Croatia’s Plitvice National Park is a pristine paradise with 16 turquoise lakes and 90 waterfalls. This natural treasure is one of the most popular national parks in Europe. However, it’s off the beaten path with an unpredictable climate. And it requires planning ahead. I enjoyed 2 days here in May 2025 and love sharing tips. So, read on and learn Plitvice Lakes planning tips for your own travel itinerary.
About Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes.
The lakes cluster into 12 upper and 4 lower, exiting into the Korana River. Impermeable dolomite rocks formed the upper lakes. In contrast, the lower lakes formed from permeable limestone creating dramatic cliffs. The lakes mesmerize with their vibrant blue-green colors. They change depending on the quantity of minerals in the water and angles of sunlight. Natural dams of travertine deposited from algae, moss and bacteria create the lakes. These barriers grow about 1 cm per year.
Entrance 1 starts at the lower lakes and Entrance 2 the upper lakes. The path is 8900 m with a boardwalk and ferry connecting the 2 entrances. A ferry ride connects the upper to the lower lakes. The Veliki Slap or Great Waterfall is the largest in the park at 78 m high. Its dramatic scenery lies near Entrance 1. The second-largest falls reach 25 m high. Named Galovacki buk, they occur in the upper lakes. The park is open 7 am to 8 pm all year-round. Hours vary based on season.
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My Planning Itinerary for Plitvice National Park
I planned most my itinerary before arriving at the park in late May. Travelling from Slovenia, I took the early train to Zagreb. From this same station, I took later in the day a 1.5-hour Flix bus ride to FallingLakes Hostel in the small town Korenica. This town offers convenient amenities and is on the bus route to the park and main city hubs. I arrived here the day before to rest and plan for the park the next day.
Beforehand, I purchased online my ticket for the Entrance 2 at 8 am. The next day I took an 8 am shuttle from my hostel arriving in about 20 minutes at Entrance 2. It was a cool overcast day with forecast for rain. I dressed in layers with my raingear just in case. We stopped at the tourist information site to get maps and ask questions. They advised taking the Program (Trail) H, which we did and it was the perfect choice. This trail covers the whole park exploring the upper and lower lakes.
A shuttle from the entrance transported us to the trailhead. Program H includes a 8900 m boardwalk. Midjourney, we took a ferry ride connecting upper and lower lakes. I finished in about 6 hours, even after making many stops for photos and videos. Our shuttle arrived for a return at about 3 pm to Korenica.
Plitvice Lakes Planning Tips
Unique Climate / Best Time to Visit
Plitvice Lakes in Lika region has a continental climate. This is much different than the Mediterranean climate on the Croatian coast. The heights of the Velebit mountain range blocks the warm coastal climate. This makes the summers here short and more wet, with the winters being cold and snowy. Spring and Autumn often remain cold, wet and unpredictable. Temperatures can still drop to 6 degrees C when the sun disappears. Coldest months are January and February. Rainiest months here are January, February, May and November. The best months for weather are May – September.
When packing for Plitvice, it’s best to dress in layers. Always bring a back-up of raingear and good hiking shoes, even if the sun is out when you start off.
How to Get There:
The park is only accessible by road D429 that connects the Croatian inland with the Adriatic coastal region. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive south from Zagreb and 1.5-hour drive north from Zadar. Flix bus connects these cities to the park and nearby towns 2 times/day.
Where to Stay:
Staying the park is an amazing option, however, it will obviously cost more. Iconic places to stay are the Hotel Plitvice, Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Jezero. Also, Plitvica Selo is a village near Entrance 1 across the lower lakes.
For those on a budget like me, I was very happy with my stay at Falling Lakes Hostel in Korenica. From this small town, the park is approximately 20 minutes with shuttle options. The town offers convenient amenities, such as, restaurants, ATM and stores. Rastoke is another option about a half hour drive from the park. I visited the historic Milltown, Rastoke. It’s called “Little Plitvice” because of their 20 waterfalls used in the past to rotate the paddle-wheeled mills.
How to Choose a Program / Trail:
It’s best to research the Plitvice website beforehand and plan the trail you wish to take. The trails vary based on scenery and length. Then, upon arrival get a map from the tourist information site and ask your questions. The park recommends that visitors reserve online beforehand the time and entrance 1 or 2. This is especially important during summer. I took an 8 am shuttle from my hostel in Korenica for a half-hour drive to Entrance 2. This entrance starts at the upper lakes. The other Entrance 1 starts at the lower lakes.
The K 1 or 2 Trails from Entrance 1 are the longest trails in the park taking 6 – 8 hours. We took the H Trail from Entrance 2 that is 8900 m taking 4-6 hours. This path is mostly on a boardwalk with an electric boat ride connecting upper and lower lakes. The dramatic and largest waterfall in the park is Veliki Slap near Entrance 1.
For visitors running short on time or physical abilities, the B Trail explores the lower lakes and main attractions of the park. Its shorter path is about 4,000 m long and takes 3 – 4 hours. Then, if more time the next day, explore the upper lakes on Trail E. It is about 5,100 m long and takes 2 – 3 hours.
Other Activities Near the Park:
Rastoke “Little Plitvice”
Just a half-hour drive from the Plitvice Lakes NP is the historic Milltown Rastoke. This is a wonderful town for accommodations while visiting the park. Also, the scenic village is worth exploring on a daytrip. I spent a half-day here doing a walking tour. Rastoke village is located in the town Slunj. It’s where the Slunjcica River flows into the Korana River.
This “Little Plitvice” consists of 23 waterfalls with 2 rivers that powered the historic mills.
At one time 22 paddle wheel mills rotated here grinding maize, rye, barley, millet and oats. The historic town is very picturesque with a walking path. I enjoyed the walk and stopped for a glass of wine on a bar overlooking a waterfall.
Kayaking on the Upper Mreznica River in Slunj
Led by a licensed guide, kayakers (experience optional) can experience the adventure on the Upper Mreznica River with 15 waterfalls. This refreshing trip takes groups through forested canyons and cascades along the river. The journey also includes swimming and riding the kayaks down small waterfalls. This was a bit too much for me. However, from my hostel a group enjoyed a fantastic daytrip here.
Enjoy Plitvice Lakes National Park!
This national park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an abundant natural treasure with waterfalls, lakes and biodiversity. The stunning landscapes along with the blue-green waters offer an experience like no other. I really wanted to share my tips because Plitvice Lakes requires planning. If your travels bring you to Plitvice Lakes, please share any tips below in the comments.
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