Plitvice National Park is an incredibly popular destination; for a good reason, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to several beautiful lakes and waterfalls, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. The best way to enjoy the park is to be prepared before you go. This means knowing what time of year to visit, what to wear, and what to expect when you’re there.
A Brief Background on the Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. The park is known for its 16 lakes, which are connected by a series of waterfalls. The lakes are located in a forest and drop 133 meters in altitude. The waterfalls flow over mossy limestone, which gives the falls their signature look.
The park is located along the D1 national highway, with two entrances found along the road. The park is a popular tourist destination, receiving over a million visitors each year.
How to Get to Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes are a group of 16 interconnected lakes located in central Croatia. The lakes are situated in the Dinaric Alps and are bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closest major cities to Plitvice Lakes are Zagreb and Zadar. You can reach the national park by bus or car. However, the most convenient way to explore it is by booking an organized Plitvice Lakes Tour.
When you want to visit a new place without any hassle, a guided tour is the best option. You don’t have to worry about getting lost or anything, as someone will be there to show you around and tell you all about the place.
Our Plitvice Lakes Tours are available from major Croatian cities, including the Plitvice Lakes Tour from Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes Tour from Split.
When’s the Best Time to Go to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is in the spring or fall. The weather is usually milder during these seasons, making it more comfortable to walk around and explore the park.
1. Start Early
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is in the morning when the crowds are smaller. You’ll have more time to enjoy the scenery and take photos without people in them. If you’re staying in one of the hotels in the park, you can even start your day before the park opens at 8 am.
2. Buy Your Tickets in Advance
You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance to the park. If you buy your tickets in advance, you’ll avoid queues at the ticket office, and you’ll get a discount on the ticket price. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes entry to the park and a boat ride on one of the lakes.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
There’s a lot of walking involved in visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. You’ll be walking on wooden boardwalks, dirt paths, and stone steps, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. You might also want to bring a raincoat, even if the weather forecast is good, as the waterfalls can make the boardwalks slippery.
4. Take Your Time
Walking the entire trail around Plitvice Lakes can take up to eight hours. If you’re not up for that, you can just do the upper or lower section of the trail. To visit the upper section, you can take the shuttle bus from entrance 2. The lower section, which is the more popular section, is accessible from entrance 1.
5. Book a Guided Tour
If you want to make the most of your time here, consider booking a guided tour. These tours take care of the entrance tickets, which can be a pain to find. The guides know the best places to go and can get you there faster. They can also share interesting facts about the area.
