
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is definitely worth visiting. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Europe. The park features 16 interconnected lakes and numerous waterfalls that create a breathtaking landscape of crystal clear waters and lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s trails, taking a boat ride across the lakes, and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Overall, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape in a stunning setting.
Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this marvelous place yourself one day!