Plitvice Lakes step by step: what to see, when to go, how to prepare
Plitvice Lakes is one of those places you see once and remember for a long time. No wonder it’s on the bucket list of so many travelers. It’s also one of the top attractions in Croatia, which is why it’s worth planning your visit carefully. In this post, I’ll tell you what to see, when to go and how to prepare so that you don’t end up stuck in the middle of a crowd with an empty backpack and no ticket.
Table of contents:
- Plitvice Lakes – a short history and the best time to visit
- How to get to Plitvice Lakes
- Where to stay nearby
- Tickets to Plitvice Lakes – prices, where to buy, what’s included
- Trails in Plitvice Lakes – how to plan your visit (routes)
- Plitvice Lakes most beautiful spots
- Plitvice Lakes Park summary + practical tips
- FAQ – most frequently asked questions
Plitvice Lakes – a short history and the best time to visit
The park is home to 16 cascading lakes and as many as 92 waterfalls, including Veliki Slap, the highest waterfall in Croatia at 87 meters. In addition, there are around 20 caves in the park, although they remain inaccessible to tourists. The lakes are supplied by both surface and underground waters.
The best time to visit is during the months outside the peak tourist season, such as May, June, September and October. During this period, the weather remains pleasant, and the crowds are noticeably smaller. In contrast, summer temperatures reach between 25 and 30°C, which, combined with a high number of visitors, often results in heavy congestion. Plitvice Lakes is the most visited destination in Croatia, drawing around 1.5 million tourists annually.
The park remains open throughout the year. However, some trails may be closed in winter due to snow and ice.
An interesting fact is that the war between Croatia and Serbia began at Plitvice Lakes in 1991. The fighting was intense, and there were even plans to destroy the dams, which could have triggered an ecological disaster. As a result, not only the local flora and fauna but also nearby towns would have been completely destroyed. Fortunately, this never happened. The conflict lasted five years, the park was reclaimed, and the damage was later repaired.
UNESCO and uniqueness
Plitvice Lakes National Park was established in 1949, and in 1979 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which highlights its exceptional natural and cultural value. The park covers an area of approximately 296 km², although only about 1% of this is made up of lakes — the main attraction of this magical place. The remaining area consists of meadows, gorges and other natural formations.
Plitvice Lakes are geologically young. They were formed over the past few thousand years as the ice sheet gradually retreated. The process of limestone karstification, combined with the activity of bacteria and algae, led to the formation of a porous rock layer known as travertine. Travertine barriers in the park can reach up to 50 meters in height, creating spectacular rock formations.
Season, weather, when to avoid crowds
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is outside the summer season, specifically in May, June, September and October, when the weather is pleasant with temperatures around 15 to 25°C and the crowds are significantly smaller. In summer, temperatures can reach between 25 and 30°C, which attracts the highest number of visitors and causes the most congestion.
The park is open all year round. However, in winter some routes may be closed due to snow and ice. During the summer season, it is recommended to arrive very early in the morning, right after opening time (before 7:00 in summer and before 8:00 in other months), in order to avoid queues and large groups. After 10:00, numerous tours from all over the country and abroad begin to arrive.
You can explore the park until dusk, and after 17:00 the walking paths gradually become less crowded. It is important to remember that the park is not artificially lit, so moving around after dark is more difficult.
Organized tourist groups are often present in the park and may block the paths, so it’s a good idea to let them pass or try to get ahead. The upper lakes tend to be less crowded, which increases your chances of a peaceful visit.
It is recommended to use Entrance 1 and Parking 1, as Entrance 2 and Parking 2 are usually more crowded and result in longer queues that can delay the start of your visit by up to an hour.
For convenience and guaranteed entry, it is best to buy tickets online in advance, especially during high season, as the number of visitors is limited.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most visited attractions in all of Croatia, which means getting there is generally straightforward. There are several options available, depending on your preferred way of traveling.
If you’re driving with a car, it’s easy. There are two parking areas at the site: Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, and the first signs for the park appear as far as 100 kilometers in advance. However, during the summer season, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning, as parking spots tend to fill up quickly.
If you’re traveling without a car, you can take advantage of long-distance buses. They run from many cities across Croatia, and tickets are available on four different websites: Traveling.com, Omio, FlixBus, busticket4.me.. If one site doesn’t show any available connections, it’s worth checking the others. From my own experience, this really works. If you’re interested in more details about transportation in the Balkans, feel free to check out my article: Buses in the Balkans – where delays are the norm and the journey is the adventure.
A third option is to join an organized tour from larger cities such as Zagreb, Zadar, Split or Trogir. These packages usually include transport, a guide and entrance tickets. It’s a convenient solution for anyone who prefers to have everything arranged from start to finish.
Each of these options has its advantages and limitations, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Car vs public transport vs organized tour
If you’ve arrived by car or have access to one, this will definitely be the best option. You’re not dependent on anyone, you can leave whenever you want and come back when it suits you. Fuel and parking costs can easily be split between passengers, which makes it quite affordable. The only downside is that someone has to drive, so there’s no option for a nap on the way. Plus, in peak season, parking spots disappear faster than coffee at a mountain hut in the morning.
An organized tour is also not a bad idea. I’ve used one myself and know that it’s a convenient solution when you don’t feel like planning anything. You get transport, tickets and a guide included in the package. The downside is the rigid daily schedule – you have to stick with the group and there’s no room for spontaneous decisions. However, for those who simply want to see Plitvice Lakes without any stress, it’s the perfect choice.
Taking a bus is something in between. On the one hand, it’s cheaper and you don’t have to worry about driving. On the other hand, you’re limited by the timetable. You need to plan your return and your route in the park carefully. If something goes wrong, you’re on your own without help from a guide or organizer.
Where to stay nearby
Arriving by bus or car and staying overnight nearby is one of the best options if you want to start exploring Plitvice Lakes early in the morning. In the surrounding villages and right near the park entrance, you’ll find plenty of reliable accommodations in various standards and price ranges. Many of them offer free parking and breakfast, and allow you to reach Entrance 1 or 2 on foot in just a few minutes.
- Hotel Jezero
- Hotel Bellevue
- Hotel Plitvice
- Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo
- Plitvica River House
- Pansion Breza
- 16 Lakes Hotel
- Plitvice Miric Inn
- Hotel Degenija
- Guest House Zrinka
- Villa Mukinja
- Green Lakes House
- B&B Plitvica Creek
- Guest House Slavica
- Natura Plitvice Lakes
Tickets to Plitvice Lakes – prices, where to buy, what’s included
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open daily from 7:00 to 20:00. Tickets can be purchased on the park’s official website, preferably in advance. The ticket office is open until 17:00. The ticket price includes entrance to the park, use of the electric boat and the panoramic train.
Here is the current ticket price list (as of July 2025):
| Ticket Type | One-Day Ticket | Two-Day Ticket | After 16:00 Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | €40.00 | €60.00 | €25.00 |
| Children (7–18 yrs) | €15.00 | €20.00 | €9.00 |
| Students | €25.00 | €40.00 | €15.00 |
Children under the age of 7 have free entry.
Organized tours
However, if you don’t want to go on your own and you’re not in the mood to spend time planning, it’s worth choosing an organized tour. In every larger city, you’ll find dozens of booths and travel agencies offering ready-made packages for tourists.
Personally, I prefer to book tours online, mainly because the prices are often much better. Sometimes the difference is two euros, and sometimes even ten. Organized tours to Plitvice Lakes are available from:
- Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb
- Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes + Rastoke Village from Zagreb
- Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes from Zadar
- Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes from Split
- Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes from Split or Trogir
- Private Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes from Dubrovnik
- Private Tour to Plitvice Lakes
Depending on the starting point, the tour lasts from a few to several hours. The price usually includes transport, a guide, and the entrance ticket to the park.
Trails in Plitvice Lakes – how to plan your visit (routes)
I have to admit, the choice of trails is really impressive. The park is divided into upper and lower lakes, so you can either walk around the entire area or focus on just one section. If you’re short on time or simply want to see the most famous spots, the lower lakes will be a great choice.
Longer trails cover both areas and include walking paths, scenic shuttle rides and boat crossings. This way, you can see a lot without needing to be in top physical shape.
It all depends on how much time you have and what your fitness level is. Below you’ll find maps with all the available trails along with short descriptions of each. Take your time to review them and choose the route that suits you best.
From experience, I highly recommend starting as early in the morning as possible — that’s when the trails are quieter and the atmosphere is much more peaceful. Plus, the park looks absolutely magical at that time.
Dostępne Trasy:
Route A is a perfect option for a quick visit. It starts at Entrance 1 and takes you through the most scenic part of the lower lakes. You’ll see the famous Veliki Slap from a viewpoint, walk down along turquoise waters and cross narrow wooden walkways just above the surface of the lakes. The trail ends near Lake Kozjak. No boats or buses are included. It’s ideal for those who want beauty without a long hike. If this is your first time visiting Plitvice Lakes, this is the best route to begin with.
Length: 3.5 km Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: easy
Route B is an extended version of Route A. It also starts at Entrance 1 and takes you through the lower lakes and past Veliki Slap, but at the end you hop on a boat and cruise across the largest lake, Kozjak. After that, you return by bus through the upper part of the park. It’s a calm and varied route, perfect if you want to experience more than just walking.
Length: 4 km Duration: 3–4 hours Difficulty: easy to moderate
Trasa C to klasyk, jeśli chcesz zobaczyć wszystko. Startujesz przy wejściu 1, zwiedzasz dolne jeziora z wodospadami i wąskimi przejściami, potem płyniesz przez Kozjak, dalej pieszo przez górne jeziora aż do Veliki Prštavac – największego wodospadu w tej części. Wracasz autobusem. Jest pięknie, zróżnicowanie i bez nudy.
Długość: 8 km. Czas: 4–6 godzin. Poziom: średni.
Route E is a short walk through the upper lakes. You start at Entrance 2 and immediately find yourself among peaceful ponds, wooden bridges and smaller waterfalls. It’s perfect if you’re not interested in crowds and prefer greenery over dramatic views. It’s a short route, but a very enjoyable one.
Length: 4.5 km Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: easy
Route F is the easiest way to see Veliki Slap if you’re entering from Entrance 2. First, you take a short boat ride, then walk down to the lower lakes and finish at the biggest waterfall in the entire park. It’s a perfect option if you want beautiful views without doing the full loop.
Length: 4.7 km Duration: 3–4 hours Difficulty: easy to moderate
Route H is a great option for those who want the full experience but prefer to start with the upper lakes. It begins at Entrance 2 with a bus ride, followed by a beautiful walk through the Veliki Prštavac area, then a boat ride and a descent to the lower lakes, ending with Veliki Slap. It includes all the highlights in a logical order.
Length: 8.9 km Duration: 4–6 hours Difficulty: moderate
Route K is for those who enjoy long walks and have a full day to explore. It’s a complete loop through the entire park, all on foot from start to finish. You’ll see every highlight – Veliki Slap, Kozjak, the upper lakes, Veliki Prštavac and all the connections between them. No buses, just one boat ride. It’s a demanding route, but also the most rewarding. This is the most comprehensive trail in Plitvice Lakes for those who don’t want to take shortcuts.
Length: 18 km Duration: 6–8 hours Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Here’s a fun fact to wrap up: there is an official Plitvice Lakes National Park app that you can download to your phone. It’s available for both Android, and iOS. Inside, you’ll find all available trails, maps, food spots, points of interest and plenty of practical information that will come in handy during your visit.
Plitvice Lakes most beautiful spots
The entire Plitvice Lakes National Park looks like something out of a fairytale, so it’s hard to say which places are the most beautiful. With waterfalls everywhere, turquoise lakes, wooden bridges and scenic paths, you won’t know where to look first. But if this is your first visit, these are the spots that will stay in your memory the longest:
- Veliki Slap
The highest waterfall in Croatia, standing at 78 meters tall. It leaves an incredible impression at any time of year and is a must-see for anyone visiting Plitvice Lakes. It looks best from the viewpoint near Entrance 1. - Lake Kozjak
The largest and most famous of the Plitvice Lakes. Tourist boats sail here, and the views along the way are truly calm and relaxing. A perfect spot to catch your breath during your visit. - Veliki Prštavac
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in the upper part of the park. Surrounded by lush greenery and cascading streams, it creates a magical atmosphere. Definitely worth the climb. - Wooden walkways and cascading waterfalls
A signature feature of Plitvice Lakes. Narrow walkways just above the water, with waterfalls spilling on both sides, give the feeling of walking through another world. - Viewpoint near Entrance 1
This is where the most iconic photos of the lower lakes and Veliki Slap are taken. The best time to come is early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. - Novakovica Brod and Kaluderovac Lakes
Two quieter lakes in the lower section of the park. Less crowded, with crystal-clear water and a better chance for a peaceful walk away from the main paths. - Šupljara Cave
A small cave visible along Route A. Passing through it is short, but it offers a moment of shade and a change in perspective. A fun highlight among the greenery and water (it was closed during my visit).
Plitvice Lakes Park summary + practical tips
This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And I am not joking. Visiting the park feels like stepping into a fairytale world filled with perfect lakes, waterfalls and wooden bridges and walkways. The place is majestic and stunning, and I truly have no words to describe how amazed I was. There is a wide choice of trails, which gives you many options for exploring the park. Plitvice Lakes also offer beautiful viewpoints that might leave you speechless. The boat ride, the walk and the views are definitely worth the price.
However, I would not come back here again. Are you surprised? Well, you should be. The crowds are so massive that even the most beautiful place can lose its magic. Even though our guide said it was not very crowded today because of bad weather with clouds and 18 degrees, I honestly do not know what she was talking about. I spent more time standing than walking, someone kept stepping right in front of me, and I wasted forty minutes just waiting in line for the boat. I followed Route C, so I did get to see all the most beautiful spots, and I do recommend doing that, because most likely you will not come here a second time either.
Practical information
- Plitvice Lakes is the most popular destination in Croatia, attracting around 1.5 million visitors each year, so be prepared for crowds.
- The park is open from 7:00 to 20:00.
- Tickets can be purchased on the official Plitvice Lakes website, preferably at least one day in advance.
- Parking areas fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive as early as possible.
- Entrance 1 usually has shorter lines.
- The queues for the boat ride are extremely long.
- The ticket includes accident insurance.
- You should bring comfortable shoes, preferably sports ones.
- It is forbidden to leave the marked trails.
- Dogs are allowed but only on a leash.
- Bring water and food with you, as food options inside the park are limited.
- Swimming in the lakes is not allowed.
- The highest waterfall in Croatia is located here and measures 78 meters.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FAQ – most frequently asked questions
How much is a ticket to Plitvice Lakes?
The ticket price depends on the season. In summer it’s around €40–45 for adults, in spring and autumn around €23–33, and in winter about €10. Children under 7 enter for free. The ticket includes a boat ride on Lake Kozjak and a trip on the panoramic train.
When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes?
Spring and autumn are the best times – the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Summer is very busy, and in winter many trails may be closed, although the park turns into a fairytale landscape.
How much time do you need to visit Plitvice Lakes?
To see both the Upper and Lower Lakes, it’s best to plan at least 4–6 hours. For more ambitious visitors, there are routes that can take up to 8 hours. If you have less time, you can choose a shorter option.
Can you swim in Plitvice Lakes?
No. Swimming in the national park is strictly prohibited. The ban protects the delicate ecosystem and water quality.
Can you bring a dog to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed to enter the water or swim.
Do you need to book a time slot to enter the park?
You don’t need to register, but it’s best to buy tickets in advance – ideally at least one day before. During summer, the number of entries is limited and tickets sell out quickly.
Where are the toilets in the park?
Toilets are available at the entrances, near food stands and at the boat and train stops. It’s a good idea to use them when you can, as there may not be another one on the trail for a while.
Is the boat and train ride included in the ticket?
Yes. The boat ride on Lake Kozjak and the panoramic train ride are included in the ticket. No extra payment is needed.
What trails does the park offer?
The park offers several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The shortest ones take about two hours, and the longest up to eight. All routes lead through wooden walkways, forest paths and lakeside sections.
Are the trails difficult?
No. Even the longest trails are not technically challenging, just time-consuming. The walkways are safe and suitable for less experienced hikers as well.
What attractions are worth seeing?
Definitely Veliki Slap – the highest waterfall in Croatia, measuring 78 meters. It’s also worth seeing Lake Kozjak, the viewpoints above the Lower Lakes and the upper parts of the trails with wide panoramas.
Can you make a campfire or camp inside the park?
No. Camping, lighting fires, fishing and organizing events are strictly prohibited. This is a protected area with strict rules in place.
How do you get to Plitvice Lakes?
The park is located in central Croatia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can get there by car, bus or as part of an organized tour from cities like Zagreb, Zadar or Split.
Do I need a visa to visit Plitvice Lakes?
EU citizens do not need a visa. An ID card or passport is enough.
What are the park’s opening hours?
During the summer season (May to September), the park is open from 7:00 to 20:00. Outside of high season, it’s open from around 8:00 to 16:00 or 18:00. The last entrance is usually allowed up to two hours before closing.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
