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Located in the karst mountains of central Croatia, the park, founded in 1949, is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and currently the largest in Croatia. The park boasts numerous natural levees formed by limestone deposits, which have in turn formed numerous lakes, caves, and waterfalls. Due to the presence of 16 lakes, the park is also known as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The Plitvice Lakes are so similar in both scenery and geology to Jiuzhaigou Valley in my country that it is often referred to in China as the "Jiuzhaigou of Europe."
Plitvice Lakes National Park typically receives around 1,500 millimeters (mm) of precipitation annually. In January, the average temperature is 2.2 °C (36 °F), rising to 17.4 °C (63 °F) during the summer months of July and August. The average annual temperature is 7.9 °C (46 °F). Snow falls from November to March, and the lakes typically freeze over from November to January. [4]
Average annual temperature (data source: Ogulin, a town in the north of the park): January: -0.5°C February: 1.4°C March: 5.1°C April: 9.6°C May: 14.2°C June: 17.4°C July: 19.2°C August: 18.2°C September: 15.0°C October: 10.3°C November: 5.3°C December: 0.9°C
In addition, to facilitate travel, the weather forecast for the next three days can be seen on the official website of the Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board.
Upper Lake District
The Upper Lakes area of Plitvice Lakes National Park is nestled in the Dolomite Mountains, surrounded by dense forests. Its 12 lakes are lushly forested, some with cliffs jutting out from their shores. The lakes are shimmering, and wooden bridges connect them, providing convenient viewing opportunities and shortcuts. Furthermore, natural dams of varying heights and shapes create numerous rapids.
Lower Lake District
The Lower Lake District, nestled in a limestone canyon, features four lakes connected by a waterway. The large drop in elevation creates numerous waterfalls, both large and small. The largest, Veliki slap (Croatian: Veliki slap), is located at the end of the Lower Lake District. At 78 meters high, it's one of the most spectacular sights.
Great Falls
The waterfall, with a drop of 78 meters, cascades down in a staircase-like pattern, making it one of the park's most spectacular sights. Located at the end of the Lower Lake Area, it's a few minutes' walk from the ULAZ ENTRANCE.
Crana River
Downstream of the waterfall, about ten meters from the main falls, the waters converge into Lake Novakovića Brod, where they then break down into several smaller waterfalls before flowing downstream. This is the source of the Krena River. The Krena Canyon is a strictly protected area. As it flows through the canyon, the Krena River makes four vertical drops, creating four stunning waterfalls.
Kozjak Lake
Of the 12 lakes in the Upper Lake District, Lake Kozjak is the lowest, with a 100-meter difference in elevation between it and the highest, Lake Prošćansko. These two lakes are also the largest in the entire district. Lake Kozjak is the heart of the Plitvice Lakes region, with three small piers at each end. It is the only one of the Plitvice Lakes accessible by boat. Near Piers 1 and 3 are restaurants and service areas.
③July 1st-August 31st
One-day and two-day tickets are available for all three periods, and the prices are as follows:
One-day ticket:
①55 kuna
②110 kuna
③180 kuna
Two-day ticket:
①90 Kuna
②180 kuna
③280 Kuna
Plitvice Lakes National Park, founded in 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park. It is renowned for its cascading lakes, travertine barriers, and diverse ecosystems, preserving unique flora and fauna in a karst landscape.
The park is located in central Croatia, near the border of Lika and Karlovac counties. Visitors can reach it by car or bus from Zagreb (approx. 2 hours), Zadar, or Split. Taxi services are limited; most visitors rely on organized tours or shuttle buses.
Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer and shorter in winter. The best times to visit are spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds; early morning is ideal to avoid peak tourist times.
Ticket prices vary by season: approximately €15–€40 per adult. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrances or online through the official park website, which is recommended during peak season.
During summer and holiday periods, advance booking is strongly recommended, ideally a few weeks ahead. In off-season, tickets can often be purchased on arrival.
Plan for 4–6 hours to explore the main lakes and waterfalls comfortably. Full-day visits allow a more relaxed experience including boat rides and longer trails.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages including English, German, and Italian. Audio guides can sometimes be rented at the entrance or included in organized tours.
Start at Entrance 1 or 2, follow the wooden pathways through the Lower Lakes, take the boat across Kozjak Lake, then hike the Upper Lakes trails before returning to the entrance. Map routes A, B, C, and K are commonly suggested for different durations.
The park is generally not open for night visits. Special guided tours may occur for photography or educational purposes, but lights or night shows are not typical.
The park is busiest in July and August. Early mornings, weekdays, and off-season months like April, May, September, and October are less crowded.
Facilities include visitor centers, toilets, picnic areas, cafes, and souvenir shops near the entrances. Water fountains and resting benches are available along trails.
Wooden pathways are suitable for children and most elderly visitors. Wheelchair access is limited; some trails and boat rides accommodate wheelchairs with assistance.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted at entrances, cafes, and souvenir shops. Small cash is useful for minor purchases in remote areas.
Several cafes and restaurants near Entrances 1 and 2 offer local Croatian cuisine, snacks, and beverages. Hotels nearby also provide dining options.
Vegetarian options are generally available. Vegan and halal options are limited; checking menus in advance is recommended.
Souvenir shops offer local crafts, postcards, magnets, Plitvice-themed apparel, and artisanal products like honey or handmade wood items.
Private cars or organized tours are convenient. Bus connections to Zagreb, Zadar, or Split are available. Rental cars provide flexibility for visiting nearby attractions.
