Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest park, features 16 lakes linked by waterfalls, hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in central Croatia is home to 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. You can walk on wooden footbridges and hiking trails that wind around and across the water, giving you views of the blue and green lakes surrounded by forests. As Croatia's oldest and largest national park, Plitvice welcomes over a million visitors annually who come to see its unique landscape of limestone formations and cascading water.
The Lakes and Waterfalls
Plitvice Lakes National Park has 16 interconnected lakes divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes. The Upper Lakes are larger and more spread out, while the Lower Lakes sit in a limestone canyon. Waterfalls connect the lakes, with the 78-meter tall Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall) as the park's highest. The lakes' colors range from azure to green, gray, or blue depending on mineral content and lighting. Travertine barriers formed by moss, algae, and bacteria continuously grow and change the shape of the lakes and falls.
Exploring the Park
You can explore the lakes and waterfalls up close on wooden boardwalks and hiking trails. Eight designated walking routes of varying lengths let you customize your visit. The shortest takes about 2-3 hours while the longest spans 8 hours. Electric boats take visitors across Lake Kozjak, and panoramic trains connect the Upper and Lower Lakes. If you arrive early in the morning, you'll have more time to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.
When to Visit
You can visit Plitvice Lakes year-round, with each season offering a different atmosphere. Spring has rushing waterfalls from snowmelt. Summer is warm but crowded. Fall brings colorful foliage around the lakes. In winter, you'll see frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees. May, early June, and September often have fewer visitors. The park opens daily at 7 am in summer and 8 am in winter.
Practical Information
Entrance fees vary by season, ranging from 80 kuna in winter to 300 kuna in peak summer. Book tickets online in advance, as the park limits daily visitors. Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the trails. The park doesn't allow swimming to protect the ecosystem. Bring water and snacks, as you'll find few food options inside. The closest towns with accommodation are Rastovača, Jezerce, and Plitvica Selo. You can reach the park by car or bus from major cities like Zagreb, Zadar, and Split.
