Plitvice
Lakes

©Croatia Traveller 2005-2009

Waterfall at Plitvice: see more Plitvice photos

Get the PBS documentary on Plitvice
"Land of the Falling 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).

Ecology

Like other National Parks in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes rests upon karst, which explains its unusual topography. Karst is highly porous limestone and dolomitic rock through which water seeps to create underground streams. What seems to be stone is actually travertine, a sort of petrified plant. The flowing water absorbs minerals from the dolomite underlying the lakes and coats the plant life, turning it to porous travertine stone. The new travertine sprouts moss and plants that again petrify and the process repeats itself. All the barriers separating the lakes are composed of travertine constantly growing and changing shape.

Visiting Plitvice Park

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.There's no swimming in the lakes however. Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to 120 species of birds as well as deer, boar and the occasional bear or two. Find out more 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.

By bus
It takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours by bus from either Zagreb or Zadar and there are about a dozen buses per day. There's also a daily bus to Plitvice from Dubrovnik (see the schedule at buses from Dubrovnik).

By car
The national park is about 2 hours driving time from either Zagreb or Zadar. See a map with driving directions.