At first sight, Plitvice Lakes National Park materializes as a long stretch of crystal blue water terminating at a web of waterfalls.
The park is known for its lakes and wooden walkways, which make the area easy to navigate and marvel at up close.
The gorgeous water in the national park seals the deal — Plitvice Lakes is a must-stop spot in Croatia.
Where Is Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, about 75 miles northeast of the coastal city of Zadar, Croatia, and 80 miles southwest of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. The closest airport is in Zagreb, so it’s best to rent a car there and drive south to the park.
The beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park isn’t a secret. Founded in 1949, the park is one of the oldest in southeastern Europe. In 1979, the national park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The park stretches for almost 200 miles, and the avenue of lakes runs for 5 miles.
Why The Park Is A Must-See
The national park is known for its 16 lakes that are connected by a series of glorious waterfalls. The entire area is encased in deep forest teeming with life — deer, bears, wolves, boars, and birds galore have made the park their home base. Of the numerous stunning waterfalls in the park, the tallest is Veliki Slap — it’s more than 200 feet tall.
To get around the park, you’ll weave between lakes and forests on wooden walkways.
How To Visit
There are two entrances to the park: The first takes you to the lower lakes, and the second takes you to the upper lakes. While the park is open daily year-round, the second entrance is usually closed between November and April. There’s still plenty to see at that time, but to get the full experience, you might want to go during the warmer months. The park gets a bit crowded in the summer, however, so we suggest making a trip in early spring, late summer, or early fall to beat the rush.
Ticket prices vary by month. During the slow season, you might pay as little as 150 kuna, or $25, and during peak season, you’ll pay 250 kuna, or $40. The entrance fee goes directly toward conservation efforts. The ticket prices may be on the steeper side, but it’s worth it to see — and help preserve — the most beautiful park in Croatia.
Make sure to scope out ticket prices beforehand. And if you are a fan of guided tours, you can book a 3- or 6-hour tour of the park.
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