A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia

Few natural wonders in Croatia captivate like Plitvice Lakes National Park, featuring a stunning array of turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills. Established as a national park in 1949, it spans over 115 square miles and is exceptionally well-organized. Wooden walkways lead you close to the vibrant waterfalls, while electric boats and tourist trains conveniently transport visitors throughout the park. Situated inland from Croatia’s coast, Plitvice is not a sight to squeeze in between beach outings, so planning ahead is crucial. However, the mesmerizing scenery will make every bit of effort worthwhile.

One of the biggest missteps is trying to see Plitvice Lakes in a hurry. Rushing through the highlights in just a couple of hours won't do justice to this breathtaking destination. To truly experience the park's enchanting atmosphere, allocate a full day for your visit. With various lodging options in nearby villages, extending your stay overnight is highly recommended. Here’s what you should know before embarking on your journey.

Activities to Enjoy

Everything within the park is remarkable, leaving you with unforgettable memories, no matter how long your stay.

The park features two main entrances: Entrance 1 at the northern end and Entrance 2, located about two miles south. Both entrances offer cafés, ATMs, and spacious, wooded parking areas. If you’re short on time, Entrance 2 is recommended as it connects directly to the park’s internal network of electric buses and boats. For a full day of exploration, start at Entrance 1 and take your time.

The cluster of cascading waterfalls and lakes, including Gradinsko, Galovac, and Okrugljak, can be easily accessed via the boardwalk trail from Entrance 2. The most spectacular waterfall, Veliki Slap (Grand Fall), is located at the northern edge of the park and showers visitors with refreshing mist, just a 20-minute walk from Entrance 1.

For those who have the time and energy, Lake Prošćansko at the southern end of the park is the largest and most peaceful lake, featuring tranquil trails that lead away from the more crowded areas frequented by day visitors.

Swimming Advice

Wild swimming in Croatia’s rivers is another delight for those venturing inland. While swimming is prohibited in the park itself, you can enjoy a popular riverside beach at Slunj, located 18 miles north of the park, which offers a grassy area and a kiosk for refreshments.

Walking Trails

The park features eight designated walking routes, with four accessible from Entrance 1 and four from Entrance 2. These routes, also known as “tours” or “programs,” differ in length and difficulty, ranging from a quick two-hour walk to a more extensive eight-hour trek.

Starting from Entrance 1

Be prepared for a scenic boat ride across the lake on routes that include Lake Kozjak.

Starting from Entrance 2

Optimal Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park is from spring through September, when the park thrives under bright sunlight, vibrant foliage, and a constantly shifting array of lake colors. July and August can be quite crowded, especially within a one- to two-hour walk from the main entrances, making it tricky to capture photos without bystanders. For a more serene experience, consider extending your visit to explore the park's more remote trails. Expect high temperatures from June to August, so bring a hat and plenty of water.

In autumn, the park showcases a breathtaking tapestry of deciduous and evergreen trees, creating a stunning display of fall colors.

Winter brings a more muted palette, but cold spells can transform the park into a magical scene of frozen waterfalls and frost-covered trees.

Admission and Pricing

Entrance fees fluctuate with the seasons. From July to September, tickets are priced at 300Kn/€40/$40 per day (200Kn/€27/$27 if entering after 4 p.m.). This reduces to 180Kn/€24/$24 in spring and autumn, and just 80Kn/€10.60/$11 during winter. Children enjoy a 60% discount, and kids under seven enter for free. If you choose a two-day ticket, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the second day. Parking costs 10Kn/€1.30/$1.30 per hour (motorbikes are free), so expenses can accumulate if you plan to spend the entire day at the park.

Visitor numbers are capped during the summer months, so it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance instead of just showing up. Each visitor is assigned a specific time slot for entry (but once inside, you can stay until closing). Staff enforce these timings strictly—arrive 30 minutes early, and you’ll be made to wait.

Accommodation Options

Hotels and B&Bs

The most conveniently located accommodations are the hotels operated by the national park authorities, situated right next to Entrance 2. While not luxurious, they offer a comfortable, resort-like atmosphere. The three-star Hotel Jezero is the most comfortable option, while those seeking a taste of socialist-era modernism can opt for the two-star, 1958-built Hotel Plitvice.

Alternatively, the region boasts a variety of family-run accommodations, from cozy farmhouse stays to modern villas with apartments, providing an excellent opportunity for a tranquil retreat in rustic settings. If you’re traveling by public transport, select a place within easy walking distance of bus stops and park entrances; the village of Rastovača, located near Entrance 1, is a great option. Just a 10-minute stroll from Entrance 1, House Marko Špehar features tidy and comfortable double rooms and studio apartments, along with lovely flowerbeds in its well-maintained garden.

For those arriving by car, numerous options are available in nearby villages, with a variety of apartments and B&Bs lining the road from Rakovica, 8 miles north of the park, to Korenica, 12 miles south. Guesthouse Pavličić in the village of Drežnik Grad offers spacious, clean rooms and a host of nearby walking destinations, including a medieval tower and the picturesque Korana River gorge.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, keep in mind that you may not be close to convenience stores or supermarkets. Park-operated hotels and many family-run establishments typically provide breakfast, and there are snack bars within the park; otherwise, consider bringing your own provisions.

Camping Options

With its rolling meadows and beautiful woodlands, the Plitvice area is among the most pristine regions in Croatia, making camping here a delightful experience. There are limited campsites within walking distance of the park entrances, so you’ll need your own transportation or the patience to wait for infrequent buses to fully enjoy the area. The closest option is Camping Plitvice, located 2.5 miles north of Entrance 1, featuring a café-restaurant, a children’s playground, and a semicircle of self-catering bungalows on a hillside. Further north, 6 miles away, Plitvice Holiday Resort offers shaded tent pitches, as well as lakeside bungalows, tepees, and treehouses nestled among tall pines.

Getting There

Plitvice Lakes is located roughly halfway between Croatia's capital, Zagreb, and the coastline. The A1 highway is about 18 miles to the west, with clearly marked exits for Plitvice. If you’re driving from Zagreb (2.5 hours), Split (3 hours), or Zadar (1.5 hours), you can manage a day trip to the park, but an overnight stay is recommended to fully experience the lakes.

Travel agencies in coastal towns also offer day trips to Plitvice, but make sure to read the details carefully to understand how much time you'll spend in the park and what’s included in your day-trip package.

The park is over 250 miles north of Dubrovnik, which means you’ll need a full day to travel there.

Taking a bus to the park is fairly straightforward, with 5-6 daily services running between Split–Zagreb and Zadar–Zagreb that stop at Plitvice. You can purchase tickets online through the Zagreb bus station's website or platforms like FlixBus. However, note that Plitvice lacks a bus station, featuring only a couple of roadside stops at each park entrance. Catching a bus from Plitvice for onward travel can be challenging, as buses may zoom by and won’t stop unless you signal clearly with your arm.