- 1. Close to Paradise
- 2. Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
- 3. Getting There, Tips, and Information about Plitvice Lakes
- 4. Getting to Plitvice Lakes
- 5. Entrance Prices and Opening Hours
- 6. Winter Months (Nov-Mar)
- 7. Off-Season (Apr-May & Oct)
- 8. Summer Months (Jun-Sept)
- 9. More Helpful Information
- 10. Is Swimming Allowed in the Lakes?
- 11. Park Rules in Plitvice Lakes National Park:
- 12. 'How to Be Enchanted' - Plitvice Lakes National Park
- 13. Off to Croatia!
Close to Paradise
Who among you knows about the Croatian National Park Plitvice Lakes? It is a place that enchants - a place that leaves you speechless. Roaring waterfalls, crystal clear water, large lakes, and enchanting nature invite you to the most beautiful walks.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
There are several paradises in the world that you might never get to see in your life. You feel like the most beautiful places are all at the other end of the world... But we all thought wrong, because one of the most beautiful national parks in the world is only two hours away by plane. We are talking about the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia - a karst area that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site many years ago. In the hinterland of Croatia and about one and a half hours away from the popular holiday destination of Zadar, lies the national park full of lakes and incredible waterfalls.
Getting There, Tips, and Information about Plitvice Lakes
Getting to the Plitvice National Park is actually quite simple, provided you have a rental car. It is always advisable in Croatia, as you can easily visit different beaches, attractions, and highlights. The roads are generally in good condition, and the selection of rental cars is great.
Facts about the National Park:
- Size: approx. 296 km²
- 50 km of hiking trails
- 16 lakes
- 90 waterfalls
- countless caves
- numerous hectares of forest
Getting to Plitvice Lakes
Whether you come from Split, Zadar, or the Dubrovnik region - it's best to follow your GPS, you can now download offline maps for all areas on Google Maps.
- From Zadar, it takes about 90 minutes, leading you through expressways across the countryside. Exciting what you can discover at the roadside.
- From Split, it takes a bit longer, a whole three hours for the drive. Maybe it's worth planning a night stay near the national park - accommodations can be found here.
- From Dubrovnik, it takes even longer - a full five hours for the arrival. Here too, it is advisable to plan one to two nights in the vicinity of the national park to enjoy a relaxed day at the site.
- Public Transportation: Many buses regularly run from the larger cities to the region; it's best to check the bus schedules online or ask at the hotel. Croatians are very helpful and friendly and will certainly be glad to assist you.
- Parking options on-site: There are various parking opportunities around the national park, costing about €1 per hour. Motorhomes can also find their place here.
Entrance Prices and Opening Hours
The entrance prices for the Plitvice Lakes National Park vary depending on the season, as do the prices for parking and the opening hours. It's best to check directly on the Plitvice Lakes homepage before your visit.
Travel Guru Tip: Book your tickets online in advance. This way, you'll be safe and avoid long waiting times at the ticket offices.
Winter Months (Nov-Mar)
- Opening hours for entrances & parking: Entrance 1: Rastovača & Side Entrance 2: Flora -> 08-15 hours; Entrance 2: Hladovina -> closed
- Entrance prices: Adults €10; Students €6; Children (7-18 years) €4
Off-Season (Apr-May & Oct)
- Opening hours for entrances & parking: Entrance 1: Rastovača, Entrance 2: Hladovina & Side Entrance 2: Flora -> 07-20 hours
- Entrance prices: Adults €23; Students €14; Children (7-18 years) €6
Summer Months (Jun-Sept)
- Opening hours for entrances & parking: Entrance 1: Rastovača, Entrance 2: Hladovina & Side Entrance 2: Flora -> 07-20 hours
- Entrance prices: Adults €40; Students €25; Children (7-18 years) €15
More Helpful Information
There are two main entrances to the national park, one in the north and one in the south, both located near numerous waterfalls and lakes. Additionally, with another entrance, charmingly named 'Flora', you also have the opportunity to explore the national park from a less crowded direction. Of course, it is quite busy here in peak season as well, but don't let that deter you, it is simply wonderful here.
Overall, there is incredibly much to see and explore throughout the entire lake area and far beyond. Eight hiking routes wind through nature, and the further you move away from the main attractions, the emptier it will also become. Bring a picnic and make yourselves comfortable during a break, listen to the birds, the croaking of frogs, and let nature work its magic on you - it will leave you speechless.
By the way, the hiking routes are color-coded for easier orientation. If you start at Entrance 1, you have a choice of four programs marked in green. The four programs starting from Entrance 2 are marked in orange. Additionally, electric boats and trains operate in the park to ease your sometimes long distances. The use of them is already covered with a valid entry ticket.
Video: travel-ing.de
Is Swimming Allowed in the Lakes?
A definite no - swimming is not allowed. The ban primarily serves to protect and preserve nature and should definitely be observed.
Apart from small ferries operated by the park management, boating is also not permitted in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are generally some park rules you should strictly follow - only then can the national park remain as beautiful as it is now in the future, especially as more and more visitors want to visit this highlight during their Croatia vacation.
Park Rules in Plitvice Lakes National Park:
- Trees should not be damaged
- Plants should not be picked
- Trash should not be discarded carelessly
- You should not leave the pathways
- Loud music is prohibited
- Animals should not be fed or disturbed
- Swimming/open fire/fishing/camping is prohibited
- Dogs must be kept on a leash
However, those who adhere to these simple rules can experience a pristine environment that offers beautiful photo opportunities around every corner.
'How to Be Enchanted' - Plitvice Lakes National Park
No matter the season - Plitvice Lakes National Park always looks enchanting. That's what everyone says who is lucky enough to walk along the hiking paths through the national park. The way leads into the park along very well-maintained walkways and pretty wooden bridges. Here, in the midst of untouched nature, there are even said to be brown bears, although they are rarely spotted. Instead, you are more likely to see small, quick otters that hop in front of your camera along the streams and lakes if you stay still long enough.
Off to Croatia!
Interestingly, the national park was once called the Devil's Garden, and when you find yourself in the dense forests, you can imagine why. However, you keep coming across clearings that impress with impressive waterfalls. So, if these pictures don't make you want to take a short trip to Croatia, what will? Visit one of the most beautiful national parks and discover many more beautiful spots in this country!
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