Plitvice Lakes National Park

Overview

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's most famous destination, made up of 16 interconnected lakes and 92 waterfalls whose water shifts through a remarkable range of colours from emerald green to cobalt blue. Wooden boardwalks thread between the falls and across the lakes, bringing visitors close to the spectacle. Brown bears, wolves and lynx live in the park, which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

History

The geology of Plitvice is closely tied to travertine deposition: barriers of calcium carbonate grow over time and divide the water into many lakes, a process that continues today. The area was first protected in 1893 and became Croatia's first national park in 1949. The distinctive colour of the water results from the interplay of minerals, microorganisms and plants, and changes with light and season.

Highlights

• •The different characters of the Upper and Lower Lakes
• •The striking contrast of autumn maples against the water
• •Maximum waterfall volume during the spring snowmelt in April and May
• •Boats linking the upper and lower lakes, saving walking time

Practical tips

• •Book online in advance; daily numbers are capped at 20,000 in peak season
• •Visit on a weekday, as weekends are very crowded
• •Allow a full day, eight to ten hours, to do it justice
• •Swimming is prohibited; visiting is on foot and by boat only

Practical information

Best time

May to September

Tickets

About EUR 46 in peak season, EUR 13 in low season

Opening hours

7:00 to 19:00, varying by season

Local food

Dalmatian seafood, grilled fish and olive oil dishes

Getting around

The old town is walkable and ferries reach the surrounding islands

Visa

Croatia is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Dubrovnik is very busy in peak season, so plan transport and accommodation early.

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