Croatia’s first and largest national park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a mesmerizing destination that captivates visitors with its serene atmosphere and epic landscapes. Home to 16 crystal-clear lakes, more than 90 cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests, not just nature lovers. In this article, we’ll delve into what it’s like to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, including tips for itineraries and trip ideas for exploring the Upper and Lower Lakes.
Exploring the Upper Lakes
The Upper Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park contain 12 lakes (Gornja Jezera) that are absolutely stunning. One of the unique features of the Upper Lakes is the opportunity to take a boat ride across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park. The Upper Lakes are also home to the beautiful Great Waterfall (Veliki Prštavac).
When visiting the Upper Lakes, consider entering through Entrance 2 and taking the bus for a 10-minute ride to the Upper Lakes, where you can take the scenic route down by switching between walking and boating across to the Lower Lakes area. Alternatively, you can take Route E, a circular route that takes approximately three hours and provides access to some of the most picturesque spots in the park. An overview of each lake tour program is located here.
Discovering the Lower Lakes
The Lower Lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park are characterized by four lakes (Donja jezera) and a series of impressive cascades. The Lower Lakes are also flatter and appear to be more accessible for people in wheelchairs and people with mobility issues than the Upper Lakes. Begin your day at Entrance 1 of Plitvice Lakes National Park, taking the time to savor the beauty of the Lower Lakes before the throngs of day-trippers arrive. One of the highlights of the Lower Lakes is the iconic Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall in the park, standing at approximately 256 feet or 78 meters tall. For a “quick” tour of the Lower Lakes, take Route A, which covers a distance of approximately 2.2 miles or 3.5 kilometers.
Two-Day Plitvice Lakes National Park Itinerary
The most hassle-free way to visit the park is over the course of two days. Plan to arrive in the afternoon and visit the Upper Lakes for three to four hours. Spend one night at nearby or onsite hotels like Hotel Plitvice, and visit the Lower Lakes the following morning before checking out and continuing on to other amazing destinations in Croatia.
One-Day Plitvice Lakes National Park Itinerary
You can also opt to visit the whole park with a morning in the Lower Lakes, a break during mid-day, and an afternoon at the Upper Lakes. After some time has passed and the crowds have started to pour in, you can return to your accommodation to rest and relax, if applicable. Later in the day, you can wander to the Upper Lakes without the added bustle.
Plitvice Lakes National Park makes an excellent stopover point for road trips between Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, or other Eastern European countries and Split, Croatia. While it’s certainly doable, I recommend not trying to see the park in eight hours in one day, but if you choose to do so, you can hire a company like Daytrip to transport you to and from other parts of the region to park.
Best Times to Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
The park experiences a high volume of visitors during the peak tourist season, which is typically from June to September. To avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in hiking through the park, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the park is less crowded, and you should either start your visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the mid-day crowds.
Plitvice Lakes National Park operates on a strict ticketing system, and the number of visitors allowed in the park at any given time is regulated. Each ticket allows you to enter up to 59 minutes after the entry time, so if your entry is for 2 pm, you can enter up until 2:59 pm. To ensure entry, it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, especially during the peak season. The park operates from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm during warmer months, and visiting during non-peak times allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings with fewer people.
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Tips for a Memorable Visit
Plitvice Lakes National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, and it’s definitely one of the most pristine. The park has taken multiple steps to protect the environment, such as a reforestation program, a waste management plan, and a program to safeguard the water quality.
Here are a few travel tips to make your experience more comfortable.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be traversing various terrains, including wooden boardwalks and gravel paths.
- Be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity as you traverse along walking trails, boardwalks, and wooden bridges that wind their way around the lakes.
- Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, as the weather can be unpredictable, and you may encounter mist or light rain during your visit.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer months when temperatures can rise.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your exploration of the park.
- Respect the park’s rules and regulations, including staying on designated trails and not feeding or disturbing the wildlife.
- Grab your camera or smartphone and get ready to embark on a remarkable adventure in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
