Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in the very center of Croatia, is a true jewel of natural beauty. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world are drawn to the Park, a protected area on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In order to make the most of your visit, we recommend you to explore the available trails and routes in advance, because they lead to the most spectacular views offered by this unique landscape. In this blog post, you will discover some of the most useful tips which will help you make the most of your time in the Park and enjoy everything that Plitvice Lakes offer.
EXPLORE OUR OFFICIAL WEB-SITE
If you have decided to visit what many consider to be the most beautiful national park in Europe, your should start with a visit to the official website of Plitvice Lakes National Park. All the information necessary for planning your visit are available there, including information about the working hours of the Park, gastronomic offer, electric boat and panoramic vehicle schedules, as well as the option of purchasing the tickets and booking a stay in the hotels or campsites. You can find out a lot of interesting facts about the rich flora and fauna of the Park, its cultural and historic heritage, news from our expert service and the scientific research conducted for the conservation of this unique area. It should be pointed out that Plitvice Lakes are under the highest level of nature protection, which means it is crucial to respect the rules of conduct. Waste may only be disposed of in designated areas and visitors are encouraged to engage in environmentally responsible behavior. An online ticketing system has been implemented for increased efficiency and reduced crowding. In addition, new ticket machines have been placed at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, so that you will be able to purchase tickets faster and with less hassle upon arrival. When purchasing the ticket, simply select the desired entry timeslot and decide if you want the one-day or two-day ticket. Your ticket is more than a way of accessing the natural beauty – it is also a contribution to the permanent protection and conservation of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Photo: Shutterstock
You can find maps, brochures and friendly staff happy to help you with tips and answers at information points inside the Park. Visit them for additional information and recommendations in order to plan you tour better. Walking along picturesque trails and wooden walkways is one of the most beautiful parts of visiting Plitvice Lakes. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for various terrains and weather conditions.
Which tour programme should you choose?
If you are planning to visit this fairytale park, it is important to know which tour programs you can choose in order to make the most of the time spent here. There are eight tour programs in the Park, which means that there is a suitable program for each visitor. Visitors entering the Park at Entrance 1 are given a choice of four tour programs marked in green on the information boards. Entrance 2 serves as the starting point for four programs marked in orange. The tours are available in various durations, ranging from a few hours to full-day trips, giving visitors the opportunity to choose the option that best suits their wishes.
Programs A, B, and F lead you on an exploration of the Lower Lakes of the National Park. The tour begins at Entrance 1 or Entrance 2 and then follows marked trails leading to beautiful waterfalls, bridges, and viewpoints along the Lower Lakes. These programs are suitable for visitors with limited time or those who prefer an easier walk. Program E includes a short boat ride across Lake Kozjak, followed by a walk upstream to Lake Prošćansko. The panoramic train takes you back to the starting point. With programs C and H, you will explore the Upper and Lower Lakes and be able to visit all the magical places within the Park in the shortest time possible. Here you will experience even more beautiful waterfalls and enjoy fantastic panoramic views from high viewpoints. These programs take a bit more time and require a higher level of physical fitness, but they provide an incredible experience of nature. The programs combine a panoramic train ride and an electric boat ride so that you can explore the National Park from various perspectives. Program K is intended for lovers of longer walks, and it gives visitors the option of choosing the starting entrance for their ideal adventure of exploring untouched nature.
Where to eat?
The gastronomic offer of Plitvice Lakes National Park is an ideal addition to the natural beauty surrounding you during the tour.
A special place is held by the Lička kuća restaurant, located at Entrance 1, which has been nurturing the tradition of Lika cuisine and hospitality for more than 50 years. It is hard to imagine a tour of Plitvice Lakes without a visit to this authentic place where the taste, scent, and warmth of the former Lika meet. The menu includes specialties prepared with local ingredients, and the ambiance of a wooden Lika house further enhances the experience.
Lička kuća Restaurant 
Lička kuća Restaurant 
Lička kuća Restaurant
Located at Entrance 2 to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Black River – steak & pasta house serves top-notch steaks and delicious pasta in a modern interior with a lounge atmosphere. Whether you are arriving from Zagreb or Split, the excellent location and transport connections make this restaurant an ideal choice for a relaxed meal or a business lunch.
Black River Steak & Pasta House 
Black River Steak & Pasta House 
Black River Steak & Pasta House
The Lička kuća restaurant and Black River steak & pasta house have been featured in Gault&Millau Croatia, a prestigious restaurant guide featuring international restaurants – a testament to their exceptional quality.
While in the Park, you can refresh yourself and enjoy delicious snacks at our bistros. There are also designated picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by the beauty of nature. You can also dine in the Waterfall restaurant located within the Jezero hotel, and guests of the Korana and Borje campsites can find refreshment in the restaurants located at the respective campsites.
Waterfall Restaurant 
Korana Restaurant 
Borje Restaurant
If you are starting a tour of the Park or returning from a tour at Entrance 2, the self-service shop and bar in Restaurant Poljana will be a great opportunity for refreshment with various dishes and refreshing drinks.
You can round out the day at Kozjak Café Bar, located just a few steps from Hotel Jezero, where you can relax with a light cocktail, a refreshing drink, or enjoy a cup of coffee and monoportions while taking in the breathtaking view. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal with a beautiful view, the gastronomic offer of Plitvice Lakes National Park will add a special touch to your visit.
Kozjak Café Bar 
Kozjak Café Bar 
Kozjak Café Bar
Where to stay?
Whether you are planning a relaxing weekend, a family trip, or an active vacation in nature – it is important to find the right place to stay. We offer several excellent accommodation options that will meet various guest needs. You can choose between a comfortable stay at Hotel Jezero or camping in the beautiful natural surroundings of our Korana or Borje campsites. Whether you prefer the comfort of a hotel or the proximity to nature and an active vacation at a campsite, you will find the ideal place for your stay here.
Located in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hotel Jezero is an ideal starting point for exploring untouched nature. Thanks to the hotel’s excellent location, guests can fully experience the beauty of the Park without needing to use a car, and a single ticket grants unlimited access to the Park for the duration of their stay. The hotel offers numerous facilities for an active and relaxing vacation – from walking and hiking to fitness, a bowling alley, a hydromassage pool, a Finnish sauna, and a Turkish steam bath. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, parking, a beauty salon, electric vehicle charging stations, as well as the option of transfers to various locations within the National Park, subject to prior availability check. All of this makes Hotel Jezero the perfect choice for anyone looking for peace, comfort, and a natural ambiance.
Hotel Jezero 
Hotel Jezero 
Hotel Jezero
The Korana campsite, located along the scenic canyon of the Korana River, is one of the most beautiful destinations in continental Croatia. It covers 35 hectares and offers a variety of accommodation options, including bungalows and camping lots. The pleasant surroundings of the campsite are rich in greenery and feature horticultural decoration, contributing to the relaxing atmosphere. The campsite is ideal for Nordic walking, jogging, and cycling, and the beautifully landscaped 2 km walking trail leading from the campsite to the old town of Drežnik, a defensive fortress from the 12th century, stands out in particular. Well-equipped sanitary facilities, a restaurant with local specialties, and a shop also ensure carefree, pleasant camping, with the nature providing a real source of peace and relaxation.
Korana Campsite 
Korana Campsite 
Korana Campsite
The Borje campsite is located in a centuries-old pine forest, which creates a relaxing atmosphere and provides natural shade during hot summer days. The campsite offers spacious camping lots, tailored to guests who wish to enjoy a simple, but pleasant stay in the outdoors. Guests can choose between premium lots, comfort lots and camping lots, depending on the desired level of comfort and location within the campsite. The proximity of the campsite to major roads allows easy access to the National Park, while at the same time a sense of peace and connection with nature is preserved. The Borje campsite offers a wide range of facilities for all ages, including a children’s playground and sports fields for table tennis, grass volleyball, five-a-side football and a hanging bowling alley. Numerous cycling and hiking trails nearby allow you to explore the most hidden corners of the beautiful Plitvice forests.
Borje Campsite 
Borje Campsite 
Borje Campsite
ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Explore the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park with one of eight tour programs, and rent a rowboat to explore the largest lake, Kozjak, on your own for the full experience. To enjoy nature and an active vacation, choose some of the many other activities in the Park’s surroundings and try your hand at horseback riding in the untouched forests bordering the National Park or kayaking on the crystal-clear Gacka River, explore the life of Nikola Tesla at the Memorial Center, or try out some adrenaline activities.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique natural attraction that is truly worth the visit. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy the incredible beauty of lakes, waterfalls, and nature that will stay with you forever. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a protected area and it is essential to follow the rules and regulations to preserve its natural beauty.
