Plitvice Lakes

Lying midway between Zagreb and Zadar, and in Licko-Senjska county, Plitvice Lakes National Park , composed of 19.5 hectares of woods, lakes and waterfalls, is one of Croatia's top sights, its most popular National Park and a World Heritage Site. The 16 lakes are a stunning turquoise and spill over into waterfalls and bubbling streams. (See photos of Plitvice Lakes). The unique ecology of the lakes is fascinating.

What to see & do in Plitvice

So how do you visit this watery wonderland? A well-laid out system of wooden walkways allows you to pass all around and sometimes through the water and there are hiking trails through the woods. By taking the park bus and boat you can cover all the lakes in a rushed half-day but I recommend a full day.

Get more details about sightseeing in Plitvice Lakes.

Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes

You can stay in one of only three hotels in the national park or choose from a wide variety of private accommodation. More.

When to Go

There's no wrong season to visit Plitvice Lakes. In winter the frozen falls are magnificent; in summer the lush greenery is relaxing; in spring and fall the water volume is highest. Be aware though, that the park is flooded with tourists in July and August. If you come then, save some time for the late afternoon when the tour buses leave or very early in the morning before they arrive.

Getting to Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice is on the main road between Zagreb and Zadar. Combining a visit to Plitvice with a stay along the Croatian coast is possible but I don't recommend it unless you can stay overnight. Another spectacular national park with waterfalls you can conveniently visit on the Croatian coast is Krka Waterfalls National Park. See more about getting to Plitvice Lakes.

Ecology, Flora & Fauna of Plitvice Lakes

As a World Heritage Site, Plitvice maintains a pristine environment that is nearly primeval in its beauty. It's one reason why there's no swimming in the lakes. But you can marvel at the travertine formations and the extraordinary variety of plants and animals that make their home in the park. More.

Tourist Information in Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice National Park tourist office (tel 053-751 015) is just inside entrance #1.

Plitvice Lakes News

Valentine’s Day in Croatia: The Top Five 01/25/2013
Still chilly Croatia may not be the first place you think of to spend Valentine’s day but rest assured that romance is in the air in these five special Valentine’s Day treats: Rovinj The rambling old streets of this fishing port catch the sea breezes and wind up to glorious old St Euphemia church. Gaze [...]More.

Where do Croatians go on holiday? 02/24/2012
With such a bountiful natural heritage to choose from, where do Croatians go when they want to destress, wind down, relax? If it’s just for a short break, a recent survey showed that the number one choice of Croatians is the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park. With 16 lakes and myriad waterfalls, that can’t be [...]More.

Plitvice National Park Marathon 01/07/2011
A little stroll along the walkways of Plitvice Lakes is not sporty enough for you? On June 5, you can test your running skills on what may be the world’s most beautiful marathon. The Plitvice Marathon is organised by the Plitvice Lakes National Park staff and includes a choice of three different levels, depending on [...]More.

Swimming in Plitvice Lakes: An Alternative 05/25/2009
Plitvice National Park’s 16 turquoise lakes are so clean and luminous that you want to jump right in. Alas. Swimming is forbidden in Plitvice Lakes National Park. As a tour guide once explained to me, “The lakes are also a resevoir for drinking water! We just can’t allow swimming”. I assumed that the only alternative [...]More.

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