[toc]Imagine walking on wooden paths above turquoise lakes, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the soothing roar of waterfalls. This is exactly what awaits you at Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia’s most popular natural destinations.
The park’s beauty and importance is evidenced by its inclusion on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List since 1979. If you’re planning a stay nearby or just passing through, it would be a shame not to experience its beauty in person. Below, we’ve provided the most important information about Plitvice Lakes to help you prepare for your trip.
About the Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes consist of sixteen cascading lakes that flow into one another over limestone barriers. The lakes are divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes. Depending on which entrance you use and how long you plan to stay, you can visit either part of the park or the entire park. We recommend walking through the entire park, depending on how much time you have and how active you want to be.
Because the lakes flow into one another, the park has more than 90 waterfalls. The most famous is the 78-meter-high Great Waterfall (Veliki slap), a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. Just be careful not to get too close if you don’t want to get wet!
How to plan your visit
Given the popularity of Plitvice Lakes, it’s important to plan your visit well to avoid the crowds. The crowds are largest in the summer. And in the spring and fall, you’re most likely to find the trails less crowded. Regardless of the season, plan your visit for early in the day if you can. This way, you’ll avoid not only the crowds but also long walks in the intense summer heat.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring water in case you don’t want to rely only on what you can buy at the park. Also, charge your phone or camera because there are many photo opportunities.
Another thing you should do is check the forecast. The park is beautiful in every season, but your experience will be different depending on the weather. In winter, you can look forward to walking through a snow-covered winter wonderland. In summer, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery that contrasts with the blue of the lake. Keep in mind that parts of the park can close in certain weather conditions, so check the official website before you arrive. If it has rained or snowed, wear appropriate footwear and be careful, as the wooden walkways can be slippery.
Once you’ve decided when to visit, we recommend buying tickets online. This way, your time slot will be guaranteed and you’ll avoid waiting in line.
When purchasing tickets, you will need to select one of the two entrances you wish to use in addition to the date and time. Entrance 1 is near the Big Waterfall, making it a good option if you only want to explore the Lower Lakes. Entrance 2 is near the boat pier, where you can cross Lake Kozjak to access the Upper Lakes. Regardless of which entrance you choose, you can still explore the entire park, as the park offers several lake tour programs that vary in length and duration.
What awaits you at Plitvice Lakes
During your visit to this national park, you can hike on well-maintained, marked trails and take the scenic train when you need a break. Of course, don’t miss the boat ride on the largest lake, which offers excellent views and a chance to rest.
Plitvice is home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, and rare plants, as well as larger animals such as brown bears, wolves, and lynxes, though you are unlikely to see them. Remember that this is a protected area, so don’t damage the environment or litter. If you have trash, wait until you see a trash can so you can leave the park as you found it.
There are several restaurants in the park offering a variety of dishes, whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal after a long hike. There are also several shops and souvenir stores.
