An Ultimate Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is late spring, when the weather is pleasant, but the crowds may not be too intense. Plitvice Lakes National Park can get very crowded during the summer months, especially in August. Visiting the park when it opens or towards closing will lend the most tranquil experience. Plitvice Lakes National Park hours vary depending on the season.

The most common way to get around Plitvice Lakes National Park is to drive to an entrance and follow one of the “programs” through the remarkable waterways. Other areas of the park can be traveled by foot or bicycle.

Where to stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park

There are a few accommodations within the park, and also many hotels, homes and campgrounds just a short distance from the entrances that cater to park visitors.

Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Hotel Jezero – A natural retreat located walking distance from both entrances of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Hotel Plitvice – This hotel boasts architectural history and lakeside rooms, just minutes away from a bus that will take you to the waterway tours.

Hotel Bellevue – This hotel is situated just steps away from Entrance 2.

Hotels outside of Plitvice National Park

There are many home stays and bread and breakfast options outside of Plitvice Lakes National Park that welcome park visitors. If you are planning on taking public transportation, you may consider booking an accommodation that offers shuttle service to the park.

Accomodations near Entrance 1:

Selište Drežničko – There are many home rentals and bread and breakfast options in this charming village just outside of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Grabovac, Irinovac and Rakovica – These nearby villages offer a breadth of accommodations for visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Accomodations near Entrance 2:

The towns of Vranovača, Koreničko, and Korenica all offer welcoming lodging options near the south entrance of the park.

Popular camping sites outside of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Camping Plitvice – This highly rated campground near Entrance 1 is more like a camping resort. Camping Plitvice features a pool, restaurant, camping pitches and mobile homes.

Camping Korana – A clean and well maintained campground just 8.1mi from the park. This campground offers daily shuttle service to an entrance.

Big Bear Plitvice Nature Resort – A hospitable resort featuring camping pitches and mobile homes. This resort is located approximately 23.6mi from Entrance 2.

Camp Fortuna – This campground is a highly rated budget option close to Entrance 2.

Plitvice Etno Garden – This restaurant offers a traditional Croatian dining experience. Try the grilled meats and local Croatian wines.

Lička Kuća National Restaurant – Situated across from Entrance 1, this restaurant serves a delectable roasted lamb and other traditional dishes from the Lika region.

House Katja – Another favorite for traditional Croatian fare within the park.

Tour the natural waterways – many people visit Plitvice Lakes National Park specifically for the impressive scenery of gorgeous lakeviews and mesmerizing waterfalls.

There are 4 viewing programs available from each entrance of the park:

Entrance 1 routes:

There are four Plitvice Lake system viewing options that commence at Entrance 1:

Program A 11483ft, 2-3 hours features the lower lakes and the great waterfall.
Program B 13123ft, 3-4 hours features viewing of the lower lakes and a boat ride across Lake Kozjak.
Program C 26247ft, 4-5 hours features a viewing of the entire lake system by a combination of foot, boat and train.
Program K 60039ft, 6-8 hours explores the entire lakes section of the park.

Entrance 2 routes:

There are four Plitvice Lake system viewing options that commence at Entrance 2:

Program E 16732ft, 2-3 hours view the upper lake system by foot, boat and sightseeing train.
Program F 15092ft, 3-4 hours view the limestone canyon of the lower lake and the Great Waterfall by foot, boat and sightseeing train.
Program H 29199ft, 4-6 hours view the entire lake system by train, boat and foot.
Program K 60039ft, 6-8 hours explores the entire lakes section of the park mostly by foot.

Dangers in Plitvice Lakes National Park

A trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is generally considered safe, but as always there are a few things to take into consideration before heading out.

• Heat – If you are out walking the pathways for long periods during the summer months, make sure to bring proper hydration and sun protection, like sunscreen and a hat.
• Selfies – The Croatian Mountains Service warns of avoiding death or serious injury from selfies in dangerous locations.
• Pickpockets – Like in any crowded tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. There have been reports of pickpocketing.
• Landmines – Plitvice Lakes National Park was prioritized in post-war demining efforts, so landmines are not really a concern if you stick to the main tourist areas. If you are planning an excursion near the outer edges of the park, it would be advised to stay on trails and adhere to any warning signs of landmines (red sign with skull and bones).
• Bears – If you are traveling through the forested areas of Plitvice Lakes National Park, it would be possible to experience a bear. If you see a bear do not run, keep your distance and slowly back away.
• Wolves and Lynxes – The forests of Plitvice Lakes National Park are also home to grey wolves and Eurasian lynxes. It would be rare to see these animals as they generally avoid humans, but if you do, do not run, keep your distance, make yourself appear larger, and slowly back away.

Interesting Facts about Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The twelve upper lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park were formed by impermeable dolomite rocks. The four lower lakes are formed of permeable limestone substrate.
• There are over 150 different bird species in Plitvice Lakes National Park.