Plitvice Lakes National Park

Most visitors opt to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park on a day trip. Tours run from a number of Croatian cities, including Zadar (the closest), Split, Zagreb, Trogir, Rijeka, and even Dubrovnik. A Plitvice Lakes tour typically takes in the best viewpoints and boardwalks, while an entrance ticket includes an electric boat ride around the lakes and a ride on the park’s panoramic train. It’s possible to take in the highlights in two hours, but for a more comprehensive visit, book a full-day tour.

• Restaurants, snack bars, and restrooms are located near the park's visitor center.

• Regular shuttle buses run between the park’s main attractions.

• Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (in the summer months), and plenty of water.

• Park buses accommodate wheelchairs but due to uneven terrain, some of the lakes and park attractions are inaccessible for wheelchair users.

• Ticket lines can take over an hour in peak season—book in advance to save time.

The closest airports to Plitvice are in Zadar and Zagreb. Buses run regularly from both cities to the national park in summer, but it’s far more convenient to visit with your own vehicle or as part of a group or private tour. Most day tours include round-trip transportation, while those coming from farther afield sometimes offer the chance to end your trip in a second destination.

Plitvice is open year-round and while summer is the most popular (and busiest) time to visit, each season brings its own highlights. Spring and autumn are ideal for photographers with fewer crowds, colorful foliage, and high water levels, while the frozen landscapes of winter are unforgettable—although boat trips won’t be possible. To avoid the crowds, plan for an early arrival or stay until sunset.

The natural beauty of Plitvice National Park is undeniably photogenic, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. Follow the boardwalks between the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera), then climb up to the most dramatic viewpoint—a lookout over the limestone canyon of Veliki Slap, meaning "big waterfall."

If you want to make the most of your time at Plitvice Lakes National Park, set aside a minimum of one full day to see it. Sprawling across 74,000 acres (29,947 hectares) and consisting of 16 interlinked lakes, the park is simply too big to try and breeze through in a couple hours.

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is from spring to early autumn, when the park is at its most photogenic. Do note that it can be very hot and crowded during the summer peak season, so aim for early or late in the season if you can.

That depends—there are numerous trails which visit different areas of the park, some of which can be traversed in just a few hours. However, if you want to explore the whole lake section of the park, the trail is 11.3 miles (18 kilometers) long and takes around a day to hike.

Yes, Plitvice Lakes National Park is worth it. As one of Croatia's oldest and largest national parks, it has also held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1979. Today, the park's interlinked series of turquoise lakes and postcard-worthy waterfalls promise spellbinding scenery, and it's one of the country's most popular natural escapes.

No, you don't necessarily need hiking boots for Plitvice Lakes National Park, but it’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes with a good grip. Many of the park's walkways can be damp and slippery, so anything that gives you supportive footing is recommended. Boots are ideal for longer hikes.

Yes, there are toilets at Plitvice Lakes National Park, including by both its two main entrances. However, while there are some toilets alongside certain trails, they aren’t necessarily widely available in the park, so it's advised to make use of the facilities before you embark on a longer hike.