Discovering the Beauty of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia

Even before traveling to Croatia, Plitvice National Park was on my must-see list in the world. I visited it in October 2019, and if I’m still talking about it today, it’s because this place left a lasting impression on me. I’ve explored many national parks, but this one exceeded all my expectations. Witnessing the turquoise blues and emerald greens of the lakes with my own eyes and continually stumbling upon stunning waterfalls is a memory that stays vividly with you for a long time. This place is enchanting and yet entirely real!

Are you eager to visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia? Here is some practical information and tips that I wish I had known before my trip. Whether you are alone, as a couple, with children, or with friends, it’s like visiting Disneyland: if you want to make the most of it, a visit to such a place requires some planning.

Some Information About Plitvice National Park

  • Region: Northern Dalmatia
  • Area: 296 km²
  • Establishment of the Park: 1942
  • Annual Visitors: Over 1 million

The park features a vast forest home to 16 lakes and more than 92 waterfalls. It has been designed to allow visitors to appreciate this natural beauty while preserving its biodiversity. In 1979, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural destination remains authentic, thanks to enforced regulations, such as the prohibition of swimming, which have been respected over the years.

Today, it is the most visited park in Croatia and one of the most beautiful in Europe. You should know that you won’t be alone when you go. However, it is always possible to choose a strategic date to explore the park in peace.

When to Visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia?

To enjoy this wonder to the fullest, you need to find the best compromise between pleasant weather and low tourist crowds.

The park is open year-round, but certain trails may be closed due to adverse weather conditions.

In the summer, particularly in July and August, the area is crowded. This is understandable, as it is typically 10 degrees cooler than the coast, making it ideal to explore this wonder under the sun!

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Having visited in the off-season, I found that discovering the Plitvice Lakes is just as enjoyable, if not more so, than in the summer. Why? Because you avoid the crowds and congestion on narrow paths. Besides, each season has its unique charm. For instance, I’d love to return in winter to experience the snow-covered natural park. A Croatian friend showed me photos, and if you’re a fan of a winter wonderland, you’ll be as tempted as I am. Plus, prices are lower and strangely, the crowds seem to vanish like magic. Good to know: skiing is available in the surrounding areas.

I went in October and was pleasantly surprised. There were few tourists, and the autumn colors blended beautifully with the emerald green and turquoise blue of the lakes.

The least recommended months are November, March, and April. Flooding can sometimes occur due to snowmelt or unpredictable weather, making parts of the site impassable. I should mention that even in summer, not many people opt for the longest circuits. Don’t be disappointed if a path is closed; there is so much to see in the park that every route offers wonderful experiences.

The best times to visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are September, October, May, and June.

How to Get There?

Driving to Plitvice

The national park is located halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. For travelers renting a car, simply enter “Plitvice Lakes” on your GPS and let it guide you. The drive takes about 2 hours and is quite pleasant. As you get closer to the site, you’ll see beautiful mountainous landscapes.

Good to know: On directional signs, “Plitvice Lakes” is written under the name “Plitvička jezera”.

Which Entrance to Use?

There are two official entrances to the national park. Entrance No. 1 is typically used by tour groups and the line is often long. If possible, I recommend using Entrance No. 2, which is about 3 km from the first.

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Tip: For more precise GPS navigation, the nearby villages are Korana and Rastovaca (for Entrance No. 1) and Jezerce and Plitvica Selo (for Entrance No. 2). In the villages, you’ll find signs that guide you to the Plitvice Lakes.

Getting to Plitvice by Bus

I took the bus from Zadar, which cost me 10 euros (80 kunas) and took around 2 hours. It’s entirely possible to do this in a day. Travelers coming from Zagreb can do the same; just head to the bus station.

You can also join a tour group. I looked into it, and the prices are almost identical.

What Are the Prices for Plitvice National Park?

Depending on the season, the entry price varies:

  • In the low season (November to March), the ticket is €8 (55 kunas)
  • In the mid-season, the entrance costs €16 (110 kunas)
  • In the summer, the ticket goes up to €27 (180 kunas)

Note: The ticket includes a day’s visit to the park, including the boat and shuttle. Transportation options are available from April until the end of October.

Parking costs about €1 per hour (7 kunas). If you stay the whole day, expect to pay around ten euros.

Please note: Since 2019, the number of tickets sold daily has been limited (5,000 tickets), so it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance.

Which Route to Choose While Visiting the Park?

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Once I was there, I discovered that there are 8 routes. I wasted about twenty minutes deciding which trail to take. You can find all the information about the routes on the park’s official website.

Since I haven’t done them all, I won’t pretend to be a guide and recommend a specific itinerary. Ultimately, the charm of this park lies in the extraordinary discovery of each location.

My Tips for a More Pleasant Visit

Eating on Site or Bringing Your Own Meal?

There are restaurants available inside the park. Honestly, the food isn’t great and the prices are high. During peak season, you can easily waste time waiting in line. That would be a shame. It’s best to prepare a sandwich. Nothing beats finding a lovely, quiet spot to enjoy a little picnic.

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Bonus Tip: Depending on the route you choose, you’ll have time for several breaks. In such a spectacular setting, I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy it. While I was alone, I brought a book with me, and I was thrilled to experience such a moment. For groups or families with children, a small deck of cards would be great!

Saving Time and Avoiding the Crowds

How did I avoid the crowds? A Croatian friend warned me about often long lines for the shuttle or boat. He then gave me a valuable piece of advice: choose a route and do it in the opposite direction. I’m grateful for that! Thanks to him, I strolled peacefully without ever having to queue (for the train, restroom, or just walking along the walkways and boat).

How Much Time to Spend Visiting the Park?

The hikes can last 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.

I chose Route B. I knew I would discover incredible landscapes along the way. With this route, I had the time to take various breaks to take photos, admire the view, read a little, and picnic…

A Quick Recap

In short, to make your visit to Plitvice National Park go smoothly, you should:

  • Avoid the crowds by visiting in the off-season, during the week, and at the park’s opening.
  • Use Entrance No. 2 if possible.
  • Bring your own food.
  • Carefully plan your route in advance.
  • Buy your tickets on the park’s official website a few days before.

I hope this article has answered your questions and helps you plan your trip to visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia—or perhaps simply inspires you to go there soon.

Bonus

Here is a little preview created by Cercle featuring Disclosure playing a set in the park. I’d be surprised if, after watching this video, you’re not even more tempted to visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia!

Mohamed SAKHRI
Mohamed SAKHRI

I am Mohamed, the creator and editor-in-chief of this Blog, "Exploring Earth's Wonders" is your ultimate travel guide, offering expert tips, destination insights, and inspiration for every traveler. Discover new horizons with endless adventures, unique experiences, and world-class travel advice

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