Plitvice Lakes National Park

National park · Licko-senjska

Plitvice Lakes National Park

National park · Licko-senjska

Croatia

Highlights

Lakes, waterfalls, forests, caves, hiking, horseback riding, bike tours

Croatia Get directions

np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

@plitvicelakesnp

@travelleisure

The 10 Best National Parks in the World

"Croatia's largest national park is one of the most unique gems in Europe, with a mix of forests and a chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. Hiking, horseback riding, and ATV and bike tours make this one of the most fun and picturesque national parks to explore. Perfect pairing to mix an itinerary with city exploring in Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Zagreb, and enjoy the great outdoors with the best of both worlds." — Harlan deBell & Kara Bebell, The Travel Siblings. The park's defining features are its 16 interconnected terraced lakes and numerous waterfalls, with many active options for exploring the scenery (hikes, horseback rides, bike/ATV tours) and easy combinations with Croatian city itineraries." - Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She edits stories with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel, as well as Canada, Northern Europe, and the Southeastern U.S. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/incredible-national-parks-around-the-world

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@cntraveler

How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in 2025: Turn 15 PTO Days into 48

"Discover historical cities, beautiful coastline, and unique culinary experiences along the Adriatic Sea."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-maximize-vacation-days-2025

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@afar

"Croatia’s oldest and biggest national park, Plitvice is a four-season playground known for its pristine forests, stunning waterfalls, and dozens of turquoise lakes. To see it all, trek along the wooden pathways that twist through bright-green vegetation and past water rushing down limestone and dolomite rock. Along the way, keep an eye out for the park’s signature blue butterflies and the trout that populate the shallow waters. Though you’re unlikely to encounter them, protected species like brown bears, gray wolves, and Eurasian lynx also roam the forests around Plitvice. If you need more than one day to explore, overnight at one of the many nearby lodgings such as Bear’s Log, with cozy wooden interiors, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and terraces overlooking the verdant landscape."

Croatia’s Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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@ricksteves

Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"I found Plitvice to be one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders: imagine Niagara Falls diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon. It's a lush valley of 16 terraced lakes, laced together by waterfalls and miles of pleasant plank walks. Countless cascades and water that's both strangely clear and full of vibrant colors make the park a misty natural wonderland, and it's blessedly compact — you can enjoy the best of its scenery in just a few hours." - RICKSTEVES

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/croatia/plitvice-lakes

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Prateek Zare

Google

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most stunning places you can visit in Croatia—hands down a must-see. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with waterfalls, lakes, and forest trails that feel almost surreal. Our guide made a smart call by starting from Entrance 2. It let us build up to the grand finale—the Big Waterfall—saving the most impressive view for last. That made the whole experience feel like a journey with a perfect ending. We loved every part of the tour. There was breathtaking greenery everywhere. The trails were well marked, the air was crisp, and every turn gave us a new photo-worthy moment. The only letdown was the food, limited options and nothing great. I'd recommend bringing snacks if you're spending the day. Still, this place is unforgettable. A natural wonder you don’t want to miss.

Meera Arnold

Google

Beautiful, everywhere you turn, peaceful, therapeutic sound of waterfalls, like no other place in the world. Walk so close to the waterfalls, streams, lakes, very clean and well maintained. Has been kept in pristine condition,unspoilt, well preserved. Never get bored of seeing it.

Jorge J. Garcia

Google

The place is absolutely beautiful; unfortunately the massive crowd ruins the experience. In the last 25 years travelling the entire world, I have never been in such a crowded place; there is zero crowd management efforts; just hundreds of thousands of Euros coming in daily. The park is not invested in the visitor experience; during the boat ride there was not a single word mentioned. How about a few words on conservation efforts in the park? Or maybe safety message? Nothing! What a missed opportunity. You will inhale a ton of dost with so many people walking around you and raising dost. The park is also full of safe hazards everywhere. Will NEVER come back because there is a lot of natural beauty in the region without this non-sense that I paid $200 euros for. Do your research; avoid ruining your vacation and go elsewhere where you can have a quality experience!

elle fersan

Google

Absolutely magical, heaven on earth. Must visit. Depending on which trail you choose, it could be up to a 5 hour experience. Bring water. Charge your phone. The hike is medium effort and totally worth it. Tens of stunning water falls and crystal clear waters!

Patrick B

Google

Worth the steep entry fee. Parking also a little hectic. However it is a national gem and amazing park to witness. Route C was great and done in about 4 hours. Longest part was wait for the boat. Once in a lifetime experience!

Viktor Veres

Google

A beautiful place! There are tourist hotspots, where you can see thousands of people, other places are empty. The boat and bus queues are so long, even I, who would rather take his car from one room to another in his house, decided to walk instead!! (Summer season) At the end of the day, it worth visiting, but I would recommend to everyone if you can, visit only at summer/autumn!

Jay M

Google

AMAZING! Absolutely beautiful Nat Park! 😍 The pictures do not do it justice at all. We arrived at the 9am slot and parked at Entrance 2 and had to walk about 15 mins to the bus, which took us down to the Route H, a 8300m walk. This route started at the upper lakes and then we followed the P2 boat signs to the water. Amazing views along the way! We took the boat to the lower lakes and continued the walk. Cafe and toilet stops at the start, middle and end of the routes. Accessible, but there are steps which camouflage into the boardwalk so be careful! We froze water bottles which melted nicely during the day and kept up hydrated with cold water on a hot day! Cannot stress enough what an amazingly awesome park this is and I will more than likely be returning at some point! Main points are: arrive early as it got really busy when we were halfway through. Wear comfy shoes you will be walking lots! I did approx 17k steps. Take plenty of water and possibly a picnic as there are benches, but there are food places to purchase food and drinks, at a usual inflated price. Parking cost us €2 an hour and we were there for 6 hours.

PAULA MALHEIROS

Google

It was an amazing experience. 4 hours we spent here and it was worth every minute. You have different trails so choose what suits you better and 2 different entrances pending the length of the circuit. We did trail C entrance 1 and it was doable. Loved every corner, the landscape is breathtaking and every waterfall has its beauty. Avoid the crowds between 10 and 12 is the busiest period. You have free storage if you're carrying a lot of stuff