National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walkways, and Croatia's oldest and most visited national park, best explored early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's oldest national park, founded in 1949, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Sixteen terraced lakes step down through the forest, linked by waterfalls and cascades formed by travertine, a mineral deposit that is still building new barriers today.
Wooden boardwalks and trails lead right over the water, with routes from two to eight hours, plus an electric boat across Kozjak, the largest lake, and a panoramic train. Veliki Slap, at 78 metres the highest waterfall in Croatia, is the classic highlight. Swimming is strictly forbidden, which keeps the water crystal clear.
Plitvice gets very busy in summer, and peak-season entry uses timed tickets, so book online in advance and arrive early or late in the day. Spring brings the most powerful waterfalls, autumn the best colours, and winter a frozen, quiet beauty. The park is about two hours from Zagreb and two and a half from Split or Zadar. Combine it with Krka National Park on the way down to the coast, or cross into Bosnia for Una National Park.
When to go
May-June and September-October, avoiding peak summer crowds while still seeing full waterfalls. Early or late in the day helps year-round.
Plitvice Lakes in winter
Winter is the quietest and cheapest time to see Plitvice. The adult ticket drops to €10, against €40 from June to September, and the boardwalks are close to empty.
Expect a smaller park. From November to March the Lower Lakes are open, the Upper Lakes are usually closed, and the electric boat and panoramic train may not run. After several days below zero the waterfalls freeze into curtains of ice, but that is never guaranteed.
Wear boots with grip, since the wooden walkways get icy, and allow two to three hours. From Zagreb, the guided Plitvice and Rastoke day trip runs all winter with the ticket included. See also our guide to Christmas and New Year in the Balkans.
Getting there
Roughly 2 hours from Zagreb or 2.5 hours from Split by car.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Day trips from Zagreb from €74, ticket included
Full day
Plitvice or Rastoke
Zagreb, 2 hrs
Trips you can book here
Guided tours run by local operators. Open a trip to see the price, what’s included and how the day runs.
Where to stay for Plitvice Lakes: inside the park or nearby
Stay at the park itself so you can walk in early, before the day trip crowds arrive. Hotel Jezero and Hotel Plitvice both sit by Entrance 2, ready for a first light start on the boardwalks. Family B&Bs in nearby villages like Grabovac cost less and add pools and home cooking, a short drive away. If you have an extra day, Rastoke makes a second base for paddling the Mrežnica River.
Hotel Jezero - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
Inside the park near Entrance 2, about 300 m from Kozjak lake, with a sauna, hot tub and two restaurants. Beat the day trippers.
In the park, near Entrance 2
Hotel Plitvice
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
The park's oldest hotel, right by Entrance 2, with renovated rooms and free parking. Ideal for an early start on the boardwalks.
Next to Entrance 2
House Tina - Bed and Breakfast
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Budget
Family B&B in Grabovac with an outdoor pool, a restaurant and breakfast included. The park is about 5 minutes by car.
5 km from the park
Who it's for
Best for: Anyone who wants Europe's best waterfall walk. Boardwalks run right over the water, routes range from two to eight hours, and a boat and panoramic train cover the longer distances.
Skip it if: You want to swim or escape crowds. Swimming is banned, and in July and August the boardwalks move at a shuffle. Krka or Una are better if either matters to you.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Plitvice Lakes questions
Where should I stay for Plitvice?
In Plitvice itself or in Rastoke. Staying close lets you enter early, before the day-trip crowds arrive.
Is there a boat or train inside the park?
Yes. An electric boat crosses Kozjak, the largest lake, and a panoramic train covers the longer stretches between the trails.
How do I get to Plitvice?
Zagreb is about 2 hours away by car or bus, and day trips run from Zagreb, Split and Zadar.
How much does it cost to enter Plitvice?
Entry is ticketed, with peak-season prices considerably higher than the shoulder months, and timed slots in summer, so book online in advance. The guided day trip from Zagreb we link to costs from around €74 with the park ticket included, plus a stop at the watermill village of Rastoke.
How long do I need?
A full day covers the main boardwalks comfortably. Routes run from two to eight hours, and the park is large enough to fill two days if you want to walk everything.
Is Plitvice worth visiting?
Yes, despite the crowds. Sixteen terraced lakes linked by waterfalls, with boardwalks running right across the water, and Veliki Slap at 78 metres as the finale. A UNESCO site since 1979.
Can I swim in the lakes?
No. Swimming is strictly forbidden to protect the travertine barriers that create the waterfalls. For swimming, Kravice in Bosnia is the nearest alternative.
How do I avoid the crowds?
Arrive at opening or in late afternoon, and avoid July and August if you can. Spring brings the most powerful waterfalls, autumn the best colours, and winter a frozen, near-empty park.
Is Plitvice Lakes worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you want the park without the crowds. The ticket drops to €10, the boardwalks are nearly empty, and in a cold spell the waterfalls freeze. The trade-off is a smaller visit: usually only the Lower Lakes are open, and the boat and train may not run.
Do the waterfalls at Plitvice freeze?
Sometimes. It takes several days well below zero, usually in January or February, for the falls to freeze into ice curtains. It is never guaranteed, so check recent photos or the weather before you go.
Ready to see Plitvice?
Book a guided day trip from Zagreb, with your park ticket and a stop at Rastoke included.
