Croatia
Overview
Plitvice is one of those places where the photos are real: 16 terraced lakes in shades of turquoise and green, connected by more than 90 waterfalls, with wooden boardwalks right over the water. It is also one of the most visited places in Croatia, so in July and August the boardwalks can feel like a queue. Keep in mind that you can't swim anywhere in the park, and that you will walk a lot, so wear good shoes.
The lakes formed over thousands of years as water running over limestone and dolomite left deposits of travertine, natural barriers that still grow about 1 cm a year, which is why the waterfalls keep changing shape. The area became Croatia's first national park in 1949, and in 1979 it was one of the first natural sites in the world added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. On Easter Sunday, 31 March 1991, a clash here between Croatian police and Serb rebel forces, known as the Plitvice Lakes incident, caused the first deaths of the Croatian War of Independence. The park was occupied until 1995 and was on UNESCO's list of World Heritage in Danger during those years. Today it protects almost 300 km² of forest, home to brown bears, wolves and lynx.
How long to stay: 1 full day. Stay 2 if you want to walk the upper and lower lakes calmly or be at the gate when it opens.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the Lika region of central Croatia, about 130 km south of Zagreb and 130 km northeast of Zadar (about 2 hours by car from each), close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Budget
Per person, per day (October 2026).
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–35 (≈ USD 28–40) | €70–110 (≈ USD 80–125) | €150+ (≈ USD 170+) |
| Food | €20 (≈ USD 23) | €40 (≈ USD 45) | €70 (≈ USD 80) |
| Transport | €20 (≈ USD 23) | €30 (≈ USD 34) | €60 (≈ USD 68) |
| Park ticket (June to September) | €40 (≈ USD 45) | €40 (≈ USD 45) | €40 (≈ USD 45) |
| Daily total | about €105 (≈ USD 120) | about €220 (≈ USD 250) | about €320 (≈ USD 360) |
The ticket is much cheaper outside summer: €23 in April, May and October and €10 from November to March.
Things to Do
The lower lakes run through a limestone canyon, with boardwalks zigzagging over the water and the Great Waterfall (Veliki slap) at the end, 78 m high and the tallest in Croatia. This is the most photographed and most crowded part of the park.
Price: included in the park ticket · Time needed: 2 to 3 hours · Tip: start here first thing in the morning, before the tour buses arrive.
Bigger lakes surrounded by beech and fir forest, with dozens of small cascades, especially around Galovac lake. It's quieter than the lower lakes and, for many people, the prettiest part of the park.
Price: included · Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
Kozjak is the largest lake in the park. An electric boat crosses it in about 20 minutes and connects the upper and lower lakes, and a panoramic train links the stops between Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.
Price: both included in the ticket · Tip: the queue for the boat can be long at midday; walk the lakeside path if it's too busy.
From Entrance 1, routes A (2 to 3 hours), B (3 to 4 hours) and C (4 to 6 hours, about 8 km) start with the lower lakes; route C covers the highlights of both. From Entrance 2, route H (4 to 6 hours) starts with the upper lakes and is mostly downhill.
Tip: if you only have one day, choose C or H.
Just after Entrance 1, the trail along the top of the canyon gives the famous view over the lower lakes and the boardwalks. Go before 9:00 for the best light and no crowds.
Price: included.
A small village in Slunj, 30 km north, where the Slunjčica River falls into the Korana through old houses and water mills. It looks like a miniature Plitvice and is a perfect stop on the way to or from Zagreb.
Price: small entrance fee · Time needed: 1 hour.
Transit Tips
By bus from Zagreb: about 2.5 hours, about €15–20 (≈ USD 17–23); buses stop at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. Book online in summer.
By bus from Zadar or Split: about 2 hours from Zadar and 4 to 5 hours from Split.
By car: the easiest way; there is paid parking at both entrances.
On a tour: day trips run from Zagreb, Zadar and Split.
On foot: the only way to see the lakes, on boardwalks and forest trails.
Boat and panoramic train: included in the ticket.
Taxis: there is no Uber or Bolt here and very few taxis; ask your accommodation to arrange transport.
¶Keep in mind that you must buy your ticket online with a time slot and enter within the time window, at the entrance written on the ticket. The ticket is valid for one day. Swimming, drones and leaving the boardwalks are not allowed. Bring water and snacks, because food inside the park is limited. In winter some trails and the boat may close because of snow.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Croatian can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
Affiliate link