Even before traveling to Croatia, Plitvice National Park was on my must-see list around 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 have explored many natural parks, but this one exceeded all my expectations. Seeing the blue-green hues of the lakes with my own eyes and continuously stumbling upon breathtaking waterfalls has etched this memory in my mind for a long time. This place is magical and yet very real!
Are you eager to visit the Plitvice lakes in Croatia? Here are some practical information and tips that I wish I had known before heading there. Whether you’re alone, with a partner, children, or friends, just like at Disneyland, if you want to make the most of your time in such a place, planning your day is essential.
Some information about Plitvice National Park
- Region: Northern Dalmatia
- Area: 296 km²
- Establishment of the park: 1942
- Number of visitors per year: Over 1 million
The park features a vast forest housing 16 lakes and over 92 waterfalls. It has been designed to admire this nature while preserving the biodiversity that thrives there. In 1979, the site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This natural area is authentic, thanks to strict rules, such as the prohibition of swimming, which have been respected for all these years.
Today, it is the most visited park in Croatia and one of the most beautiful in Europe. You won’t be alone when you visit, but it’s always possible to choose a strategic date to explore the park in peace.
When to Visit the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia?
To make the most of this wonder, you need to find the best balance between pleasant weather and low tourist traffic.
The park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed due to bad weather.
In summer, particularly in July and August, the site is usually crowded. It’s understandable, as it’s typically 10 degrees cooler than the coast, making it ideal to explore this wonder under the sun!
From my experience visiting in the off-season, discovering the Plitvice lakes is just as enjoyable, if not more so, than in summer. Why? Because you avoid the crowds and congestion on narrow paths, plus each season has its own charm. For instance, I would love to go back in winter to see the snow-covered natural park. A Croatian friend showed me photos, and if you’re a fan of a winter wonderland atmosphere, you’ll be tempted just like I was. Additionally, prices are lower, and oddly, the crowds seem to vanish like magic. Good to know: skiing is available in the surrounding areas.
I visited 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. There can often be flooding due to snowmelt or unpredictable weather, making certain parts of the site impassable. Even in summer, few people choose the larger routes. Don’t be disappointed if a path is closed; there’s so much to see in the park that each itinerary offers wonderful experiences.
The best times to visit the Plitvice lakes in Croatia are September, October, May, and June.
How to Get There?
By Car
National Park Plitvice is located halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. For travelers who have rented a car, just enter “Plitvice Lakes” into your GPS and let it guide you. The drive takes about 2 hours and is scenic. The closer you get to the site, the more beautiful mountainous landscapes you’ll discover.
Good to know: On directional signs, “Plitvice Lakes” is listed under its local name “Plitvička jezera.”
Which Entrance to Use?
There are two official entrances to the national park. Entrance No. 1 is usually used by tour groups, and the line can often be long. If possible, I recommend using Entrance No. 2, located about 3 km from the first.
Tip: For more GPS accuracy, the nearby villages are Korana and Rastovaca (for Entrance No. 1) and Jezerce and Plitvica Selo (for Entrance No. 2). In these villages, signs will guide you to the Plitvice Lakes.
By Bus
I took the bus from Zadar. It cost me 10 euros (80 kunas) and took about 2 hours. It’s definitely possible to do this in a day. Those coming from Zagreb can do the same. Just head to the bus station.
You can also go with a travel group. I inquired, and the prices are nearly the same.
What Are the Prices for Plitvice National Park?
Ticket prices vary by season:
- Low season (November to March): 8 € (55 kunas)
- Mid season: 16 € (110 kunas)
- Summer: 27 € (180 kunas)
Note: The ticket includes a full-day visit to the park, with boat and shuttle services. Transportation is available from April until the end of October.
Parking costs around 1 € per hour (7 kunas). If you stay all day, it will total about ten euros.
Important: Since 2019, the number of entries has been limited (5,000 tickets for sale each day), so it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance.
Which Route to Choose When Visiting the Park?
Don’t do what I did. I discovered on-site that there were 8 routes and spent about twenty minutes deciding which one to take. You can find all the information regarding the trails on the official park website.
Since I didn’t do all of them, I won’t play tour guide and recommend a specific trail. In any case, the charm of this park lies in the extraordinary discovery of each location.
My Tips to Make Your Visit More Enjoyable
Eating On-site or Packing Your Own Meal?
There are restaurants available within the park. Honestly, the food isn’t delicious and prices are high. During peak season, you can easily waste time waiting in line. It would be a shame. The best option is to pack a sandwich. There’s nothing like finding a lovely quiet spot to enjoy a picnic.
Bonus tip: Depending on the route you choose, you will have time for several breaks. In such a spectacular setting, I truly recommend taking the time to soak it all in. When I was alone, I brought a book with me. I was thrilled to experience such a moment. For those in groups or with children, don’t forget to bring a small deck of cards!
Saving Time and Avoiding Crowds
How did I avoid the crowds? My Croatian friend warned me about often long queues for the shuttle or the boat. He gave me a valuable tip: choose a route and do it backward. I thanked him for that! Thanks to him, I strolled peacefully without ever having to wait in line (for the train, the bathroom, walking on the boardwalk, or on the boat).
How Long to Visit the Park?
Hikes can last 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.
I chose Route B. I knew I would see incredible landscapes along the way. With this route, I had the time to take several breaks for photos, to admire the view, read a bit, and picnic…
A Quick Recap
In a few words, to ensure your visit to Plitvice National Park goes smoothly, you should:
- Avoid crowds by going in the off-season, during the week, at the park’s opening.
- Use Entrance No. 2 if possible.
- Plan your food.
- Carefully select your route in advance.
- Purchase your tickets on the official park website a few days beforehand.
I hope this article has answered your questions and will help you plan your trip to visit the Plitvice lakes in Croatia, or at the very least, inspire you to go there soon.
Bonus
Here’s a little teaser created by Cercle, featuring Disclosure playing a set in the park. I would be surprised if, after watching this video, you’re not eager to visit the Plitvice lakes in Croatia.
