Written by Arijana Tkalčec

In addition to a beautiful coast, Croatia also has one of the most unique national parks in the world. Of course, it's Plitvice Lakes, the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. An interesting fact is that it's also Croatia's first national park. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in 1979.

Waterfalls everywhere

Plitvice Lakes consist of many lakes and waterfalls. Even though the lakes are the most attractive part of the national park, they cover just under 1% of the total area. The Lake system is divided into two main parts: Lower and Upper Lakes. The twelve lakes are forming the Upper Lakes and four the Lower Lakes. Plus, some small ones that are not named. Plitvice are also well known for its lakes arranged in cascades. It's an extraordinary sight.

The Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) is the highest waterfall in the Plitvice National Park and Croatia (78 meters). During the winter, the waterfall gets almost completely frozen.

The Great Waterfall

The park is open the whole year (only some parts of it may be closed during the winter for safety reasons). I suggest coming in autumn (when the leaves change color and everything is yellow-orange). During winter it is a great option too (when it snows) because it won't be crowded and the views are magical. Spring and summer have their charms also, but I don't suggest it because it's just too many people. The fact that 1.3-1.5 million people visit the national park each year says it all. After all, it is our most famous attraction.

One of many viewpoints

Plitvice Lakes offer stunning views throughout your whole visit. Walking on the wooden bridges across the lakes and near the waterfalls is what I liked the most. Also murmur of the water – my favorite sound.

Paths like this one lead you throughout the whole park

How much time do I need?

Count the whole day in. If you want to explore it properly, you need to take your time. The park is enormous and you'll for sure be stopping every few minutes to take photos and admire the view, so you better take your time.

Plus, there are seven hiking trails, and I suggest you checking all of them thoroughly to see which one suits you the best. Additionaly, there are few entrances too, so don't forget that. I would recommend starting at Entrance 1 from where you walk slightly uphill most of the way with the view of the waterfalls accompanying you. It's probably the easiest route too. Also, by starting there, the Great Waterfall is right at the entrance. So if you're there in the morning, you'll be amongst the first people there.

More waterfalls

What about the tickets?

The tickets can be bought at Entrance 1 or 2. You can choose between one day and two-day tickets. I recommend taking the two-days ticket if you have the time. There's so much to see and do, and one day may not be enough.

The entrance ticket price includes transport with the electric boat and panorama train, which you have to take at one point to cross from one part to another.

Note that it is suggested to book your tickets in advance online because of too many tourists visiting. That was still not the case when I was visiting.

Tickets vary depending on the season and time of the day. They go from approximately 9 to $US 39. To see detailed pricing, check the official page.

Lakes

What if I get hungry?

Don't worry. There are many restaurants and shops around. I recommend National Restaurant Lička kuća (at Entrance 1). They're serving delicious traditional food from Lika region. I loved it!

Perfect place for a day in nature