Plitvice Lakes in Winter: Day Trip from Zagreb

See Plitvice's lakes and waterfalls under snow and ice, with a guide, transport from Zagreb and the park ticket included.

Duration

Duration

About 10 hrs

About 10 hrs

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Easy

Best Season

Best Season

Nov-Mar

Nov-Mar

Winter is the quietest time to see Plitvice Lakes. The boardwalks that are packed in August are close to empty, the park ticket is at its cheapest, and after a cold spell the waterfalls freeze into curtains of ice.

This guided day trip from Zagreb takes care of the driving on winter roads, which is the hardest part of a December or January visit. It stops at Rastoke, a village of old watermills built over small waterfalls, then spends the main part of the day walking the park with a guide.

Expect a shorter route than in summer. From November to March the Lower Lakes are open, the Upper Lakes are usually closed, and the boat and panoramic train may not run. The tour adjusts to what is open on the day.

Duration

Duration

About 10 hours from Zagreb

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy walking on boardwalks and paths

Price from

Price from

From €74

Season

Season

November to March

Minimum age

Minimum age

All ages; check with the operator

Group size

Group size

Guided group

Starting point

Starting point

Zagreb

Includes

Includes

Transport from Zagreb, guide, Plitvice park ticket, stop at Rastoke

Who is it for?

Best for: Anyone in Zagreb over the holidays who wants a day in nature, and photographers hoping for frozen waterfalls. The walking is easy, so it suits most ages.

Skip it if: You want to see the whole park. In winter usually only the Lower Lakes are open, and the boat and train may not run. Come between May and October for the full loop.

How the day runs

  1. Pickup in Zagreb in the morning, then about two hours by road to the park.

  2. A stop at Rastoke, the village of watermills and small waterfalls on the way.

  3. A guided walk through the open part of the park, usually the Lower Lakes and the big waterfall.

  4. Free time, then the drive back to Zagreb in the evening.

Wear boots with good grip, as the wooden walkways get icy.

Plitvice in winter questions

How much does a winter Plitvice day trip from Zagreb cost?

The tour we link to starts from around €74 per person, including transport from Zagreb, a guide, the park ticket and a stop at Rastoke. Prices vary by date and currency, so check the live price before booking.

Is Plitvice open in winter?

Yes. From November to March the Lower Lakes are open, the Upper Lakes are usually closed, and the boat and panoramic train may not run, so winter visits are shorter than summer ones.

Will the waterfalls be frozen?

Only after several days well below zero, usually in January or February. It is never guaranteed, but the park is beautiful under snow either way.

What should I wear?

Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and boots with real grip. The wooden walkways get icy, and you will be outside for most of the day.

Is it suitable for children?

Generally yes, since the walking is easy and on boardwalks. Keep small children close on icy sections, and check any age rules with the operator.

Ready to see Plitvice in winter?

Book the guided day trip from Zagreb, with transport and the park ticket included.

Aerial view of snowy boardwalks between frozen Plitvice Lakes in winter, Croatia

Keep exploring

Ready to see Plitvice in winter?

Book the guided day trip from Zagreb, with transport and the park ticket included.

From €74

per person, park ticket and transport included; prices vary by date

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© 2026 BalkanAdventures. All rights reserved.

This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.

© 2026 BalkanAdventures. All rights reserved.

This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.

© 2026 BalkanAdventures. All rights reserved.