Explore Plitvice National Park: Croatia’s Scenic Gem

Plitvice National Park is a natural wonderland located in Croatia. It is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and lush forests, making it one of the country’s top tourist destinations. The park is spread over an area of 296 square kilometers and consists of 16 interconnected lakes that are fed by numerous small rivers and streams. The water in the lakes is renowned for its stunning shades of blue and green, which change depending on the angle of the sun and the season.

Visitors to the park can explore its network of walking trails, which wind through forests, over wooden footbridges, and along the edges of the lakes. The park’s most famous attraction is the Great Waterfall, a stunning 78-meter cascade that is a favorite spot for photographers. Other notable sights include the Veliki Slap waterfall, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kozjak, and the limestone cliffs of the Sastavci waterfall. In addition to its natural beauty, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, lynx, and numerous species of birds and butterflies. Overall, Plitvice National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the stunning beauty of Croatia’s wilderness.

Plitvice has to be on everyone’s list when they visit Croatia – It’s natural beauty and breathtaking waterfalls are a must see! There is much to do in the park – here’s our favourites

The interconnected series of 16 stunning lakes and waterfalls are the highlight of the park. Take a hike along the wooden footbridges and enjoy the serene beauty of the turquoise water and lush surroundings.

This 78-meter-high waterfall is the most famous attraction in the park and is a must-see for visitors. Stand in awe as the water cascades down from above.

To get a different perspective of the park, take a boat ride on Lake Kozjak. The tranquil water and scenic surroundings make it a peaceful and memorable experience.

Plitvice National Park has numerous trails for visitors to explore the park’s stunning scenery. There are both easy and more challenging hikes, so pick the one that suits your fitness level and preferences.

The park is home to various species of wildlife, including bears, wolves, deer, and lynx. Keep an eye out for them as you explore the park, or visit the educational center to learn more about the different animals that call Plitvice their home.

The best time to visit Plitvice National Park is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these months, the park is less crowded and the weather is cooler, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. The lakes and waterfalls are still just as beautiful, and the autumn colors add to the park’s already stunning scenery. However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind crowds, then summer (June to August) is also a good time to visit. Just be prepared for higher temperatures and more tourists. Winter (November to March) is the park’s offseason, and while it may be less crowded, the park can be closed due to snow and ice. Overall, the best time to visit Plitvice National Park depends on your preferences and travel plans, but with its year-round natural beauty, it is a destination worth visiting no matter the season.

Either way, whatever you do I recommend getting to the park early to beat out all of the tourists – even if that means staying in an AirBnb close to the park the night before

Plitvice is pretty accessable from most of the places in Croatia as it is somewhat centrally located. That said, if you are coming from a place like Zagreb, give yourself a couple of hours to get there. Zadar is about 2.5 hours away. Our recommendations, as we stated before, are to get up to Plitvice the night before and stay the night in one of the many AirBnbs around

Plitvice National Park is accessible by car and there are several parking areas available for visitors. The park is located about two hours from the cities of Zagreb and Zadar, and the drive is scenic, passing through quaint Croatian towns and countryside.

There are frequent bus services that operate from the nearby cities of Zagreb and Zadar, as well as other major cities in Croatia. The bus ride takes approximately two hours from Zagreb and four hours from Zadar, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the bus station.

There is a train station located in the nearby town of Slunj, which is about 30 minutes away from the park by car. However, there are limited train services available, and it may not be the most convenient option for visitors.

The nearest airport to Plitvice National Park is Zadar Airport, which is approximately 2.5 hours away by car. Alternatively, Zagreb Airport is also an option, which is approximately 2 hours away by car. From the airport, visitors can either rent a car or take a bus to the park.

There are several tour operators that offer guided tours to Plitvice National Park from various cities in Croatia, which can be a convenient option for visitors who prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation on their own. The tours usually include transportation, park entrance fees, and a guided tour of the park.