The Plitvice National Park boasts a stunning 16 emerald-green lakes and a remarkable 90 waterfalls! Nestled between these lakes and cascades, you’ll discover beautifully landscaped hiking trails. Plitvice is one of Croatia’s top attractions, drawing large crowds. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare for your visit, as there are several things to consider. You can find all the things you need to know to make the most of your visit below.
The Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes are beautiful in every season. In winter, a thick layer of snow often covers the area, allowing you to enjoy frozen waterfalls. Springtime boasts the largest waterfalls, while summer brings vibrant greenery and the clearest lakes. In the fall, the foliage turns shades of red, orange, and yellow. The busiest months are July and August, so it’s advisable to avoid them if you have the flexibility. If you do visit during these months, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Attractions at Plitvice Lakes
The entire park is a spectacle in itself, but since you’ll need to choose a route, it’s helpful to know how the park is divided and what you can expect to see in each area.
The Lower Lakes
The Lower Lakes consist of four smaller, relatively shallow lakes situated within a 40-meter-deep (131-feet-deep) limestone gorge. Here, you’ll walk across the famous wooden bridges that span the lakes. Although it’s the smallest section of Plitvice Lakes, many consider it the most beautiful.
The Upper Lakes
The 12 Upper Lakes are much larger and more expansive. They exhibit the same beautiful deep green color and are surrounded by unique plant life. This area is vast, offering hours of hiking if you so desire.
Kozjak Lake
Kozjak Lake is the largest among all the lakes and is situated between the upper and lower lakes. While you can walk all along the lake, it can be quite time-consuming, and you won’t see anything different from what you can find in other parts of the park. It’s more enjoyable to take the boat instead. This beautiful 15-minute journey cuts across the lake and is included in the ticket price.
Veliki Slap Waterfall
At the lower lakes, you’ll find the Veliki Slap Waterfall, an impressive 78-meter-high (256-feet-high) cascade. In the summer months, it might appear less impressive due to a lack of rainfall, as seen in the photo below from our visit in September.
Must-do: Kayaking on the Mreznica River
If you want to explore the beauty of this region in an adventurous way, we have a fantastic tip for you! Just north of Plitvice Lakes lies the Mreznica River. Here, the wilderness is untouched, and you’ll be far away from the tourist crowds. The river boasts the same stunning colors as the Plitvice Lakes and is home to several waterfalls and lakes. Jump into a kayak and enjoy this hidden gem of Croatia. You can leisurely paddle down the river with a guide, occasionally catching some rapids. If you want, you can also jump off waterfalls, but it’s not mandatory if you’re not up for it. There’s always an easy route without jumps, allowing you to make this tour as adventurous as you like. The starting point of the kayak tour is a 40-minute drive from the entrance to Plitvice and is easily accessible by both car and bus. You can book the kayak tour here, and it’s advisable to do so in advance. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear and waterproof shoes, as you may need to walk on rocks at times.
