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Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the forested hills of central Croatia, roughly between Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast. Sixteen terraced lakes, joined by waterfalls and cascades, step down through a limestone valley, their colors shifting between turquoise, green and blue. The lakes are separated by natural travertine barriers that continue to grow, and the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wooden boardwalks and trails thread through the park, crossing directly over the water in many places. The Lower Lakes run through a canyon toward Veliki Slap, the park's tallest waterfall, and paths pass Kaluđerovac and Šupljara cave along the way. Sastavci marks the point where the lakes' water spills out into the Korana River. Lake Kozjak, the largest, is crossed by an electric boat, linking the lower and upper sections. The Upper Lakes, including Galovac with its cascades, Veliki Prštavac and Gradinsko jezero, are quieter and more spread out, rising toward Prošćansko jezero and the Labudovac falls. Visitors choose from marked routes of varying length, and swimming is not allowed.
The park suits walkers and photographers, and early arrival helps avoid crowds in summer. Staying nearby allows two visits at different times of day. Rastoke, a village of mills and waterfalls in Slunj, makes a good stop on the way, and the Barać Caves can be visited nearby. Autumn colors are particularly striking.
WiserMap travel guidePlitvice Lakes Croatia Turquoise Waterfalls and BoardwalksPlan Plitvice Lakes: Veliki Slap, the Lower Lakes canyon, Kozjak boats, the Upper Lakes boardwalks, nearby Rastoke, plus tickets, seasons and where to stay.Read the guide
The Great Waterfall, at about 78 metres the tallest in Croatia, where the Plitvica stream plunges into the canyon of the Lower Lakes. Wooden boardwalks lead close to its base. Tip: it is near Entrance 1, so arrive early before tour groups, and expect a lot of spray after rain.
A wide series of cascades at the end of the Lower Lakes where the waters of the lakes pour into the Korana river. It is best seen from the viewpoints above the canyon near Entrance 1. Tip: the upper rim path gives the classic photo looking down on the falls.
Veliki Prštavac is one of the tallest falls of the Upper Lakes, tumbling from Galovac lake past green moss. Gradinsko jezero below it is a calm lake with boardwalks over the water. Tip: these walkways are part of the most scenic stretch of the upper lakes routes.
A limestone canyon holding four turquoise lakes, Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluderovac and Novakovica Brod, linked by boardwalks running right over the water. Steep cliffs rise on both sides. Tip: the boardwalks are narrow and can be crowded, so walk them first thing in the day.
The largest lake in the park, about 4 km long, linking the Upper and Lower Lakes. Electric boats cross it between stops, and a lakeside path follows its shore through beech forest. Tip: there are places to eat near the boat docks, the main break point on most routes.
One of the most beautiful Upper Lakes, fed by many small waterfalls spilling over travertine barriers. The boardwalk passes close to the falls and the water is vivid green and blue. Tip: the upper lakes are usually quieter than the lower ones, especially in the afternoon.
Proscansko is the highest and second-largest of the lakes, surrounded by forest. Just below, the Labudovac waterfall marks the start of the main chain of cascades. Tip: few visitors walk this far, so take the panoramic train to the upper stop and walk down for quiet trails.
Kaluderovac is a small lake of the Lower Lakes, and above it is Supljara cave, which you can climb through on steps to a viewpoint over the canyon. It is a fun short detour on the lower routes. Tip: the steps are steep and slippery when wet, so wear good shoes.
A cave system near Rakovica, a short drive north of the park, with guided tours through halls of stalactites and stalagmites and a colony of bats. The tours take about an hour. Tip: the caves stay cool all year, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
A protected virgin forest of beech and fir trees in the park, considered one of the best preserved old-growth forests in Croatia. It is home to tall trees, rich birdlife and larger mammals. Tip: it lies away from the lakes, so visit with a car and allow time for a quiet forest walk.
The park runs panoramic trains along the eastern rim and electric boats across Lake Kozjak, included in the entry ticket. They link the entrances and lakes, so you can walk one way and ride back. Tip: queues for both build up at midday, so plan the boat crossing early.
An old mill village in Slunj, about 30 minutes north of the park, where the Slunjcica river tumbles over small waterfalls between restored wooden mill houses. You can walk paths among the cascades and eat trout. Tip: it makes an easy stop on the drive between Zagreb and Plitvice.
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