Plitvice lakes, an insiders guide to the most stunning waterfalls of Croatia

07.06.2021.

Proclaimed as Croatia’s oasis of visit and enchantment Plitvice lakes cover the exceptional beauty that is beyond words. Turqouise colours that blend with the emerald ones create the dream that needs to be seen and experienced. Like the royal touch waterfalls flow in their own rhythm singing about the nature wonders.

Located on the half way between Zagreb and Zadar this is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning National Park. 16 fascinating lakes and over 90 waterfall create a rapsodhy that deserve the whole day. If you really want to take advantage of the place, don’t rush and stay overnight either at the hotels onsite or within the plenty other options exploring the area. But more about that later.

See also: More than 20 stunning waterfalls in the world

See also: Croatia’s Bucket List

What can you see at Plitvice lakes

It has to be noted that there are 4 trails, each one with different length following the same path. Adequately, it should be a different price for each trail. The path taking 2 hours shouldn’t cost the same as the 6 hours path. Some kind of guard should definitely exist at each section. Sometimes jumping on Plitvice between the roads doesn’t allow you to take the longest trail still enjoying the divine beauty.

Regarding the price, it’s 3 times double during the summer time particulary in July and August. June has special prices and spring in April and autumn in May captures the promotive prices, only 50 kn. The best time regarding prices is to go till 31.05. but avoid the weekends because of the crowds and many touristic groups. You’ll be much more flexible if going on your own as the big groups doesn’t allow you the relaxing time for pictures.

The easiest trail takes 2 hours, it’s the most majestic one from the start where you’ll see all the internet stuff alive.

About the trails and lakes

Starting with viewpoint at the entrance, the fairy-tale dream enters the turquoise lakes. In Plitvice you’ll not believe your eyes how stunning the colours are.

The Big waterfall arrives, after that another set of incredible water colours and few lakes with the common name Lower Lakes. The most amazing views can actually be seen on the trail above while returning to the entrance.

The huge lake Galovac ends the panorama of Lower lakes leading to the boat (the ride is included in the price) and Upper lakes.

At the „port“ we find the relaxing meadow, caffe bar & restaurant, souvenir shop or the opportunity to just relax near the lake that has almost the alpine resemblance.

Upper Lakes & boat tours at Plitvice

Upper lakes grandify the gentle emerald colours and the waterfalls that resemble to the Big waterfall at the beginning.

The third route finishes at the Upper lakes leading to the place where you can rent your own boat. This is the place where Hotel Plitvice is placed, where the train will take you to the beginning (or almost the beginning).

With only 4 hours it’s quite manageable but the most desirable is the longest route of the 6 hours. It follows the line of turqouise lakes and new composition of soft waterfalls, some of the most beautiful ones of the entire Plitvice. Overall, there are seven different trails to choose from.

16 lakes interwined like a fairy tale deserve to be visited all year along, either in spring when it’s the most soft either during autumn when golden colours cover the water. Winter is a particular experience when the waterfalls get frozen.

Don’t miss Čorkova uvala inside the Park.

Rastoke, lovely village one hour away from Plitvice

Rastoke and Slunj town above shine with their own magic within so called Little Plitvice. I’ve been many times there as local asociation from Slunj organized funny camping events in Rastoke. It was a chance to drum with friends, learn some juggling or just enjoy the chilling vibe. If you think about swimming here, the water is to cold but I had some nice first swimmings of summer.

Entrance ticket to Rastoke waterfalls is 40 kunas (little more than 5 euros) will take you to wonderful falls and mill houses.

Where to stay near Plitvice

Plitvice Holiday Resort bungalows– within 8 km from the National Park you can enjoy cozy accomodation, awesome pools and local delicacies;

Camping Plitvice– tranquil ambiance withe children’s playground, organising diverse tours like quad, riding horses, zipline, rafting;

Ranč Dolina Jelena

Elysian Apartments– neat appartment, only 8 km from the Plitvice lakes;

Apartmani Relax– come to enjoy serene atmosphere and barbicue, 25 km from the National Park;

Vila Natura Plitvice– cozy and spacious, so close to the entrance of the National Park;

Plitvice ArtFarm

Additional activities near Plitvice lakes

Quad tour with Quad & Buggy Plitvice

Baraćeve špilje

Conclusion

Plitvice lakes need no introduction, they’re stunning by themselves. Don’t limit yourself only to Plitvice waterfalls, the area around is full of wonders. Explore easily and explore with depth. Plitvice will reward you with thousands of miracles.

Probably one fo the most beautiful waterfalls in the worlds Plitvice will leave you speachless and then turn you into poet. Let me know what are the most beautiful watefalls you saw?