Tips and tricks for your visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Urednik Blog

If you have ever dreamed of visiting this wonder of nature, you are in the right place. In our blog, we will share some of the most useful tips and tricks so you can make the most of your visit and explore all 16 gorgeous lakes interconnected through a series of waterfalls and cascades, creating a unique environment which will leave you breathless. The Plitvice Lakes National park lies in the very heart of beautiful Croatia, and it is home to incredible nature. The Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Explore the trails and routes in advance, and get to know the network of trails all over the Plitvice Lakes National Park taking you to the most wonderful parts of the park.

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Planning a visit to this impressive national park requires a bit of thinking and attention to detail. Luckily, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is dedicated to providing its visitors with all they need to be able to plan a truly unforgettable experience. If you decide to visit what many consider the most beautiful national park in Europe (and wider), make sure you first visit its official web-site.  The official web-site of the Plitvice Lakes National Park has lots of information, including some general info about the park, a place to purchase tickets, as well as book a hotel or campsite. You will find out many interesting facts about the parks’ flora and fauna, research activities conducted by tireless and dedicated scientists in order to protect the environment and re-introduces species such as the bobcat. The web-site also gives important information about appropriate behaviour at the park, since it is a highly protected area, and as you walk through it, you are only allowed to discard your trash at certain spots designated for this purpose. The Plitvice Lakes National Park has implemented an online ticket sales system so as to simplify the entrance process and reduce waiting times. It is up to you to choose the desired time of entry to the Park and select whether you want a one-day or two-day ticket. Keep in mind that the ticket price goes towards the further protection and management of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and your purchase helps this public institution to continue being in business.

Information spots within the Park are useful resources, as you can get a map or brochure, and trained staff members can give you some guidelines and answer all of your questions. Use these spots to find out some additional information, ask for recommendations, and make the most of your time at the Park. You can also use the web-site to find accommodation or search our varied range of hotels, campsites and restaurants to choose where and what to eat. If you want to explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you should expect long walks on picturesque trails and wooden pathways. Dress accordingly in comfortable clothes and shoes, appropriate for various terrains and weather conditions.

Which tour programme should you choose?

If you are planning to visit this enchanting park, you need to know the available tour programmes in order to be able to make the most of your time here. There are eight tour programmes available at the park, so every visitor is sure to find one to suit them. Visitors entering the park at Entrance 1 can choose one of the four programmes marked in green on the info panels. The four programmes beginning at Entrance 2 are marked in orange. Duration of visit varies depending on the programme, and it ranges from several hours to day-long visits, which enables visitors to choose an option which best suits their wishes.

With programmes A, B and F you can explore the Lower Lakes of the Park. Your tour will start at Entrance 1 or 2, and you will follow the marked paths leading to the beautiful waterfalls, bridges and viewpoints along the Lower Lakes. These programmes are best suited for visitors with limited time or those who prefer a less demanding walk. Programme E includes a short boat ride across the Kozjak Lake, followed by a walk upstream all the way to the Prošćansko Lake. Visitors return to the starting point by a sight-seeing train. With programmes C and H you can explore the Upper and Lower Lakes, and they are perfect to visit the most magical spots in the Park in the shortest time frame possible. You will see even more wonderful waterfalls and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the tall viewpoints. These programmes last a bit longer and are a little more physically demanding, but you will experience nature in an incredible way. The programmes combine a sight-seeing train and electric-boat ride so that you can explore the Park from different perspectives. Programme K is perfect for visitors who are looking for a longer walk, and it enables you to enter at whichever entrance point you wish, and start your ideal adventure in exploring the pristine nature.

Regardless of the tour programme you choose, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is guaranteed to be an incredible experience you will remember forever. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create memories to last a lifetime. At the panoramic train station you will find our staff members who can give you information about the park in various languages, so you can learn more about the history, flora, fauna and protection measures applied at the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Where to eat?

Not only will the Plitvice Lakes National Park enchant you with its remarkably gorgeous nature, but it will also entice you with its diverse culinary offer. During your visit to the park, you can stop for a meal in one of several restaurants and bistros. For all lovers of traditional cuisine, the restaurant Lička kuća has a wide range of dishes with traditional ingredients, and it is located near Entrance 1. The combination of the Lika region in its truest form and first-class gastronomy will lead you to the warm embrace of a traditional old Lika house, while the scents and tastes will take you back to your childhood.

As you walk through the Park, you can get refreshment and a tasty snack in one of our small bistros tucked away into the greenery. There are also several picnic areas where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by wonderful nature. You can visit one of our restaurants located in the Jezero Hotel and Plitvice Hotel, while visitors of the Korana and Borje campsites can enjoy their meals in restaurants located within the campsites. If you are starting or ending your tour at Entrance 2, you will find the self-service restaurant and bar Poljana, the perfect chance to take a break and enjoy different dishes and refreshing beverages. Regardless of whether you are looking for a quick snack or a relaxed meal with a wonderful view, the culinary offer at the Park will be a pleasant addition to your visit. Bon Appetit!

Where to stay?

Our offer includes several excellent options for accommodation which are sure to fulfil all your needs, as well as a series of activities our visitors can take part in and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the region. Whether you prefer winter or summer activities, you are sure to find something that suits you. One of the options is the Jezero Hotel. The hotel has comfortable rooms overlooking a lake and the surrounding scenery. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s roomy terraces and relax in a natural environment. The Jezero Hotel also offers various amenities, such as a restaurant, bar, and wellness centre, which will help you fully unwind after exploring the Park.

The Plitvice Hotel combines contemporary design with traditional elements, and its comfortable rooms overlook a lake or the forest. Guests of the Plitvice Hotel can enjoy sweet treats on a spacious terrace overlooking the Flora auxiliary entrance. Visitors who prefer camping and being close to the nature can enjoy one of the two campsites located in close proximity to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

The Korana Campsite offers beautiful camping areas surrounded by greenery. Guests can explore the nearby cycling trails leading them through the pristine nature and offering incredible views of the Korana river. If you are looking for something different, visit the nearby horse ranch and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Make sure to visit the Barać Caves to get fascinating insight into the underground world. The Speleon Centre of Subterranean Heritage is located next to the Barać Caves, and it is a must-see. Its interactive exhibitions and educational programmes will introduce you to the abundant and beautiful underground world.

The Borje Campsite is another good choice for camping enthusiasts, and it offers a peaceful and natural resting spot. You can also visit the Croatian Centre for Indigenous Karst Water Fish and Crab Varieties, located in the town of Otočac, not far from the Borje Campsite. The Centre is a must-see for any fan of nature and aquatic ecosystems. You will learn about the abundant underwater world of rivers and lakes, as well as the importance of preserving these ecosystems. You can also see various species of fish and crab, and get unique insight into their life cycles. Next, you can visit the memorial centre dedicated to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, Nikola Tesla, located in the vicinity of the town of Gospić.

One of the most popular activities during the winter months is sledding in the village of Mukinje, and the snow-covered hills offer never-ending winter fun. Whether you are an adventurer, nature enthusiast or history buff, these activities will make sure you create some unforgettable memories during your stay in this beautiful region of Croatia.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique natural attraction definitely worth a visit. If you follow these tips and tricks, you are sure to enjoy the mesmerising beauty of the lakes, waterfalls and nature which you will remember forever. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a protected area, so you must follow the rules and regulations in order to help preserve its natural beauty. Keep to the marked pathways, do not feed the animals, and dispose of your waste in the designated waste bins. As a responsible visitor, you contribute to the preservation efforts and help us maintain the park’s integrity for future generations. Do not forget to bring a camera, because you will definitely want to record the amazing sights this Park offers.