You can’t talk about the beauty of Croatia without mentioning Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a testament to the raw beauty of the natural world.
Its famed landscape spanning almost 300 square kilometres is the result of the unique combination of limestone and Karst topography that includes caves, sinkholes and underground rivers.
Over thousands of years, the limestone bedrock has given rise to a stunning series of sixteen terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls that you can experience along one of the park’s many walking trails.
When you see the clarity of the emerald waters, and witness the aquatic animals that call it home, you might feel compelled to pinch yourself to check if you’re still dreaming. By any standards, this national park ranks a 10/10 for natural beauty. She’s a real knockout, as they say.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the practical journey of getting to Plitvice Lakes, and how best to explore its many paths and trails, dense forests, and vibrant biodiversity.
Designation as a National Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site
The modern history of Plitvice Lakes as a protected area began in 1949 when it was designated as a National Park.
This step marked a significant commitment to preserving the park’s exceptional natural values. In 1979, the park received international recognition when it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its universal importance.
Tragically, the park and its surrounding areas became embroiled in the conflicts that affected the Balkans in the 1990s. During this period, Plitvice Lakes suffered significant damage, and some of its infrastructure was destroyed. However, the park’s enduring natural resilience, coupled with dedicated conservation efforts, has allowed it to recover and thrive in the years since.
Best time to visit
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia, receiving over 1 million visitors per year. Many come during the summer months, so if you’re planning a trip from July and August, expect big crowds.
Don’t worry, if this is the only time you can go, I recommend off-setting the crowds by visiting through the week. Also, the park is huge, so you’ll always be able to find plenty of quieter areas, particularly across the Upper Lakes.
Ideally, I think the best times to visit are May to June and September to October. However, winter brings its own enchanting offerings.
The park is open 365 days a year. Although I’ve not been in the depths of winter, photos suggest it transforms into a fairytale. Just ensure to wrap up warm when the temperature plummets.
Walking Routes inside Plitvice Lakes National Park
The best way to explore Plitvice is by foot and there are a variety of walking routes, each providing a unique perspective on the park’s stunning landscapes.
Plitvice Lakes is easiest to visualise in two different sections: the Lower Lakes (Entrance 1) and the Upper Lakes (Entrance 2). Depending on your pace, you have the opportunity to explore either the upper, lower, or both areas.
The lower lakes section includes Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall) and has the most popular trails. From here, you can take a boat or the shuttle to the upper lakes section, which has some of the park’s prettiest boardwalk trails, waterfalls, and not forgetting, panoramas.
I was able to explore the lower and upper sections by embarking on Route C. I recommend this route if you want to see the highlights of the park in one day. I also ventured off from the path at times so I clocked up a few more kilometres.
Routes are well sign-posted and well-maintained so you shouldn’t have any problems keeping on the track, even if you have a poor sense of direction!
In total, there are 7 different hiking routes that you can explore in the park depending on length of time, interests, and difficulty.
Lower Lakes Routes
- Route A (Boardwalks Only): Begins and finishes from Entrance 1. Explore the lower lakes by foot, taking visitors on wooden boardwalks that meander along the shores of these beautiful lakes. Recommended if you have limited time or would prefer to take things at a very leisurely pace.
Distance: 3.5 km. Difficulty: Easy.
- Route B (Boardwalks and Boat): The beginning of the route is the same as route A, but it continues across Kozjak Bridge where you take a boat across Kozjak Lake. (the largest lake in the park). Once you get off the boat, you can walk back to Entrance 1, or take a shuttle back. Boats run frequently from the jetty).
Distance: 4 km. Difficulty: Easy.
- Route F (Ideal if you’re starting from Entrance 2): Route F is essentially the opposite of route B. After a short walk, you get to a long boat ride across Kozjak Lake. From there you continue a visit across the Kozjak bridge and along the lower lakes to the Great Waterfalls. From the waterfall return to the starting point by panoramic shuttle or by foot.
Distance: 4.6 km. Duration: 3 – 4 hours. Difficulty: Easy.
Upper Lake Route
- Route E (Korana River Canyon): Begins and finishes from Entrance 2. This route explores the upper lakes and takes visitors along the scenic Korana River canyon. To get back to Entrance 2 take the shuttle or walk the hiking trail. Recommended for those wanting a more tranquil and less crowded experience compared to the lower lakes.
Distance: 4.5 km. Duration: 3 – 4 hours. Difficulty: Easy.
Both Upper and Lower Lakes Routes
- Route C (Circular Route – Lower Lakes First): Begins and finishes from Entrance 1. This circular route which begins uphill and provides an extensive exploration of both the Lower and Upper lakes and includes boat rides on Kozjak Lake. It finishes at the top of the Upper Lake where you can rest and enjoy some decent snacks at the cafe.
Distance: 8 km. Duration: 4 – 6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.
- Route H (Circular Route – Upper Lakes First): Begins from Entrance 2 and finishes at 1. Take the panoramic shuttle to the the Upper Lakes and enjoy the trails until reaching Lake Kozjak for the boat across. Walk through the Lower Lakes. Take the shuttle or continue walking to entrance 1 if needed. Similar to Route C, this route gives you the opportunity to enjoy the Park’s entire lake area.
Distance: 9 km. Duration 4 – 6 hours. Difficulty: Moderate.
- Route K (Grand Circular Route): Begins and finished from Entrance 1. This is the most comprehensive option. It takes you through both the lower and upper lakes, offering panoramic views of waterfalls and pristine natural landscapes without using the boat or shuttle service. Recommended if you want to see as much as possible while being as active as possible.
Recommended: If you have lots and time and love walking!
Distance: approx 18 .5 km. Duration: 6 – 8 hours. Difficulty: Moderate / demanding
Highlights of Plitvice Lakes
Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall)
With a total height of 87 metres, Veliki Slap is the most famous waterfall in Plitvice as well as the largest in Croatia. It’s fed by waters of Plitvica Potok river and is easily accessed from Entrance 1. Hard to miss.
Gavanovac Lake (Jezero Gavanovac)
The water of Gavanovac Lake is so crystal clear, you can see everything below the surface, including the many silvery fish and happy ducks. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Your first instinct might be to dive in, but unfortunately there’s no swimming in these protected waters.
Panorama above the Lower Lakes
There are so many incredible sightseeing spots from above the canyon of the Lower Lakes or in the woods of the Upper Lakes. The beauty of the landscape and intense emerald-coloured lakes seem almost impossible in nature. There are various views from different vantage points so I suggest exploring as many as your time permits. Have your camera ready.
Cave Šupljara
Cave Šupljara is a cave tunnel 68 metres long which can be easily missed so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled. Just walking down the cave and seeing the rock formations that have been created over thousands of years is a unique experience in itself. You will see a couple of tuberous ornaments and a column, formed by consolidation of stalactite and stalagmite. Definitely a sight for geology lovers!
Note: It’s dark inside, so you’ll need to pack a small flashlight or use the one on your phone.
Getting to Plitvice Lakes
The closest main cities are Zagreb and Zadar. Though if you’re after somewhere closer and preferably a small town, I suggest staying in the picturesque town of Slunj. Located just 25 km away from Plitvice Lakes. Here are driving distances and times from each place:
- Zagreb: 135 km, 2 hours 15 minutes
- Zadar: 136 km, 2 hours
- Slunj: 25 km, 20 minutes
I visited Plitvice Lakes on a day trip from Zagreb by bus, but I wish I’d spent overnight in Slunj or inside the park. I just never anticipated it would to be so beautiful, and that’s despite seeing photos beforehand! Yes, it’s really more beautiful in person!
If you’re short on time, and can only visit Plitvice on a day trip. Check available tours from a number of main cities in Croatia.
Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes
There are two hotels situated inside Plitvice Lakes National Park.
However, if you’re looking to beat the crowds, you might prefer to stay within close driving distance instead.
Nearby, you have the picturesque town of Slunj, located just 25 km away from Plitvice Lakes. I’ve heard great things about this town. Here, you can enjoy its laid-back and inviting atmosphere, scenic waterfalls and beautifully restored mills. The town, although small, has a few restaurants, cafes and shops to keep you fuelled for your sightseeing adventures.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you. I’m certain you’ll love this place as much as I do.
