Some of the best waterfalls in the world can be found while exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park (locally known as Nacionalni Park Plitvicka Jezera). If chasing waterfalls is on your bucket list, be sure to add these stunning Croatia waterfalls. Discover the best time to visit the park, book an awesome place to stay within minutes of the park, and follow the recommendations from my friend, Lucy, on the best path to follow in the park to maximize your time, enjoyment, and photo opportunities.
If you see pictures of Plitvice Lakes online, you might think, “They can’t really be that color.” I am here to say that they are as brilliant and as turquoise blue as you can imagine.
13 Tips for Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park
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When Chris and I arrived at our vacation rental, we met Lucy, one of the owners of Plitvica River House. Beyond being extremely welcoming, Lucy shared her tips for exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park to get the most out of our day and to avoid following behind the crowds and tour groups.
Chris and I learned about Plitvica River House from another travel writer. When planning a Croatia trip, following travelers who share firsthand experience can save you hours of research and a few costly mistakes. Nobody knows a destination like someone who has actually been there. If Croatia is part of a larger European adventure, my Europe travel guide walks you through everything you need to know before you go.
1. Seriously Consider Staying Overnight Close to the Park
Staying overnight close to the park is one of the best tips I can offer when you plan to spend the day exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park. Not only were Chris and I close for early access in the morning, but Lucy from Plitvica River House also directed us on a short 15-minute walk to the Plitvice Lakes Postcard Viewpoint of the big waterfall and surrounding lakes at sunset. Stunning.
There are a variety of rentals and hotels near the park. Change the DESTINATION NAME in the box above to “Plitvice Lakes National Park” for additional options for your stay.
PS * Plitvica River House is popular, so book as soon as you know your vacation dates.
You could certainly plan your visit to Plitvice Lakes on a day trip from Zagreb, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split or even from Rovinj on the Istria Coast, BUT you would spend hours driving, have limited time in the park, and share the park at peak time with many other tourists. If possible, do yourself a favor and plan to stay the night to maximize your day in Plitvice Lakes park.
2. Buy Your Entrance Ticket Online in Advance
It is best to buy your park entrance tickets online in advance as the number of visitors in the park are limited each day. If you are visiting on the spur of the moment or were unable to obtain tickets online, check the current number of available entrance tickets per hour for each park entrance. If you planning on entering the park at Entrance 3, you will need an online ticket. You cannot purchase tickets at Entrance 3, also known as the Flora entrance.
3. Plan Your Day
While Plitvice National Park Entrance 1 is one of the main entrances to the park, you can also enter at Entrance 2 as well as the lesser known Entrance 3. Chris and I were happy to find that Entrance 3 (Flora) was just a short distance from the Plitvica River House rental. Do your research before you visit and plan the route you want to take. If you are starting your day from Entrance 1 or Entrance 2, there are seven designated Plitvice Lakes Routes or Programs:
From Entrance 1 you can choose Programs A, B, and C. Programs E, F, and H start at Entrance 2. Programs E, F, and H offer the same views as Programs A, B, and C except you will be walking in the opposite direction. Program K is a full day hike through the entire park that you can choose to begin at Entrance 1 or 2.
Entrance 1 (North Entrance)
Program A
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Length: 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
Start this short route by walking downhill to the boardwalk trails; follow the signs to Veliki Slap and all of the waterfalls surrounding the lower lakes. Once you reach Kozjak Bridge, just turn around and either walk or take the shuttle back to Entrance 1.
Program B
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Length: 2.5 miles (4 km)
The beginning of Program B is the same as Program A; however, once you reach Kozjak Bridge, cross it and take the boat to the other side of Kozjak Lake. Take the shuttle or walk along the trail around the lake to Entrance 1.
Program C
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Length: 5 miles (8 km)
Program C is simply a continuation of Program B. So, after you get off the boat on the other side of Kozjak Lake, continue walking along the boardwalk trails around the upper lakes and waterfalls. You will take the shuttle back to Entrance 1.
Entrance 2 (South Entrance)
Program E
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Length: 3.2 miles (5.1 km)
When you start your day at Entrance 2, you will first ride the electric-powered boat across Kojzak Lake and begin walking the boardwalk trails around the upper lakes and waterfalls. This route is circular and brings you back to Entrance 2.
Program F
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Length: 2.9 miles (4.6 km)
Again, take the boat across Kozjak Lake. Instead of taking the route around the upper lakes, follow the signs to the lower lakes. Return to Entrance 2 by taking the shuttle or walking the hiking trail.
Program H
- Time: 4 – 6 hours
- Length: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Start Program H by taking the shuttle from Entrance 2 to the top of the upper lakes and ST3. Walk along the trails following the signs that take you back the far side of Kozjak Lake. Ride the boat across Kozjak Lake. Follow the boardwalk to see the lower lakes and waterfalls. You’ll end up at Entrance 1 and will need to ride the shuttle back to Entrance 2.
Program K – Full Day Through the Park
- Time: 6 – 8 hours
- Length: 11.6 miles (18.6 km)
The perk of Program K is that you will get to see all of the lakes of the park. Instead of taking the boat or shuttle, you will be hiking around all of the lakes in the park. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing and bring plenty of snacks and water.
Which Program or Route is better? It is safe to say you will be astounded by the number of waterfalls, the crystal clear waters, and lush greenery on any of the routes you take.
NOTE * If you start at Entrance 1, you will be walking uphill and toward the lower lake waterfalls. If you start at Entrance 2, you may be walking downhill, but you may also be turning around to get the best views of the waterfalls.
4. Follow Lucy’s Route for Visiting the Park
From Plitvica River House, you can either drive or walk up the street until you reach the first turn. Turn on the first left and continue driving or walking until you reach the end of the street. Turn left again. Drive for two minutes or walk for ten minutes until you reach the Booth at Entrance 3. There is street parking available here and arriving early is advised if you want to get a close parking spot. This is Lucy’s plan for visiting the park in a nutshell. If you visit her at Plitvica River House (which I highly recommend), she will explain these instructions to you using her map.
- Walk downhill along the road into the park and follow the posted signs to the Big Waterfall and the lower lakes.
- Once you have finished exploring the lower lakes, follow the signs to ST1
- Take the Train from ST1 to ST3 (the train will stop at ST2 but don’t get off)
- Walk around the Upper Lakes at ST3
- Follow posted signs to the Boat Stop at P2.
- Take the Boat from P2 to P3
- From P3 Walk Uphill Back to Entrance 3
If you follow Lucy’s recommendations, you will be in the park all day. I recommend driving instead of walking to Entrance 3. You’re gonna be tired and will be grateful you can drive your car back to the vacation rental.
TIP * Order a picnic lunch from Lucy and Ante to take with you in the park.
5. Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds
I recommend that you arrive at the park early in the day. The park opens at 7:00 am, and you really will wish that you had made the extra effort to arrive then. Tour groups and crowds increase exponentially as the morning passes. As an alternative, you could arrive at the park mid-afternoon when crowds naturally begin to thin.
The hours of operation for the park vary by the season:
- Summer: June through August – 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Winter: November through March – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Spring and Fall – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
6. Present Your Ticket at the Ticket Booth
If you have an online ticket, be sure that you have it open and easy to access on your phone. When booking your ticket, you choose your entrance time; this is when you will enter and start exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park.
7. Walk Into the Park
From each entrance, you will walk into the park. If you are entering at Entrance 3 as we did, follow the road downhill until you reach the boardwalk trails. From there, follow the signs from there to the Big Waterfall.
8. Follow the Park Rules
Much like the rules and regulations of the US National Parks, the rules and regulations of Plitvice Lakes National Park are established to help protect park resources while also providing visitors in the park with a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Be respectful of nature—don’t damage the trees.
- Don’t pick flowers or crush plants.
- Don’t disturb the wildlife.
- Do not litter.
- Stay on the trails.
- Don’t shout.
- Be patient with other tourists, especially as the boardwalks become crowded.
- Swimming is prohibited.
- Fishing is also prohibited.
- All dogs must be on a leash.
- No drone photography is allowed.
- Take lots of pictures, but if you are a commercial photographer you will need to obtain permission.
9. Follow the Signs to the Big Waterfall
The Big Waterfall is one of the top attractions in the park in the lower lakes section of the park…and for good reason. It is stunning. Many of the paths in the park are raised wooden boardwalks. Be mindful of people walking in the opposite direction and give yourself and them ample room.
10. Prepare to Be WOWED by ALL of the Croatia Waterfalls
If chasing waterfalls around the world is your passion, prepared to be wowed by all of the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes Park. There are over 90 waterfalls within the 114.6 square miles (296.8 sq km) of the park. Plitvice Lakes’ waterfalls are stunning due to their:
- Diverse formation
- Turquoise blue/green colors
- Unique ecosystem
- Abundance of sunshine
Mineral deposits in the water create travertine dams, which in turn create waterfalls. These waterfalls feed into a series of beautiful, terraced lakes.
11. Use Common Sense
Using common sense in big crowds requires you to be aware of your surroundings. The walkways within the park are often raised boardwalks with water on one or both sides of the path. This means there is always the potential for inadvertently falling the water!
12. Be Prepared for One Day in Plitvice Lakes Park
Preparing for your adventures in the park is much the same as preparing for a day hike. Get my free Day Hike Packing List if you want more ideas of what you should bring.
Day Exploring Gear
- An insulated water bottle.
- Zipfizz is great to add to your water for a little extra oomph.
- Snacks.
- Bug spray.
- Extra sun protection: sunscreen, a hat/visor, and sunglasses.
- Packable rain jacket.
- I always carry my smartphone.
- The North Face Recon backpack for Chris and The North Face Surge Luxe for me.
- Good walking shoes are essential.
13. Consider a Guided Tour
There were MANY tours happening in the park during our visit. I recommend tours through Viator. The benefits to signing up for a guided tour are:
- You can relax and let someone else worry about the details and logistics.
- You don’t have to drive.
- You learn about the facts and lore of the park.
- You learn about the park’s ecology and history.
- You make friends with people from all over the world.
- You still get to see the amazing lakes and waterfalls in the park.
Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plitvice Lakes National Parks is in Croatia. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and a popular tourist destination with over 1 million tourists visiting each year. After spending 3 days on Rab Island, Chris and I took the ferry to Stinica on the mainland and then drove 2.5 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You’ll find it on the map by the red tag and “Veliki Slap” (Big Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Croatia).
Croatia Quick Facts
- Official Language: Croatian
- Capital City: Zagreb
- Population: 4 million
- Currency: Euro
- Power Outlet: Type C & F
- Emergency Number: 112
- Drive on the: Right side of the Road
Airports in Croatia and Other Countries Close to the National Park
The nearest airports to Plitvice Lakes National Park are:
- Rijeka, Croatia – 122 miles (197 km)
- Pula, Croatia – 161 miles (259 km)
- Zagreb, Croatia – 80 miles (130 km)
- Ljubljana, Slovenia – 170 miles (274 km)
- Trieste, Italy – 140 miles (225 km)
- Venice, Italy – 240 miles (386 km)
Camera Equipment for Plitvice Lakes National Park
If you are hoping to capture stunning photos of Croatia waterfalls, rainbows, and lakes, you will definitely need your phone or some awesome camera gear.
Camera Gear Basics
Keep your camera handy—beautiful moments pop up everywhere. What’s in my camera bag? Check out my favorite photography equipment.
- No DSLR? Your iPhone works too — the best camera is the one you have with you.
- Camera body — Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (grab-and-go) or Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (if you want to learn manual mode).
- Lens — Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (“Nifty Fifty”) is inexpensive, sharp, and great for portraits.
- Camera Clip — The Peak Design Clip attaches to a backpack strap so the camera isn’t hanging off your neck all day.
- Small Tripod — The GorillaPod has flexible legs that wrap around railings or branches, no need to haul a full tripod.
- Wireless Remote — A wireless remote lets you be hands-free.
TIP * Be mindful that other people want to take pictures too. Don’t monopolize the view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Entrance fees to the park increase from June 1st through the end of September. While summer is a great time of the year to visit the park with warmer temperatures, it is also busier. If you can visit in the off-season months, you may find fewer crowds, lower prices, and comfortable weather.
How long does it take to walk through Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The trails in the park vary from 1.8 miles (3 km) to 11 miles (18 km) and can take between three to eight hours if you plan to see all of the lakes and waterfalls. There are a number of Plitvice Lakes routes that require visitors to walk or hike.
Is one day in Plitvice Lakes National Park enough?
Yes. One day in Plitvice Lakes National Park is usually sufficient.
How many waterfalls are there in the park?
There are more than 90 waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
How many lakes are there in Plitvice Lakes Park?
The waterfalls connect to 16 interconnected lakes, creating a stunning natural landscape.
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Final Thoughts on Tips for Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
A trip to Croatia is often a once in a lifetime adventure for some. There are many popular destinations within the country; you will need to decide if you want a trendy, touristy experience or if you are more interested in an off the beaten path, laid back vacation vibe.
Chris’ coworker from Croatia, Hadrian, recommended places that were off the normal tourist path as well as places he explored during his summers growing up. Want to discover Hadrian’s favorite island? Explore 11 Things to Do on Rab Island: Discover the Happy Island of Croatia and be sure to download my Free International Travel Planner.
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Plitvice Lakes is definitely on our travel wish list. We can’t wait to plan a longer road trip to Croatia to enjoy this gem and other. A cruise trip stop just was not long enough!
This place ended up on Must Visit years ago, and I don’t even know where I saw it. But you’ve just reminded me that I need to bump it up the list and make it a priority soon!