After spending countless hours searching on Pinterest for the most awe inspiring places to visit in Europe I came across Plitvice Lakes National Park. I knew immediately that I had to visit when I was in Croatia, no matter what! Let me tell you it was a challenge since I don’t drive and I was travelling solo. However, it is very much possible and I want to share a few quick tips to visiting this beautiful location before we jump into the 20 photos to inspire you to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Are you looking for more Balkan Itinerary ideas? Check out my guide to charming Ljubljana, Slovenia and a short day trip will take you to magical Lake Bled.
Walls of Dubrovnik
Quick Guide to Visiting the Park:
How to Get There:
The easiest way is to rent a car and either take a day trip from Zagreb or Split. The drive time from Zagreb is about 2 hours and from Split it’s about 2.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can spend the night near by at a hostel or hotel. There are a few hostels in the area that have shuttles that will drop you off in the morning, super convenient!
I joined a tour that was offered through my hostel and paid about $80 CAD for the transportation. Most tours follow the same route from Zagreb and you get to visit Platvice Lakes, a small little UNESCO World Heritage Site that has pretty waterfalls and it’s a nice stop to grab something to eat. Getyourguide has great tours to Plitvice Lakes and I would suggest spending between $80-$130 for the day.
Entrance Cost:
Plitvice Lakes is a very expensive park to visit, here is the price list by season. For adults in the summer months (June to August) the entrance fee is $40 per person. The price is $30 for students with a valid ID card and if you come after 4pm the price a little cheaper. I strongly suggest coming in shoulder season, it’s cheaper by almost half and a lot less crowds.
Things to Know Before Going:
- You cannot swim in the water, however the board walks are very low so you are walking right above the water which is a cool experience! If you want to swim in crystal clear water visit Krka National Park instead.
- Pack a lunch for the day if you are a picky eater. They have a lunch area where you can buy cafeteria style food (burgers, hot dogs, drinks etc.) They also offer a nice picnic area with tables and there’s lots of benches all over the park
- Included in the ticket price is the ferry that takes you between the 2 parks and I suggest spending at least 5-6 hours here if possible.
- The signs around the park are quite confusing so I suggest getting a map and ask questions once you get off the ferry to visit the other half of the park. I wasted an hour of my time because I was so lost and ended up at the parking lot!! lol
- There are 2 parking lots, I suggest parking at the second one, it’s a lot less busy
Photography Inspiration
I hope I have inspired you to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park and you should definitely add it to your Balkan itinerary! Croatia has so many beautiful regions to discover so I can’t wait to share more. Share with me in the comments which photo is your favourite!
Omg! These pictures are so surreal – I love the bright colors! Looks like a place to def check out, thank you!
Thank you Nancy, the place is unbelievable in person!
These photos are so gorgeous! That waterfall is so dreamy, definitely want to visit some day!
So many waterfalls all through out the park! Thank you Taylor!
Wow that is expensive! Those views look like they would be more than worth it though ?
Ahaha super expensive so I definitely suggest going during shoulder season but definitely worth it!
I loved visiting Plitvice! I totally agree that it was surprisingly expensive to enter (but I definitely thought it was worth it). These photos are lovely – it makes me want to go back!
I agree, expensive but so worth it! One of the highlights of my time in Croatia. Thank you Rae!
Beautiful picture these lakes are amazing. Great tip about the packed lunch. We visited a few years ago but I’d love to return.
So glad you like them Rachel! Yes I was here in June and would love to go back in the fall!
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! You’ve definitely convinced me to visit.
I’m so happy to hear that Imani, such a beautiful place!
Photos are amazing!! I want to go right now!!!
Glad you mentioned the entry price. It’s good to know these things in advance!
Thank you so much Chelsea! For sure, it’s definitely an important factor!
these photos are amazing!! definitely adding this to my travel bucket list!
I’m so glad to hear that Erin, thank you!!
Wow! Your photos are exactly like I remember Plitvice being 🙂 Completely taking me back to this beautiful place!
So happy to hear that, it’s such a magical place! Thank you Madeline!!
This National Park has been on my list for long and I would love to visit someday. Beautiful pictures Tiana.
Thank you so much, Suvarna, definitely worth a visit!!
Oh these pictures are so beautiful ? but they also make me a little bit sad because due to the Corona virus we had to cancel our trip to Croatia.
Oh no, i’m so sorry to hear that! When this passes, hopefully you can plan another trip!
So natural and gorgeous! Jamaica has pockets of waterfalls all over as well. You should definitely visit some time!
Definitely so beautiful Perrisha, thank you! Would love to visit Jamaica, my aunt used to live there!
The national park looks absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to go here one day.
Thank you Caroline, totally worth the trip!
Wow! Your photos are absolutely beautiful Tiana! I cannot wait to get to Croatia, hopefully, for my birthday at the end of June. It looks amazing. 🙂
Thank you so much Taylor, I hope you can make it!!
Wow! Such gorgeous photos!!! I didn’t even know this slice of heaven existed. Thank you for sharing your experience!
So happy you like it, such an incredible place! Thanks Alexandra!
WOW that water hardly even looks real, how stunning! Hope to get there next time I visit Croatia!
Right! It’s sooo beautiful, hope you can visit again soon Alex!
Your photos are so beautiful! I’ve been to Croatia a few times but never Plitvice, definitely need to go back!
Thank you Greta! It’s a gorgeous place, hope you can visit again!
Wow these colors are just beautiful! Would love to visit this summer.
Thanks so much Dana! Hope you can make it, Croatia is so special!
I’ve been yearrrrrrning to go to Croatia for years! Your photos are incredible and only make me want to visit even more. Saving this for my 2020 Croatia plans!
Omg Croatia is amazing, I spent 2 weeks travelling around and can’t recommend it enough!