Plitvice Lakes – Croatia's most famous national park
Sixteen terraced lakes linked by dozens of waterfalls, set in beech and fir forest: Plitvice Lakes National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is Croatia's most-visited natural attraction. Wooden boardwalks lead right across the turquoise water. Choose the right time and route and you'll see one of Europe's most beautiful places – plan badly and you'll be stuck in queues on the boardwalks.
At a glance
Region
Lika
From Zagreb / Zadar
approx. 130 km / approx. 130 km (about 2 hrs each)
UNESCO World Heritage
since 1979
Admission
seasonal: around €40 in high summer, much cheaper in shoulder season, cheapest in winter
Best time to visit
May, June, October (autumn colours)
Duration
4–6 hours for the main routes
Upper and lower lakes
The lower lakes lie in a limestone canyon with steep walls; here Veliki slap, at about 78 metres Croatia's highest waterfall, plunges down. The upper lakes are more spread out, surrounded by forest and quieter, with many small cascades. Between them lies Kozjak, the largest lake, crossed by an electric boat. A panoramic train links the stations. Swimming is forbidden throughout the park.
Entrances and routes
Entrance 1 near the lower lakes and the Great Waterfall – the most popular, so the busiest
Entrance 2 near the hotels and Lake Kozjak, a good start for the upper lakes
Short routes (2–3 hrs) lower lakes only; for limited time
Medium routes (4–6 hrs) upper and lower lakes with boat and train – the standard programme
Long routes (6–8 hrs) all lakes including less-visited paths
Tickets and timing
Prices depend on the season: in July and August a day ticket for adults costs around €40, about half that in spring and autumn and only a fraction in winter. In high season tickets are sold online with entry time slots – book early, as they often sell out on site. Boat and panoramic train are included; parking is extra. Our tip: arrive at opening time (7 or 8am) or after 3pm – at midday coach groups crowd the boardwalks.
Honest verdict
Plitvice is overwhelmingly beautiful and overrun at the same time. In high summer queues form on the narrow boardwalks. If you can, come in May (powerful waterfalls after snowmelt), June or October (autumn foliage). An overnight stay nearby, e.g. in Mukinje, Korenica or Rastoke, is worth it to be in the park early. In winter some paths are closed, but the frozen waterfalls are magical.
Depending on the season: around €40 for adults in July and August, about half in spring and autumn, cheapest in winter. Current prices at np-plitvicka-jezera.hr.
Can you swim in Plitvice Lakes?
No, swimming is forbidden throughout the national park.
Which entrance is better?
Entrance 1 for the Great Waterfall and lower lakes, Entrance 2 for a quieter start at the upper lakes.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
Strongly recommended in high season – online with a time slot; on-site tickets often sell out.
