Romantic Valentine’s Day at Plitvice Lakes: Love in the heart of nature

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to surprise your loved one in a special way, and Plitvice Lakes National Park provides the ideal setting for creating unforgettable moments together. Nested in the very heart of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes offer more than just an excursion–they offer an experience of love in its most enchanting form. Enjoy the views from the lookouts over the untouched nature, walk along the paths along the lakes and waterfalls, settle into the comfort of the Jezero Hotel in the heart of the park and end the day with a romantic dinner with a welcome drink at the Poljana – Black River restaurant with sparkling wine included.

If you want to spend Valentine’s Day simply, yet differently, surrounded by natural beauty, with quality service and a feeling of complete relaxation – Plitvice Lakes are the perfect choice.

A romantic walk along the trails and a boat ride

Just a few steps from Entrance 1 to Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will be amazed by the view of the Big Waterfall and the Lower Lakes canyon. Spend quality time with your significant other exploring the trails leading through lush and rich forests and indulge in the sounds and the smells of this woodland environment. Here, every step is an opportunity to create a moment to remember.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park offers another romantic experience–boat rides on Kozjak Lake. Take advantage of the play of the sun on the calm surface of Kozjak and the beautiful forest landscapes for romantic photos, because Plitvice Lakes National Park is not only a unique destination for lovers, but also a true gallery of memories that will enrich your love story.

ACCOMMODATION OFFER

DAYS OF LOVE AT PLITVICE LAKES – Hotel Jezero

Book a vacation for two at Jezero Hotel in the heart of the National Park!

Give the gift of memories, not things – a romantic weekend at Plitvice that will remain in your memory. We have prepared a special package for you that includes 2 nights with breakfast and dinner at Jezero Hotel. During your stay, on February 13th, you will enjoy a half board dinner, while on February 14th, you will enjoy a romantic 4-course dinner with sparkling wine at Black River Steak & Pasta House or at Waterfall Resturant.

A four-course romantic dinner is also available as a standalone option for all those who wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special gastronomic experience, available at two restaurants – Poljana – Black River and Waterfall.

Enjoy every moment and let this weekend be your special gift.

• 2 nights with breakfast and dinner
  • 13. 2. – half board dinner
  • 14. 2. – 4-course romantic gala dinner with sparkling wine
  • live music in the hotel on 14 February from 8:30 p.m.
• romantic welcome gift in the room
• entrance tickets to the National Park valid for the entire stay
• organized tour of the National Park accompanied by a guide
• early check-in from 12:00 pm
• late check-out until 5:00 pm
• Free access to the whirlpool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam bath
• Free use of the fitness room
• free wi-fi
• free hotel parking
• 20% discount on a 60-minute RELAX massage at the hotel’s Fors Fortis Body Care Studio (advance notice required by calling +385 95 901 3866)
• 15% discount on horseback riding at Terra horse ranch (advance notice required by calling +385 97 629 3343)
• 20% discount on entrance ticket to Speleon – Centre of subterranean heritage (please check the opening hours before your visit)

GASTRO OFFER

Romantic dinner – Waterfall restaurant or Black River Steak & Pasta House

For all those who have booked the Valentine’s Day package, a romantic dinner at Waterfall or Poljana – Black River Steak & Pasta House restaurant is included in the price. Guests with B&B service at the hotel (bed and breakfast), as well as all other guests, can book a romantic 4-course dinner available at two restaurant – Waterfall or Poljana – Black River with welcome drink included.

The number of places is limited, so we recommend that you reserve your spot in advance and celebrate love in a unique way in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

WHAT TO VISIT IN SURROUNDING AREA?

If you wish to take your romantic getaway even further, there are several places in the vicinity of the Plitvice Lakes National Park we are happy to recommend. Our wish is for you to come for our beautiful lakes and then stay for the wilderness and the adventure. That is why we have created the #PlitviceInLikaDestination app, where you can find many recommendations for sights and activities, suggested biking trails and the like, all in the vicinity of the Plitvice Lakes. All you have to do is choose what you like best! We wish you a wonderful visit and a relaxing vacation at the Plitvice Lakes National Park and many adventures in the surrounding areas.

Valentine’s Day at the Plitvice Lakes offers a myriad of opportunities for romantic moments and unforgettable experiences with your other half. Use this opportunity to celebrate love hand in hand and discover the wonders of Plitvice Lakes!

Objava VALENTINE’S DAY AT PLITVICE LAKES pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

WHAT AWAITS YOU?

The three-day New Year’s Eve package includes two nights at Jezero Hotel and three days in the winter idyll of Plitvice Lakes with a ticket to the Park and a diverse musical program throughout your stay.

The festive New Year’s Eve dinner at Jezero Hotel will feature a superb performance by the Oaza group, playing a variety of genres. On New Year’s Day you will have the opportunity to enjoy an organized tour of the Park accompanied by a guide, a performance by the Izvor – Rakovica Cultural and Artistic Association, lunch at Poljana Restaurant with Plitvički bećari band and the band Like during the New Year’s After Party at Lička Kuća Restaurant.

SOUND THAT BRINGS GENERATIONS TOGETHER

The Oaza band is a musical group with many years of experience playing and performing live. It was founded in 1986, and throughout all these years it has remained true to quality and love for music. From Oaza you can always expect professionalism, credible performance and great sound. Their music of various genres is guaranteed to entertain you and keep you on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning!

WHY CHOOSE PLITVICE LAKES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE?

Step into 2026 in one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks and Croatia’s top destination, whose exceptional natural beauty delights millions of visitors from all over the world. Combine that with top-notch gastronomy and music, and you’ll have the perfect escape from everyday life and a New Year’s Eve that you’ll remember for a long time.

BOOK NOW!

Spaces are limited, so secure your place today and spend the first moments of 2026 with your loved ones in the beautiful surroundings of Plitvice Lakes!

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Plitvice Lakes NP Sales Department
Mon – Fri │ 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: +385 53 751 545
E-mail: sales2@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Objava New Year’s Eve at Plitvice Lakes pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

“Feel the Pulse of the Forest” is the name of the initiative that was implemented in 2024 in cooperation with Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, and refers to the installation of 10 sustainable biomonitoring stations in the Park area that monitor tree growth, carbon absorption and meteorological data. One of the stations is located in the visitor zone of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where visitors can see the biomonitoring station on site with a detailed explanation of the research on information boards and read the data on the trees they are currently observing from the QR code. In this way, exploring the nature of the Plitvice Lakes turns into an interactive learning experience that deepens the visitors’ awareness of forests as key “carbon reservoirs” and their importance in understanding climate change.

Biomonitoring of tree growth and carbon storage allows scientists from the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology to gain a deeper understanding of forest and climate processes, while the measuring station in the visitor zone enriches educational programs, guided tours and visitors’ insight into the Park’s efforts to preserve nature and adapt to climate change.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Management is extremely proud that through this nomination, the efforts of the Park’s employees to preserve this unique natural treasure have been recognized on a global level.

The announcement of the winners in all categories will take place at the ITB Berlin fair in 2026, one of the world’s most influential tourism fairs, where Plitvice Lakes National Park will once again be in the spotlight as one of the prominent examples of sustainable development in tourism.

Objava Top 100 Story of Plitvice Lakes National Park finalist for prestigious Green Destinations Award in Environment and Climate category 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".

This year, Plitvice Lakes National Park is joining the celebration of World Tourism Day with a series of events and activities at Entrance 1. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free guided tours in multiple languages, interact with our mascot Medo, receive informative materials from our presenters, and sample local products such as Lika cheese, bacon, fritters, brandy and a performance by the “Graničar Cvitović” Cultural and Artistic Association.

CELEBRATING THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

On 27 September, a variety of activities await you at Entrance 1 to the National Park:

• Free guided tours for individual visitors, departing from Entrance 1. Two separate tours will be available at different departure times (10:00 and 11:00) until the maximum number of visitors per guide has been reached.
• Animation with bear mascot from 10:00 to 12:30.
• Park Information officers and Park Interpreters will distribute leaflets and inform the visitors about the activities from 10:00 to 14:00.
• While the tasting of local products (the Lika platter with cheese, bacon, authentic “uštipak”, strudel, fritters and “rakija” fruit brandy, hot tea) awaits visitors from 10:00 to 13:00.
• The “Graničar Cvitović” Cultural and Arts Association will perform from 11:00 to 13:00 at Entrance 1,

Note for guided tours:

* The number of visitors is limited. Guests will be able to sign up for guided tours by obtaining their reservation number at the information point.

Objava World Tourism Day pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

It is a Natura 2000 target species for the area of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Professional Service Department has been monitoring the condition and size of this species in the Park area for many years. It is believed that only one pair lives within the Park area.

Objava The Peregrine Falcon in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

CAMPUS project is co-financed by the INTERREG VI-A Italy – Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021 – 2027, and the main objective of the project is to identify climate change risks and resilience capacities of UNESCO sites.

At the Jezero Hotel in the Sedra Hall, participants gathered to receive information about the project activities according to the work packages, which were introduced to them in the introductory presentation by the Senior Advisor for the Preparation and Implementation of Programs and Projects Marina Rukavina, M.Sc. in Pol. This was followed by a presentation by the Nature Conservation Service employee, Dr. Sc. Maja Vurnek, who provided descriptions of the outstanding universal value of the National Park, biodiversity and habitat diversity, as well as the observed impact of climate change and projections of possible changes. This presentation was followed by the research fellow of the IUAV University of Venice, Nives Giovannetti, who opened a dialogue on possible adaptations to climate change through planning, measures and monitoring tools. The University of Venice, as a partner in this project, is key in bringing a scientific approach through the creation of a risk and vulnerability matrix or the effects of multi-risks on cultural and natural heritage.

The working meeting, in which each project partner presented the activities undertaken so far and the future planned activities within the work packages, ended with the financial report of the project and plans for the next meeting and local conference. This conference is to be held in the autumn in the city of Trogir as a representative of UNESCO cultural heritage and associated partner of the CAMPUS project. The Public Institution for Coordination and Development of the Split-Dalmatia County – RERA will organize the aforementioned conference in Croatia.

Probably the most beautiful part of this conference and gathering of project partners was the tour of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where the beauty of the tufa barriers, waterfalls and lakes of the World Natural Heritage amazed the project partners from Italy. We, who manage this area, but also visitors and residents, as well as all stakeholders, have a great responsibility to preserve this exceptional and unique value for the benefit of all humanity!

More information can be found on the CAMPUS project webpages https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/campus. 

Objava A Local Conference of the CAMPUS project pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

The forests and grasslands of the Park provide an ideal habitat for this group of birds because of the abundance of prey and the presence of tree hollows, which they often use for nesting.

Research and monitoring of the condition of these species in the Park has been conducted for many years. The aim is to assess the condition and size of owl and scops owl populations in the Park area and to identify potential threats.

Owls and scops owls are monitored using passive and active (sound decoy) listening along pre-determined transects covering various areas of the Park.

The Biom Association and Certhia, a sole proprietorship for professional and scientific research, are monitoring the status of these species in the Park area in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department.

As many as five species of owls are Natura 2000 target species for the Park: the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus), the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), the Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum), and the Ural owl (Strix uralensis).

Objava Owls and Scops Owls of Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".