Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes

Sixteen terraced turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Plitvice Lakes

Day 1

  1. MorningArrive at opening time and start at the Upper Lakes to stay ahead of the crowds.
  2. AfternoonTake the boat across Kozjak lake and walk the Lower Lakes to the Big Waterfall.
  3. EveningStay in a guesthouse near the park entrance.

Day 2

Visit the mill village of Rastoke, 30 minutes away.

What to eat

Spit-roasted lamb and trout from the nearby farms.

Local tips

Make the most of Plitvice Lakes

Beat the crowds

Be at the gate when it opens. By 10:00 the boardwalks around the lower lakes fill up with tour groups. Spring and autumn are calmer, and the colours in October are beautiful.

Best photo spot

The view down over the lower lakes and the Great Waterfall from the path above the canyon near Entrance 1 is the classic. The upper lakes give quieter shots with fewer people.

Getting there

Buses between Zagreb and Zadar stop at both entrances. By car, park at Entrance 1 or 2; Entrance 2 is closer to the upper lakes and usually quieter.

Don't miss nearby

Rastoke, a small village of water mills built over little waterfalls, about 30 minutes north. Almost nobody stops there.

Good to know

In summer, buy your ticket online with an entry time. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. Wear good shoes: the boardwalks can be wet and slippery.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Plitvice Lakes

Our most hidden places around Plitvice Lakes: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Plitvice Lakes to take with you.

29 km away
64 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Plitvice Lakes

Getting there

  • Zadar Airport (ZAD)85 km away
  • Rijeka Airport (RJK)90 km away
  • Zadar85 km away
  • Rijeka105 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryCroatia

Questions

Plitvice Lakes: good to know

Is Plitvice Lakes worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. Sixteen terraced turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks.

How many days do you need in Plitvice Lakes?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Be at the gate when it opens. By 10:00 the boardwalks around the lower lakes fill up with tour groups. Spring and autumn are calmer, and the colours in October are beautiful.

How do you get to Plitvice Lakes?

The nearest airport is Zadar Airport (ZAD), about 85 km away. Buses between Zagreb and Zadar stop at both entrances. By car, park at Entrance 1 or 2; Entrance 2 is closer to the upper lakes and usually quieter.

What is there to see near Plitvice Lakes?

Nearby hidden places include Zadar (87 km), Rijeka (103 km) and Zagreb (110 km).

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