Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting? 7 Best Reasons to Visit in 2024
Plitvice Lakes is absolutely worth visiting. Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is worth visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park to explore the unique boardwalk trails, see the turquoise lakes, and admire the incredible waterfalls.
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Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting?
If you are planning a trip to Croatia, you may be wondering if it is worth it to journey out to Plitvice Lakes – the answer is yes it is. In fact, Plitvice Lakes was the highlight of my recent trip to Croatia, and I highly recommend visiting. The park is unlike any I have ever experienced and is breathtakingly beautiful.
Don’t Have Time to Read this Whole Post? Here is Why Plitvice Lakes is Worth Visiting:
✔️ Most beautiful national park in Croatia
✔️ Unique boardwalk paths
✔️ Scenic hiking and relaxing boat ride
✔️ Over 90 waterfalls and 16 turquoise blue lakes
✔️ Incredible photo opportunities
✔️ Perfect for all ages
🌲 Click Here to Check Availability and Prices for Admission to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Origin & History of Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes has been a place of natural wonder for thousands of years, and traces its history to ancient human settlements. In the late 19th century, tourism began to evolve at Plitvice Lakes, as it became known for its untouched beauty.
In 1949, Plitvice Lakes was proclaimed Croatia’s first National Park. Then, in 1979, the park was officially recognized as a UNSECO World Heritage site for its outstanding natural value.
Today, Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s largest National Park, and is one of the most iconic and protected natural areas in the country. The unparalleled beauty of the park makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia.
7 Reasons Plitvice Lakes is Worth Visiting
Plitvice Lakes is an incredible place to visit in Croatia, and below you’ll find 7 reasons why Plitvice Lakes is worth it.
1. Most Beautiful National Park in Croatia
Plitvice Lakes is famous for its stunning natural beauty. The park boasts a series of cascading waterfalls, 16 crystal-clear lakes, lush greenery, and vibrant flora.
After spending weeks traveling through Croatia, I still think that Plitvice Lakes is easily one of the most beautiful places in the country.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural value. It’s one of Croatia’s most iconic and protected natural areas.
2. Unique Boardwalk Paths
Plitvice Lakes has wooden boardwalk paths that cross over and along the lakes. It is an incredibly unique feature that I have never seen at a national park before.
At certain points the boardwalk paths even cross over small waterfalls, which was one of the most unique experiences we had while visiting the park.
The wooden boardwalk paths also help to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the park, as the wooden paths allow you to walk through without disturbing nature. This is a great aspect of the park and helps with sustainable tourism in Croatia.
3. Stunning Waterfalls and Crystal Clear Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland with over 90 enchanting waterfalls, including the majestic Veliki Slap, one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls.
Throughout the park there are 16 interconnected lakes, with turquoise waters that are so crystal clear that you can see to the bottom.
Wandering the boardwalk paths of the Lower Lakes allows you to get up close to the waterfalls, which is an incredible experience.
Meanwhile, the trails of the Upper Lakes reveals a panoramic view from above, offering postcard-perfect photo opportunities that capture the park’s unrivaled beauty.
4. Scenic Hiking
Plitvice Lakes National Park covers and area of almost 30,000 hectares and offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails.
The hiking trails and walking paths are incredibly scenic and allow you to explore the beauty of the lakes and waterfalls up close.
Whether you’re a leisurely walker or an avid hiker, there are trails suitable for all levels. The park is also perfect for all ages, especially on the easy walking paths of the Lower Lakes.
5. Easy Transportation in the Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is well organized which makes transportation throughout the park seamless.
With two entrances and eight designated walking paths, you’ll find clear signs and maps guiding your way. Plus, some paths include boat rides across Lake Kozjak and shuttle trains back to entrances 1 or 2, all included with your park admission.
This streamlined transportation system ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit, allowing you to focus on the park’s breathtaking natural beauty.
6. The Park is Open Year-Round
One great thing about Plitvice Lakes is that it is open year round. Additionally, the different seasons each offer something unique making it worth visiting Plitvice Lakes at different times of the year.
Spring in Plitvice Lakes brings fresh blooms, summer has lush greenery and flowing waterfalls, autumn has colorful foliage, and winter turns the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland.
7. Beautiful Photo Opportunities
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a photographers dream come true. The park is absolutely stunning, with endless photo opportunities. From the impressive waterfalls to the lush green scenery, this place is out of this world beautiful.
Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting? The Cons
As with any destination, there are a few cons of visiting Plitvice Lakes. Below are some cons to consider (and tips to avoid them):
🚫 Crowds
The crowds are by far the biggest con of visiting Plitvice Lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia, and typically gets over 1 million people that visit throughout the year.
Plitvice Lakes does get crowded, especially in the high season. However, in my experience the crowds were not as bad as we expected. In fact, there was hardly anyone at the park at 8am when we visited at the end of June.
Therefore, to avoid the crowds, get to the park between 7am-8am in the high season. Another option is explore the park in the shoulder seasons or in off season.
🚫 Weather
The weather at Plitvice Lakes can get hot in the summer. July and August are the warmest months, and average temperatures can get to 27°C (80.6°F).
Luckily, a good majority of the park is shaded which makes the heat more bearable.
Plitvice Lakes also experiences a decent amount of rain, even in the summertime. I recommend bringing a lightweight rain jacket just in case of rain during your trip.
🚫 Park Can Reach Capacity – Need to Book a Time Slot in Advance
When visiting Plitvice Lakes, you’ll need to book a ticket and entry time slot in advance or you risk the park being sold out when you want to visit, especially in July and August. Once inside the park, you can stay as long as you would like.
This isn’t a total con, because it does help control how many people are in the park at once. However, it can be a con if you prefer not to plan in advance and would rather wake up and decide what you are doing the day of.
Tips for Making a Visit to Plitvice Lakes Worth It
Plitvice Lakes is 100% worth visiting. While there are some cons, such as the crowds and hot weather, these can be avoided by following these tips:
👉 Get There Early
I cannot highlight this tip enough, it is so important to get to Plitvice Lakes early.
We arrived around 8am in June (high season), and there were only a few other people in the park. It was absolutely magical to wander through the park with relatively low crowds and have the space to take incredible photos. By 11am, the park began to get very busy and crowded.
👉 Book Your Tickets in Advance
Its best to book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in the long lines at the park.
Additionally, during the high season it is essential to book in advance as the park is so popular it can sell out for the day you want to visit.
🌲 Click Here to Check Prices and Availability for Admission to Plitvice Lakes National Park
👉 Start with the Lower Lakes at Entrance 1
Starting at Entrance 1 and doing the Lower Lakes early in the morning is a great option to see one of the most popular parts of the park before the crowds come.
This allows you to experience the boardwalk paths over the water without being packed in by other people. Then, head to the Upper Lakes which seemed to have less crowds (in our experience).
Note: This is something that worked well for us because we got to the park early. It won’t work if you get there after 9am.
👉 Wear Hiking Boots or Sturdy Shoes
I recommend wearing sturdy, water proof shoes or hiking boots to Plitvice Lakes. I made the mistake of wearing regular tennis shoes, and wished I had worn my hiking boots instead as my tennis shoes have terrible grip.
Much of the trails on the lower lakes is on boardwalks, which is easy but it can get slightly wet so having waterproof shoes will keep your feet nice and dry.
The Upper Lakes is more of a traditional hiking trail, and while it wasn’t a difficult trail there were some steeper parts that make it ideal to have sturdy shoes with a good grip.
👉 Bring Water
When hiking staying hydrated is essential, especially during the summer time when it gets warm. You will most likely spend at least 4-6 hours at the park and so its a good idea to come prepared with a water bottle.
Throughout the park, there are also several small cafes that serve food and drinks, but it will be cheaper to bring your own water.
👉 Don’t Forget to Charge Your Camera
Plitvice Lakes is incredibly scenic and so make sure to fully charge your camera (or phone) before heading to the park. Trust me – you’ll want to take lots of pictures!
Getting To Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is located in a mountainous karst region of central Croatia. Getting to Plitvice Lakes is simple, but does require a bit of pre-planning.
The best way to get to Plitvice Lakes is by renting a car. We use Discover Cars to find the best price on rental cars when traveling internationally.
🚗 Click Here to Check Prices and Availability for Rental Cars in Croatia
Driving Distance from Plitvice Lakes to Major Croatian Cities:
Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes – 129km drive (1.5-2 hours)
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes – 130km drive (1.5 hours)
Split to Plitvice Lakes – 240km drive (2-2.5 hours)
Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes – 436km drive (4.5-5 hours)
If you prefer not to drive, there is a bus that goes from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. During the high season, there are around 8-10 busses per day and the cost is usually around €12.
Tip: If you are staying in Zagreb for a few days before visiting Plitvice Lakes, check out the charming town of Samobor. Samobor is a small village near Zagreb and there are many things to do in Samobor that make it worth spending an afternoon there.
Is It Worth It to Take a Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes?
Plitvice Lakes can be done as a day trip from several Croatian cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Zadar. While these day trips will be slightly long (10-12 hours) it is worth it to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes if you are staying in another Croatian city without a car.
🏞️ Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes Day Trip
🏞️ Zadar to Plitvice Lakes Day Trip
🏞️ Split to Plitvice Lakes Day Trip
Where to Stay When Visiting Plitvice Lakes
As Plitvice Lakes is located a bit far from most of the Croatian Cities, I highly recommend staying at least one night. Below are some of the best hotels near Plitvice Lakes.
📍 Best Hotel Nearby Plitvice Lakes: Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
Located only 10km from Plitvice Lakes National Park, this is a highly rated hotel option. The beautifully decorated and air-conditioned rooms are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park.
👉 Click Here to Check Prices and Availability for Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
📍 Apartment Rental with a Hot Tub: Velebit Lodge
We stayed here and absolutely loved it. This rental home is located in rural Croatia, with views of the Velebit Mountains from the Jacuzzi. It is remote, but incredibly relaxing and scenic.
The rental is located around 1 hour drive from Plitvice Lakes, but also only 1 hour (in the other direction) to Zadar and Krka National Park, making it a perfect base for day trips.
👉 Click Here to Check Availability and Prices for Velebit Lodge
FAQ: Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting?
There are many things to consider when visiting Plitvice Lakes. Below are some of the most common questions and answers to visiting Croatia’s most popular national park.
How Long Should You Spend at Plitvice Lakes?
To see the most of Plitvice Lakes, you will want at least one full day to visit. Most of the trails that cover both the Upper and Lower Lakes take around 4-6 hours to complete. By having a full day, you will be able to see all of the main highlights of the park.
Which is Better Krka or Plitvice?
Both Krka and Plitvice are incredibly beautiful national parks in Croatia. Both have scenic hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. However, Plitvice is more unique due to its wooden boardwalk paths that cross over the cascading lakes. Plitvice is also a larger park with so many hiking opportunities and scenic views, which makes Plitvice the best choice if you can only visit one.
Why is Plitvice Lakes so Popular?
Plitvice Lakes is popular because it is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, and is a UNSECO site. The lush green forest surrounded by turquoise lakes and breathtaking waterfalls make it one of the most beautiful places in Croatia.
So, Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Plitvice Lakes is worth visiting as it one of Croatia’s most iconic and stunning natural attractions. Its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and lush landscapes continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Exploring the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must do experience in Croatia.
👉 Want to see another amazing place in Croatia? Visit Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s must visit cities. From history, Game of Thrones, beautiful beaches, and incredible Dubrovnik wine, Dubrovnik is an incredible destination in Croatia.
