Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. With its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, it is a vital biodiversity hotspot, embodying the country’s rich n...
Founded On
1949
ADDRESS
Croatia
RECOMMENDED DURATION
5 hours
Timings
8am–4pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
1000000
TICKETS
From € 45
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
3
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1979
Did you know?
Plitvice Lakes National Park features an underground river, the source of the Korana River, which contributes to the region’s dynamic hydrogeological system.
There are more than 90 waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, with the highest one, Veliki Slap, reaching a height of 78 meters.
Several large animals, such as the brown bear, grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, and Eurasian otter, have their home in Plitvice Lakes National Park, along with large birds like eagles and owls.
Official name: Plitvice Lakes National Park/Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera (in Croatian)
Location: Lika-Senj and Karlovac counties, Croatia
Date of establishment: 8 April, 1949
UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1979
Number of visitors per year: Over 1 million annual visitors
General Timings:
Closed: Plitvice Lakes National Park is open 365 days a year. However, the opening and closing hours vary depending on the season.
Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes National ParkAddress: Znanstveno - stručni centar “Dr. Ivo Pevalek” | HR 53231 Plitvička Jezera |
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located on the D1 national highway in Croatia’s Lika-Senj and Karlovac counties, close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visitors can arrive at the national park by bus or by car.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes National ParkThe 16 lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park were formed due to thousands of years of geological activity. They are renowned for their beautiful crystal waters in a variety of blue and green shades, from turquoise to emerald and teal. The 12 Upper Lakes are larger and deeper than the four Lower Lakes. The panoramic train and boat rides in the national park, as well as the various walking and hiking trails, provide unparalleled scenic views of the lakes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its breathtaking cascades and waterfalls. With around 90 waterfalls in the Plitvice Lakes area, they are among the most photographed features in the national park. Visitors can access the falls via walking and hiking trails. Some must-see examples include Veliki Slap (great waterfall), Sastavci waterfalls, and the Mali Buk waterfall.
Plitvice Lakes WaterfallsWithin the karst landscape of Plitvice Lakes National Park lie several remarkable caves, such as Šupljara Cave, Kozjačka draga cave, and Čudinka pećina cave. These caves have been sculpted by the gradual dissolution of limestone rock, and they feature formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean rivers. They provide valuable insights into the national park’s subterranean hydrogeological systems.
Due to successful conservation efforts, Plitvice Lakes National Park is rich in flora and fauna, and is home to numerous plant and animal species, including 50 mammal species and over 160 bird species. Its lush forests comprise Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation, and include beech, spruce, and fir trees. It is also a haven for wildlife, with several large animals such as bears, wolves, lynx, deer, and several bird species.
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is renowned for its natural wonders, which include unique geological and hydrological landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Visitors can explore the national park and its many attractions by boat and train rides as well as its many walking and hiking trails.
You can book your Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets online. This is the most convenient way since you can purchase your tickets in advance and plan your day and time of visit.
Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets start from €23.50.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia. The address is Znanstveno - stručni centar “Dr. Ivo Pevalek” | HR 53231 Plitvička Jezera.
You can reach Plitvice Lakes National Park by bus or by car. Once you arrive at the national park, the various lakes, waterfalls, caves and other attractions can be accessed by walking or hiking the trails.
Yes, a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park is available. It begins at the opening time of the park at either 7 AM or 8 AM, depending on the season.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open from 8 AM to 4 PM from November to March, from 7 AM to 7 PM in April and May, from 7 AM to 8 PM from June to August, and from 7 AM to 7 PM in September and October.
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is during the spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October) seasons.
A visit to the national park and all its attractions takes at least 4-5 hours. However, you can spend your entire day at the park if you wish to explore more thoroughly.
The national park was established in 1949.
Due to the location and the terrain at Plitvice Lakes National Park, not all of its paths and trails are accessible for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility. However, certain areas can be accessed by those using wheelchairs through ramps and wooden boardwalks. Visitors can also rent electric mobility scooters if required.
Yes, there are many restaurants and cafes located in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park, giving visitors a variety of meal options.
Yes, visitors are allowed to take pictures and videos at the national park.