Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes sit in the mountainous karst region of Lika, marking the largest national park in Croatia.

Spanning nearly 300 square kilometers, the park stretches between the Mala Kapela mountains to the west and Plješevica to the east. Visitors of all ages can enjoy its stunning scenery.

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

Since 1979, this natural wonder has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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How to get to the park

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

You can reach the lakes by public transport with direct connections from Zagreb, Kraljevac, Zadar, or Split.

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. At the upper part of the map, access through entrance 1: Korenica – Rastovača, or from the middle at entrance 2: Korenica – Plitvička. The ticket includes a map with marked routes and transportation, including boats. Movement through the park is organized by six color-coded paths, three from each entrance, varying in length.

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

Upper and Lower Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes' underground is divided into two zones. Upper Lakes (12 lakes) in the south are primarily dolomite, while Lower Lakes (4 lakes) in the north consist mainly of limestone. They cascade down 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, filling with water. Plitvice's water is among the world's cleanest, maintaining a temperature of about 24 degrees and an emerald green hue.

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

The scenery of Plitvice Lakes constantly evolves due to the growth and erosion of travertine, influenced by local bacteria. The water becomes significantly mineralized, turning into a frozen fairy tale in winter.

Great Waterfall – Veliki slap – Lower Lakes

The Plitvica River reaches the lake chain at the northern end with the Great 78-meter waterfall. It is the highest in Croatia, located at the end of the Lower Lakes. While other waterfalls formed by water flowing between lakes over travertine, the Veliki slap resulted from the collapse of the Plitvica River.

Specific Climate of Plitvice Lakes

Despite its proximity to the Mediterranean, Plitvice Lakes have a mild mountain climate. The Velebit mountain range separates the warm coast from the Lika plateau. This unique geographical location has fostered 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 variety of animal and plant communities due to different soils and altitudes. The partially primeval beech and fir forests are home to brown bears, lynxes, and the European wildcat. Scientists have identified more than 300 butterfly species here, though this is only 40% of the total population. They have also cataloged over 1,200 plant species, with 75 being endemic.

Interesting Facts

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

The properties of the fragile porous rock continuously shape extensive river systems and caves that are paleontologically significant. Bones of several cave bears have been found here.

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

From 1962 to 1968, several Western films were shot in Plitvice Lakes, including the famous The Treasure of Silver Lake from Karl May's novels. These scenes were filmed in the Kaluđerovac area of the Lower Lakes region.

Routes and Guided Tours

To help navigate, 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.

A popular route is the path to the Veliki Slap waterfall. It leads past several crystal-clear lakes and majestic waterfalls. For children aged 7 and older, a visit along the well-maintained paths of the park is fun and hassle-free.

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

Pricing and Opening Hours

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

Reserve tickets in advance for a specific date and time. Availability varies based on visitor numbers at official entrances. All offer parking open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park App – Pocket Guide

The app provides useful information: tour routes, interesting places, accommodation, and parking spot marking. It also offers educational content about the values of the oldest national park in Croatia.

Conclusion

The specific climate, low industry level, and timely protective measures have preserved almost untouched nature. Plitvice Lakes remain one of Croatia's most significant areas, attracting over a million visitors each year.