Sixteen turquoise lakes connected by wooden walkways and 90 waterfalls make up Croatia's largest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
Walk across wooden boardwalks suspended above turquoise lakes at Plitvička Jezera, where 16 connected lakes create Croatia's largest waterfall system. You'll pass the 70-meter Veliki Slap waterfall and cross canyons on elevated paths. In the surrounding 300 square kilometers of beech and fir forest, brown bears and wolves roam freely through the protected wilderness.
The Lake System
The Upper Lakes include twelve larger bodies of water, with Prošćansko jezero and Kozjak stretching along gentle dolomite shores. Below them, four Lower Lakes - including Milanovac and Gavanovac - cut deep into limestone canyons with steep walls. The lakes end at Sastavci waterfalls, where waters merge to form the Korana River.
Walking Routes and Viewpoints
Seven marked trails wind through the park. You can complete shorter 2-3 hour walks or take on full-day 8-hour hikes. Wooden boardwalks stretch for several kilometers above the water, leading to lookout points over Veliki Slap and Sastavci. To reach different sections of the park, take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak (departures every 30 minutes) or use the shuttle bus between main entrances (hourly service).
Wildlife and Forest Life
Brown bears, grey wolves, and Eurasian lynx inhabit the quiet corners of the park's beech and fir forests, which cover 90% of the area. Eagle owls and capercaillie nest in the treetops. Your best chance to spot wildlife comes during early morning or late afternoon, particularly in the less crowded Upper Lakes area.
Practical Information
The park opens from 7 AM to 8 PM in summer and 8 AM to 4 PM in winter. Park rules protect the environment: stay on marked trails and don't swim in the lakes. The temperature around the lakes often drops several degrees below the surrounding area, so pack sturdy walking shoes and warm layers.
Getting There and Accommodation
You can reach the park by car or direct bus from Zagreb (130 km, 2-hour journey) or Split (200 km, 4-hour journey). Hotel Jezero operates year-round near Entrance 2, while guesthouses in nearby villages like Slunj and Rakovica put you within 10-15 kilometers of the park entrances.
