Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Complete Guide to Croatia’s Top Attraction

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Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its sixteen emerald-green lakes and Veliki Slap, the country’s tallest waterfall. Split into upper and lower sections, the park offers a unique experience including boat rides and scenic hiking trails.

Exploring Plitvice can feel overwhelming with so many routes, entrances, and changing seasons. This guide, packed with real experiences, will help you plan your visit – whether you want to avoid the crowds or choose the best trail to make the most of Plitvice Lakes.

Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Plitvice Lakes National Park, known in Croatia as Nacionalni Park Plitvička Jezera, is located in Croatia’s mountainous Lika region, between Zagreb and Zadar.

The park’s central location makes it easy to fit into any Croatia road trip itinerary, whether you’re driving down the coast or exploring inland. It’s also close enough to Zagreb, Zadar and Split for an organized day trip.

How to Get to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice is easy to reach, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or day tour. While tours from cities like Zagreb and Split are convenient, we found driving through the Croatian countryside a highlight of our trip to Plitvice, offering flexibility to stop at scenic spots along the way.

By Car: A scenic two-hour drive from Zagreb, Plitvice is well-connected by Croatia’s road network. Zadar is also two hours away via the A1 highway, and Split is a longer but scenic three-hour drive along the coastline. Hire a car with Local Rent for the best deals in the Balkans.
By Bus: Buses from Zagreb and Zadar take about 2.5 hours and cost around 14€. From Split, the ride takes 4.5 hours and costs 22€. Search for the best tickets and routes with Omio.
Day Tours: You can get day tours from any major city nearby. Though they handle logistics for you, they often leave little room for exploration at your own pace. For more flexibility and a chance to beat the crowds, consider staying overnight near the park. That way, you can experience Plitvice without the rush of day-trippers, which makes all the difference.

If you do decide to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes from whichever city you’re visiting, these are our pick of the best:

Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes is beautiful year-round, but the experience changes with each season.

The spring months of April and May bring lush greenery and high water levels, making the waterfalls especially dramatic.

During summer the lakes are at their busiest, with late July to August attracting high numbers. The large crowds can make it difficult to fully enjoy the trails and views.

Visitors in the fall months of September to October often enjoy vibrant fall colors. Rain is common, as we experienced firsthand in October, but the lack of crowds makes the experience more peaceful and definitely worth it.

Winter transforms the park into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland, ideal for peaceful walks.

Plitvice Lakes in autumn with bright foliage surrounding the waterfalls — Veliki Slap during fall

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Entrance Fees & Opening Times

Entrance fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park vary by season, and it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially during peak months.

The park is open year-round, but hours vary. In summer, it is open from 7am to 7pm, while in winter, access is limited to 8am to 3pm.

man with a rucksack standing on wooden stairs in nature looking at trees and rushing water by the path — Making an early start from Entrance 2

Which Entrance Should You Choose?

Plitvice has two entrances: Entrance 1 near the Lower Lakes and Entrance 2 by the Upper Lakes.

Entrance 1 is popular for its uphill path with views of Veliki Slap, making it more immersive for first-time visitors. Entrance 2 is ideal if you want to start with the Upper Lakes.

Entrance 1 tends to be busier, as visitors seek the immediate big-hitting views, and tickets sell out earlier. Entrance one is also the favored starting point for day trip coaches. Entrance 2 is quieter but ideal if you’re happy to wait for the views.

Top Tip: Parking can be a bit tricky during peak season. Arrive early to get a spot close to the entrance, or be prepared for a short walk.

Woman in a pink t-shirt with a ponytail looking across lakes and trees from height — Admiring the view from Entrance 1

Plitvice Lakes National Park Routes

Plitvice Lakes offers seven main routes, each suited to different time frames and fitness levels. We opted for Route C and H, which offered the perfect blend of stunning views and manageable hiking without feeling rushed.

Route A: A short, easy 2-3 hour route from Entrance 1. Explore the Lower Lakes and pass Veliki Slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall. Perfect for those pressed for time. 3.5 km, 2-3 hours, easy.
Route B: This route is similar to Route A, but it includes a boat ride across Kozjak Lake, which is a great way to break up the walk and take in the views from the water. You can walk or take the shuttle back. It is 4 km, 3-4 hours, easy.
Route C: If you want to cover both the Upper and Lower Lakes in one day, Route C is ideal. Starting from Entrance 1, this route takes you through the most iconic spots, and it includes both a boat ride and a shuttle. We found this the perfect option for a full day of exploration without feeling like we missed anything. 8 km, 4-6 hours, moderate.
Route E: Starting from Entrance 2, this route is a peaceful loop around the Upper Lakes, with a boat ride across Kozjak Lake. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time but still want to experience the quieter, more tranquil side of the park. 5.1 km, 2-3 hours, easy.
Route F: Starting from Entrance 2, this route covers Kozjak Lake and the Lower Lakes. 4.6 km, 3-4 hours, easy.
Route H: A comprehensive route that takes you through both the Upper and Lower Lakes. Starting at Entrance 2, it includes a boat ride across Kozjak Lake and a shuttle. If you have a full day and want to see all the park has to offer, this is a solid choice. 9 km, 4-6 hours, moderate.
Route K: For the more adventurous, Route K is a full-day hike around the entire park, covering both the Upper and Lower Lakes without using boats or shuttles. It’s definitely demanding, but if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, this route offers plenty of solitude and unspoiled nature. 18.3 km, 6-8 hours, hard.

Boards dotted around the park display the various routes

Which is the Best Plitvice Lakes Route?

We spent a couple of days exploring Plitvice Lakes and sampled two routes, one going clockwise and the other anti-clockwise. Both routes provided a very different experience:

Route C: We followed Route C from Entrance 1, and it gave us a well-rounded experience of both the Upper and Lower Lakes. The boat ride across Kozjak Lake was a highlight, giving us a moment to sit back and admire the scenery. Plus, starting from Entrance 1 meant we were walking towards the waterfalls most of the time, which made the experience really immersive. If you only have one day, Route C is highly recommended. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded experience, consider starting from Entrance 2 and taking Route H.

Route H: On the second day, we chose Route H, which involved getting a bus from Entrance 2 to the start point at 7am. We managed to get off the bus first, and after upping the pace for 10 minutes, we were able to enjoy 90 minutes of absolute peace and tranquility and an empty boat across the lake before we met the hordes coming the other way from Entrance 1!

multiple waterfalls surrounded by green trees and vegetation — Veliki Slap with the boardwalk in the distance

large waterfall into a turquoise pond with a rainbow — Galovacki Buk, the second largest cascade at Plitvice

Other Tips for Your Visit

Buy your tickets online in advance. Peak season often sells out, so booking early secures entry and avoids crowds. You can get your tickets directly through the official park website, but we found the site confusing and hard to navigate. For an easier experience, book your tickets with Get Your Guide.
Arrive early for a quieter experience. The magic of Plitvice really shines in the early morning before the large groups of day trippers arrive. I can’t emphasize enough how peaceful the boardwalks are just after opening. By 10am, the park starts to get crowded, especially in the summer.
Stay overnight near the park. If you’re serious about making the most of your visit, staying overnight nearby will allow you to get in bright and early, plus you’ll avoid the stress of long drives. We recommend Fenomen Plitvice Resort which has beautiful lodges in the national park.
Pack a picnic lunch. Park restaurants were mediocre and can be busy and pricey. Bringing a picnic offers flexibility, with scenic spots for lakeside meals.
Pick up a map or ask for advice. While the park signage is decent, a map from the staff can help make sure you don’t miss any key sights or get lost. The trails are easy to follow, but having a map on hand adds a bit of security.
Don’t forget rain gear. If you’re visiting in the off-season, pack waterproof gear. The weather can change quickly, and the trails can get muddy. However, the upside is fewer crowds and a more serene experience.

multiple small waterfalls cascade through vegetation with a wooden boardwalk passing by — The wooden boardwalk follows multiple waterfalls through the park

Other Things to Do Around Plitvice Lakes

Day Trip to Rastoke

Rastoke is a small village famous for its picturesque waterfalls, traditional wooden houses, and watermills. This watery paradise sits on the rivers Korana and Sluncica, crystal clear rivers that flow south to create Plitviče Lakes. It is perfect for a spot of wild swimming or kayaking.

In the village of Rastoke itself, you can admire the Rastoke Waterfalls, which are a collection of small waterfalls over a large surface of water, explore the traditional wooden houses, which have both Croatian and Ottoman influences, and visit Stari Mlin or Old Mill to learn about the traditional milling process.

multiple small waterfalls under a stone bridge — The waterfalls at Rastoke

Barac Caves

About 20 minutes away, the Špilja Barać caves are a great option for a quick excursion before or after your trip to Plitvice. The limestone caves are renowned for their intricate stalactite formations and stalagmites, creating a stunning natural display within the cool, dimly lit chambers.

Archaeological discoveries in the caves have uncovered fossils of prehistoric animals like cave bears and evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, making them significant not just for their beauty but also for their historical importance.

illuminated rock columns in an underground cave — Inside the illuminated Barac Caves

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you spend at Plitvice Lakes?

It’s recommended to spend at least one full day at Plitvice Lakes. If you’re short on time, a half-day visit can cover the major highlights, but a full day allows you to explore both the Upper and Lower Lakes at a relaxed pace. For a deeper experience, consider staying overnight.

Do you need hiking boots?

Hiking boots are unnecessary, but sturdy shoes are highly recommended for exploring Plitvice Lakes. The trails are mostly well-maintained, but some areas can be slippery or uneven, especially after rain. Comfortable shoes with good grip will make your walk more enjoyable.

Can you swim in the lakes?

To protect Plitvice Lakes’ delicate ecosystem, swimming is not allowed. While the crystal-clear water may be tempting, visitors are required to stick to designated paths and view the lakes from the boardwalks.

What city is closest to Plitvice Lakes?

While the closest major cities are Zagreb (135 km) and Zadar (160 km), the nearby village of Rastovača is the most convenient place to stay for visiting Plitvice Lakes.

It’s located just a few minutes from the park’s entrance and offers a range of guesthouses and accommodations for travelers who want to stay nearby.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is undoubtedly one of the most stunning natural wonders in Croatia. Its emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse hiking routes offer something for every traveler.

Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a full-day adventure, this guide’s tips should help you make the most of your trip.

Remember to choose the right route based on your time and energy, and consider visiting during the quieter months for a more peaceful experience.

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