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    Everything You Need to Know About Plitvice Lakes National Park

    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

    Plitvice Lakes National Park ToursAbout

    Quick Information

    ADDRESS

    Croatia

    RECOMMENDED DURATION

    5 hours

    Timings

    08:00–16:00

    VISITORS PER YEAR

    1000000

    TICKETS

    From € 10

    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

    Plan your visit

    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.

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    Book Plitvice National Park Tickets

    Tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
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    €10
    From Split: Full-Day Tour to Plitvice Lakes National Park
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    Mobile ticket
    12 hr.
    Transfers included
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    €50
    From Zadar: Full-Day Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
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    Mobile ticket
    8 hr.
    Guided tour
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    €45
    From Zagreb: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke Village
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    Mobile ticket
    10 hr.
    Guided tour
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    €130

    Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in Croatia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty and ecological significance. Covering an area of 296.8 square kilometres, it features 16 cascading lakes interconnected by a series of waterfalls, lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and diverse wildlife. Its unique karst landscape, formed by centuries of geological processes, makes it a vital hydrological and biodiversity hotspot. The park is one of Croatia’s most popular attractions.

    Quick facts about Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    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

    Why Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit attraction in Croatia

    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts exceptional natural beauty and ecological diversity.
    • Unique karst landscape: The national park showcases a karst landscape characterized by limestone formations, and caves, offering a remarkable geological experience.
    • Crystal-clear waters: The park’s pristine lakes are famous for their crystal-clear waters in many shades of blue and green, which allow visitors to see the vibrant aquatic life and submerged vegetation.
    • Year-round beauty: The national park offers visitors different experiences no matter when they visit. The park’s scenic vistas change with the seasons from autumn foliage to a snowy winter wonderland, spring freshness, and lush summer vegetation.
    Book Plitvice Lakes National Park Tickets

    Plan Your Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Plitvice Lakes National Park Timings

    Opening Hours

    General Timings:

    • November to March: 8 AM to 4 PM
    • April to May: 7 AM to 7 PM
    • June to August: 7 AM to 8 PM
    • September to October: 7 AM to 7 PM

    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 Park
    Plitvice Lakes National Park Directions

    Location

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

    Find on Maps

    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 Park

    What to see at Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    The Lakes

    The 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 Waterfalls

    The Waterfalls

    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 Waterfalls
    Plitvice Lakes National Park caves

    The Caves

    Within 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.

    Animals at Plitvice Lakes National Park

    The Biodiversity

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Why is Plitvice Lakes National Park famous?

    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.

    What can I do at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    Visitors can explore the national park and its many attractions by boat and train rides as well as its many walking and hiking trails.

    How can I get tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    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.

    How much does it cost to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets start from €23.50.

    Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park located?

    Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Croatia. The address is Znanstveno - stručni centar “Dr. Ivo Pevalek” | HR 53231 Plitvička Jezera.

    How do I get to Plitvice National Park?

    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.

    Are there guided tours available at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    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.

    What are the Plitvice Lakes National Park opening hours?

    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.

    What is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is during the spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October) seasons.

    How long does it take to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    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.

    When was Plitvice Lakes National Park established?

    The national park was established in 1949.

    Is Plitvice Lakes National Park wheelchair accessible?

    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.

    Are there dining options available at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    Yes, there are many restaurants and cafes located in and around Plitvice Lakes National Park, giving visitors a variety of meal options.

    Is photography allowed at Plitvice Lakes National Park?

    Yes, visitors are allowed to take pictures and videos at the national park.

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    Plitvice Lakes National Park Opening Hours

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