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Nestled in the heart of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that beckons travelers from around the world. Founded in 1949, it is the country’s single largest natural attraction. For those staying in Zagreb, the capital city, embarking on a day trip to Plitvice Lakes is a great adventure that promises countless waterfalls, a lush spectrum of greenery, and crystal-clear lakes.

Use this guide to Plitvice Lakes to plan how to take a day trip from Zagreb to this beautiful national park. A one day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb is a great way to see some of the incredible nature in the country and get out of the city. This Plitvice Lakes itinerary will help you plan your trip to this gem of Croatia.

How to Get to Plitvice Lakes

Wondering how to visit Plitvice Lakes? It’s pretty easy from Zagreb. Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by car takes about 2-2.5 hours. The Zagreb to Plitvice distance is about 80 miles (130 km). The drive from Zagreb to the UNESCO World Heritage Site is scenic, winding through picturesque landscapes and charming villages.

If you are a budget backpacker, it is good to know most hostels in Zagreb offer organized tours to Plitvice Lakes. You could also look into GetYourGuide or Viator to book tours. If you prefer to travel independently, there are several bus routes departing from Zagreb that stop very close to the entrance of the park as well.

If you aren’t in Zagreb, you could also get to Plitvice Lakes from the coastal town of Split or Zadar. A day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Split will take you about 2.5 hours to get there by car one way. From Zadar, expect to be in the car 1.5 hours one way.

Related: Backpacker’s Guide to Kotor

What to See at Plitvice Lakes

The national park is a truly unique place with a network of 16 terraced lakes interconnected by a series of cascading waterfalls. The series goes on for 8 km. The vivid turquoise waters contrast against the lush green trees and bushes, creating a postcard-perfect scene. In shallow areas, the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom and spot tons of fish and other water critters.

Once on the trail, visitors have the opportunity to explore the park at their own pace. Wooden walkways meander over the creeks with viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the lakes and waterfalls. The trails are well-marked, making it easy for even novice hikers to navigate the terrain. Along the way, the sounds of falling water from the falls creates a really relaxing atmosphere (if it isn’t too crowded in the park).

The crown jewel of Plitvice Lakes is undoubtedly Veliki Slap (meaning Big or Great Waterfall). It reaches 255 feet (78 m) high and is the tallest waterfall in Croatia. The view of Velki Slap is one of the single best highlights of the park.

Plitvice Lakes is not just about waterfalls; it’s also a haven for wildlife. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the European brown bear and lynx (although sightings are uncommon). You’ll likely see many fish and birds throughout the park.

How to Visit Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes tickets can be bought in advance and online. You can also purchase tickets in person at the box office. If you hire a day guide, they typically take care of the tickets for you. As of 2024, single entrance tickets to the park cost €10 for adults, €6 for students, and €4 for children 7-18 years old. Prices are subject to change by the season as well. In some cases, entrance can be 45€ per person. Tickets are cheapest in the winter and most expensive in the summer. You can also purchase multi-day tickets if you plan to stay longer.

The best day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb through GetYourGuide can be found here. I used this guide during my visit and had a great time exploring with a small tour group. It includes hotel pick up and drop off, as well as a stop at the cute town of Rastoke for refreshments along the way to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Costs vary by season, but it is about $100-150 per person.

Another important tip for visiting Plitvice, especially if you are doing it without a guide, is about timing. Arriving well before 10 am is a good way to avoid large crowds. It can get quite busy during midday. In fact, in most cases it is probably best to get there right at opening hour which shift between 7 am and 8 am depending on the time of the year. The park is also most popular in the summer months (June-August).

Plitvice Lakes Upper vs Lower System

The lake system is divided into upper and lower lakes. The upper lakes are broader with fewer rapids while the lower lakes have steeper falls and narrower passages.

At the lower lakes, you get the highest view of the tallest waterfall, Veliki Slap, near Entrance 1 to the park.

To walk both routes, you’ll follow a 9-mile (14.5 km) mostly flat boardwalk and trail. It takes about 3-4 hours to walk the entire route. There are rest stops with bathrooms and snacks along the way.

How much time is needed to see Plitvice Lakes?

In general, visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park can be done in one day. How many hours to spend at Plitvice can vary on your travel preferences though. Some travelers may opt to spend several days here as there is a large network of hiking trails.

How long to spend at Plitvice Lakes depends on how quickly you walk, how often you want to stop for pictures, if it is a crowded day, and other conditions. On average, I’d say you should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours walking through the park.

If you don’t have a lot of time, I think the best way to visit Plitvice Lakes is with an organized day trip guide. A hired Plitvice Lakes National Park guide can help arrange the trip to be most efficient if you’re short on time. They also take a lot of the planning and guess work out of it.

Related: Best Hike with a View in Dubrovnik

What does Plitvice mean?

The name is thought to come from the Plitvica River. This little river flows into the Plitvice Lakes at the lower and final part of the lakes. In Croatian, the word for shallow closely resembles “plitvice.” The name of the falls and river may have their origins in the generally shallow nature of the pools, rivers, and creeks.

Is Plitvice Lakes worth visiting?

Ultimately, Plitvice Lakes is definitely worth the easy day trip and relatively moderate cost to get there from Zagreb.

In 2019, I visited Plitvice Lakes as part of a giant 2-month road trip through primarily eastern Europe. Plitvice Lakes was one of the highlights of the whole trip. The clarity of the water and cascading waterfalls in every direction really left an impression and has remained one of the most impressive natural wonders in Europe for me.

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