A Complete Guide to Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

Nestled in the heart of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a true gem of natural beauty. With its cascading waterfalls, lush landscapes, and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no wonder that this UNESCO World Heritage site has become a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essential details of visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, from parking and trail options to entrances, dining, and invaluable tips for a memorable experience.

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Entrance at plitvice lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park has two main entrances: Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. Both entrances provide access to different parts of the park, and each has its own unique trails and attractions. The choice of entrance largely depends on the trails you’re interested in exploring and the overall experience you’re seeking. The biggest waterfall is right at Entrance 1, so that helps determine if you want to see it first or towards the end of your visit.

tickets and opening times

When you purchase your tickets online in advance, you’ll have to select which entrance to start at and your time frame to enter. Timed tickets help keep the crowds spread out throughout the day, although it will still get busier as the day goes on.

After entering, you can stay as long as you desire. Our tickets for 9:30am were perfect as far as crowds in July. By the time we left by 1:00pm, it looked extremely busy by the Great Waterfall. You can purchase tickets here.

Ticket prices change per month and season:

Low Season: January – March + November – December:

• Adults: €‎10.00
• Children 7 – 18: €‎4.50
• Students: €‎6.50

Shoulder Season: April, May + October:

• Adults: €‎23.50
• Children 7 – 18: €‎6.50
• Students: €‎14.50

High Season: June – September:

• Adults: €‎40.00
• Children 7 – 18: €‎15.00
• Students: €‎25.00

plitvice lakes National Park Trails

Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts a network of well-maintained trails that wind through its stunning landscapes. Each trail offers a unique perspective on the park’s natural wonders, from the breathtaking waterfalls to the serene lakes. Here’s a breakdown of the main trails.

A Trail (The Lower Lakes)

This trail is perfect for those looking for an easy, leisurely walk. It starts at Entrance 1 and gives you the opportunity to visit the Great Waterfall and Lower Lakes. It spans around 3.5 km and duration is 2 to 3 hours.

B Trail (The Lower Lakes)

The B Trail is slightly longer at approximately 4 km and takes visitors through the Lower Lakes with a boat ride across the largest lake, Lake Kozjak, a train ride, and finishes off with a walk across the top of the canyon’s east side back to Entrance 1. This trail takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. We took this trail due to time, but it was perfect!

C Trail (Lower and upper lakes)

Covering around 8 km, this trail can be a bit more challenging. It includes the Lower and Upper Lakes, with a boat ride across Lake Kozjak, while taking the panoramic train and walk back to Entrance 1. On this trail, you will see 3 of the largest waterfalls, Great Waterfall, Veliki Prštavac, and Mali Prštava, as well as numerous smaller waterfalls.

K Trail (Lower and Upper lakes)

This trail gives you the opportunity to walk and explore the whole lakes section with the Upper and Lower Lakes. The trail is 18.3 km long, as you will not take a boat across Lake Kozjak, only a small portion on the east side. You can take this trail from either Entrance 1 or Entrance 2.

H Trail (Lower and Upper Lakes)

This trail starts at Entrance 2 and visiting the Upper Lakes first, then taking the boat ride across Lake Kozjak, and finally seeing the Great Waterfall and Lower Lakes before taking the panoramic train back. H Trail is 8.9 km long and can take 4 to 6 hours.

Each trail is color-coded and well-marked, making navigation a breeze. Depending on your fitness level and the time you have, you can choose the trail that suits you best or even combine trails to create a more comprehensive experience.

There are a lot of wooden walkways throughout Plitvice Lakes National Park that do not have any railings and some openings, so pay attention and be careful while walking.

Food and Drink Options

Exploring the park can work up quite an appetite, but fear not – Plitvice Lakes National Park has you covered with various dining options. Both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 have restaurants and snack bars where you can refuel.

Some restaurants and bistro stands only take card as payment. For more information on cuisine options, check out the details here. You’ll also find a few free bathroom facilities scattered throughout the Park.

Other Activities to do

There are quite a few other activities you can do at Plitvice Lakes National Park instead of just walking the trails to make the most of your visit. One option is rowing on the largest lake, Lake Kozjak.

You can rent row boats at the P1 dock for €‎13 an hour with a maximum of 4 people. Another is hiking the surrounding trails, such as Medvedak Hiking Trail, Čorkova Bay Trail, and Plitvica Trail.

how to get to plitvice lakes

The journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park is an integral part of the experience, offering picturesque views of the Croatian countryside. Depending on your starting point and mode of transportation, there are several ways to reach this natural wonder.

By car

Driving to Plitvice Lakes offers flexibility and convenience. The park is well-connected by roadways, making it accessible from major cities like Zagreb, Zadar, and Split.

If you’re traveling from Zagreb, the drive south will take 2 hours. From Zadar, the drive takes about 1.5 hours and is a fairly easy drive, which we did! Finally, if traveling from Split, the drive will take about 2.5 hours. The ease of traveling by car allows you to enjoy the stunning landscape and mountains.

By Bus

Croatia has a reliable network of buses that connect various cities, making it an affordable and eco-friendly option to reach Plitvice Lakes. Several bus companies operate routes to the park from major cities like Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. The journey duration and frequency of buses may vary, so it’s advisable to check the schedules in advance.

By organized tour

Lastly, for those seeking a hassle-free experience, organized tours are available that include transportation to and from Plitvice Lakes and guided tours from one of Croatia’s major cities.

These packages are particularly convenient if you want to sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the logistics. Get Your Guide offers an array of tours, and I’ve always had a great experience in every country we’ve visited.

parking at plitvice lakes National Park

Before embarking on your Plitvice adventure, it’s crucial to consider parking arrangements. The park offers ample parking lots at each of its entrances, ensuring easy access for visitors. There are two main entrances to the park: Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.

Both entrances have their own parking facilities, and the parking fee is typically reasonable. I think it was about €‎1.00 per hour or so.

plitvice lakes tips for visiting

• Arrive Early: To fully enjoy the park’s beauty without the crowds, aim to arrive early in the morning. Depending on the season, opening times can start at 7 or 8am. This not only gives you a more peaceful experience but also ensures you have ample time to explore the trails. As the day goes on, the crowds increase and you will be waiting longer to see the waterfalls.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park’s trails involve some walking, so be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. This will make your journey more enjoyable and prevent discomfort. In addition to comfortable shoes, dressing in layers and comfortable hiking clothes will be a benefit as well.

• Pack Essentials: Bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views. Also make sure to have easy access to your tickets when needed to scan for the boat or panoramic train inside the Park.

• Check Weather Conditions: The weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before your visit and pack accordingly. Rain can enhance the park’s beauty but may make certain trails slippery. We went in mid July, thinking it was going to be hot, and it was at least 15 degrees cooler than anticipated and overcast skies.

• Respect Nature: Plitvice Lakes is a protected natural area, so it’s important to follow park rules, stay on designated paths, and avoid littering. You also cannot feed the animals, collect any plant “souvenirs” from the trails, or swim in the lakes.

• Stay Hydrated: Walking and exploring can be dehydrating, especially during the warmer months. Keep yourself hydrated to ensure an enjoyable experience. There are bistros throughout the Park to also buy water or drinks at.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park promises an unforgettable journey through one of Croatia’s most exquisite natural wonders. From the moment you step foot into the park to the time you reluctantly leave, you’ll be immersed in the captivating beauty of its cascading waterfalls, emerald lakes, and lush forests.

By considering parking, choosing trails, exploring entrances, indulging in culinary delights, finding comfortable accommodations, and heeding valuable tips, you can make the most of your Plitvice adventure and create memories to last a lifetime.