2025 Plitvicka Jezera Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

10 things to do in Croatia 1.      Explore the old town of Dubrovnik 2.      Travel back to the Middle Ages in Split 3.      Spend some quiet time in Medvednica 4.      Take a walk in Plitvice National Park 5.      Experience the bustling food market in Zagreb 6.      Visit the frozen waterfall 7.      Spend a day in Sibenik 8.      Experience the fascinating Mask Festival 9.      Enjoy the sun and surf at Zlatni Rat Beach 10.  Soak in a hot spring ☘️ Croatia is a country located at the intersection of Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. It looks like a crescent moon on the map. Croatia has a long coastline, the longest among the Balkan countries, with beautiful scenery along the way; it has over 1185 islands, earning it the nickname 'Country of a Thousand Islands'. The most famous is Plitvice Lakes, where 16 natural lakes are connected, with a large amount of calcium carbonate limestone deposits in the lakes, presenting green, gray, blue, etc., forming an ultimate natural landscape. ☘️ Speaking of Croatia, one must first mention Dubrovnik, also known as 'King's Landing' in the famous 'Game of Thrones'. Even if you're not a fan of the show, it's more customary to call it King's Landing, as it seems to show the grandeur of this ancient city.

I came to Croatia for the first time when I was a kid🇭🇷This country is called Yugoslavia. I was very impressed by the 16 Lakes National Park. I came to PLITVICE LAKE National Park in October and found that the tickets purchased on site were only 10 euros. Why did I buy them online first? 23 euros😡There is also a limit on the number of people, which is even more outrageous. I found that there are some entrances where you can sneak in without buying a ticket🔥It is really to guard against gentlemen and not villains🤬 Transportation strategy: Drive your own car🚗, it is more maneuverable Must-visit attractions: 16 Lakes National Park It takes about 5 hours to walk up and down the lake, take Route H Enter the No. 2 parking lot, first take a car to ST3 and walk to P2, take a boat from P2 to P3, then walk to ST1, take a car back to No. 2, and then walk to the parking lot Recommended hotel: This time I stayed at Guest House Slavica, which cost less than 1,000 per night and has a shared kitchen👍 #familytravel #croatia #PLITVICELAKENationalPark #Croatia #Croatia #CroatiaTravel #16Lake #Plitvice Lakes National Park 2023/10

Attraction: Plitvice Lakes National Park Address: Josipa Jovića 19, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia Direction: Book a bus online or at bus terminal from Zadar or Zegreb Opening Hours: 7am-5pm Ticket price: €40 for adults and €25 for students (+€4 service fee) Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest National Park in Bosnia. It was designated as a national park in 1949 and became a UNESCO world heritage in 1979. It has over 16 lakes! It is a very popular attraction for locals as well as international travellers. Your ticket includes a boat ride and bus ride. Please expect to spend at least 4-5 hours. There are washrooms and shops in different points so you don’t have to worry about that. Weather in summer is very hot, remember to bring water and sunscreen. #timetotravel #croatia #nationalpark #plitvice

Plitvice Lakes National Park Check out the snow-covered version. In the high season, it's beautiful with lush greenery, but in winter, it's a world of silver. I thought this time of year wasn't so bad either. To get there, leave from Zagreb bus station. It was a day trip, so it was easy to visit. Also, there were places that were accessible during the high season, but in winter, there were places that were inaccessible due to the snow. I'd like to go there in the high season someday. #Croatia #Plitvice #PlitviceLakesNationalPark #WorldHeritage

The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. The exceptional natural beauty of this area has always attracted nature lovers. Plitvice Lakes are reachable on a day trip from Zagreb, Zadar and Split. However, we recommend spending at least one night in the area to allow you to experience everything the park has to offer. With this in mind, plan at least 2 days for visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although visitors aren't allowed to swim in the lakes directly, just few kilometers north of the National Park, swimming is possible! If possible, spend at least one full day at the lakes to make the most of your day trip to Plitvice. Of course, it's also a good option if you can spend the night over, but visiting Plitvice in one day is doable The best months to visit Plitvice are June and September. Tickets can be purchased in advance at least 2 days prior to arrival. You can also buy your entry tickets at the Park, but with the risk that they will not be available because the number of tickets per hour is limited because of possible overcrowding. Lightweight clothing like T-shirts and shorts are a must as well as hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. Amazing day! #croatia #nature #adventure

📍Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia 🇭🇷 The largest and oldest lake in Croatia, a ☀️ country. 16 lakes could be seen within the protected areas.🏝️ They’re divided into upper and lower cluster formed by mountains.🏔️ The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. You can spend 1-2 days in this huge national park according to recommended routes and I promise you won’t be bored! 🤩🤩 I was really amazed by the scenario and the water by walking along the paths between lakes. You can clearly see fishes and marine creatures under water as it is clear as glass.🫧🫧 One day Tickets: adult €11-30 Two day ticket: adult €15-40 *tickets cost varies between seasons *different price for children, students, group tickets and disable #croatia#lake#nationalpark #mountainview

The beautiful Plitvice Jezera is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia. The park is located between the Lička Plješivica mountain and the Mala Kapela mountain. Plitvice National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. #croatia #plitvicejezera #nationalpark #europe #beautifulparks #croatianmountains #mountains #nature #hiking #beautyofnature #wonderful

This place, where fairies are said to live, is Croatia's 'Plitvice Lakes National Park'! You can see the beautiful nature itself, and it's amazing🥹 They also say that this place is the filming location for the movie Avatar 1! After hearing about it, the scenery I saw while walking reminded me of the planet where the Na'vi from Avatar livesㅎㅎ 🌟Tip! There are several courses, but I recommend Course H because it has a lot of flat land and you can see almost everything! If you're coming for a day trip, you can leave your luggage at the information desk, so please note!😆 -------------------- 📍Plitvice VH8J+5R Plitvički Ljeskovac, Croatia #European travel destination #European travel #European sensibility #Safe travel #Vacation travel #Eastern Europe travel #Eastern Europe #Europe #Travel #Croatia travel #Plitvice #Croatia #Movie filming location

#HotPlace is a place like this…? I highly recommend Plitvice National Park😳 📍 Croatia Plitvice National Park ⏰ Mon-Sun 8:00-13:00 💰 250 kuna per adult (about 45,000 won) ✔️ It's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ㅎㅎ #NationalPark #CroatiaTravel #Croatia #Plitvice #Park #EasternEurope #EasternEuropeTravel

Plitvice National Park is so beautiful that you'll believe that the saying that fairies live there is true! I went there without much inconvenience because there was an express bus from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. It's really really really beautiful... Make sure to wear hiking boots..ㅋㅋ It's hard to find a store here and there, so bring two bottles of water~ #CroatiaTravel#Hiking#DifficultToLevel#Plitvice

If I had to pick the most memorable summer destination, I couldn't leave out Croatia! You can see why just by looking at the pictures, right? There are so many parks like this in Croatia. There are also parks where you can swim, so please refer to them:) Oh, I really want to go to Plitvice💜 #SummerCapture #SummerCapture

Croatia 🇭🇷 💚Plitvice National Park💚 I usually travel alone, but this time, as it was the Obon period and airfare was over 400,000 yen, I went on a tour. There are many sightseeing tours around this area, and we crossed the border by bus, so it might have been better to take a tour. Tours are convenient because you don't have to look it up, but the downside is that you don't know the geography or the location, and it doesn't stick in your memory. I was moved by the magnificent scenery of nature 💚 I would like to visit again on my own next time. #breathtakingview

The first thought I had as soon as I arrived was 'I wish I had come with my mom and dad' ㅎㅎ Plitvice Lakes National Park, which appeared on Sister Over Flowers, was truly spectacular, without the need for a filter! Since it is a view that people of all ages would enjoy, there were many families traveling together There are various courses, from 5-hour courses to 1-hour courses and since you take a small bus on the way back, you only have to walk one way! I really want to come here with my parents when they are healthy💗🥲 #familytrip #Croatia #Split #Plitvice #EasternEurope #EuropeTravel #EasternEuropeTravel #picnic #park #unedited

#goout The Plitvice Lakes are a masterpiece of nature formed by the interaction of limestone and water erosion. The color of the lake water varies greatly, including azure, emerald green, dark blue, etc. The angle of sunlight, the changes in the color of the surrounding trees in different seasons and the amount of water all give the Plitvice Lakes different scenery, which is unforgettable.

Plitvice in Winter Are you curious about the beautiful and romantic place in the photo? This is Plitvice in Croatia. Some courses are not operated in winter because the roads are slippery due to snow, but you can enjoy nature more cheaply and with fewer people. There is no separate parking fee for the parking lot. If you have an international student ID, you can enter at a discounted price, so make sure to bring your international student ID! #WinterTravel #GourmetExploration #SafeTravel #Christmas #YearEndTravel #WinterFood #WalkingInWinter #OnASnowyDay #Plitvice #CroatiaTravel #Croatia

#Overseas Travel Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park, also known as Plitvice Lakes National Park, is divided into upper and lower lake areas, with large and small lakes and waterfalls. Because of the limestone deposits, the lake water reflects blue and green colors, which is quite beautiful! I have visited here in spring and autumn. There is more water in spring, but less water in autumn. However, the leaves are yellow and red against the blue and green lake water, creating a completely different scene! #Overseas Travel

| Croatia | Plitvice Lakes National Park | Located in the Karst region of central Croatia, formerly known as Plitvice Lakes National Park, it is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The unique limestone topography has shaped many lakes and waterfalls in the park. There are a total of sixteen lakes scattered in the upper and lower lake areas, so the public calls it the "Plitvice Lakes National Park." When I first decided to visit Plitvice Lakes, I was attracted by the photos on the Internet and it fell into my bucket list. To tell whether it is a photo scam or a photo, you have to visit it in person. In order to fully appreciate its charm, I referred to the online guide and spent two days touring the entire park, one day each in the upper and lower lake areas. The green color of lake water has always been a dreamy existence. It not only calms people’s mood, but also has an irresistible charm. The green color of the lake water is so unreal. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom and the dead trees and fish on the bottom of the water clearly. Both days felt like being in a paradise, the beauty of which cannot be described in words and can only be understood when you see it with your own eyes. The scenery of the upper and lower lake areas is completely different, but I personally think the lower lake area is the highlight. The walking trail is almost level with the lake, giving you the feeling of walking on water. An S-shaped wooden boardwalk runs across the lake, which is an important landmark of the entire national park and allows visitors to appreciate this Croatian emerald up close. Another highlight of the Lower Lake is the Veliki Slap Waterfall, which is about 78 meters high and is the widest and most spectacular waterfall in the park. Just walk along the wooden plank road along the river and you will reach the bottom of the waterfall, where you can enjoy the visual and auditory impact from below. Lazy Tips: 1. Tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park need to be booked online in advance. It is better not to buy them on arrival. Because they limit the number of people entering every hour, if you don't buy a reservation, you may not be able to get the time you want. The official website will only open ticket pre-sales two days later, so remember to reserve some time. 2. If you travel independently like me, the transportation in Plitvice Lakes National Park is not very convenient. I chose the official hotel, and there are two shuttle buses every day (9 am and 5 pm) going back and forth between the entrance and the hotel, but their arrival time is very unpredictable and I often miss it. Therefore, the best way to get around the park is to call a taxi, which is hassle-free and not expensive. _____________________________________________ 📍 Plitvicka jezera, Plitvice Lakes National Park 53231, Croatia 🕑 7:00~20:00 #mytravoto #Lifeisaneverlastingjourney #TheMostStylishTravelExperience #TravelInspiration #NaturalWonders #Overseas Travel

The Plitvicki lakes are located in the European country - #croatia and are one of the best among the new tourist attractions in Europe. They are extremely nice and beautiful as seen from the pictures. I visited them last year. They are accessible only by car and maybe some organized trips also. #happynewyear

There are three entrances to the Plitvice Lakes National Park (commonly known as the 16th Lake), which is known as the Jiuzhaigou Valley in Europe. However, not every entrance is open all year round. For the sake of insurance, most people get off at the first entrance (that is, the first stop in the scenic spot) and buy tickets into the scenic spot. From Zagreb, it takes about an hour to get there by car. There are not many people in the area. It is very pleasant. The lake is crystal clear. Many parents take the children to play and take a lot of local photos~ here It is a limestone landform in the upper reaches of the Korana River. After thousands of years of erosion and deposition, many travertine slopes are formed. The development of natural dams has spawned a series of lakes, caves and waterfalls to create a magnificent natural wonder. This wonderful geological process continues to happen today. The forests in the park are home to wild bears, wild wolves and many rare birds.

#springitinerary #PlitviceLakes #CroatiaNature #UNESCOWorldHeritage #WaterfallMagic #CrystalClearLakes #NatureWonders #ScenicWalks #CroatiaTravel #PeacefulEscape #NatureInEurope I arrived at Plitvice Lakes around 10am, just as the park began to stir with gentle movement and light chatter. The morning air was still fresh and cool, and the sunlight danced across the glassy lakes, creating reflections that looked like paintings. With a 4-hour window to explore, I walked leisurely through the well-kept wooden boardwalks, stopping often just to take it all in — cascading waterfalls, serene turquoise pools, and trees arching beautifully over the trails. The clarity of the water was astonishing. I could see fish swimming inches from the path and the rock beds far below the surface. By the time I finished around 2pm, the crowds had grown, but the scenery never stopped impressing. It’s one of those places where you leave feeling lighter, like your mind just took a deep breath. I can’t recommend it enough — especially if you love calm, natural beauty. Travel Tips and How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Mornings (especially before 10am) for quieter paths • Spring and fall for vibrant foliage and strong waterfalls • What to do: • Walk the loop trails across the lakes • Take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak • Don’t rush — every angle has a different view • Bring a camera, you’ll want to remember every corner • Vibe: • Calm, enchanting, and refreshingly immersive • Good for: • Nature lovers, casual hikers, photo enthusiasts, peaceful adventurers How to Get There: • From Zagreb: • By car: Around 2 hours • By bus: 2.5 to 3 hours — regular departures daily • From Split or Zadar: • Drive or join a tour (~2–3.5 hours depending on your location) • Pro tips: • Buy your entry ticket online in advance • Choose Entrance 1 or 2 based on your preferred trail • Wear comfortable shoes and pack light snacks and water • Early arrivals enjoy better lighting and fewer people

At Plitvice Lakes National Park, I encountered breathtakingly beautiful scenery that left me speechless. The water shimmered like emeralds, making it impossible to look away. It was a moment of tranquility that can only be felt in nature—a time when my mind felt emptied and refilled with fresh energy. If you're departing from Zadar or Zagreb, there are tours with a guide-driver available, so be sure to check them out. This is a place I highly recommend for anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in nature. If you're visiting Croatia, make sure to stop by! 🌿

#AprilTravelSupport While visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, the impressive scene of the color of the lake water is still vivid in my mind. I recommend visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, where you can feel like you are one with nature while walking. #croatiatravel

#AprilTravelSupport If you visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, we recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as much as possible. Of course, the paths in the national park are so well-maintained that you can walk in regular flat shoes, but sometimes there are paths without wooden decks, so we recommend sneakers. #croatiatravel

#postandearn Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in spring was like entering a fairytale. The waterfalls were at their strongest, fed by melting snow, and the lakes shimmered in every shade of turquoise and green. Wooden boardwalks guided me across crystal-clear water, past rushing cascades, and through peaceful forest paths alive with birdsong. I started early in the morning to beat the crowds, choosing Route C which offered a mix of upper and lower lakes. Each turn revealed a new breathtaking view — Veliki slap (the Big Waterfall) was a real highlight, its power echoing through the canyon below. Spring is the perfect season for Plitvice: mild weather, fewer tourists, and nature bursting into life. It’s an unforgettable destination that shows Croatia’s natural beauty at its best, far beyond the beaches. #thingstodo #myitinerary #naturalwonders #croatia

When "Game of Thrones" transformed Dubrovnik into the prototype of "King's Landing," when Zadar's Sea Organ was named "World's Most Beautiful Sunset" by Lonely Planet, Croatia still maintains its mysterious low profile. Once the vacation backyard of the ancient Roman Empire and a golden stopover for Venetian merchant ships, it is now Europe's hidden template for slow living—red roofs burning under the sunshine, sea water as blue as if God had adjusted its color, and time forever frozen in the crevices of medieval stone steps. --- ### 📜 7-Day Classic Route: From Epic Ancient Cities to Secret Lakes Day 1-2 Dubrovnik | Pilgrimage Site for Game of Thrones Fans - Must-Experience: - Enjoy the city walls at 7 AM (ticket €35), overlooking the "jewel blue" gradient of the Adriatic Sea - Find the "Walk of Shame" stairs on Stradun Street (free), with Mother of Dragons' style ice cream in hand - Take the cable car to Mount Srđ (€27), order squid risotto with sunset at Panorama Restaurant - Secret Spot: Buža Bar cliff bar, jump into crystal waters through a gap in the city wall Day 3 Hvar Island | Lavender-scented Party Paradise - Transportation: 1.5-hour speedboat from Split (Krilo company/€25 one-way) - Activities: - Rent electric bicycles to tour the island (€20), photograph purple lavender fields in Stari Grad town (best in June) - Climb the Spanish Fortress at dusk (ticket €7), watch white sailboats turn golden pink Day 4 Split | Living Fossil of Ancient Rome - Wonder: Diocletian's Palace Basement (filming location for Mother of Dragons' dungeon, ticket €10) - Food: Stewed baby octopus at Konoba Varos (€28), paired with local Plavac Mali red wine Day 5-6 Plitvice Lakes | Europe's Jiuzhaigou - Photography Bible: - Head straight to the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) from Entrance 1, capture the "green silk" lake surface in morning mist - Take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak (included in ticket), chance encounters with wild deer drinking water - Accommodation Comparison: Hotels inside the park vs. lakeside cabins, the latter saves 50% of your budget Day 7 Zadar | Listen to the Sea Organ - Magical Moment: Arrive at the Sea Organ steps 1 hour before sunset, tides play "Earth's Song" - Easter Egg: Greeting to the Sun installation, light up the LED light dance with your footsteps --- ### 🍽️ Taste of Croatia: 3 Must-Try Soul Foods 1. Black Risotto (Crni Rižot) - Seafood hidden in squid ink-dyed rice (recommended at "Proto" restaurant in Dubrovnik) 2. Truffle Pasta - Wild white truffle shavings from the Istrian Peninsula (most authentic in Motovun town) 3. Peka Stew - Slow-cooked lamb chops + potatoes in stone oven (reservation required 4 hours in advance) --- ### 🚗 Practical Toolkit - Transportation: Coastal self-driving offers the most freedom (car rental €50/day), book island ferries in advance using the Jadrolinija App - Money-saving: Buy Dubrovnik Pass (includes city walls + 5 museums), picnic with bread + smoked meat from supermarkets - Avoid Traps: Check Google ratings for old town restaurants, avoid "tourist traps" with English-only menus --- The magic of Croatia lies in turning every traveler into a time traveler—eating ice cream under Roman columns in Diocletian's Palace, drinking the same red wine in Hvar's vineyards as 2,000 years ago, understanding why Earth needs national parks in front of the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes. There's no anxiety of "social media check-ins" here, only the Adriatic sea breeze year after year, carving the contours of stone walls and souls. "We will eventually return to Croatia, Not because of unfinished scenery, But because of those incomplete Lessons about slow living." --- 📌 Blogger's Exclusive Tips - Outfit: Prepare white/red long dresses, perfect for photos against the old town backdrop - Question: Add at the end "Which Croatian experience appeals to you most? Game of Thrones scenes/island hopping/waterfall hiking?" - Related Content: End with links to "Croatia Self-driving Pitfall Guide" or "Balkan Three-Country Tour Guide"

#AprilTravelSupport If you want to go from P2 to P3 by boat in Plitvice National Park, you will have to wait a long time during peak times when there are many people. I moved to the route to P1 and didn't wait long. If you go to P3, I recommend you to bring patience during peak season. #croatiatravel

#AprilTravelSupport There was a restaurant set up for visitors after hiking in Croatia's Plitvice National Park. I recommend it because you can eat and rest while looking at the great view, so it's a good place to recharge after hiking. #croatiatravel

#AprilTravelSupportPlitviceNationalParkThemaincampsitesaredividedinmanyplaces,anditwasthatthe2ndparkinglotwasdeserted.While waiting to board a boat to see the lake,therewasalongwithalongtheparkinglot1andtherewasalongtheline.Consideringthis,I recommendyouchooseyourparkinglotwellaccordingtoyourroute. #croatiatravel