2025 Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#closetonature #100waysoftravel #naturebeauty #love_nature #waterfall #lake #croatia #plitvicelakes #plitvicelakesnationalpark In late September, we visited the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true haven for nature lovers. The park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls and interconnected lakes, where the crystal-clear waters shimmer in shades of turquoise and emerald. As we wandered along the wooden boardwalks, we were surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of rushing water. The park is vast, and we took a boat ride across one of the larger lakes, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder. Later, we hiked to a higher vantage point, where we were rewarded with a stunning aerial view of the entire park, showcasing its intricate network of waterfalls and lakes. Being immersed in such pristine nature was a truly unforgettable experience, leaving us in awe of the world’s natural beauty.

#fallingseason 💡 Plitvice Lakes National Park was the first national park in Croatia and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The park is divided into two districts, the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, and consists of 16 interconnected lakes and waterfalls of various sizes. The scenery is breathtaking. 🖼️ ‼️Please check the weather conditions before your visit. Sometimes part of Upper Lake will close due to poor weather conditions‼️ 💡十六湖國家公園是克羅地亞第一座國家公園，並於 1979 年被納入聯合國世界文化遺產。公園分為上湖區和下湖區，由16個湖泊和大大小小的瀑布組成，景色優美。🖼️ ‼️到訪前請留意天氣狀況，天氣惡劣下上湖區未必開放‼️ Follow @travel_poodie for more 🙌🏻 #croatia #plitvicelakesnationalpark #plitvice #waterfall #naturephotography #middleages #gameofthrones #travel #attraction #sea #beach #fortress #sunset #克羅埃西亞 #克罗地亚 #克羅地亞 #16湖國家公園 #瀑布 #自然風景 #權力遊戲 #中世紀 #旅行 #旅遊 #旅遊景點 #海灘 #堡疊 #日落 #travelpoodie

I came to Croatia for the first time when I was a kid🇭🇷This country is called Yugoslavia. I was very impressed by the 16 Lakes National Park. I came to PLITVICE LAKE National Park in October and found that the tickets purchased on site were only 10 euros. Why did I buy them online first? 23 euros😡There is also a limit on the number of people, which is even more outrageous. I found that there are some entrances where you can sneak in without buying a ticket🔥It is really to guard against gentlemen and not villains🤬 Transportation strategy: Drive your own car🚗, it is more maneuverable Must-visit attractions: 16 Lakes National Park It takes about 5 hours to walk up and down the lake, take Route H Enter the No. 2 parking lot, first take a car to ST3 and walk to P2, take a boat from P2 to P3, then walk to ST1, take a car back to No. 2, and then walk to the parking lot Recommended hotel: This time I stayed at Guest House Slavica, which cost less than 1,000 per night and has a shared kitchen👍 #familytravel #croatia #PLITVICELAKENationalPark #Croatia #Croatia #CroatiaTravel #16Lake #Plitvice Lakes National Park 2023/10

Plitviče Lakes National Park fell short of my expectations in terms of grandeur & magnificence, but the entire 295-square kilometre forest reserve in central Croatia is still a natural beauty. Encompassing 16 terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon, we only had time to set foot on some of the numerous hiking walkways across the water. As it was a Saturday, visitors to the national park were aplenty and we were thankful that chaos didn’t ensue along the crowded & narrow walkways. At 78 metres high, Veliki Slap is the highest waterfall in the national park and we made sure to view her first before hopping on an electric boat from the lower lakes to the upper lakes.

Croatia🇭🇷 and Slovenia🇸🇮 are not very familiar to people in Japan. Both are small countries in Europe, but they have a lot of charm! ✨ We will introduce how to travel between these two countries and the World Heritage sites in each country where you can feel the power of nature. ◯How to travel from Croatia to Slovenia You can travel by train or bus, but the bus is the cheapest and recommended. There are more than 10 buses a day from the central bus terminal in Zagreb, the capital, and the journey takes about two and a half hours. You will arrive in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. 💰: 5.3 to 16.5 euros ⚠️If you have an international driver's license, renting a car is the easiest way! It will also make it much easier to make detours and travel to the spots you want to go to. [World Natural Heritage] ◯Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia 📍Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia Access🚌: About 2 hours by bus from Zagreb Central Bus Terminal Bus: 12-18€ Ticket: 10-40€ (depending on the season) This natural heritage is a national park rich in nature where you can see 16 lakes connected by waterfalls. The emerald green lakes are very beautiful and cleansing to look at. It is a very large park, and you can get around by shuttle bus or boat after paying the entrance fee. You can enjoy drinking beer while looking at the rich nature, hiking while snacking on sweets, etc.😊 ⚠️You will be walking quite a distance, so wear comfortable shoes. ◯Škocjan Caves – Slovenia – 📍Matavun 12, 6215 Divača, Slovenia Access🚌: About 1.5 hours by bus from Ljubljana Bus: 7€ Ticket (with explanatory tour): 15-25€ (depending on the season) This is a huge underground cave system. In this cave, which was carved by the river, you can see halls and limestone caves over 100m high, as well as a river that actually flows through the cave. It's a shame that you can't take photos inside the cave, but there are also ruins of stairs and bridges that were built in the past, so it's worth seeing. ⚠️ This is also a 2-hour walking tour, and the inside of the cave is wet and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes. Both World Heritage sites have magnificent nature that can't be conveyed by photos alone, so it's definitely a place you should visit in person. Croatia and Slovenia are easy to travel between, so if you spend a day in each, you can take your time to see the World Heritage sites far from the cities😊 #EuropeExploration

【Grand Balkan Peninsula Tour Part 26: Exploring Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park: Europe's Jiuzhaigou】 When Croatia is mentioned, most people's minds might first conjure images of the Adriatic's sunny beaches and the ancient walls of Dubrovnik. Yet in the heart of this country lies a picturesque natural treasure—Plitvice Lakes National Park, also known by its more formal but tongue-twisting name: Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera. Since being inscribed as one of UNESCO's first World Natural Heritage sites in 1979 for its "exceptional karst landscape shaped by dynamic travertine deposition," it has become a pilgrimage site for nature lovers worldwide, earning the moniker "Europe's Jiuzhaigou." Established in 1949, this natural sanctuary is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and an ecological gem where over 70% of Croatia's forest coverage thrives. Nestled between valleys at elevations of 502 to 636 meters, sixteen emerald lakes resemble a forgotten divine necklace scattered across karst mountain folds—the twelve Upper Lakes resting among dolomite peaks, while the four Lower Lakes are cradled in limestone canyons, all connected by the living waters of the Korana River into a 10-kilometer-long natural epic. Stepping into the park feels like entering a green kingdom lost in time. Nearly entirely enveloped by dense forests, the crisp air greets visitors with every breath feeling like an intimate embrace with nature, the abundance of negative oxygen ions instantly dispelling travel fatigue. Within this vast forest embrace, sixteen lakes of varying sizes sparkle like scattered pearls across the valley, giving rise to its simplified name "Sixteen Lakes National Park." Following the winding wooden boardwalks, the Upper Lakes come into view first. Here, the lakes are tightly encircled by lush forests, like secret gardens hidden by nature. The water is so clear it resembles purest crystal, with visible pebbles and darting fish beneath the surface. Sunlight dances on ripples that merge with reflections of surrounding greenery, creating dreamlike vistas. Between the lakes, countless waterfalls cascade like silver ribbons—some gently draping, others thundering down in tiered connections—composing nature's symphony of elegance and vitality that enchants visitors with its serene beauty. The lakes' colors shift with light, transitioning from emerald to turquoise blue, a dance of water depth, mineral content, and sunlight angles. Sunken logs encased in travertine resemble jade sculptures, with fish gliding between them as if suspended in air. Venturing deeper, the terrain transforms to reveal the Lower Lakes. Shaped by geological erosion and collapse, this area's dramatic elevation changes create landscapes starkly different from the Upper Lakes' serenity. Torrents plunge down steep cliffs, forming sky-high waterfalls of thunderous power—one spectacular 78-meter cascade crashes into a glacial valley left by Quaternary ice retreats. Hundreds of waterfalls here perform in concert—some humming like harps, others booming like timpani—their deafening roar showcasing nature's raw might. Below, converging waters churn endlessly, painting a vibrant tableau with azure skies and emerald forests that stuns the senses with nature's artistry. On this particularly radiant day, golden sunlight bathed the entire park. Forest reflections shimmered on jade waters as visitors from around the world immersed themselves in the scenery—some pausing for photos to eternalize the moment, others strolling boardwalks to savor nature's oxygen-rich embrace, while some glided across lakes in boats, feeling the water's cool caress. Plitvice Lakes National Park is not just nature's masterpiece but a feast for eyes and soul. Here, urban clamor fades, leaving only pristine landscapes and primordial ecosystems. Departing with reluctant hearts, we already yearn to return to this earthly paradise—to listen again to mountain whispers and feel nature's enduring magic.

At Plitvice Lakes National Park, it felt as if spring was dancing a waltz with nature. Walking along the trekking paths by the lakes, I could feel the life energy radiating from the sky, the lakes, and the green leaves all around me. If you want to experience a healing moment gifted by nature, I highly recommend visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park during your trip to Croatia. I started from Zadar and booked an individual tour that allowed me to explore the park freely without a guide. Depending on your condition, you can choose from various routes, and the park is well-signposted, making it easy to navigate and enjoy at your own pace. I strongly recommend experiencing the magnificence of nature in Croatia firsthand.

#springitinerary #PlitviceLakes #CroatiaNature #UNESCOWorldHeritage #WaterfallMagic #CrystalClearLakes #NatureWonders #ScenicWalks #CroatiaTravel #PeacefulEscape #NatureInEurope I arrived at Plitvice Lakes around 10am, just as the park began to stir with gentle movement and light chatter. The morning air was still fresh and cool, and the sunlight danced across the glassy lakes, creating reflections that looked like paintings. With a 4-hour window to explore, I walked leisurely through the well-kept wooden boardwalks, stopping often just to take it all in — cascading waterfalls, serene turquoise pools, and trees arching beautifully over the trails. The clarity of the water was astonishing. I could see fish swimming inches from the path and the rock beds far below the surface. By the time I finished around 2pm, the crowds had grown, but the scenery never stopped impressing. It’s one of those places where you leave feeling lighter, like your mind just took a deep breath. I can’t recommend it enough — especially if you love calm, natural beauty. Travel Tips and How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Mornings (especially before 10am) for quieter paths • Spring and fall for vibrant foliage and strong waterfalls • What to do: • Walk the loop trails across the lakes • Take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak • Don’t rush — every angle has a different view • Bring a camera, you’ll want to remember every corner • Vibe: • Calm, enchanting, and refreshingly immersive • Good for: • Nature lovers, casual hikers, photo enthusiasts, peaceful adventurers How to Get There: • From Zagreb: • By car: Around 2 hours • By bus: 2.5 to 3 hours — regular departures daily • From Split or Zadar: • Drive or join a tour (~2–3.5 hours depending on your location) • Pro tips: • Buy your entry ticket online in advance • Choose Entrance 1 or 2 based on your preferred trail • Wear comfortable shoes and pack light snacks and water • Early arrivals enjoy better lighting and fewer people

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia officially boasts over 90 waterfalls. The abundance of waterfalls cascading between the terraced lakes makes for a spectacular sight. The well-maintained wooden decks make walking around very comfortable, but in crowded areas, there’s a slight concern about someone accidentally falling into the lake due to a push or slip. So, I walked very cautiously. While seeking healing in nature, I recommend being extra careful to avoid any accidents.

#cityplaybook Plitvice Lakes National Park, a beautiful mix of forests, lakes and waterfalls, this stunning national park is a great place to stretch your legs while admiring the natural world. It is Croatia’s most popular tourist attraction, was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. Located roughly halfway between capital city Zagreb and Zadar on the coast, the lakes are a definite must-see in Croatia. For exploring the Plitvice Lakes National Park best, there really is nothing better than to walk (or hike) through the Park. You’ll be able to take in the beautiful surroundings and admire the lakes, waterfalls, nature and wildlife. Whether you start at Entrance 1 (the lower lakes) or Entrance 2 (upper lakes), there’s much to explore. 🐾 📷: There’s of course stunning scenery almost everywhere you turn in the Park – but for amongst the best photo opportunities (looking down on the lakes and waterfalls from up high – as seen below) it’s entrance 1 that you want to head to. From the entrance, head down the winding gravel path to reach the wooden walkways to cross the lakes. From this viewpoint, it looks like the lakes stretch out for miles! 💰Price per Person: €23 from April to October, €10 from November to March. #croatia #nationalpark #plitvicelakes

#European travel Romantic Eastern Europe-Croatia~! Must try the Dubrovnik city wall tour Visit the Buja bar~Must see the dawn scenery! Plitvice National Park is a must-see♡ Colorful sights of Zagreb A romantic cup of coffee in Split... If you take a full tour of Croatia, it will be a truly romantic healing trip~

If you are traveling to Croatia for a week, I recommend a route full of nature and emotion! On the first day, visit the capital city of Zagreb, St. Mark's Cathedral⛪ Enjoy the city's emotion by visiting the Dolac Market On the second day, go to Plitvice National Park and enjoy the emerald lakes and waterfalls🌲💧 On the 34th day, go to Split and visit Diocletian's Palace and the beach⛵ On the last 57 days, walk the city walls and Old Town in Dubrovnik, and end the day at a sunset spot🌅 In Dubrovnik, I also recommend taking a boat trip to Lokrum Island⛴️. The view of the red roofs and blue sea is truly amazing! At night, enjoy local cuisine such as seafood pasta or oyster dishes at an Old Town restaurant🍝🦪. It is efficient to use a bus or Flixbus for transportation. At the end of your trip, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee☕ at a small cafe and feel the lingering feeling of Croatia. A hidden gem of a travel destination in Europe, Croatia is the perfect choice for those who love a leisurely sensibility! A week-long course full of Mediterranean sensibility! #EuropeGuide #OverseasTravel #TravelPlan #EuropeTravel

#springitinerary On our way to Plitvice National Park, we made a beautiful stop in Rastoke—and wow, what a treat! This fairytale village is where crystal-clear rivers meet, creating cascading waterfalls right through town. Wooden bridges, old watermills, and lush greenery made every corner feel like a postcard. It’s a peaceful, picture-perfect spot that gives you a little taste of Croatia’s natural beauty before reaching Plitvice. Definitely worth the stop—nature at its best!

#April Travel Support Fund The water color changes from turquoise to emerald depending on the season and light. You can enjoy a completely different landscape depending on when you visit. Plitvice is one of the oldest national parks in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. If you love nature, I recommend this place to visit during your trip to Croatia.

#AprilTravelSupportI recommend you visit Plitvice in Croatia to experience the healing nature gives. Visit in a group I saw a lot of elderly tourists. It's not bad because you can enjoy it while the guide explains it. There are also many locals who visit alone or with their lover or family without a guide, so I recommend it because you can see a new side of Croatia. #croatiatravel

#AprilTravelSupport I was able to see the lake and waterfall while walking on the wooden deck while looking at the water falling down 28m. During the peak hours, there are also many people waiting to take pictures, so the road is sometimes blocked, so I recommend entering Plitvice National Park early if possible. #croatiatravel

#earthdayjourney Plitvice Lakes enchants with 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and surrounded by dense forest. As a UNESCO site, the park limits daily visitor numbers and restricts access to sensitive areas to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Wooden boardwalks guide tourists without disturbing nature, and waste is carefully managed. The park also educates visitors on sustainable practices through signage and guided tours. Walking through Plitvice feels like stepping into a fairytale, but behind the beauty is a strong commitment to conservation. It’s a shining example of how tourism can coexist with environmental protection.

When I first arrived in Croatia, I stayed at the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. The location is stunning, overlooking the sea, and the service is excellent. The price was about 150 euros per night, including breakfast. After two days of rest, I planned to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. I drove from Dubrovnik, which took about 5 hours. The roads were easy and clean, with rest stops along the way. I arrived at the park early in the morning, and the entrance fee was about 40 euros. The place is breathtakingly beautiful, with interconnected lakes and wooden walkways that allow you to comfortably walk through nature. The water is clear and blue, and each lake is different from the next. I spent almost 6 hours moving around, taking photos, and enjoying the tranquility. There is a small café inside the park with reasonable prices. Impressions? The place exceeded my expectations, everything inside gives you energy, and I felt like I was in an animated painting. A full day is enough, but it was one of the most beautiful days of my trip.

I went to Plitvice Lakes National Park! The lakes are so beautiful! Especially during the tourist season from May to September, tourists come from all over Europe, so reservations are required, so make sure to make a reservation at least two days in advance. There is a ticket counter on the day, but you need to reserve a time, and there is no guarantee that tickets will be available. Tickets are 40 euros during the season. Too expensive... Considering the crowds, it might be a good idea to go during the off-season when tickets are cheaper. #0yentravelFebruary2025#PlitviceLakesNationalPark #Croatia

The Plitvice Lakes national park is one of the most awe inspiring natural environments in all of Europe and involves miles of trails weaving through its extensive natural features. A trip here would not be complete without visiting the lower part of the park where cascading waterfalls flow down amongst the vegetation. The lower lakes area is where you will find the highest and most dramatic of these waterfalls. #celebrateit #waterfalls #croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a series of 16 large and small lakes and 92 waterfalls. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site. When I actually visited, I was moved by the magnificent scenery of nature. . . It was truly beautiful. I really enjoyed hiking. The changing colors of the cobalt blue lakes are fantastic, and the waterfalls are impressive, so you can feel the nature firsthand. 🌳. You can go there as a day trip from Zagreb, but I also recommend staying overnight and slowly enjoying the beautiful scenery. #Croatia #PlitviceLakesNationalPark

#europetrip I recently took a FlixBus from Zagreb to the breathtaking Plitvice National Park, and it was an unforgettable experience! The bus ride was smooth and comfortable, taking about 2.5 hours, and offered a scenic route through the Croatian countryside. Once I arrived at Plitvice, I was immediately struck by the park’s stunning beauty. The turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery created an almost surreal atmosphere. The park is divided into upper and lower lakes, and there are well-marked trails that allow you to explore both areas at your own pace. I recommend taking the boat ride across the largest lake—it gives you a unique perspective of the park and some fantastic photo opportunities. The walking paths were easy to navigate, even for someone with limited hiking experience, and the views were simply spectacular at every turn. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Plitvice National Park is an absolute must-see when in Croatia. I’m so glad I made the trip, and I can't wait to return!

#europetrip My visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia was nothing short of mesmerizing. As one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is a paradise of cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests that feel almost otherworldly. Walking along the wooden boardwalks, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant turquoise and emerald waters that seemed to glow under the sunlight. The park’s 16 interconnected lakes, separated by natural travertine barriers, created a series of waterfalls that tumbled gracefully from one level to the next. Some were gentle streams, while others, like the towering Veliki Slap at 78 meters high, roared with power, sending mist into the fresh mountain air. Every turn of the trail revealed a new breathtaking scene—dense woodlands reflected perfectly in still waters, fish swimming lazily beneath the surface, and birds soaring above in the untouched wilderness. The sound of rushing water was constant, adding to the peaceful and immersive atmosphere of the park. A boat ride across the largest lake, Kozjak, provided a tranquil break, allowing me to take in the beauty from a different perspective. The scenery shifted with elevation, from the serene Upper Lakes with their quiet pools and lush surroundings to the dramatic cliffs and powerful waterfalls of the Lower Lakes. No matter where I stood, the views were postcard-perfect. The park’s untouched beauty made me feel as if I had stepped into a dream, a place where nature’s artistry was on full display. As the sun began to set, casting golden hues over the lakes and waterfalls, I knew that Plitvice was a place I would never forget. Whether bathed in the bright greens of summer, the fiery tones of autumn, or the icy magic of winter, this park is a destination that captures the heart in every season. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves nature, photography, or simply being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #CroatiaTravel #AvatarFilmingLocation ✨Plitvice in Croatia has such beautiful natural scenery that the director of Avatar is said to have referenced this place. 💧The clear emerald water, huge waterfalls, and green trees create a wondrous landscape. If you travel to Croatia, this is a must-visit destination! 📍Location: Plitvice National Park in Croatia 🍯Tip: A guided tour is more cost-effective than a free tour! Plitvice National Park is so vast that you can be impressed by just visiting a few beautiful places with a guide☺️

#EuropeanTravel #Plitvice #Croatia #CroatiaTravel #EuropeanTravelDestinationRecommendation Croatian Plitvice is a really famous tourist attraction! The first thing I saw when I entered was the picture above, and my mouth was really wide open.. It's amazing that such a beautiful place exists in this world🥹I wondered if this is what a forest where fairies live would look like. I could see why Plitvice was the setting for the movie Avatar! There are various walking courses, you can ride a boat, and there are also restaurants, so the sandwiches you eat while looking at nature couldn't be bad! It was a truly unforgettable European trip.

#europetrip Enjoy a snow capped christmas this season at europe, while basking in nature and a sea of white? Ponder going to Plitvice lakes. A UNESCO SITE, it is a place with 90 waterfalls, and you can travel around by foot, electric bus and even boats to spot these waterfalls. Apart from these, lakes and mountains are pretty and covered with snow. A site not to be missed with just a 10 euros entrance fee.

Plitvice Lakes National park is one of the most popular tourist sites in Croatia and there’s definitely good reason for that with the national splendour of the waterfalls crashing through the forest a must see sight for anyone visiting the country. However, at the height of summer crowds at the lower end of the park can become very overwhelming and for those seeking a more tranquil experience that may seem hard to find. There is an answer though, you should head towards the upper lakes where the same beautiful natural world is still there to inspire you, but you can enjoy it in a far more serene environment. #lakes #waterfalls #croatia

Lovely waterfalls