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One of Europe’s most outstanding natural reserves, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest Croatian national park for tourists interested in immaculate lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful forests. Located in the geographic centre of Croatia, this wonder is always busy appealing to tourists who enjoy nature and thrilling activities. If you come to walk along the paths to take photos of the lake landscape or to have a chance to admire the work of Nature, the national park is a place you must visit. Read more about this guide, which encompasses detailed information on the activities, timings, ticket prices, and others.
Location
Photo: Tesla Delacroix / Wikimedia Commons
The national park address is Plitvička Jezera, 53231, Croatia. Located in the centre of Croatia, this national park occupies an area of 296 square kilometres and is located halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. Offering a chain of 16 connected lakes and beautiful waterfalls, it is one of the places that would take not more than several hours to reach for tourists, who have chosen Croatia as their travel destination. Due to its unique location and the environments it offers it remains among the most exquisite natural parks in Europe.
How To Reach
Photo: ZagrebAirport / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Plitvice has good approach roads by way of highways. It takes 2 hours (130 km) to get there from Zagreb, and 1.5 hours (150 km) from Zadar. Car parking facilities are however provided with easy access to the park gates.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Karlovac, about 80 km from the park, but buses and taxis make it easy to access the park.
By Air: The closest airport access points are Pleso, near the city of Zagreb, 135 km away, and Zadar 120 km. From there one can either hire a car or take a bus to the park.
Things To Do
1. Explore The Walking Trails
Photo: 5snake5 / Wikimedia Commons
In addition, there are 8 named and numbered hiking trails in Plitvice Lakes National Park which are as follows: During the tour, visitors can explore the thickets on foot along the woodenversible path, use suspension bridges, and enjoy the wonderful panoramic views. These trails are one of the best ways to explore the park’s attractions during the activities that one does in the park.
2. Photography By The Waterfalls
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Enlist the grand waterfalls, the blue-green colour of the lakes, and the greenery around the park. The best timing for the shoot is before or after sunrise and before or after sunset because in the photos the light makes the scenes more beautiful and natural. It’s a photographer’s delight with so many photo opportunities one could imagine.
3. Enjoy A Boat Ride
Photo: Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen / Wikimedia Commons
An electric boat ride on Lake Kozjak is one of the most serene things that you can ever do in Plitvice Lakes National Park Activities. Sail above the calm waters and have great seating views over the park’s sceneries. It is a very calm and quite different way to view the surrounding landscape and slowly envelopes you in the peacefulness of the park.
Places To Visit Around Plitvice Lakes National Park
1. Rastoke Village
Photo: Simon Hermans / Unsplash
Rastoke village better known as ‘’the small Plitvice’’ is a small village where waterfalls spill into the Slunjčica River passing through the village. The old water mills which have been constructed at the banks of the river give an extra glance of the countryside. Tourists may walk around the area, take excellent pictures, and try various Croatian specialities in coffee shops. It is a very quiet place and provides perfect conditions to enjoy both nature and ethnic atmosphere, located only several kilometres away from Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Distance From The National Park: 30 km
Best Time To Visit: April to October
2. Barac Caves
Photo: Modzzak / Wikimedia Commons
The Barac Caves form an interesting mixture of geological and historical points of interest. These are antique caves situated within a few kilometres of the Plitvice Lakes; they comprise stalactites, stalagmites, and even fossils. It offers guided visits through an extended cave system, where one can see nearly natural excellent formations and species for example bats. What’s great about the caves is that they are cool and atmospheric which makes them perfect to visit during hot summer.
Distance From The National Park: 15 km
Best Time To Visit: Spring and summer
3. Zadar’s Sea Organ
Photo: Andrej Šalov / Wikimedia Commons
The most unusual viewpoint of the Sea Organ in Zadar is that it produces natural musical notes with the help of the Adriatic Sea. Located along the waterfront for the particular project, it is a sound installation involving waves and pipes under the water as they create spectral yet soothing music. The best time to visit is at sunset; this is because all instances of this type are combined with sunset light and harmonic sounds. Located only approximately a 15-minute drive from the actual park, Sea Organ is a great place to visit for a relaxing afternoon.
Distance From The National Park: 115 km
Best Time To Visit: Sunset hours
Where To Stay
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Some options to stay near the park are Hotel Jezero, which is a 3-star hotel not far from the park, Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo, which is a homelike guesthouse located near the entrance to the park, and Plitvice Miric Inn, which is a B&B to stay in a picturesque part of nature.
Where To Eat
Photo: Inja Pavlić / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Lička Kuća offers traditional Croatian food and can be found near the park while for casual dining there is the Bistro Vučnica. At Restaurant Degenija visitors can eat both traditional and international dishes, however, Plitvice Hotel Restaurant is recommended for fast eating before visiting the park.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
The best recommended seasons for visiting the park are spring which is between April, May and June and Autumn which is between September, October and early November with temperatures between 10°C–20°C. Summer is especially favourable because of high temperatures during July-August; the winter time from December to February is also good but very cold ranging from -5 – 5 °C though the place may be covered with snow.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Thought Catalog / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket prices start from €10 and go up to €40 depending on the season. Students (7-18) cost €4 up to €25 and for children below 7 the entry fee is free. Park admission entitles the owner to the use of the park trails, boat services as well as shuttle services within the park.
Tips For Travellers
- Casual formal wear should preferably wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and hiking.
- The ideal time to visit is early morning to escape the tourist crowds.
- Bring a water bottle and some form of snack.
- It is advisable to look at the weather’s physical condition before visiting.
- Book tickets online and forgo standing in a long queue of patients.
- Bring your camera to your trip because this is the place to take amazing shots of Plitvice Lakes National Park Photos!
You feel you are actually in a fairy tale when you are in the middle of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Due to the presence of several great features such as the outstanding turquoise-coloured lakes, falls, and biodiversity of animals, this park is a one-in-a-lifetime park. From the walking trails to the boat riding to taking some of the best pictures, everything here is captivating. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the national park.
Cover Photo: Frank Eiffert / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
