Plitvice Lakes

Introduction

Plitvice

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The Plitvice Lakes (Croatian: Plitvička Jezera) are one of the natural highlights of Croatia. They are located in the Dinaric Alps in the central part of the country near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is placed on the Unesco World Heritage List. The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have created natural dams which over the last thousands of year, as Unesco puts it. These natural dams again have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls and this geological proces continues today. The forests in the park are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species and there are great walking trails as well as relaxing at the lakes and falls. Fore more information, have a look at the official Plitvice Lakes National Park website.

Note that the National Park is located near the municipality with the name Plitvice Lakes as well.

Opening Hours

The park is open year round, from 7am during summer and 8am during spring, autumn and winter. It closes at 8pm in summer, 6pm in spring and autumn and 4pm in winter. Tickets are available up to 4 hours before closing time. Less time doesn't give the park justice anyway.

Cost

The entrace fee for adults is 110 KN during the summer season (April-October) and 80 KN during winter. That's about €15 and €11 respectively. If you are with at least 15 (!) people it's 10 KN less, children aged 7-18 pay pay half, under 7 it's free. Students pay 50 KN/35 KN.

Getting There and Around

By Car

The park can easily reached by car along the main road from the coast to Zagreb.

By Bus

Buses between Zagreb and the Croatian coastal cities of Split and Zadar can drop you off at the entrance of the national park.
Small buses within the park are yours to take if you are not fancying the walking anymore, also included in the park fee.

By Boat

Boats travel around some of the lakes and these are included in the entrance fee.

Plitvice

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By Foot

From the entrance, good walking trails lead into the park and you can easily spend the whole day walking from one side to the other, stop at scenic points and enjoy the views. Some trails are crowded, especially during the middle of the day, so come early or stay a little later.

Eat and Drink

There are snack shops at the entrance and exit of the park. To add, there is a large picnic area with various food stands across the main lake, which you can reach by boat.

Sleep