What’s the deal?

 

Plitvice National Park is definitely one of those places that live up to its standards and hype. As one of the oldest and largest National Park in Croatia, it boasts spectacular views of both land and water resources. If you are the type who loves to bask in nature, this is definitely the place to be. Its exceptional beauty attracts nature lovers all over the world. Some come to Croatia just to witness its wonders.

 

Named Croatia's first National Park and it is internationally recognized as one of the few included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This magnificent place is mostly covered in forest vegetation but the most popular tourist favorite are the lakes.

 

The park offers different routes to tour the lake system and hiking trails. It is open to visitors year round and all visitors are made to follow a few strict rules before they can go and explore the place. One downside of this park is that you can't go swimming in the lakes.

 

What else do I need to know?

 

The national park is open 365 days a year, though the hours the park is open to the public varies depending on the season.

 

• Tickets are being sold depending on the length of stay for more information about the type of tickets and prices, please click here

 

• Opening hours: 08:00 to 19:00. Parking Lot at Entrance 1 and 2 open from 07:00 to 20:00.

 

How do I go there?

 

How to get there?

 

Driving to Plitvice National Park from either of Zagreb or Zadar will take almost an hour, and parking is available for 7 Kuna per car.

 

From Split

 

Taking a bus is fairly easy in Croatia as the buses run on schedule all the time. The bus from Split to Plitvice Jereza is approximately €15 - €45 and will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It leaves 3 times a day. Then when you reach Plitvice Jereza, you'll have to walk a distance of 2 meters to the National Park.

 

From Dubrovnik

 

You will need to take the bus going to Split. It's approximately €13 - €22 and will take 4 hours and 30 minutes (bus every 3 hours). Once you get to Split, you take the train (twice daily) which is approximately €15 - €28 and will take 3 hours and 45 minutes going to Vrhovine. Once you reach Vrhovine it's a 45-minute drive to Plitvice National Park by taxi (€60 - €75).

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What to do and see when I get there?

 

The lakes are grouped in upper and lower lakes. The highest lake is Prošćansko Lake and like all of the rest of the other lakes, it's breath-taking. The lakes are basically the center of attraction all throughout the park. Too bad we can't bask in it's prestine waters.

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Of course, the waterfalls Veliki Slap (Large Waterfalls) is one of the sights that are definitely worth seeing as well. Take photos and indulge at the moment as you walk around the wooden walkways.

 

Plitvice waterfalls can be accessed through two main entrances open to the public, and the third auxiliary entrance name Flora.  The north entrance, called entrance 1, is above the lower lakes, while the south entrance, entrance 2, is just next to the upper lakes of the national park.

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Tips on visiting Plitvice Lakes

 

• Buy your tickets at gate 2 and not from the parking lot as the lines can get very toxic.

• Make sure to go to the Lou before you explore the trails because toilet stops can be scarce.

• Hydrate yourself by bringing a water bottle with you.

• Go there as early as you can as like I said, lines can get very long and it usually slows down in the afternoon.

• Peak seasons can be very hectic and crowded so pace yourself. But there are areas where even in summer, the crowd are still scarce.

• No swimming in the lakes, you can hire a boat though, it's just 50 kunas per hour.

• Visitors with dogs are allowed to enter the premises but must be on a leash at all times.