Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatiaβs most stunning natural wonders. With its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you’re planning a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, this guide covers everything from location and tickets to weather and accommodation.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Location
Plitvice Lakes National Park is situated in central Croatia, near the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park lies about 130 km from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and approximately 150 km from Zadar on the Adriatic coast. Its central location makes it accessible from different parts of the country, making it an ideal stop for travelers exploring Croatia.
- π Wadi Rum Protected Area
- ποΈ Historic Centre of Rome
- ποΈ Mount Huangshan
- π Historic Areas of Istanbul
- π Kilimanjaro National Park
- π Medina of Marrakesh
- π Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- ποΈ Iguazu National Park
- π Yellowstone National Park
- π Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- ποΈ Annapurna Conservation Area
- π Bagan, Myanmar
- π Taj Mahal, India
- π’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- π Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- ποΈ Grand Canyon National Park, USA
- π― The Great Wall of China
- ποΈ Old Havana and its Fortifications, Cuba
- π Medina of Fez, Morocco
- ποΈ Machu Picchu, Peru
- ποΈ Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- ποΈ Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand
- π Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Zimbabwe/Zambia
- ποΈ The English Lake District, UK
- π² Redwood National and State Parks, USA
- π» Mount Fuji & Sacred Sites, Japan
- ποΈ Lord Howe Island Group, Australia
- π Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
How to Get There
- By Car: Driving to Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most convenient option. The journey from Zagreb takes around 2 hours, and there are well-marked roads leading to the parkβs entrances.
- By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes between major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Zadar to the park.
- By Tour: Many tour companies offer guided day trips from Zagreb and other nearby cities.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Tickets
Entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park requires a ticket, which varies in price depending on the season:
- High Season (June – September): β¬40 for adults, β¬25 for students, β¬15 for children (ages 7-18)
- Low Season (October – May): β¬10-β¬25 for adults, with discounts for students and children
- Children under 7: Free entry
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Due to high visitor numbers in peak season, itβs highly recommended to book in advance to avoid long queues.
- π Wadi Rum Protected Area
- ποΈ Historic Centre of Rome
- ποΈ Mount Huangshan
- π Historic Areas of Istanbul
- π Kilimanjaro National Park
- π Medina of Marrakesh
- π Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- ποΈ Iguazu National Park
- π Yellowstone National Park
- π Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- ποΈ Annapurna Conservation Area
- π Bagan, Myanmar
- π Taj Mahal, India
- π’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- π Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- ποΈ Grand Canyon National Park, USA
- π― The Great Wall of China
- ποΈ Old Havana and its Fortifications, Cuba
- π Medina of Fez, Morocco
- ποΈ Machu Picchu, Peru
- ποΈ Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- ποΈ Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand
- π Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Zimbabwe/Zambia
- ποΈ The English Lake District, UK
- π² Redwood National and State Parks, USA
- π» Mount Fuji & Sacred Sites, Japan
- ποΈ Lord Howe Island Group, Australia
- π Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia Weather
The weather at Plitvice Lakes National Park varies throughout the year, making each season a unique experience:
- Spring (March – May): Ideal for visiting as the waterfalls are at their fullest due to melting snow.
- Summer (June – August): Warm temperatures (20-30Β°C), but the park is crowded.
- Autumn (September – November): Stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December – February): Snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls offer a magical experience.
Checking the weather forecast before visiting is recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Photos
The park is a paradise for photographers. With its turquoise lakes, dense forests, and majestic waterfalls, every turn offers a picture-perfect moment. Popular spots for photography include the Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall), Kozjak Lake, and the panoramic viewpoints above the lakes.
- π Wadi Rum Protected Area
- ποΈ Historic Centre of Rome
- ποΈ Mount Huangshan
- π Historic Areas of Istanbul
- π Kilimanjaro National Park
- π Medina of Marrakesh
- π Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- ποΈ Iguazu National Park
- π Yellowstone National Park
- π Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- ποΈ Annapurna Conservation Area
- π Bagan, Myanmar
- π Taj Mahal, India
- π’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- π Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- ποΈ Grand Canyon National Park, USA
- π― The Great Wall of China
- ποΈ Old Havana and its Fortifications, Cuba
- π Medina of Fez, Morocco
- ποΈ Machu Picchu, Peru
- ποΈ Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- ποΈ Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand
- π Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Zimbabwe/Zambia
- ποΈ The English Lake District, UK
- π² Redwood National and State Parks, USA
- π» Mount Fuji & Sacred Sites, Japan
- ποΈ Lord Howe Island Group, Australia
- π Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia Map
Having a map of Plitvice Lakes National Park is essential for navigating the vast area. The park is divided into two main sections:
- Upper Lakes: Known for their larger, calmer lakes surrounded by forest.
- Lower Lakes: Featuring stunning waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations.
Visitors can pick up a map at the entrance or download one from the parkβs official website. The main trails are well-marked, with designated walking paths and boat routes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Accommodation
There are several accommodation options near Plitvice Lakes National Park, ranging from hotels to guesthouses and campsites.
- π Wadi Rum Protected Area
- ποΈ Historic Centre of Rome
- ποΈ Mount Huangshan
- π Historic Areas of Istanbul
- π Kilimanjaro National Park
- π Medina of Marrakesh
- π Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- ποΈ Iguazu National Park
- π Yellowstone National Park
- π Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- ποΈ Annapurna Conservation Area
- π Bagan, Myanmar
- π Taj Mahal, India
- π’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- π Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- ποΈ Grand Canyon National Park, USA
- π― The Great Wall of China
- ποΈ Old Havana and its Fortifications, Cuba
- π Medina of Fez, Morocco
- ποΈ Machu Picchu, Peru
- ποΈ Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- ποΈ Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand
- π Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Zimbabwe/Zambia
- ποΈ The English Lake District, UK
- π² Redwood National and State Parks, USA
- π» Mount Fuji & Sacred Sites, Japan
- ποΈ Lord Howe Island Group, Australia
- π Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Top Places to Stay:
- Hotel Jezero: Located inside the park, offering easy access to trails.
- Hotel Plitvice: A budget-friendly option with great views.
- Guesthouses in RastovaΔa: Local family-run stays providing an authentic Croatian experience.
- Camping Korana: A great option for nature lovers who want to stay close to the park.
Final Thoughts
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see destination in Croatia. Whether you’re exploring the scenic trails, taking stunning photos, or staying in a cozy hotel nearby, the park offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in one of Europeβs most breathtaking natural landscapes!
- π Wadi Rum Protected Area
- ποΈ Historic Centre of Rome
- ποΈ Mount Huangshan
- π Historic Areas of Istanbul
- π Kilimanjaro National Park
- π Medina of Marrakesh
- π Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- ποΈ Iguazu National Park
- π Yellowstone National Park
- π Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- ποΈ Annapurna Conservation Area
- π Bagan, Myanmar
- π Taj Mahal, India
- π’ Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- π Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- ποΈ Grand Canyon National Park, USA
- π― The Great Wall of China
- ποΈ Old Havana and its Fortifications, Cuba
- π Medina of Fez, Morocco
- ποΈ Machu Picchu, Peru
- ποΈ Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- ποΈ Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand
- π Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Zimbabwe/Zambia
- ποΈ The English Lake District, UK
- π² Redwood National and State Parks, USA
- π» Mount Fuji & Sacred Sites, Japan
- ποΈ Lord Howe Island Group, Australia
- π Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia