After visiting Croatia, my husband asked me what my favorite part of the country was.
This was a pretty difficult question. I have problems narrowing down favorites especially if the country is full of gorgeous sights.
However, I can tell you Plitvice National Park is at the top of my Croatia’s favorite list. Some days, I feel like Plitvice takes the top price.
If you have not heard about this park (where have you been?), let me tell you it is one of the most enchanted places I have visited. Think about this UNESCO World Heritage Site as 16 lakes at different elevations. Water flows from the upper lakes to the lower lakes through a series of falls.
You end up with hundreds of waterfalls all over the place. I heard somebody describe it as “Eden on Earth” and I think this is an excellent way to think about the place.
This guide will help you to plan a trip to this marvelous park.
Purpose of this Guide
I am aware there are hundreds of guides to Plitvice National Park. Nevertheless, I feel like some guides are not specific enough or do not cover topics important to independent travelers.
This guide would be helpful to those visiting the park for the first time and/or to those arriving by public transportation.
Table of Contents
Visiting Plitvice National Park by Tour
This is the easiest, most convenient way to visit the park. A day tour can be booked from cities such as Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Pula.
If you choose this option, take into consideration the following:
- Make sure you understand what is included in your tour. This is even more important if the price offered by an operator is way lower than other operators (for example, it may not include the entrance fee to the park)
- Understand the time you are going to spend on transit vs. the time you are going to spend in the park. For example, it takes about 2 hours to reach the park from Zagreb or Zadar, 3-3.5 hours from Split and 3-4 hours from Pula (and other cities in Istria). All those times are one way. If you visit from Zagreb, Zadar or Split, you may spend on the park 5-6 hours. If you visit from Pula, you may spend in the park 3 hours. Spending 6-7 hours on a bus may be tough for some people.
Visiting Plitvice National Park Independently
Visiting the park on an independent tour is very easy. Since this is one of the most popular attractions in Croatia, the country has an excellent infrastructure that allows travelers to reach the park from multiple points.
It is possible to visit as a round trip from the city you are staying, reach the park from one city and move on to another one or stay the night in the area.
Keep reading to find out details about each option.
Arriving by Car
Reaching the park by car is straightforward. Roads are well developed and signed. Get prepared to pay tolls.
Parking
There are big parking lots at both park’s entrances. Lots charge an hourly or day rate. Make sure to park on designated areas and follow instructions.
Arriving by Bus from Zagreb
There are more than 20 buses connecting Zagreb and Plitvice daily. You can book your ticket online or buy it at the station. It is a good idea to have tickets reserved if you are departing Zagreb before 8:00 a.m.
My advice is to leave Zagreb early in order to maximize your time at the park and beat the crowds. We left around 7:00 a.m. and were at the park around 9:00 a.m. We finished our sightseeing around 3:00 p.m. If you do something similar, you will have enough time to eat something and refresh before returning to Zagreb.
Arriving by bus from Zadar
There are about 9 buses connecting Zadar and Plitvice daily. Driving time is less than 2 hours. Make sure you book a direct bus since some buses stop at several cities. This can add more than an hour to the total travel time.
Arriving by Bus from Split
There are about 10 buses connecting Split and Plitvice daily. Driving time is 3.5 to 4 hours.
Bus Transportation Tips
Given the driving times, it is possible to visit Plitvice from Zagreb and Zadar as a day trip. It is also possible to arrive at the park from Zagreb, tour the park and continue to Zadar in the afternoon.
I do not think visiting the park from Split, by bus, as a day trip, is a good idea. A guided tour is a better option for that scenario.
Also, I believe it is a bit tiring to arrive at the park from Zagreb, hike and try to arrive at Split that same day. We stayed in the park area and move on to Split the next day.
Do not expect premium buses with TVs, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Some companies may offer these but, for what I observed, this is not the norm.
Arriving at Plitvice National Park
There is no bus station on Plitvice.
What you are going to see are two bus stations corresponding to the two entrances to the park. The actual entrances are meters away from the stations.
Tourist Information Center
During my visit, I entered the park through entrance 1. If you need information or help of any kind, there is an information center next to the entrance.
Luggage Storage
There is no reason to worry about your luggage. If you are using public transportation to move around, there is free luggage storage at the park. Go to the information center and communicate your desire to store your luggage. They will provide you with a key to the storage area.
Now, the storage area is basically a covered shed with many shelves. There are no individual or private compartments.
How much time to spend on Plitvice
I recommend spending at least half a day at the park. And, to be completely honest, I would dedicate an entire day to the park.
I say this because of the following: a considerable amount of time is needed to reach the park (2-3 hours). Then, the entrance fee is not an insignificant amount of money (it can be up to $35 per person).
The most compelling reason is that this place is way too beautiful, magical and unique. I do not see a reason to rush your visit. Take this into consideration during your trip planning stage.
More than a day can be spent on the park. There is more to see in the area than the lakes and waterfalls.
Entrance Fee and Operating Hours
The entrance fee varies greatly depending on the season. Prices go from about $8 to $35 (for adults). You will pay the max prices in July and August. Two-day passes are available and can save you some money.
Tickets include the use of all the park facilities, a boat ride and a ride on a sightseeing vehicle (looks like a tram). Keep in mind you can only ride the boat and sightseeing vehicle once. Staff will stamp your entrance ticket.
The park is open 365 days of the year from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hiking in Plitvice National Park Croatia
There is no way around it. You come to Plitvice to see the lakes and waterfalls mostly by foot.
This section of the article is called “hiking” in Plitvice but the “hikes” are really walks. Most of the trails are flat. Elevation is gained gradually. I found the trail system in the park very easy to manage. And, let me tell you, I am not the fittest person out there.
Let’s explore the main trails at the park.
What to Know Before Starting to Hike
Just so we are all on the same page, let me explain some nomenclature that is going to be used while describing the trails.
There are two entrances at the park and 4 different trails or routes starting from each one. I started to hike from Entrance 1. Therefore, I will include more details on those trails.
There are three tram stations at the park: ST1 (close to Entrance 1), ST2 (close to Entrance 2) and ST3 (near Proscansko Lake). In the same way, there are three boat piers: P1, P2 and P3. P1 and P2 are close to Entrance 2.
You can take the boat between boat stations one and two (P1 and P2) as many times as you want (that is the short ride). The long ride between stations P1/P2 and station P3 is the one you can only take once.
Same thing with the tram. You can take it between park entrances (ST1 and ST2) as many times you want but only once from ST3 to ST2 (or vice versa).
Trails are well marked and easy to navigate. You can buy a trail map at the information center but, in my opinion, you do not need it. Once you enter the park, there is a big sign describing each trail. You can take a picture of the trail you are interested in walking.
What to Do Before Starting to Hike
I recommend starting your sightseeing on a full stomach. Snacks and water are a good idea too. Nonetheless, remember to leave no trace. Dispose thrash on the proper containers.
Also, use the restrooms before starting to walk.
Trail A
This is the shortest trail in the park (about 2 miles, 2-3 hours) and starts at Entrance 1.
You are overwhelmed with beauty from the beginning. Your sightseeing will start with amazing views of Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall in the park. Then, it is time to walk to the base of the big waterfall. After this, you with continue to Sastavci and Milanovacki falls. I am mentioning particular waterfalls, but you are going to be surrounded by tons and tons of water.
At one point, you are going to reach the bridge crossing Kozjak Lake. Turn back and walk to the starting point (signs will guide you). On the way back, you are going to encounter some of the classic views of the park.
This is the most popular trail and a lot of people only do this trail.
Trail B
On this trail, instead of turning back at the Kozjak Lake bridge, you will turn right and walk to the boat pier (P3). On the pier area, there are benches, restrooms, a restaurant and a gift shop. It is an ideal stop to rest before moving on.
After a while, it is time to take the boat ride to P1 or P2. From there, you can walk or take the tram to Entrance 1.
Trail B is 2.6 miles long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. There are services near P1/P2.
Trail C
Trail C is an extension of Trails A and B. After the long boat ride on Kozjak Lake, you start your walk to the Upper Lake section of the park (instead of returning to Entrance 1). At the top of the trail, you will encounter tram station 3 (ST3). At that point, you can take the scenic train to ST2. From there, you can walk or take the tram to ST1 (Entrance 1).
This is the trail you want to do if you have one day to explore the park. I found the Upper Lakes even more impressive than the lower ones. I loved, loved this section.
Trail C has a length of 5 miles and takes 4-5 hours to complete.
You can shorten this trail by turning back to P2 after walking around Gradinsko Lake. You will see signs directing you to the pier or to Proscansko Lake.
Trail K
This trail explores the entire park and takes 6-8 hours to complete. It is considered a difficult trail.
Other Trails
- Trail E (2-3 hours) – Starts at Entrance 2 and explores the Upper Lakes area. After a short boat crossing, you walk to the Proscansko Lake and take the scenic tram down
- Trail F (3-4 hours) – This is the reverse version of Trail B. Sail across Kozjaka lake and visit the Lower Lakes. Take the tram from Entrance 1 to Entrance 2
- Trail H (5-6 hours) – This is the reverse version of Trail C
- Trail K-2 (6-8 hours) – Same as Trail K but starting from Entrance 2
Where to Eat Inside the Park
You can find cafeterias at the following spots:
- Entrance 1
- Pier Boat 3 (P2)
- Pier Boat 1 (P1)
- Entrance 2
Expect simple dishes such as burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, schnitzels, fries, soft drinks, coffee and some pastries.
Where to Eat Outside the Park
Within walking distance of the park, you will find the following:
- Across Entrance 1 – Licka Kuca
- Close to Entrance 2 – Poljana
There are other restaurants along Route 1 but a car will be needed to reach them.
Staying the night in the area
If you want to stay in the area more than one day or if the next destination is a bit far from the park, staying in the area is a good idea.
Hotels such as Bellevue, Plitvice, and Jezero are located within walking distance of Entrance 2. There are many pensions along Route 1. You will not have trouble finding a nice place for a good price. Keep in mind some of these places may not be located close to a restaurant or market.
We stayed in Rakovica and were within walking distance of a restaurant and market.
Moving around the area
If you are staying in the area and do not have a car, taxi service can be very expensive. I have been told taxis in Croatia should be metered but that was not my experience when taking a taxi from the park to Rakovica.
You may want to ask your pension or hotel host about transportation. Sometimes they will offer to transport you for a price significantly lower than a taxi.
Plitvice Lakes Weather
Weather can be unpredictable in this area. Dress in layers and carry a small umbrella or poncho. Even if it is not raining, the poncho can protect you from the waterfall spray.
Other Considerations
In several parts of the park, you are going to be walking over wooden boardwalks. There are no railings in most of these. Be careful when walking around, trying to pass by other people or stopping to take pictures. You do not want to fall into the water!
By the way, swimming in Plitvice National Park is prohibited. If you want to swim, Krka National Park is a good option.
The park can get crowded. It depends on the season and on the trail. Be prepared to deal with people. I am saying this because you will encounter rude people who can test your patience. Do not get things personal and move on. A positive attitude will help you to enjoy your day.
Last but not least, obey the park’s rules. Please help us to keep Plitvice pristine.
More about Croatia
Croatia is a wonderful country! Take a look at my other posts about the country.
More about Slovenia
Read all about Croatia’s neighbor.
I really hope this guide will equip you with everything you need to visit to visit Plitvice National Park Croatia.
Have you been to the park? What are your tips for Plitvice National Park?
Pin me for later!
Carol says
Great post – I’m ready to pack and go! Pinned and shared.
Photo Cache says
I am definitely bookmarking this. I really dream of visiting this park ever since I saw a photo of it online. What month did you visit?
Lady Fi says
I was so tempted to visit here a couple of weeks ago when I was in Montenegro and Croatia – but could only find a tour that stopped here for 40 minutes before going onto to Mostar.
Your photos are truly breathtaking.
Lisa | Handmade in Israel says
What incredible waterfalls! What a beautiful place! I am taking a note of this. Perhaps one day…
Jessi (Two Feet, One World) says
This is such a brilliant detailed guide! You’ve definitely convinced me that it’s worth at least a day. What an incredible place. #WanderfulWednesday
Namra says
Croatia is actually a place I’ve never considered travelling to, but you had me at «hundreds of waterfalls». Thanks for a detailed guide, the pictures are lovely too!
Xoxo
Shortest trail-girl
Sara says
This looks absolutely surreal! It’s amazing how beautiful all the waterfalls are. Your photos, particularly of the bridges traversing the lakes, are really lovely. With such a long travel time, it seems like you would want to spend as long as you could in the park. I think I would probably do what you did and try and stay nearby so that I could see as much as possible. It seems like a very peaceful place to visit!
Brianna says
What a very informative and helpful post! I’d really love to visit Plitvice and see those waterfalls! Good to know about the parking fees and tolls, because now I know to take the bus in!
Laura Robinson says
I wanted to visit so badly. Unfortunately it was too far for a day trip from Dubrovnik. I’ll have to visit Croatia again!
Allison says
This is a great guide. Seeing pictures of Plitvice Lakes was actually what put Croatia at the top of my bucket list. I am definitely pinning this for later. #wanderfulwednesday
Anita Break says
This terrific guide has detailed the trails, accommodations and food! I’ll be hiking those trails in two weeks. Still relevant four years later!! Thank you.
Anita Break says
22.9.22 Tana, if you ever want to visit Costa Rica, please email me. My husband and I will show you some great places to explore. We know things to do that only locals know. Anytime!
Emily says
This is by far the most comprehensive and useful guide I’ve come across for Plitvice. I’m planning to visit for the first time next year, and I’ll be referring back to this for sure! What do you think about visiting in winter? How much does the foliage change? I’d love to see the park so green—I just hope the timing works out for us.
Angharad Paull says
A really comprehensive guide, thank you! I tried to get to these waterfalls when I visited Croatia but we couldn’t make it work with buses and timings – we needed this blog! It’s still on my bucket list!
Mohana Das says
Thanks for the detailed guide! The park looks marvellous and rightly called Eden on Earth. I’m tempted to visit a place so of placid lakes and beautiful waterfalls.
Aimee horgan says
Oh Croatia is so high on my bucket list, and especially the Plitvice Lakes for the photo opportunities alone. Saving this for when we do eventually make the trip there.
Amy Dodd says
Oh my goodness! Such beautiful photos. The park looks like a beautiful hike and all those waterfalls are breathaking. I’m saving this because I have to add this to my bucketlist!
Lindsay says
Pinning! Love the linked table of contents and the organized layout with all the different options. So helpful!
Nerissa says
This seriously looks like heaven! I have just recently added Croatia to my bucket list and this makes me want to be there now! Definitely saving this post fr when I start planning my travels. Thanks for sharing!
Jill says
Stunning photos, Ruth – and a great guide. I’ve not been but as usual, ” it’s on my list”
Sharon Odegaard says
It’s good to know this is your favorite out of all the places in Croatia you enjoyed. Those waterfalls are so abundant and amazing. Pinning this for future travel planning! Your posts on Croatia are inspiring me to consider a visit!
Rhonda Albom says
Thank you for putting Plitvice Park in perspective. I have read many other posts about it but I did not get the full grasp of what it is and how to see the features until I read your advice and saw the photos. I would use your post as essential information before touring the park.
betty - NZ says
Wow! What a fantastic place! I would certainly visit if I were able. Thanks for the fantastic images.
Vanessa Brune says
What a stunning park! Looks like it’s right up my alley with the wooden trails – I much prefer those over hiking conditions here in Norway 😉
Christine Keane says
Man Croatia almost had it this World Cup! This is a great guide! My (future) sister in law is Croatian and she said she wants to take all of us over there one time… which I would LOVE! This national park is absolutely gorgeous!
Jon Harrison says
I never heard about Croatia national parks. After reaching your post, I read it properly and seeing this stunning this picture truly It touch my heart. The waterfalls are sound so cool, I can’t imagine that those are so beautiful. I bookmark this to my next travel destination. Thanks for heart touching post.
hilary says
I’m excited you’ve written about this, as Croatia is high on my list of places to visit, and in particular this destination within. Definitely saving for when I finally make it there… #farawayfiles
Alex - My says
A fantastically detailed guide – you have me wishing we were visiting this part of Croatia now (we’re there thissummer but right up in the north) I shall pin for a future trip #farawayflies
Ahila says
I have been meaning to go to this national park for some time. Enjoyed your post, Ruth. #FarawayFiles
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
This is such a useful post, Ruth. It literally tells you everything you need to know. It must have taken you ages to put it together! I need to see more of Croatia and Plitvice is really high on my list of places to see. Those board walks look absolutely fantastic. Love the colour of the water too. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Katherine says
I’m one of those people guilty of not having heard of Plitvice National Park before. And I can see the error of my ways, because your photos are absolutely stunning! I can see why it has topped your list of beautiful spots in Croatia. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive post – I love reading your stuff, you seem to always have thought of everything!
Madhu says
Well you are right i have read few write ups on Plitvice national park earlier but this one covers it all..possible informations and other details. In additions to this the pics are simply breathtaking. I feel like being there now .
Christine King says
This is such a beautiful park! We visited man years ago, but I wish we had more time! Your photos are incredible. It really makes me want to go back.
Mary Beth says
Duuuuuuude! The most detailed park guide I’ve ever seen… When I visited Slovenia, I was super bummed that I couldn’t make it over to Croatia. When I finally do, I can literally plan my entire trip to Plitvice without doing any more research!
unaveronicavagante says
I have heard so many great things about this park that I really need to go asap!
Thank you for the info!
Paul says
Such a useful post, I think you’ve covered everything anyone would need to know about visiting Plitvice!
Neha says
This is such a detailed and helpful post! I am hoping to visit Croatia sometime next year, so will be saving this for then! Thank you so much for putting this together 🙂
Baia says
Wehad a day trip in Plitvice from Zadar to Zagreb and managed to see parts of lower and upper lakes
Anisa says
I love waterfalls so already had this place on my list. I really appreciate all the detail and tips in your post, I have pinned it and hope to make it there soon. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Nicole Hunter says
This is a very detailed and helpful post. It must have taken an long time to compile. The photos are really lovely.
Liana Felipe says
Great trail options! I want to include this on my national park series one day!
Shona says
This is absolutely fantastic information for visiting Plitvice National Park. So detailed and helpful, I’m pinning this to my Croatia board so I can include it in my plans. Beautiful photos as always Ruth. 🙂
tracy collins says
Beautiful photographs! We didn’t get to Plitvice when we visited Croatia and instead headed to KrKa (worth seeing too) Next time we are in Croatia – and there will be a next time as we loved it – we will definitely visit!
Ericka @ A Quiet Girl's Musings... says
I’ve never heard of this part before, but it looks… I’m not sure I have the words. All those waterfalls… how utterly spectacular looking! It looks like part oasis, part rainforest, part water-world.
Visting from #TheWeeklyPostcard
Elaine Masters says
Truly one of my favorite spots on the globe. We spent two days exploring the trails in early spring and missed most of the crowds too. Thanks for putting all these resources together.
Anda says
You don’t find many guides for Plitvice Lakes, so good for you that you put together this useful information. We visited Plitvice last year, as part of a Balkan road trip, so my memories about it are still fresh. Your pictures came out great, although it wasn’t very sunny when you were there. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Angie FeetDoTravel says
Plitvice NP does indeed look like Eden on Earth, especially with that many waterfalls, which I am rather partial too. I confess to not hearing about this Park until now, but have pinned for future reference. #feetdotravel
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
What a great, detailed guide – thanks so much! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Cynthia | Adventuring Woman says
16 UNESCO sites, wow! Truly an Eden on Earth. I’m putting this on my bucket list and pinning your great guide for later. Lovely photos and comprehensive information.
Kate says
You sold me at your first photo of Plitvice National Park! What an incredible view. You were absolutely right about enchanting! As an avid hiker, this looks like a hiker’s paradise!
Emmalene says
What a great and detailed guide! Wish I’d read this before we went because we completely missed the Upper Lakes and missed that “postcard” view! I did love Krka too, but mainly because the weather was much better – and you’ve gotta love swimming in that pool!
Janine Good says
This is such a detailed post! I have never been to Croatia but I know I will need to head here. I love the clear water and the scenery. Such a clean spot to explore. Thanks for coming out to Fly Away Friday! Hope to see you this week!
Hannah says
Plitvice was such an incredible experience! I found a cool van that left from Zagreb in the morning, stopped for the day in the park, and then continued on to Zadar and Split to drop people off. It was awesome! I definitely want to go back someday and spend more time there, and I’ve heard that it’s just absolutely incredible in the fall when the leaves start to change!
Richa says
Ruth, Kudos to you for such awesome images and detailed description!! Thanks, this will help me plan my trip better 🙂