Things to do & places to visit in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Central Croatia, Croatia

The bubbling, turquoise crystalline pools of Plitvice Lakes National Park comprise one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations. Just a two-hour drive from Zagreb, the national park offers 50 acres of forest and lake. In winter, it's a wonderland of frozen waterfalls. In summer, the park is lush with greenery. Wooden walkways and hiking trails traverse the porous karst limestone. This World Heritage Site is a veritable wildlife haven, home to everything from birds to boars and even bears.

Plitvice Lakes National Park national park in , Croatia. Timezone: Europe/Zagreb, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:08.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (7)

• Geologic Formations
• Military Bases & Facilities
• Waterfalls
• Caverns & Caves
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Bodies of Water

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 The Lower Lakes (542 reviews) from $13.74
   - A memory for life
   Bodies of Water • Waterfalls
   
   
   A memory for life in this mind blowing and unique nature wonderland. We walked over 12km with our daughter and had to catch our breath many times to just be in the moment of This beauty. Great organised park and tram behind. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Mali Buk (134 reviews) from $13.74
   - Stunning
   Waterfalls
   
   
   Disclaimer - I am not entirely sure Mali Buk is the waterfall in all these pictures. I couldn't find any definitive information, but these photos relate to a waterfall on Lake Milino, next to or perhaps part of Galovacki Buk on the Upper Lakes seciton. It was my favourite spot, a stunning place for incredible photos. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Konjicki Klub Rakovica (51 reviews)
   - Prvi put na konju
   Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   Horseback riding/trail riding with a guide in a beautiful countryside of Plitvice valleys, with the possibility of visiting the Barac caves( Braceve spilje) on a horse. We also have riding school lessons and short walks (10,20,...mins) for everyone who's interested in trying out horsebackriding. Experienced and inexperienced riders are welcome. Feel free to just visit our place to enjoy beautiful countryside and our animals. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Gavanovac Lake (46 reviews) from $13.74
   - This is the "money shot" for Plitvice NP.
   Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
   
   
   STUNNING when looking down on Gavanovac Lake with its serpentine boardwalks & fascinated trekkers tootling around. Words are not going to do justice to the overall impression - this is a visual masterpiece. To note; we walked in misty rain & wore anoraks & didn't need more to stay perfectly dry! Umbrellas ... you've got to be joking on the narrow boardwalks... IT'S SINGLE FILE IF YOU ARE CONSIDERATE. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Pevalekovi Slapovi (29 reviews) from $13.74
   - Beautiful transparent water....many falls
   Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
   
   
   Worth a trip. Park costs $15-18pp but includes free bus to top lake. Many falls, long hike suggest starting in middle as best lakes are at bottom. See more..
   
6. 5.0 Galovac Lake (25 reviews) from $13.74
   - Less congested
   Bodies of Water
   
   
   Beautiful lake and somewhat less touristy (or at least it seemed that way) than other parts of the park. Easiest to access from Gate 2 (and then after a short ferry ride). Part of the Plitvice Jezera NP experience, so it's sort of a must-see in that regard, but it's also a slightly quieter part of the park as well. See more..
   
7. 5.0 Burgeti Lakes (16 reviews) from $13.74
   - On the Upper Lakes section, Burgeti will be the first "oh wow" moment
   Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
   
   
   Clear translucent blue waters make the Lake spectacular, as it is also surrounded by lush lime green foliage around its edges. Can you spot any fish swimming about - maybe lucky. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Malo Lake (9 reviews) from $13.74
   - Upper Lakes
   Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
   
   
   Although among the smaller lakers of the Upper Lakes area, this one is lovely. Enjoy the waterfalls and lakes and nature in harmony. See more..
   
9. 5.0 Kaluderovac Lake (8 reviews) from $13.74
   - Beautiful Large Lake
   Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
   
   
   This is among the larger lakes at Plitvice and like the others, the water is stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit. See more..
   
10. 5.0 Novakovica Brod Lake (6 reviews) from $13.74
    - Small but nice
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    Like all the lakes and falls in Plitvice Jezera NP, this little lake shouldn't be overlooked. It's in the lower lakes region, so most easily accessible (i.e., the quickest way to access it is) by Gate 1. See more..
    
11. 5.0 Okrugljak Lake (6 reviews) from $13.74
    - Less crowded
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    A modest lake in The Upper Lakes, but pretty like the rest in the park and quieter b/c it's in a less congested part of the park. Easiest access is from Gate 2, though it's worth it to also check out The Lower Lakes (more easily accessed by Gate 1). See more..
    
12. 5.0 Zeljava Air Base (2 reviews)
    - Great place
    Military Bases & Facilities
    
    
    Insane airport from Yugoslavia era, great to visit and to feel a bit of history. Airplane Douglas laying around, worth of visit See more..
    
13. 4.5 Plitvice Lakes National Park (15.9k reviews) from $13.74
    - Great Experience
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks
    
    
    As Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Plitvice Lake National Park is reputed for its 16 emerald lakes and magnificent waterfalls—including Veliki Slap, the country’s largest waterfall. The park is broken up into the upper and lower falls, with a boat ride connecting the two. Various hiking loops are available, with a panoramic train ride that goes through lush forest too. You can take a guided day-trip from Split or Zagreb, or combine your visit with the nearby Barac Caves. Visit in the shoulder seasons of fall or spring if you want a quieter experience. – Tripadvisor See more..
    
14. 4.5 Veliki Slap (671 reviews) from $13.74
    - Day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Porec
    Waterfalls
    
    
    Took an organised day tour to Plitvice Lakes, the journey by coach from Porec took around 4 and half hours, however it was well worth it. I have never been to such a stunning place, the scenery is gorgeous and the water so clear and blue. I would recommend this trip. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Gradinsko Lake (175 reviews) from $13.74
    - Take Your Time With Graninsko
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    You are walking on the wooden planks when you see Grandinsko. If you are a photographer there are some really nice shots here. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Sastavci (159 reviews) from $13.74
    - Fantastic national park
    Waterfalls
    
    
    We enjoyed the national park and the various water falls and coffee shops as well as the The stunning views there from water falls See more..
    
17. 4.5 The Upper Lakes (118 reviews) from $13.74
    - Away from the masses
    Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water
    
    
    Home to more waterfalls and lakes than The Lower Lakes, perhaps the best part about The Upper Lakes is that it offers (some) opportunities to get away from the masses. (The Lower Lakes boasts the biggest falls in the park, so maybe that's why it's more crowded in that area?). Anyway, I prefer the Upper Lakes part b/c there are places to have a quiet picnic (yes, even midday on a weekend--in autumn, mind you, but still), and there are hiking trails off the main trails (so, away from the falls, but also away from the herds). Best accessed by Gate 2, but you can also enter the park at Gate 1 and hop on the long ferry, which is a nice ride across Kozjak Lake. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Kozjak Lake (48 reviews) from $13.74
    - Ride across or stroll along
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    Kozjak Lake is sort of the bridge between the Upper and Lower lake sections in the park. You can take a 20-minute or so ferry ride across and/or walk alongside it, both of which are nice to do. The ferries are electric, so you can enjoy a quiet ride--if you go early in the morning before the masses. Keep an eye out for cormorants and mallards. All ferry rides are included in the ticket price. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Slapovi Milke Trnine (31 reviews) from $13.74
    - Crazy Falls
    Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
    
    
    The picture I submitted here is just one of the very nice falls in Plitvice. This one in particular is really crazy with all the outflows See more..
    
20. 4.5 Veliki Prstavac (27 reviews) from $13.74
    - On the Upper Lakes section, looking up into the forest as the water cascades down.
    Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations • Waterfalls
    
    
    Your first main Lake stop will likely be Burgeti Lake, so then Prstavacki is the first major waterfall & it is beautiful - sending the waters from Galovac Lake downstream. Everywhere words are lost as this place is a visual feast. Great photo op but, hey, remember to stop & enjoy the moment. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Lake Milino (15 reviews) from $13.74
    - Just Go
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    Visit the lakes, the waterfalls, the boardwalks, the most beautiful park I have seen. Plitvice is a magical place. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Milanovacki Slap (15 reviews) from $13.74
    - Another pretty waterfall
    Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
    
    
    Pretty like the other waterfalls in the park, and worth admiring on any visit to the Lower Lakes (most easily accessed by Gate 1). See more..
    
23. 4.5 Great Cascades (13 reviews) from $13.74
    - Another Beautiful Waterfall
    Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
    
    
    Sometimes I go out of my way to see one beautiful waterfall; however, here one stop unveils many beautiful waterfalls and many beautiful lakes. Mesmerizing. See them all. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Milanovac Lake (12 reviews) from $13.74
    - Lower Lakes
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    One of four lakes in the Lower Lakes section of the park, this one's as pretty as the rest, just a lot smaller than neighboring Gavanovac. Still worth seeing, and kind of a must see (as in, you would have to close your eyes to miss it) if you're walking the boardwalks in the whole Lower Lakes section. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Batinovac Lake (10 reviews) from $13.74
    - Beautiful, but not in the top three Lakes in Plitvice
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    One of the top Lakes in the Upper Lakes section, & generally viewed as you walk along the eastern shoreline (Stubica). The views in parts are further away & you can see the waterfall in the distance. It presents as serene - somewhat untouchable - as you stroll by. Again worthy of a stop & "enjoy the moment" breather. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Batinovac Waterfall (8 reviews) from $13.74
    - Beautiful
    Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls
    
    
    Off one of the smaller Upper Lakes, this waterfall is lovely with the surrounding beech trees and the lovely lake. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Ciginovac Lake (8 reviews) from $13.74
    - Second Highest Lake
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Waterfalls
    
    
    Within the Upper Lakes region, Ciginovac is the second highest lake of all Plitvice. The entire park is gorgeous and worthy of one's time. It is exploring the many lakes and waterfalls together that makes this park super special. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Lake Vir (8 reviews) from $13.74
    - Beautiful Nature
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    The entire park is beautiful. I recommend taking it all in. Just wear comfy shoes and have your camera ready for the vistas are gorgeous. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Proscansko Lake (7 reviews) from $13.74
    - And So It Begins
    Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
    
    
    This is the first and highest lake in the park beginning the upper lakes area. Beautiful water and area. Explore the entire park. You will be glad you did. See more..
    
30. 4.0 Šupljara cave (22 reviews)
    - Enjoyable
    Spent < 1 hour Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations
    
    
    Finding the lakes to be a bit boring, I enjoyed walking down to the cave and looking around inside with a flashlight. It's not big but the nature here is beautiful. It's not for the very unfit as there are many steps down then a steep walk back up. If you are inside the lakes this would be a good addition See more..