The Complete Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park: When to Visit & What to See

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most stunning natural wonders, known for its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. However, with its increasing popularity, a visit requires some planning to truly enjoy its beauty without the crowds. This guide will help you make the most of your time in the park, with a two-day itinerary, tips on the best season to visit, ticketing information, and essential logistics.

Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Europe. The park is home to 16 interconnected lakes, divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes, with a network of waterfalls, wooden walkways, and lush forests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or looking for an unforgettable experience, Plitvice’s serene beauty is something you must witness at least once. The turquoise water in the pools is simply spectacular and the views from the lookout platforms along the way, are incredible.

The best times to visit Plitvice Lakes are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, the waterfalls are full, and the crowds are much smaller compared to the peak summer months, but still very very busy. Avoid visiting in summer (June-August) as it gets overwhelmingly busy, and navigating the narrow walkways can become frustrating. If you must visit in summer, arriving early is crucial.

Plitvice Lakes National Park requires an advance ticket purchase, as daily visitor numbers are limited. You can buy your tickets online through the official park website, selecting your preferred entry time and entrance point. Prices vary by season, with higher rates in peak months. You can buy tickets at the gate if they are available, however there is still a limited number of tickets, so once the day’s tickets are sold both online and at the gate, no more tickets are available. We didn’t realise that tickets were so popular and we needed to buy them in advance so, were very lucky that we managed to get a ticket for our first day at 12noon on a Friday in shoulder season, but we needed to be at the gate at 7:30am on the Saturday morning to secure tickets. We got some of the last 8 tickets for the morning and by the time we were leaving there were no more tickets available for the day. You can also book a tour to secure a ticket, if online is booked out and you don’t want to risk it at the gate.

For the best experience, and what we highly recommend consider staying at least one night near Plitvice Lakes to make the most of your visit, especially if you plan to arrive early in the morning. We stayed in an Airbnb about 20 minutes away for 3 nights, which was a more affordable option than accommodations closer to the park. Three nights allowed us to arrive early both mornings of our visit and rest after a big day of exploring. If you are pushed for time you could move on to your next destination of your travel itinerary in the afternoon of your 2nd day. The nearest town, Korenica, has a range of budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, making it a convenient base for visitors. If you prefer to stay right near the park, there are a few hotels inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, such as Hotel Jezero, which offers the advantage of being within walking distance of the entrances. While these hotels provide the closest access, they tend to be more expensive and book out quickly, especially in peak season. Whether you choose a local guesthouse, private rental, or hotel inside the park, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if visiting in summer when accommodation fills up fast.

If you don’t have a hire car or private transport, reaching Plitvice Lakes is still possible, though it requires some planning. Buses are the most common option, with regular routes running from major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. The journey takes 2-3 hours depending on your starting point, and it’s best to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak season. Buses typically drop passengers near Entrance 1 or Entrance 2, from where you can easily start your visit. However, public transport schedules can be limited, making it harder to arrive early in the morning—so consider staying overnight nearby if possible. If you prefer more flexibility, guided tours from Zagreb, Zadar, or Split often include transport, entrance tickets, and a structured itinerary, making them a hassle-free way to visit the park.

To fully appreciate the park without feeling rushed, I recommend spending two mornings exploring different sections of Plitvice Lakes. Arriving at 7-8 AM allows you to experience the park before the tour buses arrive. If you are pushed for time and you have the ability to walk long distances, you could do the whole park in a day, but it will be tiring, you will be amongst the crowds and you may feel rushed. We do think this natural beauty deserves the time for two mornings. If you want to see more than the main sights and do longer or more difficult hikes, this is possible too but you’d need even more time. If you only have one morning or afternoon, or can’t walk the whole distance in the one day, then we recommend the Day 1 Itinerary below.

Your first day at Plitvice Lakes National Park takes you through the breathtaking Upper Lakes, where a series of cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools create a mesmerizing landscape. After parking at Entrance 2, hop on the shuttle bus to Station 3, where your journey begins. Follow the scenic boardwalks through enchanting waterfalls such as Veliki Prštavac and Mali Prštavac, two of the park’s most beautiful falls. Along the way, you’ll pass Galovački Buk, an impressive 25-meter waterfall that plunges into a crystal-clear lake below. The peaceful walk through lush forest trails and over wooden bridges offers endless opportunities to soak in the natural beauty before reaching the ferry dock for a relaxing boat ride back to Station 2.

• Start at Car Park 2
• Take the bus to Station 3 (furthest point)
• Walk through the stunning Upper Lakes, exploring the cascading waterfalls and tranquil forest surroundings
• Follow the trail back to P2 (the boat dock)
• Take the scenic boat ride to P1 (& car park 2)
• End your visit around 12-1 PM, before the afternoon crowds set in. You could take a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lake side here at P1.

On your second morning, start early at Entrance 1 and head straight to the park’s crown jewel—Veliki Slap (The Big Waterfall), Croatia’s tallest waterfall at 78 meters. After admiring its power from the viewpoints, continue your walk along the Lower Lakes, stopping at dramatic cliffs and lookout points that offer panoramic views of the emerald waters below. Along the way, discover a hidden gem—the Šupljara Cave, a unique limestone cavern that adds a touch of mystery to your adventure. As you continue, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lakes before taking a well-earned break at the pontoon area. From here, board the electric boat for a scenic ride across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park, before finishing your route with a final walk to Station 2, where the shuttle bus will return you to Entrance 1.

• Stop at various lookouts for panoramic views of the lakes and waterfall
• Walk towards Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall), the tallest waterfall in Croatia
• Continue along the wooden pathways, following the lakes towards the pontoon area
• Take a break for morning tea while soaking in the views
• Board the boat across Kozjak Lake
• Walk towards Station 2
• Catch the bus back to Station 1, completing your circuit

• Pre-purchase your entry tickets well in advance.
• Arrive Early: Be at the park entrance by 7-8 AM to enjoy a peaceful experience before the crowds.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so proper footwear is essential.
• Pack Snacks & Water: Food options inside the park are limited and expensive, and we even had a power outage in the park on our 2nd day meaning there was no food options available.
• Respect the Rules: Swimming is not allowed, and drones are prohibited without special permission.
• Check the Weather: Rain can make the wooden paths slippery, so bring appropriate gear.
• Be considerate of others. If you do come across crowds, just simply wait your turn, don’t push past, you’re there to enjoy the day and this beautiful place, don’t ruin the day rushing around or even worse, falling in the lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a place of unparalleled beauty, and with the right planning, you can experience its magic without the stress of peak-hour crowds. This two-day itinerary ensures you get the best of both the Upper and Lower Lakes, making your visit a memorable one.

Would you visit Plitvice Lakes? Let me know in the comments!

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