Summary

  • Spectacular Plitvice Lakes in Croatia boast stunning waterfalls & endless hiking trails. Don't miss the Veliki Slap waterfall, a true masterpiece.
  • Abundance of wildlife, including brown bears, deer, wolves, & boars. Capture them on camera during non-peak hours & admire natural wonders.
  • Experience crystal clear waters of Plitvice Lakes by renting a rowboat. Pristine kayaking, rowboating, and swimming also available.

The country of Croatia is one of the most spectacular spaces in the world, full of natural beauty and wonder. Perhaps the most stunning place in this small and often ignored country is Plitvice Lakes. Located in Central Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes are known for their sixteen terraced lakes, limestone canyons, eighty-foot waterfall, and endless hiking trails. One could spend days wandering around this vast and majestic National Park and still never see all that it has to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Croatia, or nearby countries, then hitting up the Plitvice Lakes is an absolute must. When visiting the park, here is what you can expect to enjoy. Bring your camera, because the gorgeous photos taken by tourists prove this area of the world is second to none.

UPDATE: 2023/11/22 17:06 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There's More To Know About Croatia's Plitvice Lakes

This article has been refreshed with new information regarding a trip to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, as well as the best time to come here. Whether someone has never been to Croatia before or wants to add this to the itinerary, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see.

Related: Captivating Croatia: 10 Best Destinations For A Mediterranean Escape

Hike Around The Stunning Waterfalls

Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia view from above
Wikimedia Commons
Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia view from above

For nature lovers and adventurers, there is no better place to explore than a waterfall. Unique waterfalls guarantee spectacular sights that tourists will remember for the duration of their lifetime. Plitvice Park has several waterfalls, but the biggie is called Veliki Slap, and it extends some seventy-eight meters high. Found at the end of the lower lakes, it is truly something to behold. Carve out plenty of time to gaze upon this masterpiece.

  • Waterfalls galore: Plitvice Lakes also offers waterfall views and surrounding hiking trails.

Search For An Abundance Wildlife Living In The Park

Blue-watered lake on a bridge with a waterfall in the background
Photo by Ilse on Unsplash
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Many wild animals roam the twelve thousand acres that comprise Plitvice National Park. If you want to snap some incredible images of deer, wolves, and wild boars, try and visit the park during hours that aren't peak times. The park has also seen an increasing number of brown bears in the area, but these guys aren't huge fans of people, so your chances of running into one are pretty slim.

Trek deep into the wooded area with your camera and stay quiet and still. Even if the animals stay out of sight, there will be plenty of gorgeous formations and natural wonders to capture on film.

  • Plenty of animals: Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to many brown bears, deer, wolves, and boars.

Rent A Rowboat To Experience The Crystal Clear Waters

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia 
Photo by Marla Prusik on Unsplash
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia 

You can't jump in and swim in any of the sixteen lakes that comprise Plitvice Lakes, but that doesn't mean that you can't experience the clear waters that are found here. Very few places on earth have waters as clear as Plitvice Lakes, and this clearness is created from the mountain runoff that forms the pools. The water calcifies all that it touches, and this stops buildups of mud and algae. The colors are astounding spectrums of teal, greys, deep blues, and greens, and this is thanks to the mineral composition of the area.

If you are drawn to the water, then consider renting a rowboat for fifty km per hour ( that's roughly seven bucks!) Float and row around the pools on a sunny day! These gorgeous pictures of Croatia taken by tourists make it even more worthy of a visit.

  • Get on the water: This National Park also boasts pristine kayaking, rowboating, and swimming.

Picnic In The Midst Of Nature's Bounty

Plitvice National Park Croatia
Photo by Rick Govic on Unsplash
Plitvice National Park in Croatia

Plitvice Lakes are the perfect backdrop for a picnic. You are welcome to bring your own snacks in; just be sure to deposit trash in the appropriate spaces. Food is also available at the entrance of the park, but the selection here will be limited. The best option is to venture into one of the tiny surrounding towns, purchase a variety of local foods, and have the picnic of your life beside a clear, blue lake or towering waterfall.

  • A place to picnic: Plitvice Lakes National Park offers plenty of room for picnicking for guests.

Related: 10 Amazing Reasons Why Dubrovnik, Croatia Needs To Be On Your Bucket List

Stay In A Nearby Village So That You Can Be In The Park From Open To Close

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Unsplash
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Being a National Park, you can't hunker down and sleep there, but thankfully there are several charming towns nearby where people can get a bite to eat and a bed to lay their heads down. The park opens at seven a.m. during peak summer months, so staying at a village close to the park will make it easy to get there before the crowds roll in.

  • Nearest towns to Plitvice Lakes: Karlovac (85km) and Zadar (145km) in Croatia, or Bihač (35km) in Bosnia.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park In Croatia?

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia in the fall
Image by Sushuti from Pixabay
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia in the fall

One of the best times to check out Plitvice Lakes National Park is between spring and fall. Generally, the leaves begin to change in late August, peaking in September and early October. That in itself proves to be a stunning tapestry of orange, red, and yellow foliage surrounding the lake and waterfall, adding to its allure. Moreover, July and August are the more popular times to come here because the temperatures are mild, and the conditions for nature and animal sightings are in their prime.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is convenient enough to have parking and places to use the restroom and stop for a picnic. It's a full-blown nature sanctuary and is a can't-miss while in Croatia. The pictures of these lakes alone are enough to inspire a vacation.

  • Best time to visit: July and August/spring through fall