The unique value of this area was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which included Plitvice Lakes National Park in its World Heritage List thirty years later. This year we are also celebrating the 47th anniversary of international significance – the day this piece of earthly paradise was included on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

As every year, we have prepared special ticket prices for the promotional week. You will have the opportunity to experience all 16 emerald lakes at reasonable prices at the moment when nature wakes up from its winter slumber in a special atmosphere — the forest becomes lusher and the dazzling array of colours is enchanting. In addition to lower ticket prices, visitors will also enjoy a special gastronomic offer with promotional discounts. Our restaurants will prepare a variety of dishes made from local ingredients, many of which are holders of the regional quality system Lika Quality, which further highlights the authenticity and richness of Lika gastronomy.

What awaits you?

Wednesday, April 8

• Music and Cultural Performance, HKUD Široka Kula: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Expert service stand with promotional materials: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Entrance 1)
• Free guided tour of the Park (Entrance 1) at 10:00 AM
• Mingle with the bear mascot: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Tasting of local products: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Entrance 1)

Saturday, April 11

• Music and Cultural Performance, KUD Izvor Rakovica: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Expert service stand with promotional materials: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Entrance 1)
• Free guided tour of the Park (Entrance 1) at 10:00 AM
• Mingle with the bear mascot: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sunday, April 12

• Music and Cultural Performance, Sv. Mihovil Nikšić: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Expert service stand with promotional materials: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Entrance 1)
• Free guided tour of the Park (Entrance 1) at 10:00 AM
• Mingle with the bear mascot: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tickets must be purchased online, and we recommend that you choose one of the visitation programs in advance or download our apps to better plan your visit. In the app, you can mark your parking spot, find information about accommodations and restaurants, as well as general information about the park and educational content about the values of the largest and oldest national park in Croatia.

Accommodation at the Jezero Hotel

The Spring Promo Week at Plitvice Lakes is the perfect opportunity to escape to nature with carefully designed packages that combine accommodation, a Park experience and additional benefits for complete relaxation. The packages include 1, 2 or 3 nights at the Jezero Hotel with breakfast or half board, while tickets to the National Park are included throughout the stay.

We suggest two special offers that will complement your Spring stay. The  Promo Family Vacation at Plitvice Lakes is the ideal choice for families, with additional content and benefits tailored to the youngest, while the Joy of Spring at Plitvice Lakes offer brings a relaxing spring holiday while exploring nature and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Park.

Choose the offer that suits you best and spend your spring promo week in the unique ambiance of Plitvice Lakes.

GASTRO OFFER

During the spring promo week, visitors can expect a diverse and carefully designed gastronomic offer with special benefits and affordable prices.

We especially highlight the restaurants Lička kuća, Poljana – Black River and Waterfall, where carefully created menus await you. At Borje Restaurant, every guest who spends a minimum of €12 per person is entitled to one complimentary drink of their choice – a soft drink (0.2/0.25 l), beer (0.33 l), or coffee. At the same time, all fast-food outlets, as well as Vučnica Bistro and Kozjak Café & Pastry, offer visitors a 15% discount on all food and beverage offer.

More information is provided below.

Lička kuća Restaurant

Working hours: 11:00 – 23:00

The iconic Lička kuća restaurant at the heart of the Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts a long and rich history. Built back in 1972, it has for decades offered an authentic atmosphere infused with the tastes and aromas of traditional Lika region dishes, prepared with an innovative twist. Surrounded by a lush forest on one side, and the Plitvice Lakes on the other, Lička kuća is set in an idyllic location inviting you for long walks or a wander around the picturesque surroundings.

The restaurant serves dishes prepared with quality local ingredients, a testament to the preserved nature of the Lika destination, some of which are certified under the region-wide Lika Quality system rooted in tradition. This year, the Lička kuća restaurant received the prestigious 2023 Travelers’ Choice® Award by TripAdvisor®, ranking it among the top 10% restaurants worldwide.

This renowned restaurant, known for its exceptional cuisine and hospitality, has for more than half a century stood as a proud example of the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Many who dine here describe the experience as a culinary time travel brought about by the aroma of warm and crispy homemade bread and traditional specialties, reminiscent of the times gone by. 

Enjoy the warm rustic feel of the heart of Lika, with the sounds of the crackling fire burning in the open fireplace, the harmony of local flavours and the friendly staff, and treat your taste buds to the culinary delicacies of the Lika destination!

Restaurant Poljana – Black River

Working hours: 11:00 – 23:00

In the heart of the largest and oldest Plitvice Lakes National Park, where nature offers its most magnificent scenes, Restaurant Poljana – Black River has located. Inspired by the beauty of the Black River, Black River provides a unique experience that combines natural beauty with top-notch gastronomy. With an innovative menu and a modern approach, this restaurant is sure to become a favorite destination for all lovers of fine food and nature.

The restaurant offers a relaxing lounge atmosphere where guests can enjoy platters with top-quality cured meats and cheeses. This experience can be paired with carefully selected wines, cold beer, or light cocktails, enjoying the relaxing ambiance. Black River is a place where the natural beauty of the world-famous Plitvice Lakes meets top-notch gastronomy. Whether you come to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends, a romantic dinner, or a business lunch, the restaurant offers a unique experience that will satisfy even the most demanding guests. The passion of the people of Lika for food and hospitality is reflected in many details, from carefully selected ingredients to top-notch service. Experience the magic of Plitvice Lakes on a plate, in an ambiance that exudes elegance and natural harmony. Poljana- Black River Restaurant awaits you!

Hotel Jezero – Waterfall Restaurant

Working hours à la carte restaurant: 11:00 – 23:00
Lobby bar: 7:00 – 23:00

The unbridled beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park enchants every visitor. Its crystal-clear lakes, the murmur of water and the sound of waterfalls echoing through the forest are the reason why Plitvice Lakes is by far the most visited national park in Croatia. Situated in this oasis, located only about 300 m from the biggest lake Kozjak and its lush greenery, Hotel Jezero is hidden away in the quiet environment of Plitvice Lakes, which makes it a perfect location for a holiday in nature. Inside, you can find Restaurant Waterfall and enjoy the view of relaxing greenery from it’s terrace. The pleasant ambience of our lobby bar and outdoor terrace is as enjoyable as our wide selection of beverages and treats.

Bistro Vučnica

Working hours: 07:00 – 23:00

Located just two kilometers south of entrance 2 to the National Park, Pizzeria Vučnica is the perfect stop for your gastronomic adventure and a peaceful location that offers an incredible view of the picturesque ski resort.

Our diverse menu will satisfy all your cravings. Start with our delicious pizzas, prepared with love and fresh ingredients. If you’re looking for a classic taste, try our juicy hamburgers and homemade sausages, made according to an authentic recipe. For dessert, there is no better choice than our irresistible “Basa cake” – the perfect ending to a meal for true gourmets.

Restaurant Borje

Bar’s working hours: 7:00 – 20:00
Buffet self-service working hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Working hours à la carte restaurant working hours: 12:00 – 20:00

Built in 1977 as part of the auto camp and in close proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park, alongside the busy road that served as the only highway link to Northern and Western Europe at the time, where numerous tourists traveled to the coast, Borje Restaurant has remained an indispensable place for relaxation and refreshment with its local gastronomic offerings. Clean lines, playful colors, and the elegance of the space, combined with the irresistible aroma of homemade delicacies and friendly staff, make this restaurant an essential destination for rest and enjoyment, continuing a long-standing tradition passed down from generation to generation.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park application – your pocket guide for visiting the park

This application will enable you to navigate more easily when visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It contains numerous useful information: tour programs and points of interest, the ability to mark your parking spot, information about accommodation and restaurants, general information about the park, as well as educational content about the values of the largest and oldest national park in Croatia. Download the app today and enjoy the nature of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Objava Spring Promotional Week at Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Spend Easter in the Plitvice Lakes National Park and experience spring at its most beautiful. Enjoy walks along waterfalls and lakes, fresh air and the peace of nature. Take advantage of the Easter offer and complete your day at the Waterfall restaurant (Jezero Hotel) or the restaurant Lička kuća with a rich selection of holiday specialties prepared with special care. Book your Easter vacation at Jezero Hotel, in the heart of Plitvice Lakes, and spend unforgettable moments with your loved ones surrounded by untouched nature and a holiday atmosphere.

Accommodation at the Jezero Hotel

Easter at Plitvice Lakes is the perfect opportunity to escape into nature with carefully designed packages that combine accommodation, a Park experience and additional benefits for complete relaxation Packages include 1, 2, or 3 nights at Hotel Jezero with breakfast or half board, while entrance tickets to the National Park are included throughout your stay.

We suggest two special offers that will complement your Easter stay. The Promo Family Vacation at Plitvice is an ideal choice for families, with additional amenities and benefits tailored to the youngest, while the Joy of Spring offer at Plitvice Lakes brings a relaxing spring vacation while exploring nature and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Park.

Choose the offer that suits you best and spend Easter in the unique ambiance of Plitvice Lakes.

Rich Easter program at Plitvice Lakes

The program is designed to combine active outdoor activities, family holiday moments and relaxation in the peaceful surroundings of the Park. Spend your holidays in the idyllic surroundings of the Plitvice Lakes National Park and enjoy spring walks, family activities, a rich gastronomic offer and relaxation in the comfort of the Jezero Hotel.

What awaits you?

Saturday, April 4th – The day before Easter brings the perfect blend of nature and fun

• free guided tour of the Park (Jezero Hotel) at 10:00 a.m
• explore the Park with a boat ride and panoramic vehicle experience
• children’s play “Pufi in the forest” at 5:00 pm in the Jezero Hotel
• live music from 20:00 to 00:00 in the lobby bar of Jezero Hotel

Sunday, April 5th – A holiday filled with tradition and enjoyment

• rich Easter breakfast at the Jezero Hotel (7:00 – 11:00 a.m.)
  • included in the package price for hotel guests
  • available to external visitors for an additional fee
• free guided tour of the Park (Jezero Hotel) at 10:00 a.m
• Holy Mass at the Pastoral Center “Marija Majka Crkve” at 12:00 p.m. (Mukinje 42)

Monday, April 6th – Round off the holidays in the relaxing rhythm of nature

• free guided tour of the Park (Jezero Hotel) at 10:00 a.m

We wish you a wonderful Easter holiday at Plitvice Lakes!

Objava Easter at Plitvice Lakes 2026 pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Faster and easier ticket purchase

In March 2025, ticket vending machines were installed at Entrances 1 and 2 of the national park. These devices enable faster and easier on-site purchase of admission tickets for the same day or the following day, while relieving ticket offices and reducing queues at the entrances. The initiative has been very positively received. In the future, we also plan to enable the collection of group tickets, allowing digitalisation to deliver faster service, greater flexibility and more efficient management of large visitor numbers.

Flexible Visit Planning for an Additional Web Shop Fee

Given the number of enquiries from visitors wishing to change or cancel their visit date at short notice, from July 2025 park visitors have been offered the option to purchase tickets with the flexibility to change or cancel the selected date for an additional fee of €5.00. This provides visitors with greater peace of mind should their travel circumstances change.

Introduction of Specialised Cameras for Counting Park Exits

For several years, various system upgrades and measures have been implemented to reduce the pressure of high visitor numbers on the park’s lake area. As this is an ongoing process, new opportunities for improvement continue to emerge over time. New specialised cameras, fully compliant with GDPR requirements, will be used to count visitor exits from the park. This will allow for more accurate monitoring of visitor numbers within the system, timely opening and closing of additional time slots, an improved visitor experience, and a partial reduction in pressure on nature and the environment.

A Visit Adapted for People with Hearing Impairments

The project “Nature for All in Sign Language”, which Plitvice Lakes National Park joined in 2024, was implemented during 2025 with the aim of improving access to information for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors. QR codes and video materials in Croatian and international sign language have been placed throughout the park in the form of stickers and integrated into the park’s mobile application.

Improved Mobile Park Application

During 2025, the existing Plitvice Lakes National Park mobile application was upgraded, enabling visitors to purchase park tickets directly. The content has been expanded, and the application now allows users to stay informed about all important notifications.

Fast Mobile Phone Charging Stations

As the need to recharge mobile phones has become increasingly common, Plitvice Lakes National Park has responded by installing fast charging stations for mobile phones. These 35 W charging stations were installed at the end of 2025 at two locations: the information office at Entrance 1 and the auxiliary Entrance 2 – Flora. Each station offers 16 secure compartments with easy access via a personal code, and the service is free of charge for all visitors.

A New Generation of Electric Boats Is Coming

In response to visitor suggestions to increase the number of boats and reduce waiting times at boat piers within the park, all necessary documentation to expand fleet capacity was secured during 2025. Three modern electric-powered boats, equipped with solar panels on their roofs, are currently under construction, with the aim of maximising the use of clean energy and reducing environmental impact.

Installation of Air Conditioning Units at Hotel Jezero

In 2025, modern air conditioning units were installed in the rooms of Hotel Jezero, the largest hotel within Plitvice Lakes National Park, to ensure a more comfortable stay for guests. Although the hotel is located in the greenery of the national park and only a five-minute walk from Lake Kozjak, the largest Plitvice lake, the need for air conditioning has increased over time due to summer heat and year-round temperature fluctuations. We believe that many guests of Hotel Jezero will welcome this improvement during their next stay.

Culinary Training at the Kul In Culinary Institute

In March 2025, chefs from various catering facilities within Plitvice Lakes National Park attended culinary training at the Kul In Culinary Institute. As the oldest private culinary school in the region, the institute has received numerous awards and cooperates with more than 60 restaurants and hotels from over 50 countries. Participants had the opportunity to refine their culinary techniques in the preparation of à la carte dishes and to exchange experience with leading professionals in the field. This training directly contributes to higher-quality dishes and greater guest satisfaction with the park’s gastronomic offer.

Visitor surveys continued throughout 2025, providing ongoing insight and reminding us that improvement is always possible. As we continue to monitor feedback from our visitors, we look forward to new results and hope that the improvements implemented will contribute to an even more enjoyable visitor experience in the coming year.

Objava Improvements in 2025 based on visitor feedback pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The charging stations are located at:

• Information – Entrance 1

• Entrance reception – auxiliary Entrance 2 “Flora”

Equipment and features

Each charging station is equipped with 16 fast-charging compartments, with a charging power of 35 W, ensuring quick and efficient charging of mobile devices.

How to use fast chargers for mobile phones

To charge the device:

1. Tap [Charge] button
2. Select desired bay
3. Enter your unique 4-digit code and press
4.  Re-enter code and press
5. The selected bay will open
6. Plug in your device
7. Close bay door

To retrieve the device:

1. Tap [Retrieve] button
2. Select your bay
3. Enter your 4-digit code and press [✔]
4. Unplug and retrieve your device
5. Close the locker box door

Your device is securely stored throughout the charging process. If you have any questions or problems during use, our staff at the entrances will be happy to help you to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

We invite you to try this new service and see how simple and convenient it is.

Objava New Fast Mobile Charging Stations pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

However, sometimes it is not possible to reduce all emissions generated by business, production or travel. When we fail to do so, and we have taken important steps to reduce emissions, the part that remains is exactly what we should compensate for. Emission compensation is then crucial and refers to all those concrete measures taken by us to reduce emissions. They can be expressed through the allocation of a certain amount of money for investment in projects that carry out restoration interventions in degraded habitats, projects that invest in nature-based solutions, tree planting projects – in a word, projects that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

When using a calculator to calculate carbon and ecological footprint, such as:

1.  Calculation of the carbon footprint for travel and accommodation (calculation for each mode of travel with various means of transport, for accommodation, activities, food) – click here 
2. Calculation of the ecological footprint (you will receive information on how many planets of the Earth are needed for your lifestyle and when your personal day of exceeding resources is) – click here
3. UN carbon footprint calculation (takes into account household, transport and lifestyle with a comparison of your personal emissions, the average for the country you come from and the world average) – click here

we can compensate the measured emissions by investing in projects that we find interesting and which are related to the above calculations. Above all, compensation alone without an active contribution to reducing emissions does not mean much.

The possibilities for participating in emission compensation are diverse, especially at the international level, while in Croatia we can highlight an interesting program that neutralizes the carbon footprint by planting trees – CO₂mpensating by planting, in which companies, cities, municipalities and all interested parties can participate through the described application steps.

Plitvice Lakes National Park and forest ecosystems

One of the important studies of forest ecosystems in the national park concerned the application of innovative methods in collecting spatial data from the air. This provided us with high-quality data on the proportion of trees, and the presence of 4,007,362 trees was calculated, with beech dominating with a share of 75%, fir with a share of 20%, and spruce with 4%. The growing stock on the entire Park`s surface amounts to 9,307,933 m³, and the estimated above-ground biomass for the national park of 330 t/ha is significantly above the value for Europe (120 ha/t). This data highlight the importance of forests in the global context, as well as their contribution to CO₂ sequestration. At the same time, the Plitvice forests ranked fourth in terms of sequestration of CO₂ from the atmosphere in the category of areas that include UNESCO World Natural Heritage.

Given that forests are key in the fight against climate change because they are important carbon sinks (1 ha of forest can remove up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide – CO₂), it is particularly important for the national park to leave forests to their natural development and logging is not allowed. In total, more than 3.8 million tons of carbon are stored in the growing stock of the Plitvice forests. With the development of the Forest Protection, Care and Restoration Program, an additional 942 ha of forest areas were identified that will remain permanently protected, and the share of the area under forests increased from 81% to 84%. A further project investing in the establishment of biomonitoring of forest growth and carbon storage was recognized as one of the good practice stories that aims to expand knowledge about biological and ecological processes in forest ecosystems, but also to bring forests closer to visitors in the context of climate change.

In addition to the obligation to conserve forest ecosystems, the national park certainly protects other habitats such as grasslands, peatlands and water ecosystems. Investments in the revitalization of grasslands and the prevention of succession on grassland surfaces are important steps in the permanent preservation of these habitats, which are also hotspots of biodiversity.

Plitvice Lakes National Park and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Objava Carbon offsets pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The last time we had this outlook was in 2014, but the numerous challenges we faced in the reporting period for 2017, when our outlook was rated as “significant concern”, up until the recently published IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 in 2025, have meant that we are only now receiving the final confirmation of our higher rating for effective management and conservation.

The categories (or ratings) are determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN), with four categories in total: critical, significant concern, good with some concerns and good. Reports on the state of the world heritage conservation have been published every 3 years since 2014. However, the last report was published after a period of 5 years, in October 2025.

The state of conservation assessment summary highlights the fact that the values of Plitvice Lakes National Park have so far been well preserved, despite the threats which have been putting the sensitive environment under pressure for decades. The water quality is good and stable, as shown by long-term monitoring conduced by the National Park. The good quality of water also contributes to continuous formation of tufa barriers, an outstanding universal value described by the World Natural Heritage selection criteria (vii), (viii) and (ix). Specific measures have been implemented since 2017, including the control of tourist facilities and inspection, later followed by the installation of water treatment devices, research on moving water intake structures outside of the Park boundaries and the start of the Spatial plan amendment procedure. In order to alleviate the pressure generated by visitors, we have invested in infrastructure, limited the number of visitors and enabled online ticket sales. Overall management of the area has been assessed as mostly effective with well-defined zoning, investments in scientific research and monitoring and the establishment of communication and interaction with the local community. Challenges and threats still exist, but with the cooperation of all stakeholders and further positive developments in management and conservation, we will strive to mitigate them as much as possible in the coming years.

You can find more information at https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/explore-sites/plitvice-lakes-national-park, and World Heritage Outlook 4 is available for download at https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/52596. 

Objava After 8 years, Plitvice Lakes National Park has received international confirmation of its good management and conservation practice pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The EUROPARC Federation placed our Plitvice Lakes National Park on its map of protected areas shortly after its foundation, when the 3rd session of the General Assembly of the Federation’s members was held at the Plitvice Lakes. We found an entry about this in the Plitvički Vjesnik gazette from September/October 1976, where it is stated that there were as many as 80 participants from 17 countries. That 3rd session was preceded in 1975 by the visit of the general president of EUROPARC, Dr. Herbert Offner to Croatia and the National Park when it was agreed that the Plitvice Lakes National Park would host the meeting of the EUROPARC Federation and its members.  

The conference, like all previous ones, was opened by the General Assembly of EUROPARC and its members, with the adoption of various reports from 2024 and the introduction of the new Director of the EUROPARC Organization, Mr. Alberto Arroyo Schnell. The conference continued with welcoming speeches, and Ms. Agnė Jasinavičiūtė – Trakimienė, Director of the State Institute for Protected Areas, gave a particularly interesting speech. She emphasized that her dream of bringing this conference to Lithuania with the organization and participation of all protected areas had finally come true. An important moment of the conference was the signing of the Declaration of Cooperation with Redparques from Venezuela, which emphasizes the expansion of cooperation between protected areas beyond the borders of Europe.

The common theme of this conference was “Nature for People, People for Nature”. Many presentations and workshops focused on the topics of nature and habitat restoration, new legislation, interesting project activities of protected areas, interpretation, strengthening management efficiency, cultural heritage preservation and communication. At the beginning of the conference, we had the opportunity to take a short trip to get to know the area of ​​the Nemunas River, which is characterized by the specific meandering loops.

At the Market Place, the now traditional part of the conference where protected areas present their project activities, educational materials and the specifics of their protected area, Plitvice Lakes National Park also made its contribution. We participated with educational materials, presented our high-quality picture books for younger and older children, as well as the books Trees and Shrubs and Forest Biodiversity. Brochures on natural and cultural values, tourist leaflets, but also local certified Lika quality brandy were of interest to visitors to the stand, and we learned that many of them had already visited our protected area.

A mandatory part of every conference are excursions to protected areas of the host country, giving participants the opportunity to visit many sites that preserve the natural or cultural values ​​of their area. We had the opportunity to visit the Trakai Historical National Park and the trail of the Varnikai Botanical and Zoological Reserve with its interesting bog habitat, lakes and forest with oak and birch trees.

The EUROPARC conference ended with awards and recognitions for the transboundary areas of Norway and Finland and the currently suspended Russia – Pasvik-Inari, the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park (Italy and Slovenia) and Šumava and the Bavarian Forest National Park (Czech Republic and Germany). A special award, the Alfred Toepfer Medal, was awarded to Mr. Marià Martí Viudes who has dedicated his professional career to periurban areas and nature conservation in cities. With the end of the conference, another meeting of like-minded people in the conservation and restoration of nature with awareness of the challenges to come, ended. We remain hopeful that such a large community of people across Europe can really contribute a lot to the protection of all those natural values ​​that are important for our survival, because after all, nature and people are connected by an unbreakable bond.

For more information about the EUROPARC Federation click on the link https://www.europarc.org/.

Objava EUROPARC Conference „Nature for People, People for Nature“ in Lithuania pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The Plitvice Lakes are often visited as a single-day destination, but you have to give the Park more time in order to truly experience it. Three days are enough for you to discover the various faces of the Park – from captivating waterfalls of the Lower Lakes to the more open Upper Lakes, where numerous waterfalls and lakes fill the air with sounds which follow you every step of the way. The Plitvice Lakes are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Croatia, so the number of available tickets per hour and entrance is limited. Visitors are therefore advised to purchase their tickets online at the official National Park website.

Select Hotel Jezero for you stay – it is located at the best location in the Plitvice Lakes, right next to the entrance to the National Park. Cozy and convenient, it is an excellent choice for those who want to be as closer to nature as possible, with no need for driving. The accommodation comes with an extended park ticket, meaning more time to explore and less hassle. In the hotel, you will find a fitness room and relax in the SPA zone, which is completely free for all guests. If you do not know where to start, consider our suggestion for three days of exploring the Plitvice Lakes.

Day 1: The canyon, Lower Lakes waterfalls and rowing

It is best to spend the first day of your stay exploring the Lower Lakes – the part of the Park whose mighty waterfalls, crystal-clear water and stunning canyon leave a strong first impression. Depending on the chosen trail, you can set off on your tour from Entrance 1 or Entrance 2, and the 78-meter high Great Waterfall – highest in Croatia – is undoubtedly worth the time. Neither visitors nor their cameras can remain indifferent to its strength and beauty.

After walking along waterfalls and lakes, you can rest a bit and have a meal at Restaurant Lička kuća, with a tradition spanning over 50 years, located at Entrance 1 to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Decorated in the manner of traditional Lika architecture, Lička kuća resembles an ethnographic museum, combining the aromas of local meals with the warmth of wood. On the menu, you will find authentic Lika flavors, prepared with local ingredients, the traditional way.

After lunch, the ideal way to spend the rest of the relaxing day is to visit Lake Kozjak, located in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, just a few steps away. It is the largest of the 16 lakes in Plitvice, a quiet expanse where it is easy to slow down, let go and enjoy the moment. You can rent a wooden paddle boat, ideal for a light exploration of the lake from a completely new perspective, at the boat dock P1.

Day 2: Sightseeing around the Upper Lakes and relaxing in the spa area of Hotel Jezero

Start your day off with a breakfast at Hotel Jezero, and then go and explore the Upper Lakes – the more open part of the National Park famous for its numerous lakes and waterfalls. Walking trails wind through densely forested areas, with emerald green lakes and waterfalls descending into other lakes and creating a breathtaking scene. The Veliki and Mali Prštavac waterfalls are some of the most attractive ones, refreshing you with their splashing and water mist while you are walking along them.

The Tomićevo pogledalo overlook, opened in 2024 and located at an altitude of 684.82 meters, also offers a special experience. The overlook, which is designed to blend in with nature, presents an exceptional panoramic view of five Upper Lakes – Prošćansko, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Veliko i Malo jezero. Other than serving as a favorite photoshoot spot, Tomićevo pogledalo gives you the opportunity for silence and reflection, while discovering the Plitvice Lakes from a completely new perspective, as if the nature were unfolding in all its breadth and complexity.

For lunch, we would recommend Black River – steak & pasta house, located not far from the hotel, at Entrance 2. Carefully prepared steaks and pasta inspired by Mediterranean cuisine are served in a modern, cozy lounge ambience. The dishes that make Black River stand out are steaks made with premium cuts of meat from our own butchery, cured for up to 55 days in special dry aging cabinets. The variety of cuts, careful preparation and presentation of steaks in the immediate vicinity of Plitvice Lakes create an authentic experience for lovers of top-quality meat and natural beauty.

Finish your day off at Hotel Jezero relaxing on the terrace or the wellness area, which includes a Finish sauna, a Turkish steam bath and a hydromassage pool – the ideal way to round out a day bursting with unforgettable sights, sounds, and tastes which will stay with you for a long time.

Day 3: Exploring the area surrounding the National Park

After two days of walking along waterfalls and lakes, the plan for the third day is more relaxed. After sightseeing, it is worth exploring the area surrounding the Park by engaging in activities which give you a different view of the Lika destination area.

If you wish to enjoy nature, choose some of the numerous other activities in the area surrounding the Park and try your hand at kayaking on the Gacka river, find out about the life of Nikola Tesla at the Memorial Center or explore Barać caves and the Speleon center. Animal lovers will be delighted by the bear sanctuary, the deer ranch or the horseback riding through the forests bordering the National Park.

At the end of the day, relax at the Kozjak Café Bar and enjoy rich-tasting, elegant desserts with your favorite drink. The Kozjak Café Bar serves as the perfect conclusion to your trip, with the calm atmosphere and the charming views of nature blending into a moment of perfect relaxation.

Do not miss the opportunity to experience all that the Plitvice Lakes and their surroundings have to offer. Spend three days exploring their immeasurable beauty and enjoy every moment spent in nature.

Objava Why one day at the Plitvice Lakes is not enough? pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Each year, the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition collects stories from destinations around the world in the categories of management, environment and climate, culture and tradition, thriving communities, and business and marketing. The stories should be related to or contribute to sustainable tourism, and explain the detected problem, the proposed solution, and the benefits created for the local community, the environment, and tourists. Stories about good practices in sustainable tourism inspire destinations, tourism operators and tourists to behave and develop tourism responsibly.

Plitvice Lakes National Park joined the 2025 competition with the story titled “Feel the pulse of the forest – biomonitoring of forest growth and carbon storage”. Our story was also featured on a poster displayed at the conference in the main atrium where participants gathered, which was also an excellent opportunity to promote the natural values ​​and sustainability of our protected area. A summary of the story is provided below.  

STORY SUMMARY

In the battle against climate change, forests serve as nature’s most powerful carbon sinks, with just a single hectare absorbing up to 12 tons of CO₂. Implementing biomonitoring of forest ecosystems involves setting up sustainable meteorological stations, devices for measuring tree growth, and devices for measuring water movement from roots to leaves. From November 2024 to 2028, ten biomonitoring stations will be active in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Visitors can scan QR codes at every station to view live meteorological data, track tree growth, and carbon sequestration in real time. Several of these stations are located along visitor routes to promote sustainable tourism, while additional insights are shared through informative display panels. The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of the University of Zagreb processes the collected data and publishes them in annual reports, while the equipment has been supplied in partnership with ENSOLX ENERGIJA Ltd. This innovative approach to biomonitoring is adaptable to forest ecosystems around the globe, and a similar network of stations is already in place across the Czech Republic. Biomonitoring offers a powerful tool for smarter management of protected areas, a deeper understanding of climate change, and a renewed appreciation of forests as the “lungs” of our planet.

Special thanks for the realization of the story on biomonitoring of forest ecosystems go to the General Manager of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Mr. Tomislav Kovačević; Scientific Director, Dr. Kazimir Miculinić; Head of the Department for the Protection of Forest Ecological Systems, Mr. Nikola Magdić; as well as to the dedicated staff of the Department who conduct the monitoring activities. Sincere thanks also go to Associate Professor Dr. Stjepan Mikac from the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, who, together with his team, designed and implemented this research.

Objava The story of Plitvice Lakes National Park included in Green Destinations Top 100 Stories of sustainable tourism pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Geodiversity surrounds us and encompasses the non-living elements of nature, such as minerals, fossils, soils, and landscapes. To raise awareness of its significance, UNESCO declared 6 October as International Geodiversity Day in 2021.

This year’s theme, One Earth, Many Stories, highlights that every landscape, rock, and fossil tells a story about the origins of our natural environment. Records in rocks allow us to look into Earth’s past, fossil remains of plants and animals inform us about the evolution of life over millions of years, folds and faults reveal events in the Earth’s crust, and minerals astonish us with their regular geometric crystallisation, beautiful colours, and lustre. The geological substrate determines soil characteristics, which plant species will develop, where water will emerge, where streams and rivers will flow, where mountains will rise, and where caves and pits will form. Thus, geodiversity influences all living things. Our planet holds a record of 4 billion years of history, which can help us prepare for and respond to current and future threats such as climate change.

As the last systematic exploration of the Plitvice Lakes National Park area dates back to the 1960s, there is a clear need for a modern geological map based on lithostratigraphic principles, accompanied by digital content. Geological maps primarily enable national parks to better assess and manage natural resources and to visualise the pervasive connection between geology and other ecosystem components. Just before International Geodiversity Day, a new Basic Geological Map of the Plitvice Lakes National Park was published at a scale of 1:50 000. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Croatian Geological Institute in Zagreb, and the creation of the map took four years and involved more than 30 experts.

The national park is located within the Dinaric Massif and consists almost entirely of dolomite and limestone. Geological mapping identified 24 lithostratigraphic units, 15 formations, 3 members, and 6 Quaternary units bounded by unconformities, covering the period from the Late Triassic to the Upper Cretaceous (200 to 70 million years ago). A special section covers the recent geological past, the last 10 000 years, when the tufa barriers and most of the lake system were formed. The map provides valuable insight into the geological structure and development of the Plitvice Lakes National Park area and is a true collection of stories about the geodiversity of our Park.

Objava One Earth, many stories – International Geodiversity Day pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".