National park in 🇭🇷Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Bears, wolves and stunning water cascades.

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.

4.8
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
June
25°
Jul
27°
Aug
26°
Sep
22°
Oct
17°
Nov
11°
Dec
6°
Jan
5°
Feb
7°
Mar
12°
Apr
16°
May
21°

What people say about Plitvice Lakes National Park

4.8
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
5

What to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park

National parks in Europe - Let us help you plan your trip

Article from December 2024 with 13 places

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia. It is known for its breathtaking scenery of 16 interconnected lakes and numerous waterfalls, which are surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can hike along the wooden footbridges that wind through the park, providing spectacular views of the crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, wolves, lynx, and over 120 species of birds.

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The Ultimate List of the Planet's Most Beautiful Lakes

Article from January 2024 with 10 places

Plitvice Lakes - Unparalleled Beauty

No matter the season, Plitvice Lakes in Croatia is an absolutely stunning sight, and it's no surprise that it's become a popular destination for vacationers in search of a remarkable experience. Located in a wildlife preserve in the mountainous region of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are made up of 16 interconnected lakes that feature impressive terraced travertine barriers, streams, and paths. This magical location is home to countless cascading waterfalls, giving the area an almost surreal beauty that is unparalleled. Whether you take a peaceful stroll along the wooden bridges or just spend time marveling at the views, Plitvice Lakes is an unforgettable destination that's definitely worth the visit!

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The most beautiful national parks in the world

Article from November 2024 with 45 places

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia and is known for its stunning network of waterfalls and lakes surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The park covers an area of over 300 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endemic species of fish and rare species of birds. Visitors can explore the park on foot, following a network of wooden walkways and bridges that wind through the waterfalls and lakes. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, as well as scenic boat rides and guided tours.

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Bucket list-worthy places in the Balkans

Article from August 2023 with 9 places

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Croatia. It is known for its 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. It has a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, eagles, and otters.

Visitors can explore the park on foot or by boat and participate in educational activities such as guided tours and hikes. The park is also home to some of the oldest trees in Europe, estimated to be over 1,000 years old. In addition to its natural beauty, Plitvice Lakes National Park is also known for its cultural significance and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Do not miss one of the top National Parks in Europe when you are in Croatia.

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Places nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park

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