Plitvice Lakes National Park

National park · Licko-senjska

Plitvice Lakes National Park

National park · Licko-senjska

Croatia

Highlights

16 terraced lakes, waterfalls, wooden paths, boat rides

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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Alice Kingsleigh

Google

Wow! Fantastic experience! You could easily spend the whole day at the park. There are number of trails leading around the lakes and under the waterfalls. Every part of it looks do beautiful. The water is extremely clean and the colours vary from light blue to turquoise green. It’s a must go destination in Croatia

m.pepers

Google

This park is really fantastic. We were here for two days. Walked about 30 km. Some areas quite busy (great waterfall). If possible i recommend an early start to avoid the tourists coming in by busloads. The lakes are great and everything is remarkably clean. We had a great time, highlight of our trip to Croatia.

Eran I

Google

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of pure, awe-inspiring beauty. The 16 lakes, connected by countless waterfalls and cascades in stunning turquoise-blue hues, are a true paradise. Walking on the wooden boardwalks allows you to get close to the water, feel the mist of the falls and see almost to the bottom of the lakes. It's an absolute must-do for any nature lover. Important points on the trails and walking conditions: The park offers a variety of routes (like C, H, F, E etc.) that combine walking, a boat ride on Lake Kozjak, and use of a shuttle. Most of the walking paths and boardwalks are very narrow, slippery, and sometimes uneven, and the park gets extremely crowded, therefore in my opinion the trails are not suitable for baby strollers or wheelchairs, also - access is difficult for people with walking difficulties or seniors who require stability. Recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Tickets: Recommended to book tickets online in advance for a specific time slot and entrance (1 or 2), as the daily visitor capacity is limited and tickets sell out quickly. It's best to arrive as early as possible (right at opening time) to avoid the biggest crowds. Paid parking is available at both entrances (make sure to park at the entrance for which you bought your ticket). Along the paths, there are several rest points with WCs and some places to buy food, but it's a bit pricey, so you can bring some water, sandwiches, or snacks. In summary, this is an amazing natural wonder that is worth every effort.

Manyfires

Google

Breathtaking view. Stopped by on my way to Split. Getting there from Zagreb is around 2 hours. Easy to get to, ample parking. The entrance to the park is in my opinion a bit expensive. If you have a student ID, then use it. They have different routes once you enter. I took the shortest because I got there quite late and only have 2-3 hours, so I didn’t get to do the boat ride. It’s easy walk even if you’re not a hiker or very active. Suitable for all ages, kids and seniors. Totally worth it to visit.

ajcook80

Google

Wonderful experience. You can't do anything about the crowds so if you dont like rudé tourists, you will be disappointed. If you are willing to look past the people, you will be rewarded with breathtaking natural wonders. Wear good footwear and expect to hike.

ム IggIム

Google

In general it is a nice attraction however compared to other "national parks" Ive been to in Europe this one felt a lot like a amusement park more than a national park. Did I enjoy it yes would I visit ever again? No and the price I think 40 euros is a bit much for the whole experience personally + Parking

Chris Young

Google

This park is amazing. The majority of the main trails are wooden chestnut boardwalks that are easy to walk on. The lakes, waterfalls and scenery is very unique. Water flows down these lakes and over waterfalls to the next lakes and so on. There are boats to bring you accoss the main lake and down the lake to the north end of the park. If needed there are also busses to move you from one end of the park to the other. Would highly recommend visiting even with the higher cost and possible crowds. We enjoyed two days. One rainy with fog and the other sunny. Our favorite was the rainy foggy day. It suited the park and the photos were amazing.

Batuhan Şahin

Google

Absolutely beautiful place. The nature of the park was well preserved whilst being integrated to casual visitings. Two possible rides are included in the ticket that you buy when entering the park, one boat ride and a panoramic car, and both are essential if you want to finish up the tour in a reasonable time.