HOW TO VISIT PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK IN CROATIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE
DEC 19, 2021
Planning a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to one of Europe’s most stunning natural destinations. This article is meant to assist anyone interested in visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Plitvice Jereza, Croatia. I had my own struggles and navigated through them, so I'd like to help anyone searching for information. Now let's begin!
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
If you love nature and hiking, this is a must visit. Established in 1949, this is Croatia's first national park and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1979. It is beautiful all year round and is filled with beautiful landscapes, turquoise water, cascading waterfalls, and well paved boardwalks hovering over the water. It is well developed, meaning if you're looking for a days long backpacking trip with no other human contact, this is not the park for you since it is very popular with tourists.
Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes
This national park is beautiful all year round. I went at the end of October when the fall leaves were in full bloom, and I think this is the best time to go. I say this for the following reasons:
Mild weather: October provides cooler temperatures without being too cold. I recommend bringing layers
Fewer crowds: This is low tourist season so there aren't crowds of people to move around or be in your photos. You also don't have to wait in line to take pictures
Stunning colors: The vibrant red, orange, and yellow fall leaves juxtaposed against the turquoise water is magical
Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park
There are no trains to get here, so you'll either need to go by bus, rent a car, ride a motorcycle or hitchhike. I rode my motorcycle here. The main road "D1" from Zagreb, Croatia will take you straight to the park.
Bus schedule:
Entrances and Parking Information
The park has two main entrances: Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. It is best to use the coordinates unless you are looking at your odometer.
Entrance 1:
Plitvice Lakes National Park Parking Lot
53231, Rastovača, Croatia
44°54'17.9''N 15°36'40.3''E
Entrance 2: Plitvice Lakes Entrance 2 Parking
D1 23, 53231, Jezerce, Croatia
44°52'58.5''N 15°37'25.2''E
Parking: Visitor Parking across the park is available for a fee. Motorcycles park for free, just ride inside on the side of the toll booth without grabbing a ticket.
How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance gate, depending on the season. I parked at Entrance 1, changed out of my riding clothes into my hiking clothes and walked over the sky bridge to the park entrance. There are restrooms at the visitor parking. Tickets are available online, but I went at the end of October (low tourist season) and purchased tickets at the gate. If you go during busy season, you should probably buy tickets before arriving. Ticket prices vary throughout the year:
Jan 1 - May 21: 11 Euros/ $12.50 USD
July 1-31: 20-27 Euros/ $22.50-30.50 USD
Aug 1-Sept 30: 20-33 Euros/ $22.50-37 USD
Oct 1-31: 24 Euros/ $27 USD
Nov 1-Dec 31: 11 Euros/ $12.50 USD
Tickets can be purchased here:
Once you purchase your ticket, you will present your ticket to the attendant where they will scan it and let you in. Congratulations! You made it inside!
Hiking Trails at Plitvice Lakes
Now let's talk about the hikes you can choose! There are four hiking trails you can do that begin from Entrance 1. They vary in length and time. Trails are well marked and it is very hard to get lost.
Route A: 2.15 miles / 3,500 meters – 2-3 hours
Route B: 2.5 miles / 4,000 meters – 3-4 hours
Route C: 5 miles / 8,000 meters – 4-6 hours
Route K: 11.4 miles / 13,800 meters – 6-8 hours
All trails will give you magnificent views of Veliki Slap, which is the famous waterfall, and walks on the wooden planks. If you choose to hike routes B, C, or K, you will eventually need to take a short 2 minute ferry ride to take you back across the lake. This is included in the price of your entrance ticket. I hiked the longest route, Route K, and it took me about 6.5 hours. I recommend Route K for a good workout if you have the time and are in medium shape. It is mostly flat with some incline. It will probably take you more time than you think because of all the pictures you will want to take!
How Much Time Should I Spend Here?
I consider this national park to be an all day event even if you do the shorter routes. I recommend arriving early in the morning and planning to spend the whole day here. Bring lunch, snacks and water. There were a lot of unexpected things I saw that I spent time on, such as exploring a bat cave, looking at fish, looking at the leaves, landscape and waterfalls. This is an experience that you definitely want to take your time exploring.
Amenities and Facilities
There are cafes and restrooms sprinkled throughout the park. There is also a gift shop at Entrance 1 if you want snacks, water or gifts. They also have postcards here. I brought my own water, lunch and snacks.
Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes
There are many hotels, apartments and campsites available within 10 minutes of the park. One mistake I made, that I would like you to learn from is that if you go in October, or low tourist season, the park closes at 3pm! I did not know this. I arrived in the city Plitvice Jereza at 2:45pm from Zagreb, and when I looked up directions, I saw the park was closing in 15 minutes! Time to change plans! I got a hotel and ate dinner early that day. I opted not to camp since it would be 32F/ 0C degrees that night. So if you are coming from far away during low tourist season, please consider this into your travels. This is a national park you do not want to rush. You really want to take your time here.
Final Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plan to spend the whole day here to truly appreciate the beauty of the park
If visiting in the colder months, pack layers and dress warmly
Don’t rush—take time to explore
Plitvice Lakes National Park is an experience you won’t want to miss. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit. Enjoy the stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and unforgettable landscapes of this Croatian gem!
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