Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia, Europe

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant autumn foliage. Walking trails and wooden footbridges wind through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of 16 interconnected lakes that change colors throughout the year. The park is alive with diverse wildlife and is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike, making it a captivating destination for outdoor exploration and serenity.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Zadar

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Plitvice Lakes National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the walking trails

Wander through scenic paths connecting stunning lakes and waterfalls.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Veliki Slap waterfall

Marvel at the tallest waterfall in Croatia, a stunning sight.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a boat ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride across the stunning lakes.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography at the lakes

Capture breathtaking views at every turn, perfect for Instagram.

No booking required
5

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the information center

Learn about the park's history and biodiversity, valuable insights.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to Korana River viewpoint

A scenic hike leading to magnificent views of the river.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy local cuisine

Taste traditional Croatian dishes at nearby restaurants.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Join a guided tour

Gain expert insights while exploring the park with a guide.

Booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Birdwatching

Spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the small lakes

Explore the lesser-known tranquil lakes for peace.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

2 (#48 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Croatian

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Roast Pork with Dumplings

Tender roast pork with soft dumplings. (National dish)

Peka

Meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell.

Black Risotto

Risotto made with cuttlefish and black ink.

Ćevapi

Grilled minced meat sausages served with onions.

Pašticada

Beef stew with prunes and red wine sauce.

Phrases to learn

English

Croatian

Hello

Bok

(Bohk)

Yes/No

Da / Ne

(Dah / Neh)

Thank you

Hvala

(Hvah-lah)

Excuse me

Oprostite

(Oh-proh-stee-teh)

How much?

Koliko?

(Koh-lee-koh)