With one million tourists a year, which is a quarter of the country’s population, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must for anyone visiting Croatia for the first (or even second!) time. The popularity of the place should not put you off, on the contrary. If the lakes attract so many people, it is because they are truly extraordinary!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is unique in the world with its 16 lakes that follow each other in tiers, creating an impressive total of 92 natural waterfalls. But what makes them even more photogenic is their pure, bright turquoise color, due to the extremely high calcium bicarbonate content of the water. Swimming is forbidden, but the water is so clear that you can easily admire the works of art created by the limestone deposits that have accumulated on tree branches or any other element that lies beneath the water’s surface.
Everything you need to know about Plitvice Lakes
The park is crisscrossed by well-maintained paths (log paths, uneven steps made of natural materials) and charming wooden pontoons. Depending on the number of visitors, the pace of the walk may vary. Don’t be afraid to take your time! Slowing down is a good thing because it allows you to fully enjoy the spectacle, while being careful where you put your feet because there are many obstacles (roots, uneven wooden slats of the wooden bridges) (and the risk of dropping your phone, between two photos, in the gap of the slats over the water!) Wear good, comfortable, closed shoes (this is not a place to visit in sandals) and take as few things as possible (think light!), but bring plenty of water.
A word of advice: form your own small group and don’t follow the crowd like a robot. It’s better to see less and contemplate (and not stumble!). The views are spectacular, and not just the most popular ones. Don’t necessarily do what everyone else is doing, go at your own pace and stop often to admire the scenery. Because it is magnificent, with all these lakes, waterfalls, giant waterfalls, caves, forests, trees, fish, panoramas, each more spectacular than the last!
Going downhill
The Plitvice Lakes National Park can be visited by mini-train, boat, rowboat, on foot… There are many routes to choose from, depending on your physical abilities and the time you have available. If, like us, you prefer to admire the scenery and get your cardio in later, be smart and start your trip at the top. Take the Minitrain up the hills and walk down. This will allow you to visit the park without exhausting yourself while enjoying the beauty of the place more.
Take the Minitrain to your starting point (at least the one we suggest): Prošćansko Lake. Located at an altitude of 636 meters, it is the highest lake in the park. You will go from the upper lakes to the lower ones, crossing the paths and wooden pontoons on foot. An electric boat will then take you across the large Kozjak Lake, before continuing the trip near the lower lakes to the large waterfall, 40 meters high. Take the trouble to climb the hill leading to the exit to admire the panoramic view of the lakes. Seen from above, they are breathtakingly beautiful! From the exit you can take a mini-train back to your starting point. We suggest you allow a good 6 hours (and some snacks!) to complete the route.
When and how to get there?
- The park is packed in July and August. If you can avoid the crowds, your visit will certainly be more relaxing.
- In the spring, we recommend May (don’t go too early, as some areas of the lakes may be flooded or even completely closed).
- In the fall, the leaves on the trees change color, making the place even more magical.
- Several day trips are organized from Zagreb or Split. You can even leave from Zagreb, change buses with your luggage and continue to Split. That’s what we did: a two-for-one deal that turned out to be very practical!
- Once your visit is over, you will understand why so many people stop at Plitvice Lakes… it is probably the closest thing we have to an image of the Garden of Eden, if it really existed.
