Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park - The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking for a place in Croatia that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a dream, then Plitvice Lakes National Park absolutely needs to be on your itinerary. Think turquoise lakes, wooden boardwalks snaking through lush greenery, and waterfalls tumbling from every direction—it’s no wonder this place is one of the most popular natural wonders in Europe.

I’ve recently visited Plitvice Lakes and was completely blown away by how magical it was!

Whether you’re here for a peaceful escape into nature or to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this park delivers. But as stunning as it is, it can get busy, especially in peak season—so in this post, I’ll share my best tips to help you make the most of your visit, from when to go, where to stay, what trails to hike, and how to avoid the crowds.

So if you’re dreaming of a day wandering through cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, keep reading. Let’s plan your perfect trip to Plitvice!

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park - The Ultimate Guide

What Makes Plitvice Lakes So Special?
Where is Plitvice Lakes?
How to avoid the crowds at Plitvice Lakes National Park
The best trail to hike in Plitvice Lakes
How many days do you need to explore Plitvice Lakes
What to bring with you
How to photograph the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
Visiting Plitvice Lakes with kids
Final tips for visiting Plitvice Lakes

What Makes Plitvice Lakes So Special?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. It’s famous for its 16 interconnected lakes that tumble into each other through a series of stunning waterfalls, all surrounded by dense forest.

The wooden paths and trails that wind through the park make it incredibly accessible, while still feeling like a wild, untouched paradise.

💡TIP – While Plitvice Lakes is very accessible it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. If you’re bringing your baby or toddler it’s best to bring a carrier like pictured below.

Where is Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is tucked away in the lush, mountainous region of central Croatia, making it a perfect escape into nature that’s still super easy to reach. It’s ideally located between the capital and the coast, so whether you’re road-tripping through the country or planning a peaceful day trip, getting there is a breeze. Here’s a quick breakdown of the closest major cities and how long it takes to drive there:

🚗 Zagreb – ~130 km / 2 hours
🚗 Zadar – ~120 km / 1.5 hours
🚗 Split – ~250 km / 2.5–3 hours
🚗 Rijeka – ~180 km / 2.5 hours
🚗 Šibenik – ~170 km / 2–2.5 hours

Whether you’re coming from the cultural buzz of Zagreb or the coastal charm of Split or Zadar, the drive to Plitvice takes you through scenic countryside and sleepy villages—it’s part of the adventure! Just be sure to start early, especially in high season, so you can beat the crowds and catch that soft morning light filtering through the trees.

💡 TIP – For the best experience plan the stay overnight so you can be one of the first visitors to enter the park. We stayed at B&B Plitvice Creek and I can highly recommend it!

How to avoid the crowds at Plitvice Lakes National Park

In this paragraph I will tell you exactly how you can avoid the big crowds at Plitvice Lakes National Park in an easy step by step listicle.

Visit during off season – May, September and October offer nice weather but fewer crowds. On top of that in both May and October you’ll pay nearly half the price of the entrance ticket compared to the popular Summer months.
Visit at opening time – When purchasing your ticket online you have to choose a time slot. My advice would be to pick the earliest time slot available.
Arrive on time – It’s a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the start of Entrance 1. I would make sure to be at the parking lot about 20 minutes before opening time.
Start from Entrance 1 – Entrance 1 gets the busiest throughout the day. This is where you’ll find the Lower Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the world famous Veliki Slap waterfall.

💡 TIP – Make sure to book your tickets online a couple of weeks from before. There’s only a certain amount of people allowed inside the park and you don’t want to miss out on this national treasure!

The best trail to hike in Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice has several marked hiking routes, ranging from 2 to 8 hours. If you start from Entrance 1 you can choose between Route A,B,C or K. if you start from Entrance 2 you can choose between Route E,F,H or K.

My favorite is Route C, which takes you on a circular walk through both the Lower and Upper Lakes and includes a boat ride and panoramic train.

💡 TIP – If you’re short on time, Route B is a great 3-hour option that still gives you a solid taste of the park’s highlights.

So in short, you start at Entrance 1 and then follow Route C all throughout the Lower Lakes. Then you’ll arrive at the boat dock (P3) where every 30 minutes an electric boat will take you across the biggest lake so you’ll arrive the Upper Lakes (P2). Keep on following Route C until you reach the end where you can then board the Panoramic Train (ST3). This will take you back close to Entrance 1 (ST1) where you’ll then finish by walking a panoramic trail that overlooks the Lower Lakes.

Duration of Route C – 4 to 6 hours with 8km of hiking.

💡 TIP – Instead of taking the Panoramic Train at the end of the Upper Lakes we hiked back following Route H but I found it to be a bit disappointing honestly, cause part of the trail comes together with Route C, which by then was already congested with people.

How many days do you need to explore Plitvice Lakes

I highly recommend spending 1 full day at Plitvice Lakes National Park so you have enough time to explore both the Lower Lakes and Upper Lakes. So I would recommend booking 2 nights in one of the many B&B’s surrounding the park so you don’t have to drive too far in the early morning.

We stayed at B&B Plitvice Creek and I can highly recommend it! Our room was spotless with a modern bathroom and in the evening you can also have dinner at their restaurant. From their B&B it’s about 15 minutes driving to Entrance 1.

What to bring with you

Comfortable walking shoes – You don’t need hiking boots for exploring Plitvice Lakes
Water and snacks – There are a lot of benches spread throughout the national park and the amount of food options in the park is rather limited. If you do decide to buy your food on the grounds make sure to bring your credit card with you cause cash isn’t always accepted here.
Camera or phone for photos – Make sure your battery is fully charged cause you’ll need it! I used two lenses during our visit: my 16-35mm and my 70-300mm. Know that it is forbidden to fly a drone within Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Sunscreen – You won’t find too much shade along the trail so make sure to apply sunscreen generously.

How to photograph the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes

Photographing the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes is an absolute dream—but getting those truly magical shots takes a bit of planning and know-how. Here’s how to capture the beauty like a pro (or at least like you know what you’re doing!).

Use a Slow Shutter for That Silky Effect – If you want that dreamy, blurred-water look, you’ll need to use a slow shutter speed (around 1/4 second or slower). Bring a tripod to keep your camera steady—it’s essential for long exposure shots.

📸 TIP – Shoot in manual, keep your ISO at its lowest and put your aperture as high as possible. This way you can create a slow enough shutter speed even when the sun is out.

Come Early or Late for the Best Light – Golden hour is your best friend here. Arrive early in the morning or stay until late afternoon when the sun is softer and the crowds thin out.

Choose the Right Spots – Some of the most photogenic waterfalls include Veliki Slap (the tallest), the Lower Lakes boardwalks, and Galovački Buk in the Upper Lakes. Explore both sections for variety—you’ll get everything from wide waterfall vistas to intimate close-ups of water flowing over mossy rocks.

Use a Polarizing Filter – A circular polarizer helps cut glare from the water and enhances those gorgeous emerald and turquoise tones in the lakes. It also helps bring out detail in wet rocks and leaves.

Use a tripod – If you want that silky smooth effect on the water and you’re shooting at a slow shutter speed you’ll need a tripod. Otherwise you’ll have to keep your camera completely still for too long and your photo will end up looking blurry.

Visiting Plitvice Lakes with kids

Visiting Plitvice Lakes with kids can be an unforgettable experience—it’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale, and little ones will love the wooden boardwalks, turquoise lakes, and endless waterfalls. That said, a bit of planning goes a long way to make the day fun and stress-free for the whole family.

The park is stroller-friendly in some areas, especially around the Lower Lakes, but you’ll have a much easier time with a baby carrier or hiking backpack if you’re traveling with toddlers. Kids will love the boat ride across Kozjak Lake and the little panoramic train that shuttles between trailheads—it adds a sense of adventure and gives tiny feet a break!

Stick to shorter routes like Trail A or B, which are around 2–3 hours and don’t involve too much climbing. Be sure to bring snacks, water, sunscreen, hats, and maybe a few fun distractions for rest breaks. The paths are mostly safe, but keep a close eye on younger children near the water—the boardwalks don’t have railings.

Final tips for visiting Plitvice Lakes

No swimming is allowed in the lakes (they’re protected!)
Follow the signs and paths—it’s easy to get off track
Dogs are allowed but have to remain on a leash.
Take your time—this isn’t a park to rush through
Arrive early or visit in the late afternoon for a quieter experience
Wear layers—mornings can be cool even in summer
Be respectful of nature—stick to the trails and don’t leave any litter
Check the official park website for trail conditions and seasonal closures before your visit