A Day at Plitvice National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, is a sprawling 114.6-kilometer area of pristine, untouched beauty. Its unique allure, often hailed as one of nature’s most remarkable masterpieces, is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. The park shares its borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Plitvice Lakes include sixteen emerald-blue crystalline lakes interconnected by over ninety cascades and waterfalls. Two lakes, Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, physically divide the park into two halves. The dolomite formations constitute the twelve Upper Lakes. There are wooden walkways and bridges that provide stunning views as they traverse the lakes and their banks. There are supplementary transit alternatives inside the park, such as electric boats and a shuttle bus.

We arrived just before the park’s opening at 6:45 a.m. and found Plitvice Lakes National Park to be serene. The absence of the usual crowds allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the park’s natural beauty, a rare and peaceful experience. 

The Lower Lakes were our first destination, with their stunning azure waters and cascading waterfalls. Each step unveiled fresh insights. As we walked down the paths, the harmonious convergence of the lush grass and the clear water struck us. The calming sound of water cascading over rocks joined us throughout our morning stroll. 

The paths were simple to navigate, and excellent signage guided us to stunning viewpoints. Each walk provides breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes.

The tranquil beauty and pristine purity of the landscape, which are awe-inspiring, clearly demonstrate Plitvice Lakes’ designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The confluence of the lakes’ blue, green, and gray tones produces a striking visual impression. Waterfalls create lakes with naturally occurring limestone walls of grass, algae, and bacteria. The travertine walls ascend about 0.4 inches a year due to algae and bacteria deposition on the pre-existing sections. Most lakes are located in the upper group.

Situated between two mountain ranges, the park exhibits a unique temperature zone allowing for this beautiful space to exist. There are several scenic viewpoints along the trails, each providing a distinct perspective on the park’s natural beauty. We often stopped to appreciate the stunning landscape, capture pictures, and unwind in the tranquil surroundings.

The Upper Lakes were equally magnificent, with a network of interlinked ponds and smaller waterfalls.

We traversed one of the vast lakes by boat at about midday. The forest seemed more idyllic on the lake’s reflected, smooth surface. 

As we continued our hike, we discovered more hidden gems across the park. Uncovering trails leading to less-visited viewpoints gave us a sense of exclusivity in the park. We were fortunate to witness numerous small species during our journey, and the diversity of flora and wildlife was truly remarkable. The park is home to around 1,265 plant species, of which 75 are indigenous. It has renowned fauna, including brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and the European wildcat, while its 55 species of orchids enhance its perennial allure. At least 321 kinds of butterflies fill the park with vibrancy and vitality. The lakes exhibit beauty all year!

Even though we were tired, we always appreciated Plitvice National Park’s magnificent surroundings. Time seemed to stop, enabling us to rediscover the glories of our fantastic planet and reconnect with nature in its most unadulterated state! 

Which route to pursue? 

There are seven distinct rails in the Upper and Lower Lakes. The duration and distance required vary. The quickest trail is around two hours and covers many attractions inside the park. The extended excursion, possibly lasting up to eight hours, navigates the upper and lower lakes.

The park has two entrances. Entrance 1 is ideal for anyone seeking a magnificent view of the Great Waterfall and access to the lower lakes. Entrance 2 caters to those seeking a more circular path around the lower and upper lakes, potentially resulting in less early traffic.

For a one-day park visit, Program B is best. The Lower Lakes serve as the starting point for the excursion, commencing at Entrance 1. This trip encompasses several iconic monuments in Plitvice and offers a comprehensive overview of the park’s other attractions. This is the option we took.

Tips on visiting Plitvice Lakes:

• If you don’t have a ticket, go to gate 2 and buy tickets from the little booth across the wooden bridge. Avoid buying them in the parking lot because the lines are long.
• To save time, purchase tickets online in advance.
• Take plenty of water and enjoy at your own pace.
• Check the boards to determine your route, but anticipate that it may take slightly longer than indicated.
• The lakes are off-limits to swimming, but visitors can rent a small rowboat.
• You must always carry your entry ticket. You can use the tickets on both the ferry and the rail. The websites have timetables that may vary with the seasons.
• The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is early morning or afternoon, with fewer tourists. Arrive early during the summer months (June–August) to avoid the crowds. The park opens at 7:00 a.m., and the tour buses arrive at 9:00 a.m. 
• Dogs are welcome in the park, but they must always be on leash.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring waterproof gear if visiting during the rainy season.
• Explore the Park Hiking Trails: Select from several well-marked trails that range from 2 to 8 hours in length.
• Boat Ride: For breathtaking views, take a boat across Lake Kozjak. Waterfalls: Take advantage of the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap), the highest in Croatia.

Visit the Plitvice National Park website for more information.

Author: Cristy
Photo Credit: Nathan