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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's most famous natural wonder and oldest national park, established in 1949. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and pristine forests spanning 296 square kilometers. The park's impressive landscape is formed by natural limestone barriers that create a series of lakes flowing from upper to lower levels through spectacular waterfalls. The park offers a network of wooden walkways and hiking trails that wind through ancient beech, fir, and spruce forests, providing visitors with impressive views of the interconnected lakes and waterfalls. The ever-changing colors of the water, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue depending on the minerals and organisms, create a magical atmosphere that attracts over one million visitors annually.

Top Plitvice Lakes National Park

the Wooden Walkway System

Walk along the park's famous wooden boardwalks that snake through and over the pristine lakes, offering incredible close-up views of waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. The walkways provide safe access to otherwise inaccessible areas while protecting the delicate ecosystem. This is the quintessential Plitvice experience that allows you to feel like you're walking on water.

Booking Tip: Park entrance tickets cost around 250-400 HRK depending on season. Book online in advance during peak season (June-September) as daily visitor numbers are limited. Early morning entry (8 AM) provides the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Hike the Upper and Lower Lakes Trails

Choose from various hiking routes ranging from 2-8 hours that showcase different sections of the park's 16 lakes. The Upper Lakes feature larger lakes surrounded by dense forest, while the Lower Lakes offer the most dramatic waterfalls including the famous Veliki Slap. Each trail provides unique perspectives and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Trail maps are included with entrance tickets. The full circuit takes 6-8 hours, but shorter routes (2-4 hours) are available. Wear comfortable waterproof shoes as paths can be slippery. Consider guided tours for detailed botanical and geological information.

Panoramic Train and Electric Boat Rides

Take the park's electric train that connects different trail sections and offers scenic rides through the forested areas. The electric boat silently glides across Kozjak Lake, the largest lake in the park, providing unique water-level views of the surrounding cliffs and forests.

Booking Tip: Train and boat rides are included in the park entrance fee. Boats run every 30 minutes during peak season but less frequently in winter. The train is especially useful for covering longer distances between trail sections without fatigue.

Photography at Veliki Slap Waterfall

Visit Croatia's tallest waterfall at 78 meters, where water from Plitvice Lake plunges dramatically into the Korana River canyon. The viewing platform offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially in morning light when rainbows often appear in the mist. The thunderous sound and powerful spray create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Booking Tip: Best visited early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting. Bring a waterproof camera cover as the mist can damage electronics. The viewpoint is accessible via a moderate 30-minute hike from the main trail.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Photography

Spot diverse wildlife including brown bears, wolves, lynx, deer, and over 160 bird species in their natural habitat. The park's pristine ecosystem supports rare species and offers excellent opportunities for nature photography. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best chances for wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Bring binoculars and telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Stay on designated paths and maintain distance from animals. Consider hiring local guides who know the best spots for wildlife viewing, especially during spring and autumn migration periods.

Getting There

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, approximately 130 km south of Zagreb and 220 km northeast of Split. The most convenient way to reach the park is by rental car via the A1 highway, with well-marked exits leading to the park entrances. Regular bus services connect the park to major Croatian cities including Zagreb (2.5 hours), Split (3 hours), and Zadar (1.5 hours). The park has two main entrances: Entrance 1 (north) near Rastovača and Entrance 2 (south) near Hladovina, with ample parking available at both locations.

Getting Around

The park operates an efficient internal transportation system including electric trains and boats that are included in the entrance fee. The panoramic train connects different sections of the park, while electric boats transport visitors across Kozjak Lake. Most exploration is done on foot via the extensive network of wooden walkways and hiking trails. The park provides detailed maps showing various route options ranging from 2-8 hours, allowing visitors to choose based on their fitness level and available time. All paths are well-maintained and clearly marked with safety barriers along water areas.

Where to Stay

Rastovača (near Entrance 1)
Mukinje Village
Korana Village
Grabovac
Korenica
Slunj

Food & Dining

Dining options within the park are limited to a few restaurants and snack bars near the entrances, serving traditional Croatian cuisine and quick meals. The nearby villages of Mukinje, Korana, and Grabovac offer family-run restaurants specializing in local specialties like grilled trout, venison, mushroom dishes, and homemade bread. Many guesthouses and hotels provide traditional Croatian breakfast and dinner options. It's advisable to bring packed lunches for full-day park visits, as dining options within the park can be crowded and limited during peak season.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Croatia

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Pizzeria Sette Sorelle

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Boban

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Il Secondo

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Gastro Italiano

4.6 /5
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Paesano

4.6 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and the park displays busy colors. Summer (July-August) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours but brings the largest crowds and highest prices. Winter visits provide a magical snow-covered landscape with frozen waterfalls, though some trails may be closed due to ice. Each season offers unique beauty: spring brings lush greenery and full waterfalls from snowmelt, while autumn showcases spectacular fall foliage reflected in the crystal-clear lakes.

Insider Tips

Enter the park as early as possible (8 AM) to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photography, especially during peak summer months
Wear waterproof shoes with good grip as wooden walkways can be extremely slippery when wet, and bring layers as temperature can vary significantly between shaded forest areas and open lake areas
Download the offline park map to your phone and consider bringing a portable phone charger, as cell service can be spotty and you'll want to preserve battery for photos during long hiking days

Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park