Located in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, lakes, woodlands and wildlife in the whole of Europe.
Founded in 1949, the National Park covers almost 300 square kilometres and welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year. Ideal for nature lovers and families looking for an outdoor holiday, the park has dozens of world class restaurants and beautifully located hotels and lodges for you to stay in. Alternatively, if you prefer to experience the outdoors in a more direct way you can stay in one of the campsites within the stunning park’s boundaries.
The lakes in the park are famous for their unique turquoise waters as well as their limestone and chalk composition which creates naturally occuring dams; forming astoundingly picturesque lakes, caves and waterfalls. The forests of the park are home to a huge array of wildlife, including rare birds, wolves and even bears!
How To Get To Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Despite its secluded nature the park is surprisingly easy to access which is great news for the tourists who visit each year.
The easiest way to get to the park is to fly into the Zagreb International airport. You can take international flights from anywhere in the world, with connections if necessary, and then catch a bus from the Zagreb Bus Terminal to reach the park, 140km away. The bus ride takes around 2 1/2 hours and will give you the chance to see the stunning scenery en route to the park.
Alternatively, you can catch a flight to the smaller Zadar airport; and although it’s closer to the National Park there are far fewer flights which land there. From Zadar airport you can catch a bus that takes around 2 hours to get to the park.
Lastly, if you have booked a place in a tour you’ll be picked up at the airport by your guide and taken to your accommodation in the park by minibus with the rest of your group.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Croatia has a varied climate with cold winters and swelteringly hot summers. This means that the very best time of year to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park is between May and June when the weather is warm and sunny but the main tourist season hasn’t started yet. The weather in May and June is warm enough for swimming in lakes and it’s sunny enough to sunbathe. The main tourist season is in July and August when the weather can get very hot, often reaching the mid 30’s Celsius.
What Is There To Do In Plitvice National Park?
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest national park in Croatia and its spectacular scenery covers more than 30,000 hectares. The lakes and waterfalls are connected with criss crossing waterways and rivers that you can explore on foot or even on horseback!
There are many fantastic hotels, lodges and campsites from which you can take day trips around the park. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with nature and create some wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Plitvice Lakes And Rastoke Private Day Tour.
This luxurious tour is the perfect way to discover the UNESCO listed natural beauty of the park. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in an air conditioned bus to explore the park and the famous village of Rastoke. This heritage village is well known for its windmills and charming scenery; after which you’ll be taken around the National Park’s hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and waterways.
The tour lasts for 10 hours and your English speaking guide will point out all the interesting sites along the way. You’ll also take a ride on an electric boat in the lakes and you get to skip all the admission queues during the day! Finally, after a wonderful day of sightseeing you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.
Ranch Terra.
This lovely farm is located less than 10 km from the Plitvice Lakes National Park and not only can they provide you with top quality accommodation they also have herds of specially bred horses. Regardless of whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced horse rider you can ride around the park and the surrounding countryside with a guide from the ranch. Exploring the pristine natural beauty on horseback is the ideal way of seeing the lakes and forests of the National Park; and makes an unforgettable experience for families, couples and single travellers.
Camping In The National Park.
One of the best ways to experience the tranquility of the National Park is to camp within its borders. There are several campsites to choose from with good facilities and amenities to ensure you have a comfortable stay. During the day you can walk around the hiking trails of the park, visit the lakes and take some incredible photos of your adventures.
Go Quad Biking In The National Park.
If you want an adrenaline fueled adventure then why not go quad biking in the National Park? The trusted company provides you with a quad bike, a helmet and an instructor to make sure you can drive safely off road through meadows, forests and rocky paths. It’s a fantastic way to explore the park and is suitable for families, couples and solo travellers.
Bus Tour Of The Plitvice Lakes National Park Starting From Zagreb.
Even if you’re not staying in the park you can still experience it’s magnificence by taking a day trip from Zagreb. The guided bus tour stops at all the major lakes, waterfalls and beauty spots on the way with a guide who’ll explain the history and scenery of the park. When the tour starts you’ll get a free breakfast box including a croissant, fruits, juice, water and a sandwich of your choice.
Kayak Safari.
Join a kayak safari to see the National Park from the waterways that makes it so famous. The 5 km tour passes through many ideal swimming spots and departs from outside the Mirjana Rastoke restaurant, where you can have dinner after your kayaking! The route is suitable for children and families and will give you the opportunity to explore the magic of the park and the wildlife that lives in it. Just remember to bring a towel and sun lotion because it’s bound to be sunny!
The Plitvice Lakes National Park Is The Perfect Location For Nature Lovers.
There are few corners of Europe that have such beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife and birds and incredible lakes and waterfalls than the Plitvice Lakes National Park. With an excellent choice of accommodation and a wonderful array of restaurants and bistros serving local and international cuisine, just waiting for you to discover; there’s never been a better chance to experience heaven than right now.
