Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes lie in the mountainous karst region of Lika and form Croatia's largest national park.

Spanning nearly 300 square kilometers between the Mala Kapela and Plješevica mountains, the park offers breathtaking views for all ages.

The lakes are famous for their turquoise waters and diverse ecosystem, home to many plant and animal species. Wooden walkways meander through the park, passing lakes, waterfalls, and karst rocks primarily made of dolomite and limestone.

Since 1979, this natural wonder has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Planning a summer trip to Croatia? Visit our Croatia category for tips from Holidayo.

How to get to the park

Plitvice Lakes are about 140 km southwest of Zagreb. The D42 highway runs north, and the D429 to the south leads to the green-marked circuit's start. At the Korenica – Rastovača junction, keep right for a short route to the famous Great Waterfall, where all trails meet.

Public transport offers direct connections from Zagreb, Kraljevac, Zadar, or Split to the lakes.

Expect to spend 2 to 6 hours exploring Plitvice Lakes, depending on your chosen route.

The Plitvice Lakes Area

Enter the lake area through two entrances. Entrance 1: Korenica – Rastovača is at the upper part of the map, and entrance 2: Korenica – Plitvička is in the middle. Tickets include a map with marked routes and transportation, such as boats. Movement is guided by 6 color-coded paths, 3 from each entrance, varying in length.

The park is strictly protected with inaccessible areas and a primeval forest reserve, home to several endemic plant species, especially orchids and lilies.

Upper and Lower Lakes

Plitvice Lakes' underground is split into two zones: Upper Lakes (12 lakes) in the south, mainly dolomite, and Lower Lakes (4 lakes) in the north, primarily limestone. They cascade with a 133 m difference, with Kozjak and Prošćansko Lake being the largest. The lower part includes 20 karst caves.

The Lower Lakes formed from the collapse of underground cave ceilings filled with water. Plitvice's water is among the world's cleanest, with a temperature of about 24 degrees and an emerald green hue.

The Plitvica River, after which the park is named, doesn't connect any lakes but cascades down the Great Waterfall into the canyon from a height of 78 m. Plitvice wasn't formed by it but near the Bijela Rijeka and Crna Rijeka rivers, which later merge to form the Korana River flowing through the park.

The landscape of Plitvice Lakes constantly changes due to travertine growth and erosion caused by local bacteria. This process mineralizes the water, creating a frozen wonderland in winter.

Great Waterfall - Veliki slap - Lower Lakes

The Plitvica River reaches the lakes' northern end with the 78-meter Great Waterfall. It's the highest in Croatia, located at the Lower Lakes' end. While other waterfalls formed by water overflowing between lakes over travertine, the Veliki slap resulted from the Plitvica River's collapse.

Specific Climate of Plitvice Lakes

Despite its Mediterranean proximity, Plitvice Lakes have a mild mountain climate. The Velebit mountain range separates the warm coastal area from the Lika plateau, contributing to many natural phenomena and rich biodiversity.

The forest cover of Plitvice Lakes is among the most preserved in Europe.

The national park area hosts a wide range of animal and plant communities due to various soils and altitudes. The partially primeval beech and fir forests are home to the brown bear, lynx, and European wildcat. Scientists have found over 300 butterfly species here, but this is estimated to be only 40% of the total population. Additionally, they've identified over 1,200 plant species, with 75 endemic.

Interesting Facts

All lakes are linked by natural travertine barriers, formed by moss, algae, and bacteria (at about 1 cm per year).

The fragile porous rock shapes extensive river systems and caves that are paleontologically significant. Bones of several cave bears have been discovered here.

Scientific research projects continue in the park, with new measures being implemented. Wooden walkways might be replaced with floating pontoons.

Between 1962 and 1968, several Western films were shot in Plitvice Lakes. The most famous is The Treasure of Silver Lake from Karl May's novels, filmed in the Kaluđerovac area of the Lower Lakes.

Routes and Guided Tours

The park offers several routes. Visitors can choose 2 paths at entrance 1 and 4 from entrance 2. Lake Kozjak features electric boats and a panoramic vehicle.

One of the most popular routes leads to the Veliki Slap waterfall, passing several crystal-clear lakes and majestic waterfalls. For children aged 7 and older, the visit along the park's well-maintained paths is enjoyable and easy.

The park also offers full-day tours with a professional guide.

Pricing and Opening Hours

Ticket prices vary from 4 to 40 euros, depending on the season and group size. Children under 7 and persons with disabilities enter free.

Book tickets in advance for a specific date and time. Availability depends on visitor numbers at the official entrances. Parking is available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The park is open daily, including Sundays and holidays. Opening hours vary with daylight.

Plitvice Lakes National Park App - Pocket Guide

The app provides useful information: tour routes, points of interest, accommodation, and a parking spot marker. It also offers educational content about Croatia's oldest national park.

Conclusion

The specific climate, low industrial impact, and timely protective measures have helped preserve nearly untouched nature. Plitvice Lakes remain one of Croatia's most significant areas, attracting over a million visitors annually.