Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvička jezera)
UPDATED: 18.1.2023.
Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera (Plitvice Lakes National Park) is a stunning wonder of protected nature located in Lika and covers almost 300 square kilometers. It is called Plitvice in short.
Plitvice Lakes is one of the largest national parks in Croatia and most beautiful miracles of nature in the world. The national park consists of 16 interconnected lakes arranged in cascades, separated by dams of travertine and surrounded by forest.
Plitvice became the first Croatian national park in 1949 and was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979. The park is incredible, and it would be a travesty not to visit it while traveling throughout Croatia.
In this post, we cover:
The facts are these…
How to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park (Plitvička jezera)
Why you should visit Plitvice Lakes
#1 Distinctive colors of lakes
The azure, green, grey, and blue colors of the lakes make for amazing pictures and are a peaceful sight for everyone’s eyes. Colors vary depending on the number of minerals, types of organisms, and angle of the sunlight.
#2 The Large Waterfall
Veliki slap (The Large Waterfall) is the highest waterfall in Croatia and the most beautiful in the national park. Veliki slap is 78 meters high and gets almost completely frozen during the winter.
#3 Tufa sediments
The gorgeously unique waterfalls and lakes were created thanks to tufa barriers, which started to form during the Pleistocene epoch (6.000-7.000 years ago).
#4 Lake tour programs
You can choose between numerous different tours around the lakes. Paths through the forest and lakes will give you the most beautiful views of the whole park.
#5 Hiking trails
People in love with hiking can explore 4 beautiful hiking trails around the park, varying from 1 1/2 hours to 8 hours. Dive into nature and enjoy all the gifts that the forest gives you.
#6 Panorama train
Plitvice sightseeing trains drive visitors around the park. If you get tired from walking, jump on the train and enjoy the amazing panorama view. A train is also a good option for people with disabilities and those who have trouble walking, as they can still see and enjoy the park.
How to visit the Plitvice Lakes
Where is Plitvice?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is situated partly in Lika-Senj county and partly in Karlovac county, between Korenica and Slunj. It includes a depression between the Mala Kapela mountain and the Lička Plješivica mountain range.
When to visit Plitvice?
Plitvice Lakes are amazing during every part of the year. Every season brings new beauties and attractions to the park.
Plitvice is crowded during the summer season, so it is better to visit it during June or September when the weather is still sunny and dry, but there are fewer people. Early morning with beautiful sunlight on the waterfalls is the most wonderful and peaceful part of the day.
In the fall, you can see the leave colors changing all over the park. Visiting the park in winter is also a good idea because you can see the lakes and waterfalls frozen over.
Directions to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is easy to find because it is situated near the main road which passes through Lika. Buses are available throughout the whole year from all over Croatia that will take you straight to the park’s entrance.
Traveling by car
- From Zagreb – Take the A1 (Zagreb – Split – Dubrovnik) highway and exit towards Karlovac. Continue via D1 state road towards Slunj and Rakovica. Plitvice Lakes is situated 30 kilometers past Slunj.
- From Split – Take the A1 (Dubrovnik – Split – Zagreb) highway and exit towards Gornja Ploča. Continue to drive towards Udbina and Korenica. Plitvice Lakes is located 20 kilometers past Korenica.
Traveling by bus
- From Zagreb – the bus timetable and ticket prices can be found here
- From Split – the bus timetable can be found here
- From other cities – the bus timetable and prices can be found here
Tickets, parking, boats, and trains
Tickets are available at the entrances until 16:00.
Entrance tickets
The entrance ticket includes:
- Electric boat transport
- Panorama train transport
- Visitor insurance
You can book your ticket online here.
The price list is available here.
Guided tours in Croatian, English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish are available for organized groups of 10 people or more.
Contact the park directly to book a guided tour using the below contact information.
E-mail: prodaja@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Phone: +385 (0)53 751 014; +385 (0)53 751 015
Parking
Working hours of parking lots are available here.
The price list for parking is available here.
Boats and trains
The electric boat schedule is available here.
The panorama train schedule is available here.
Visit other Croatian National Parks
- Brijuni National Park
- Kornati National Park
- Krka National Park
- Mljet National Park
- National parks in Croatia PLUS detailed visitor guides
- Northern Velebit National Park
- Paklenica National Park
- Risnjak National Park
Source:
np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.
