Welcome to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most surreal and stunning destinations in all of Europe. Nestled in the heart of Croatia, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a natural wonder of cascading waterfalls, vibrant turquoise lakes, and lush forest trails. It’s a place that has long lived on our bucket list—and after finally visiting, we can say it exceeded every expectation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before visiting Plitvice Lakes while sharing our own unforgettable experience.
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
This is not just a day out in nature—it’s an experience that stays with you. The lakes shimmer in hues of emerald and sapphire. Seriously the most unreal colors I’ve ever seen. Waterfalls tumble down from heights you didn’t think possible, and wooden paths wind their way through forest, lake, and limestone canyons. It feels like Eden. Truly.
Where Is Plitvice Lakes and How Do You Get There?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located about halfway between Zagreb and Zadar, making it a convenient stop on a Croatian road trip.
By Car:
We rented a car and drove from Zagreb—a 2 to 2.5-hour journey with mostly tree-lined roads. As you get closer, the water peeks through in glints of that stunning blue-green color.
Important tip from a local: Obey the speed limits strictly. In Croatia, if you’re pulled over, officers may ask for payment on the spot. This isn’t a scam; it’s actually standard practice in some cases.
By Bus:
Buses run regularly from Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and other cities. FlixBus is a reliable option. The ride takes 2 to 3.5 hours depending on where you’re coming from.
Park Hours and Ticket Prices
Plitvice Lakes is open year-round, but opening hours vary by season.
- Summer (June-August): 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Spring/Fall: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Winter: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ticket Prices (as of 2025):
- High Season (June-Sept):
- Adults: €40
- Children (7-18): €15
- Kids under 7: Free
- Adults: €40
- Shoulder Season: €23 for adults
- Low Season: €10 for adults
Note: Tickets include boat rides and shuttles within the park. Booking online in advance is highly recommended during peak season.
Parking is paid when exiting running from €3 to €5
Trails and Routes
There are eight different hiking routes, ranging from 2 to 8 hours. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the park—just bring comfortable shoes and water.
We entered Entrance 2, which started us in the middle of the park and let us wind our way down. The wooden walkways and bridges wind around crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls. It was surprisingly peaceful despite the number of visitors.
- Trail C (4-6 hours): Great for first-time visitors. Includes boat and shuttle.
- Trail H (5-6 hours): Similar but starts from Entrance 2.
- Trail K (6-8 hours): Full loop, for serious hikers.
Swimming is not allowed in the lakes themselves, but the nearby Korana River has a designated swimming spot in summer.
What to Bring
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks (options are limited inside the park)
- Sturdy shoes or hiking sandals
- Sunscreen & hat
- Lightweight rain jacket (weather can shift quickly)
We stopped at a nearby market/bar combo for snacks before entering, but it was very local—and not exactly welcoming to tourists. We got what we needed and moved on quickly.
Unique Experiences at Plitvice
There are moments in travel that make you stop and feel something indescribable. For us, that was canoeing on a lake with waterfalls pouring down around us and a curious duck floating by. It’s a good idea to bring someone that can do all of the paddling.
Later, we hiked up to a bat cave and reached a lookout point that revealed the entire valley of waterfalls—the exact spot from Seth’s desktop wallpaper all those years ago. It was emotional. It was magic. And yeah, I felt like batman.
Dining and Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes
Dining:
Options inside the park are basic (cafeterias and kiosks), so we recommend eating a big breakfast and bringing snacks. There are more restaurant options outside the park in the surrounding villages.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Licka Kuca: Traditional Croatian fare near Entrance 1
- Restoran Degenija: Highly rated with vegetarian options
Accommodation Options:
- Hotel Jezero: On-site and convenient
- Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo: Cozy and walkable to the park
- Guesthouse Villa Plitvicka: Budget-friendly and comfortable
*Book early during the summer months, as lodging fills up quickly.
Is Plitvice Lakes Family-Friendly?
Absolutely. The wooden walkways are manageable for kids, and there are multiple short-loop options. It’s stroller-friendly in some areas, though not all. If your kids are older or like nature, they’ll be mesmerized by the waterfalls and wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park was more than just checking off a bucket list item. It reminded us why we travel—to feel closer to nature, to each other, and to something greater. We didn’t need photos to remember this place. The memory is seared into our hearts.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, don’t miss Plitvice Lakes. The ultimate bucket list experience.
