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Plitvice Lakes National Park






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Plitvice Lakes National Park | A UNESCO World Heritage site

Turquoise and emerald lakes, waterfalls in every direction you look, and lush forests – it’s no wonder Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s second-most popular tourist destination after Dubrovnik. Among the oldest and largest national parks in the country, it covers 296 square kilometers of unspoiled natural beauty and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re looking for adventure in the wilderness, this nature reserve is a must-visit.

Read on to learn more about Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets, timings, how to get there, what to see and do, and other information to plan an unforgettable trip to this nature reserve.

Why visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Hiking at Plitvice National Park
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Soak in the views

With 16 lakes in a colour palette of greens, waterfalls cascading over limestone cliffs into crystal clear water below, and lush primeval forests, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Europe’s most beautiful natural attractions. Relax amidst the sights and sounds of nature as you wander the park.

Take the scenic hiking trails

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the wonders of the park through its fantastic hiking trails, boardwalks, and footpaths. You’ll find stunning waterfalls, incredible geographical features, and viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Plitvice Lakes region is renowned for its unique hydrogeology and karst topography, which has resulted in the formation of its picturesque lakes and waterfalls. The park and its natural wonders are protected as a World Heritage site.

Rich biodiversity

The national park is teeming with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for animals like the grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, brown bear, Eurasian otter, large birds like eagles and owls, smaller animals like frogs and fish, and rare orchids.

Know before you book your Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets

  • If you plan to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park from Split, Zadar, or Zagreb, opt for a full-day tour that includes transfers. This will take care of your transportation to and from the park, and ensure you have a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
  • Note that not all full-day tours include admission to the national park. Entry tickets can be bought online separately (in advance) or paid for in cash on the day of your tour.
  • You can enter the national park only through the entrance you choose at the time of booking your tickets. If you’re visiting on your own, make sure you plan your itinerary in advance and arrive at the correct entrance at the time of your visit.

Your Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket options explained

Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets

If you want to explore at your own pace

Go for: Standard admission tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
Transfers: Not included
Panoramic boat & train ride: Included

  • Explore the 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls, and vistas of Plitvice Lakes National Park at your leisure, and immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
  • Go on the panoramic train ride and the boat ride on Lake Kozjak, and see the park’s wonders, including ancient travertine barriers, tall cliffs, and Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall.

Recommended ticket:

  • Tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets

If you want a comprehensive tour of the national park

Go for: Full-day trip with guided tour tickets
Duration: 8 hrs to 12 hrs
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Transfers: Included (either hotel pick-up or pick-up at a meeting point)
Panoramic boat & train ride: Depends on the ticket purchased

  • Take a guided tour with a professional English-speaking tour guide and enrich your visit with information about the national park and the Plitvice Lakes region, including its unique hydrogeography and landscapes.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive and a hassle-free journey to and from the national park with round-trip transfers from Zadar, Split, or Zagreb.

Recommended tickets:

  • From Zadar: Full-Day Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • From Zagreb: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke Village
  • From Split: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Discounted Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets

Children between the ages of 3 and 14 years can enjoy reduced pricing on their tickets on presentation of a valid ID.

Highlights of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lower Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park

The Lower Lakes

The Lower Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park are known for their crystal-clear waters. The Lower Lakes system lives in a canyon of porous limestone and consists of four separate lakes.

Upper Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park

The Upper Lakes

The Upper Lakes of Plitvice consist of 12 crystalline lakes connected by a series of more than 90 cascades and waterfalls. The Upper Lakes were created on impermeable dolomite rocks.

Veliki Slap

The Great Waterfall ‘Veliki Slap’

‘Veliki Slap’ is the highest in Plitvice Lakes National Park, gushing from 78 meters. The Plitvica Potok River, which extends 3 km west of the fall, birthed The Great Waterfall.

Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls
Plitvice Lakes Caves

The Plitvice Lakes Caves

Šupljara Cave, Kozjačka draga cave, and Čudinka pećina Cave are in the canyon of the Lower Lakes. These caves are geomorphological natural monuments featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and lakes.

Flora at Plitvice Lakes National Park

Flora of Plitvice Lakes National Park

The National Park is heavily forested, mainly with beech, spruce, fir trees, and Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation in some areas. There are 1,267 plant species belonging to 112 different plant families recorded.

Fauna of Plitvice National Park

Fauna of Plitvice National Park

The Park is home to diverse fauna because of conservation and sustainability. So far, 259 vertebrates encapsulating 50 mammal species, 161 bird species, and 20 bat species are natives.

A visual guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

A scenic high-angle shot of waterfalls from Plitvice Lakes National Park

Natural wonderland

Turquoise lakes, lush green forests, and tumbling waterfalls and cascades make Plitvice Lakes National Pork one of Croatia's most popular destinations.

A photo of the Plitvice Lake from the lookout Veliki Slap
An Animal spotting at Plitvice National Park
A boardwalk in the water among trees at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Tourists on special tracks around the lake at Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plan your visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice National Park

General timings:

  • November to March: 8am to 4pm
  • April to May: 7am to 7pm
  • June to August: 7am to 8pm
  • September to October: 7am to 7pm

Note: Tours of the national park begin when it opens at 7am or 8am and can last the entire day until closing time.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Plitvice National Park is May, June, September, and October. During these months, the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. You can also experience its beauty in different seasons when you plan your visit during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Opening Hours

Address: Znanstveno - stručni centar "Dr. Ivo Pevalek" | HR 53231 Plitvička Jezera

Find on map

Getting There

Your ticket includes transfers from a central location. However, if you need to get to the National Park on your own, here is how:

  • By Bus: Intercity buses from Zagreb, Zadar, or Split.
    Nearest bus stop: There are bus stops near both entrances for visitors to arrive at and depart from the national park.
  • By Car: The distance from Zadar airport to Plitvice Lakes National Park is 120 km.
    Nearest Parking: There are 3 parking areas at Plitvice Lakes National Park. The largest parking lot is P1, which is located near Entrance 1. Two smaller parks-P2 and P3, are also available. These are located near Entrance 2.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park Entrances

There are two entrances to Plitvice Lakes National Park:

Entrance 1: Also known as the North entrance, it is located near the Lower Lakes.

Entrance 2: Also known as the South entrance, it is located next to the Upper Lakes.

More information on Plitvice Lakes Entrances
Plitvice Lakes National Park Facilities

Accessibility: Due to the location of Plitvice Lakes National Park and its terrain, not all paths, trails, and areas are accessible to people using wheelchairs or those with impaired mobility. Park employees can recommend the most accessible route, however visitors who need assistance in moving around should keep in mind that they will not be able to access many areas of the park.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available at both entrances of the national park.

Luggage storage: Visitors can keep their luggage in the free luggage storage areas, which are located near both entrances to the national park.

Accommodation: Hotel Plitvice, Hotel Jezero, and Hotel Bellevue are among the many hotels located in or near the national park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Restaurants

Plitvice National Park has many restaurants located in and around its premises:

Lička Kuća: Situated close to Entrance 1, Lička Kuća restaurant offers culinary delights from Croatia's Lika region.

Plitvice Restaurant: In addition to a wide range of traditional Croatian delicacies, diners at Plitvice Restaurant can also enjoy stunning views of the park's cascading waterfalls from the terrace.

Restaurant Korana: Located near the Korana campsite, Restaurant Korana provides guests with spectacular vistas overlooking the breathtaking Korana River Canyon.

With many other restaurants and cafes located throughout the national park, visitors have no shortage of dining choices.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Swimming is strictly prohibited in all the lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
  • While hiking, don’t stray away from the marked trails. 
  • Don’t disturb any of the animal or plant life that you see in the park. Feeding any of the wildlife and picking flowers or plants is strictly prohibited.
  • Camping, lighting fires, fishing, and cycling are not permitted inside the park.
Marked trails at Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • For panoramic views, don’t miss the train ride and electric boat tour, both of which are included in most Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets.
  • Carry plenty of water, particularly if you plan on taking the longer hiking trails in the park.
  • Bring adequate rain and sun protection such as umbrellas, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Photography is allowed so be sure to carry your camera to capture the scenic landscapes.

Frequently asked questions about Plitvice Lakes National Park

Should I buy Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s best to book your Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets at least four days to a week in advance. The park is a very popular destination and attracts large numbers of visitors, especially during the peak summer season. Tickets are limited and tend to sell off quickly.

How long can I stay at Plitvice National Park?

With ​Tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride, you can spend your entire day there. If you opt for a day tour from Zadar, Zagreb, or Split, you’ll be able to spend half a day or more at the park.

Can I keep my luggage while visiting the national park?

If you’re carrying any big bags, you can keep them at the luggage storage facilities near the national park’s two entrances. There are also many lockers inside the park, near the hiking trails and popular attractions, for your luggage.

Are pets allowed at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Except for service animals, pets are not allowed inside the national park.

Is photography allowed at the national park?

Yes, you can take photographs and videos. However, the use of drones is not permitted at the park.

Is Plitvice Lakes National Park wheelchair accessible?

Certain areas of the national park are accessible for people using wheelchairs through ramps and wooden boardwalks. Visitors can also rent electric mobility scooters if required. However, due to the location and the terrain, not all paths and trails are accessible for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility.

Plitvice National Park
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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.