If you're looking for some practical tips for visiting the Plitvice Lakes, you've come to the right place! This vast natural park is one of the most beloved places in Europe for hiking and immersing yourself in nature. More and more Italians are heading to Croatia to spend holidays here filled with relaxation and sport.
In this article, we want to help you organize the perfect visit to the lakes with all the useful information and tips that can save you time and money and ensure you get the most out of the experience!
Some Information About Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park was established in 1949 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The area covers a vast expanse of over 30,000 hectares, famous for its lake system which includes as many as 16 lakes..
These were formed by the flow of two rivers, the White River and the Black River,which created two distinct sectors. The first is the Gornja Jazera or Upper Lakes, which also includes the stunning Lake Kozjak, while the second is the Donja Jazera or Lower Lakes.
The park also includes forests, caves, and countless beautiful waterfalls, the most famous being the Veliki Slap, which is 78 meters high. It is also home to numerous animal species including butterflies, wolves, lynxes, bears, and roe deer.
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When to Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
It is no exaggeration to say that Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful places not only in Croatia, but on earth. You can visit the lakes year-round, as each season offers different views and emotions.
The best time to visit the lakes is undoubtedly spring, when the water volume is higher and the waterfalls are fuller and more spectacular. Autumn is also a good season to plan a visit, thanks to its warm color palette that makes the scenery almost completely different. In both seasons, the climate is mild and very pleasant, and although tourist numbers are always significant, they are somewhat lower.
In winter, the natural park takes on yet another completely new appearance. The water freezes and the forests are covered in snow,turning it into a fairytale setting. It is definitely worth visiting even in the colder months, but keep in mind that the park will be open for fewer hours, so you will have less time to explore it fully.
Summer, on the other hand, will show you the lakes in all their glory, but your trip might be more stressful than expected. The reason? Between June and August, the place literally explodes with tourists and it can be really difficult to enjoy the peace you seek in nature.
How to Get to the Plitvice Lakes
Reaching Plitvice National Park is not difficult, but it will require several hours of travel. If you are already in Croatia, you can reach the park in two hours from Zadar, two and a half hours from Zagreb, and three and a half hours from Split.
The area is served by public transport such as buses, which unfortunately are not very frequent. The best way to get around independently is therefore undoubtedly by car or by renting one..
The downside is that parking is not included in the ticket price and the fees are somewhat high. To find out the cost of visiting the Plitvice Lakes at different times of the year, depending on the visitor and the length of the visit, please refer to the official website.
If you are coming from Italy and only have a weekend available, joining an organized tour like the one offered by Meeterscould be a great idea. Our group trip with a dedicated guide focuses on trekking and wellness, departing by bus from Verona. For all the details, click on this link!
How Long to Stay and Where to Sleep
Often, just one day is enough to visit the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice. . However, considering that you might spend up to four hours driving round-trip, to fully enjoy the park without rushing or skipping some trails,it is advisable to spend a night in the area. Both inside the park and nearby, there are many.
hotels and guesthouses . Naturally, those inside the park are the most expensive, but prices throughout the area rise significantly during the high season and on weekends.. Obviously, the internal ones are the most expensive, but throughout the area prices rise significantly during the high season and on weekends.
What to See at the Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its numerous hiking trails that attract many visitors from all over the world. However, it is not a place only for the most avid athletes, but rather for everyone, including children and the elderly..
In fact, the park can be explored not only on foot but also by bike, boat, or the internal train. All different and exciting experiences that can be enjoyed even during the same visit. For those who want to walk without effort, wooden boardwalks have been built throughout the park and over the lakes, making visits easy and not tiring.
The park has three entrances. Entrance 1 is the busiest and also the most scenic. From here, routes A, B, C, and K branch out, all four very charming, marked in green and with numerous signs., all four very charming, marked in green and indicated by numerous signs.
FromEntrance 2 you start routes E, H, F, and K , marked in orange. In both cases, you will be given a map which we recommend keeping handy at all times., marked in orange. In both cases, you will be given a map which we recommend keeping handy at all times.
Finally, the last entrance is the Flora Auxiliarynear the village of Plitvica Selo. Here it is not possible to buy entrance tickets, so if you are nearby, remember to purchase them online!
These were our tips for visiting the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, if you liked them, keep following our blog for more itineraries and travel guides. And don't hesitate to join Meeters events to travel in a new way centered on friendship!