Plitvice Lakes National Park

Complete Guide, Map, Tickets & Tips

UNESCO World Heritage Est. 1949 Croatia

At a Glance

Key facts about one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders.

16 Interconnected Lakes
90+ Waterfalls
29,685 Hectares
1979 UNESCO World Heritage
1,000,000+ Annual Visitors
1949 Oldest National Park in Croatia

Park Map

Plitvice Lakes National Park is divided into the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, connected by cascading waterfalls and accessible via two main entrances.

Interactive map coming soon

Full park map with trails, lakes, and points of interest

1

Entrance 1 — Lower Lakes

Access to the Lower Lakes, the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap, 78m), and the most dramatic cascades. The most popular starting point for shorter routes.

2

Entrance 2 — Upper Lakes

Access to the Upper Lakes, the electric boat across Lake Kozjak, and panoramic viewpoints. Better starting point for longer routes and fewer crowds.

Practical Information

Opening hours, entrance fees, parking, and ticket information to help you plan your visit.

Opening Hours

Season Period Hours
Spring April - May 8:00 - 19:00
Summer June - August 7:00 - 20:00
Autumn September - October 8:00 - 18:00
Winter November - March 9:00 - 16:00

Entrance Fees

Season Adults Students Children (7-17)
Summer (Jul-Aug) 40 EUR (summer high season) \u20AC30 20 EUR (summer high season)
Spring / Autumn \u20AC30 \u20AC20 \u20AC15
Winter (Nov-Mar) \u20AC15 \u20AC10 \u20AC5

Parking

\u20AC10/day for cars • \u20AC15/day for buses

Parking available at both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.

Tickets

Buy online in advance — especially during summer months.

Online tickets guarantee entry. Walk-up tickets may sell out on busy days. Tickets include the electric boat ride and panoramic train.

Walking Routes

The park offers several marked walking routes of varying length and difficulty. All routes are well-signed and include boardwalk sections over the lakes.

Route Duration Difficulty Highlights Best For
A 2-3 hours Easy Lower Lakes, Great Waterfall Short visits, families
B 3-4 hours Easy-Moderate Lower Lakes, boat ride Most popular route
C 4-6 hours Moderate Full park, all lakes Full experience
H 4-6 hours Moderate Upper + Lower Lakes Nature lovers
K 6-8 hours Challenging Complete park circuit Hikers, photographers

Tip: Route B is the most popular and gives you the best overview of the park. If you have a full day, go for Route C or K to see everything.

How to Get There

Plitvice Lakes is centrally located in Croatia, accessible by car or bus from all major cities.

From Zagreb

130 km

~2 hours by car via A1 motorway

Buses run every 1-2 hours from Zagreb Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor). Multiple daily departures.

From Split

270 km

~3.5 hours by car

Regular bus service available. A scenic drive through the Croatian interior with mountain views.

From Zadar

130 km

~1.5 hours by car via A1

Regular bus service. The closest coastal city, making it ideal for a day trip.

From Dubrovnik

450 km

~5.5 hours by car

The longest journey. Consider an overnight stop in Split or along the way.

Organized tours are available from all major Croatian cities and include transport, entrance tickets, and a guided tour. A convenient option if you prefer not to drive.

Seasons Guide

Each season transforms the park into a different world. Here is what to expect throughout the year.

Spring

March - May
Avg 15°C

Waterfalls at their most powerful after snowmelt. Wildflowers bloom across the meadows and forest floors. Moderate crowds with pleasant temperatures.

Best for: Photographers

Summer

June - August
Avg 25°C

Longest opening hours and warmest weather. The busiest time of year with the highest visitor numbers. Book tickets in advance and arrive early morning.

Best for: Book ahead, arrive early

Autumn

September - November
Avg 12°C

Arguably the most beautiful time to visit. Fall foliage paints the forests in gold, amber, and crimson. Fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

Best time to visit overall

Winter

December - February
Avg -2°C

A magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered boardwalks, and the fewest visitors. Some routes may be closed.

Best for: Solitude & magic

Flora & Wildlife

Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, much of it unique to this region of Europe.

Wildlife

  • Brown Bears — approximately 50 live within the park boundaries
  • Wolves — several packs roam the remote forested areas
  • Eurasian Lynx — rare and elusive, but present in the park
  • Deer & Wild Boar — commonly spotted, especially at dawn and dusk
  • 160+ Bird Species — including eagles, owls, woodpeckers, and kingfishers
  • Butterflies — over 300 species of butterfly and moth recorded

You are unlikely to encounter large predators on walking routes. Bears, wolves, and lynx inhabit the remote interior and avoid humans.

Flora

  • Beech & Fir Forests — the dominant forest types, creating a dense canopy
  • Moss Gardens — lush carpets of moss covering the travertine barriers
  • Rare Orchids — several species of wild orchid found in meadow areas
  • Aquatic Plants — diverse underwater flora in the crystal-clear lakes
  • 1,400+ Plant Species — documented within the park boundaries

Rules & Regulations

To preserve this natural wonder for future generations, visitors must follow these important rules.

Allowed

  • Stay on marked paths and boardwalks
  • Take photos and videos freely
  • Bring your own water and snacks

Prohibited

  • No swimming in the lakes (strictly prohibited)
  • No drones without special permit
  • No pets allowed in the park
  • No fishing or collecting plants
  • No camping within park boundaries
  • No feeding wildlife
  • No littering (carry out all waste)

History & Geology

The geological processes that created Plitvice Lakes are still actively shaping the landscape today.

Geology — The Living Landscape

The lakes of Plitvice were formed by travertine (tufa) barriers — deposits of calcium carbonate created by the interaction of water, moss, algae, and bacteria over thousands of years. As water flows over limestone bedrock, it dissolves calcium carbonate. When this mineral-rich water reaches moss-covered barriers, the calcium carbonate is re-deposited, slowly building up the natural dams that separate each lake.

This process is ongoing: the lakes continuously change as new travertine barriers form, old ones grow taller, and the landscape evolves. The turquoise and emerald colors of the water come from the dissolved minerals and the unique angle at which light penetrates the crystal-clear water.

Timeline

1949
Designated a National Park — the first and oldest national park in Croatia, and one of the first in Southeast Europe.
1979
UNESCO World Heritage Site — inscribed as one of the first natural sites on the World Heritage List, recognized for its outstanding geological and biological value.
2000
Extended UNESCO boundary — the protected area was expanded to encompass additional forest and water resources surrounding the lakes.

Beyond its natural significance, the region holds a rich cultural history including connections to the Croatian Springs movement and the broader history of the Croatian people's relationship with their natural heritage.