🇭🇷 Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The splendour of nature knows no bounds, and a testament to this is the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Whether you’ve already visited or it’s still unfamiliar to you, we’ll share our experience and provide a few tips to ensure an unforgettable stay at this extraordinary tourist destination.
Located along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, it hides within the depths of lush nature perfections you could hardly imagine. As the oldest and largest national park in all of Croatia, it covers an area of around 300 square kilometres and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Velebit Mountain separates it from the Adriatic Sea, and a stunning mountain pass will either welcome you or see you off. If your adventure is heading toward the coastal region, here’s a map of the pass itself.
FIRST VISIT: What do I need to know?
As it’s a vast area waiting for you to explore, your first experience might feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s helpful to keep the following information in mind.
TICKETS AND PRICES
You can purchase entry tickets online or at the ticket office upon arrival. If buying online, it’s best to stay nearby or ensure you can arrive early in the morning. When booking a ticket, you’ll need to specify your expected arrival time, as the number of visitors is limited. It’s recommended to respect your chosen time slot; otherwise, you may face a long queue.
The ticket price ranges from €10 to €40 per adult.
Depending on the season you’re travelling, the number of tourists varies. If you’re lucky enough to visit in October, some days are celebrated as National Park Days, and the ticket might cost you only €10 instead of €23.
Click here and check the prices before planning your visit. https://ticketing.np-
ENTRY AND PARKING
The national park has 2 official entrances, each with a corresponding parking area for visitors. The parking fee is €1 per hour, which is quite reasonable considering that you’ll need a full day to explore everything the location has to offer.
Park at entrance number 1, and we’ll explain why.
We’ve done a detailed research on how to spend quality time while seeing the most beautiful views, and by starting the route from the first entrance, you’ll get just that.
ROUTES
The park’s layout is well thought out, even though it might not seem that way at first glance. There are 4 main routes you can choose from, marked with A, B, C, and K.
We choose route "C." This route offers access to the waterfalls from the front and is considered the most beautiful. It follows a circular path and has a total length of 8 km. Signposts and maps are available everywhere, and all you need to do is follow the "C" mark or another route if this one doesn’t seem suitable for you.
PATH "C"
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon—lakes that are cascadingly arranged across the terrain, overflowing from one to another. The landscape is significantly rich and unique in terms of flora and fauna, and the water is so clear that you can see the bottom and all the aquatic creatures living there.
The path runs alongside all the waterfalls and lakes. Although a bit narrow, it is excellent for walking. Bridges, photo points, benches, and pavilions are placed along its length.
Despite the large number of tourists, the movement flows smoothly.
At several selected points, there are restaurants, cafeterias, and toilets. You can buy whatever you wish, but we’d advise you to prepare food from home, as well as coffee in a thermos to carry in your backpack. Bringing food is allowed, and you’ll be surprised by how many people take advantage of the picnic spots. These areas have tables with benches, where you can enjoy your meal for free under the open sky.
As part of route "C," crossing the largest lake is included. The good news is that the boat ride is covered by your ticket. To access this, you’ll need to present your entry ticket, which will be scanned before you board the boat. This part of the route is done with electric boats that do not pollute the environment. They arrive every 5-6 minutes, and you can choose when to board. On the other side of the lake, the walking path continues.
Near entrance 2, you’ll once again find a picnic area, which is also the starting point for the buses. These buses are intended only for park visitors and can take you to entrance 1, where you’ll be dropped off 1 km before the end. You have the option to choose whether to board or continue walking. The transport allows pets, and as mentioned, the bus ride is included in the ticket price.
*If you're the type who doesn’t like crowds, the start may seem chaotic. Don’t be discouraged, as this area attracts individuals and groups who can’t walk for long and take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature. The rest of the path is incredibly pleasant, and I believe you’ll have moments just for yourself.
DURATION
To complete all the points of the designated route, you’ll need at least 4-5 hours, including all the breaks for sightseeing, relaxation, eating, toilets, etc. Consider it a full-day excursion.
It’s best to arrive in the early morning hours to experience the magic of nature. The park’s opening hours are variable, so it’s best to check the schedule before booking your ticket.
PETS
Pets are allowed, provided they are on a leash. You should carefully consider whether your dog follows commands and if it can handle large crowds of people and other dogs nearby.
CAMPING
Camping is not allowed within the park itself, but there is a solid selection of campsites in the surrounding area where you can stay before or after your visit. We chose the "Bear" campsite, which is 4-5 km away, and one night’s stay cost us €24 for the two of us, our dog, and the vehicle, without using electricity.
The campsite is small, cosy, and an excellent choice for a short stay.
SUMMARY OF ALL POINTS FROM THE GUIDE:
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office before the entrance.
- Ticket price: €10 – €40.
- There are two entrances: marked as 1 and 2.
- Parking: €1/hour.
- We choose route "C."
- Route length: 8 km.
- The ticket price includes a boat ride across the large lake and bus transport to entrance 1.
- Pets are allowed
- Bringing food and drinks is allowed.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
*The information shared in the text regarding prices, opening hours, open trails, etc. - is for informational purposes and may be subject to change. Please check the official website of the national park for the current status.
In conclusion
This is another guide from our experience, designed to help you navigate more easily. If you decide to follow it, we wish you an unforgettable adventure!
If you later find it helpful, we’d be glad if you share it with us. It would mean a small victory for us, and we celebrate every one of you who spends their free time in nature!
See you in the mountains,
Ana and Mane