Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park photo 2
Plitvice Lakes National Park photo 3
All photos

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, pairs turquoise waterfalls and forested trails with UNESCO heritage, wildlife, scenic walks and year-round nature.

Lakes, Forests and Travertine

Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in central Croatia, between Zagreb and the Adriatic coast, within a heavily forested karst landscape shaped by limestone, dolomite and water. Its defining feature is a chain of 16 named lakes linked by waterfalls, cascades and natural travertine barriers. Mineral-rich water flows through moss, rock and woodland, gradually building the porous limestone formations that separate the lakes and continually alter the appearance of the waterways. Colours range from clear green to deep blue, changing with light, weather, vegetation and mineral content.
Read more about Plitvice Lakes National Park

Exploring the Park

The park is divided broadly into the Upper Lakes, set among woodland and gentler valleys, and the Lower Lakes, where paths descend through more dramatic limestone scenery towards the Veliki Slap waterfall. Boardwalks, forest trails, electric boats and panoramic shuttle transport form part of the established visitor system, although routes, access arrangements and operating conditions can vary. The main entrances are close to the northern and southern sections of the park, while nearby settlements such as Rastovača, Jezerce and Mukinje provide access and visitor services.

Nature and Heritage

Protected since 1949 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, Plitvice is valued for both its scenery and its living karst processes. Beech, fir and spruce forests shelter birds, amphibians and mammals, while the lakes and streams support sensitive aquatic habitats. Visitors come primarily for walking and landscape observation, but the wider area also reveals a rural highland culture of small villages, traditional food and forest-based livelihoods. Conditions can change quickly, and the park’s paths, bridges and viewpoints are intended to be used carefully within the managed visitor system.

When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Best: May, September–October · 21–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January676
February766
March1371
April1981
May (best)2486
June3196
July33106
August32101
September (best)2786
October (best)2181
November1571
December1076

Getting to and around Plitvice Lakes National Park

How to get there

Plitvice Lakes National Park is most commonly reached by road from Zagreb, Zadar or the northern Dalmatian coast. Long-distance buses serve nearby settlements and may stop close to one of the park entrances, but services and seasonal frequencies vary. Zagreb Airport and Zadar Airport are useful regional gateways, although neither is inside the park and onward road travel is required. Karlovac and Slunj can also function as useful points on the approach from Zagreb. Visitors arriving by car should select their entrance in advance, since the park covers a long, forested area rather than a single compact site.

Transportation

Once inside, visitors generally explore on foot using marked routes, boardwalks, steps and forest paths. The park’s electric boats and panoramic vehicles connect selected areas and form part of several established sightseeing programmes, subject to operational conditions and seasonal arrangements. Public transport within the wider park region is limited, so a car or organised transfer can be useful for reaching accommodation and different entrances. Cycling is more practical on surrounding roads than on the main lake paths. Do not leave marked routes or cross barriers, as the watercourses and travertine formations are protected.

Best attractions in Plitvice Lakes National Park

The principal attraction is the connected system of 16 named lakes, whose clear waters pass over travertine barriers into cascades and waterfalls. The Lower Lakes offer the most concentrated dramatic scenery, including the limestone canyon and Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall, while the Upper Lakes extend through quieter woodland and a more open sequence of pools and falls. Marked routes combine boardwalks, forest paths, electric boat crossings and panoramic vehicle journeys, allowing visitors to experience different sections without treating the park as a single short walk. Viewpoints around the canyon provide elevated perspectives over the lower watercourses, while the lakeshores reveal the detail of moss, limestone and moving water. Beyond the principal circuit, nearby villages such as Rastovača, Jezerce and Mukinje provide a rural setting and useful access points, although the protected park itself remains the focus rather than a collection of built attractions.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice’s defining landmarks are natural: the chain of Upper and Lower Lakes, the travertine barriers that separate them, the Veliki Slap waterfall and the limestone canyon through which the lower waters descend. Veliki Slap is formed where the Plitvica stream drops into the Korana river system, while other named features mark the succession of falls, pools and forest waterways. The wooden boardwalks and bridges are not historic monuments in themselves, but they have become characteristic elements of the visitor landscape, guiding movement through a sensitive environment without turning the lakeshores into roads. The park’s greatest significance lies in the continuing interaction between water, moss, vegetation and calcium carbonate: the formations visitors see are active natural structures. Nearby rural settlements and accommodation buildings provide cultural context, but the protected water and forest system remains the landmark identity of Plitvice.

Show more landmarks

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Dining at Plitvice is closely tied to park facilities, nearby guesthouses and the small settlements around the entrances rather than to a large restaurant district. Visitors can find cafés and straightforward meals near the main visitor areas, while Rastovača, Jezerce, Mukinje and surrounding villages provide additional places to eat depending on the season and local opening arrangements. Regional cooking reflects the inland Croatian and Lika setting, with dishes based on meat, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, freshwater fish, bread and locally produced dairy; štrukli and lamb are familiar specialities in the wider region, though menus vary. Traditional inns and family-run restaurants may offer grilled meats, soups and rustic dishes, while accommodation providers often serve breakfast or home-style meals. Because facilities are dispersed, visitors following a long route should carry water and plan meals around their chosen entrance and transport arrangements.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park has no substantial nightlife district, and evenings are generally quiet once visitors leave the trails. Small bars, cafés and restaurant lounges connected with guesthouses and hotels provide places for a drink or conversation in settlements such as Rastovača, Jezerce and Mukinje, while nearby rural villages retain a low-key hospitality atmosphere rather than a club scene. Some accommodation venues may host seasonal meals or informal local events, but entertainment varies and should not be expected every night. Visitors seeking a wider choice of bars, music or late-evening activity normally need to travel to a larger town outside the immediate park area, with Karlovac, Zadar and Zagreb offering substantially different urban evening environments but lying beyond the destination itself.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park has no substantial nightlife district, and evenings are generally quiet once visitors leave the trails. Small bars, cafés and restaurant lounges connected with guesthouses and hotels provide places for a drink or conversation in settlements such as Rastovača, Jezerce and Mukinje, while nearby rural villages retain a low-key hospitality atmosphere rather than a club scene. Some accommodation venues may host seasonal meals or informal local events, but entertainment varies and should not be expected every night. Visitors seeking a wider choice of bars, music or late-evening activity normally need to travel to a larger town outside the immediate park area, with Karlovac, Zadar and Zagreb offering substantially different urban evening environments but lying beyond the destination itself.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Shopping within Plitvice Lakes National Park is limited and oriented towards practical visitor needs, snacks, drinks, souvenirs and locally themed items rather than extensive retail. Small shops and sales points near the entrances or visitor facilities may offer park-related products, while the surrounding villages have modest local businesses rather than shopping streets. In nearby settlements and towns, visitors can look for honey, plum products, cheeses, spirits, herbal goods, carved wood, woollen items and other regional produce, although selection and availability vary. Lika’s rural economy is reflected in food products and craft traditions more than in large-scale commercial retail. Those travelling by car can find a broader range of groceries, outdoor supplies and everyday goods in larger regional towns, while visitors relying on buses should not assume that a major supermarket or specialist shop is close to every park entrance.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Plitvice Lakes National Park essentials

Currency and Payment
Croatia uses the euro, written as EUR. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at established park facilities, accommodation and larger businesses, but visitors should carry some cash for smaller rural establishments, local transport or incidental purchases. Cash machines and broader banking services are more likely in nearby towns than in the park itself. Check whether a card terminal is available before ordering in small cafés or village businesses, and keep funds available for a destination where facilities are dispersed rather than concentrated in one town centre.
Safety
The main routes include wet boardwalks, wooden bridges, steps, steep sections and uneven woodland paths, so sturdy footwear and attention to changing surfaces are important. Heavy rain, snow and freezing conditions can affect access and route arrangements. Follow official signs and barriers around waterfalls, lakes and steep edges; swimming and entering the water are not part of ordinary sightseeing access. Stay with marked trails, particularly in the forest, and be prepared for limited mobile coverage in some areas. Keep food and rubbish secured, and observe wildlife without approaching or feeding it.
Emergency Situations
In Croatia, call 112 for the general emergency service; 192 reaches the police, 193 the fire service and 194 emergency medical assistance. State that you are in Plitvice Lakes National Park and give the entrance, marked route, nearby lake, bridge or signed location where possible. Do not move an injured person unnecessarily unless there is immediate danger, and alert park staff when they are nearby. For non-urgent healthcare needs, nearby settlements and larger regional towns provide the relevant services, but the park itself is not an urban medical centre.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on designated paths and boardwalks, respect barriers and follow instructions from park staff. Do not swim, feed animals, pick plants, disturb travertine formations, light fires or leave litter. Keep noise low in the forest and near wildlife, and do not use drones or other equipment in ways that conflict with park rules. Treat local residents and rural property respectfully, particularly when parking or walking near villages. Carry waste out when bins are not available, and remember that photography should never take priority over safety or conservation.
Local Tips
Choose a route according to the time available and your comfort with steps, slopes and uneven surfaces rather than trying to see every lake in one hurried circuit. Accommodation near Rastovača and the southern entrance is convenient for the Lower Lakes, while Jezerce and Mukinje are useful bases for other approaches and park services. The landscapes change markedly with season: summer brings fuller visitor facilities, autumn adds colour, and winter can bring snow and altered access. Check official park information shortly before visiting, especially after severe weather.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBok[Bohk]
GoodbyeDoviđenja[Doh-vee-jen-ya]
YesDa[Dah]
NoNe[Neh]
Please/You're welcomeMolim[Moh-leem]
Thank youHvala[Hvah-lah]
Excuse me/SorryOprosti[Oh-pros-tee]
How are you?Kako si?[Kah-koh see]
Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?[Doh-bro. Ah tee]
Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?[Go-vo-ree-sh lee eng-les-kee]
I don't understandNe razumijem[Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim[Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lov-neek, moh-leem]
I don't eat meatNe jedem meso[Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
Cheers!Živjeli![Zhee-vyeh-lee]
I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim[Zheh-leem pla-tee-tee, moh-leem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoć![Poh-mohtch]
Go away!Idi odatle![Ee-dee oh-daht-leh]
Call the Police!Pozovite policiju![Poh-zo-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora![Poh-zo-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se[Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
I'm illBolestan/sna sam[Boh-les-tahn/snah sahm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...[Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
I'm just lookingSamo gledam[Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
How much is it?Koliko košta?[Koh-lee-koh kohs-tah]
That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo[Toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?[Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Koliko je sati?[Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
It's one o'clockJedan je sat[Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
Half past (10)Pola (deset)[Poh-lah (deh-set)]
MorningJutro[Yoo-troh]
AfternoonPopodne[Poh-pohd-neh]
EveningVečer[Veh-chehr]
YesterdayJučer[Yoo-cher]
TodayDanas[Dah-nahs]
TomorrowSutra[Soo-trah]
1Jedan[Yeh-dahn]
2Dva[Dvah]
3Tri[Tree]
4Četiri[Cheh-tee-ree]
5Pet[Peh-t]
6Šest[Shehst]
7Sedam[Seh-dahm]
8Osam[Oh-sahm]
9Devet[Deh-veht]
10Deset[Deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?[Gdyeh yeh]
What's the address?Koja je adresa?[Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?[Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?[Kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)[Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh)]

History of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Karst Formation and Travertine Growth

Plitvice’s landscape developed within the Dinaric karst, where water passes through soluble limestone and dolomite before emerging through springs and streams. The lakes are not simply a chain of conventional basins: mosses and aquatic plants help trap calcium carbonate, allowing porous travertine barriers to form and grow. These barriers divide the waterways into the present sequence of lakes and cascades, while ongoing erosion and deposition continue to modify the system. This geological and biological process explains why Plitvice is regarded as a living water landscape rather than a static collection of waterfalls.

Early Settlement and Rural Land Use

The wider Plitvice region has long been a meeting area between the Croatian interior and the Adriatic hinterland. Communities used the forests, meadows and waterways for farming, livestock, timber and small-scale local industries, while routes through the region connected settlements across the karst uplands. Historical villages around the lakes developed a rural character rather than a dense urban one. The landscape’s practical value to local communities existed alongside its scenic appeal, and traditional land use remains part of the cultural setting visitors encounter beyond the managed water and forest zones.

The Rise of Tourism

Interest in the lakes grew during the nineteenth century as improved roads and regional travel brought more visitors to the area. A formal tourism association was established in 1890, helping promote Plitvice as a destination for nature and scenery. The first organised visitor facilities and trails developed gradually, allowing people to approach the lakes, waterfalls and forest viewpoints more easily. Tourism expanded further during the twentieth century, although the park’s scattered settlements and rugged terrain prevented the area from becoming a conventional resort. Walking and landscape appreciation remained central to its identity.

National Park Protection

The area around the lakes was designated Croatia’s first national park in 1949, establishing a stronger framework for protecting its forests, waterways and travertine formations. In 1979, Plitvice Lakes was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding natural values and continuing geological and biological processes. Protection has required a balance between public access and sensitive habitats: paths, bridges, boats and shuttle systems are managed to concentrate movement while limiting damage to the lakeshores and barriers. Conservation remains inseparable from the visitor experience.

War, Recovery and Contemporary Conservation

Plitvice was affected by the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, when the area was caught in the conflict and tourism ceased. Following the war, the park was cleared and reopened, and attention returned to restoring visitor infrastructure and maintaining its protected status. UNESCO removed Plitvice from its List of World Heritage in Danger in 2011 after progress in recovery and management. Modern conservation continues to address visitor pressure, water quality, forest management and the need to protect the natural processes that create the park’s defining travertine landscapes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Plitvice Lakes National Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Lika
More of the region

Explore more of Lika

Discover Lika, Croatia's hidden gem, where stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture await. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Explore Lika
Croatia
More of the country

Explore more of Croatia

Discover Croatia: A Mediterranean paradise with stunning coastlines, ancient cities, and rich cultural heritage. Perfect for beach lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts.

Explore Croatia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering all attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park like never before with Evendo. Your ultimate travel companion, offering comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one app.

  • History of Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • Easy navigation through the app and the park
  • 'Near me' feature to see what's around you
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park with Evendo, your personal travel guide app. Imagine strolling through the lush landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and cascading waterfalls, knowing you have expert guidance at your fingertips. With Evendo, you can explore iconic landmarks like Veliki Slap, the park’s largest waterfall, and the serene Kozjak Lake. Discover hidden gems, from the enchanting Supljara Cave to the picturesque Korana River.

Hungry after a day of exploring? Evendo has you covered with detailed information on the best local restaurants. Savor delicious Croatian cuisine at Licka Kuca, or enjoy a cozy meal at Bistro Vucnica. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

But Evendo is more than just a guide. It’s your one-stop solution for booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences in the park. Forget the hassle of searching multiple websites; Evendo brings everything to one place. From understanding the history of Plitvice Lakes to getting travel essentials and local advice, Evendo ensures you make the most out of your visit. The app’s easy navigation and 'Near me' feature allow you to see what's around you, no matter where you are in the park. Plus, curated local tips let you experience Plitvice Lakes like a local.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it the only travel companion you'll ever need. Download Evendo today and turn your trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park into a memorable adventure.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.