About Plitvice Lakes National Park
About Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, and one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in Europe. Renowned for its cascading lakes, powerful waterfalls, and lush forests, the park has been enchanting travelers for decades. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it represents not only natural beauty but also ecological importance on a global scale.
Explore with us the history of the park, fascinating facts, and the extraordinary natural environment that makes Plitvice Lakes National Park a destination unlike any other. We’ll also show you what to do once you’re there, from hiking trails to guided tours.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Wildlife & Nature
What makes Plitvice Lakes National Park so special is its diverse natural environment. Covering almost 300 square kilometers, the park offers a mixture of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, dense forests, and meadows.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Facts
Here are some fascinating facts that make the park even more impressive:
- Oldest and Largest: Established in 1949, Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, covering almost 300 km².
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized internationally in 1979 [source: UNESCO] for its outstanding universal value, with boundaries expanded in 1997.
- Location: Situated in Croatia’s mountainous region between the Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica ranges, crossing two counties: Lika-Senj (90.7%) and Karlovac (9.3%).
- Lakes System: The park features 16 named lakes, divided into Upper and Lower groups. Upper Lakes are larger and set on dolomite, while the Lower Lakes flow through a limestone canyon.
- Kozjak Lake: The largest lake in the park, stretching nearly 3 km in length.
- Waterfalls: Over 90 waterfalls connect the lakes, with Sastavci Falls leading into the Korana River.
- Forest Coverage: More than 97% of the park is forested, mostly beech, spruce, and fir, with lakes occupying less than 1% of the area.
- Biodiversity: The park hosts over 1,200 plant species, 50 mammal species (including bears and wolves), and 160 bird species.
- Visitor Numbers: Today, Plitvice welcomes more than a million visitors annually, making it Croatia’s most visited natural attraction.
What to Do at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a variety of activities in addition to its incredible nature. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:
Hiking
The park offers well-marked trails of varying lengths, from short two-hour walks to full-day hikes. Wooden boardwalks let you walk right above the water.
Photography
Every season brings new colors — emerald waters in summer, golden leaves in autumn, snow-covered waterfalls in winter, and wildflowers in spring. It’s a paradise for photographers.
Boat Ride
Enjoy a peaceful electric boat trip across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in Plitvice. It connects the Upper and Lower Lakes, giving you a unique view of the surrounding scenery.
Panoramic Train
The park’s panoramic train (shuttle) runs along scenic routes, helping visitors cover longer distances between entrances and trails while enjoying elevated views of forests and lakes.
Guided Tours
Join a guided tour for expert insights into the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. Tours depart from cities like Zagreb, Split, and Zadar.
Note: Cycling, swimming, and camping are not allowed inside the park to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
History of Plitvice Lakes National Park
The history of Plitvice Lakes National Park spans thousands of years, shaped by geology, water, and climate. Through tufa sedimentation, calcium carbonate deposits created natural barriers, forming the 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls we see today.
In 1949, Plitvice Lakes was declared Croatia’s first national park, underlining its national and European importance. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique geology and beauty.The park also witnessed modern history. In the early 1990s, it became the site of the “Plitvice Lakes Incident,” one of the first clashes of the Croatian War of Independence. Fully restored today, the park stands as a symbol of resilience and natural heritage.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Tickets
Explore below our curated selection of Plitvice Lakes tickets and guided tours:
Bestseller Plitvice Lakes Ticket
Plitvice Lakes National Park Entry with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
5.3K+ reviews
€23
Headout
Everything from buying the tickets to entering the National Park was a breeze. The National park is exquisite and the boat ride was a lovely experience and a rest for my husband…
Top-Value Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
50+ reviews
€35
Headout
Our guide was excellent. He was personable & knowledgeable. He was very approachable & amazing with multiple languages.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split
From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
2.8K+ reviews
€65
Viator
Absolutely stunning lakes and a great tour out from Split. It’s a bit of a drive but the bus is lovely and comfortable so it’s an easy trip. The day in the park itself is spectacular and worth the drive…
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zadar
Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with Tickets
2.8K+ reviews
€58
GetYourGuide
had a truly wonderful experience with Bojan! The tour was comfortable, well-organized, and fun […] I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Croatia.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zagreb
From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
2.7K+ reviews
€85
GetYourGuide
It was a great trip from Zagreb to see Plitvice. Included a short stop at Rastoke Village where you can explore and take a break on the way to Plitvice. […] The locations themselves are amazing, highly recommended to take this tour.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Trogir
Bestseller Plitvice Lakes Ticket
Plitvice Lakes National Park Entry with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
This Plitvice Lakes Ticket offers comprehensive access to Plitvice Lakes National Park, granting entry at either the North or South entrance. Immerse yourself in the park’s beauty with included perks, such as a panoramic train ride and an electric boat excursion on Kozjak, Plitvice’s largest lake.
“Everything from buying the tickets to entering the National Park was a breeze. The National park is exquisite and the boat ride was a lovely experience and a rest for my husband…” Katharine, Oct. 2023 [Source: Headout]
Top-Value Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
With this Plitvice Lakes ticket, you’ll join a fully guided tour of the park with skip-the-line entry. Explore the waterfalls, lakes, and woodland walks with ease. Along the way you’ll also enjoy a panoramic train ride and a relaxing electric boat trip across one of the largest lakes, for added scenery and serenity.
“Our guide was excellent. He was personable & knowledgeable. He was very approachable & amazing with multiple languages.” James, Sep. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split
From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
Travel in comfort from Split with this Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour that covers round-trip transportation, and expert guide narration. You’ll get to walk through upper and lower lake trails, ride a scenic boat, and experience the park’s highlights — all while the drive is taken care of.
“Absolutely stunning lakes and a great tour out from Split. It’s a bit of a drive but the bus is lovely and comfortable so it’s an easy trip. The day in the park itself is spectacular and worth the drive…” Elizabeth, Sep. 2025 [Source: Viator]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zadar
Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with Tickets
Departing from Zadar, this guided tour provides everything you need for a seamless Plitvice Lakes adventure — transport, admission, and a knowledgeable guide. Walk the wooden paths, admire the iconic waterfalls, and relax on a tranquil boat ride before heading back to the city.
“I had a truly wonderful experience with Bojan! The tour was comfortable, well-organized, and fun […] I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Croatia.” Yuliia, Sep. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zagreb
From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
Embark on a 10-hour day trip to Plitvice National Park with a seasoned English-speaking guide and convenient van transportation from Zagreb. The package covers the entry ticket to Plitvice National Park and includes a visit to the charming Rastoke Village for an enriched experience.
“It was a great trip from Zagreb to see Plitvice. Included a short stop at Rastoke Village where you can explore and take a break on the way to Plitvice. […] The locations themselves are amazing, highly recommended to take this tour.” Ella, Sep. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Trogir
From Split or Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Tour with Entry Tickets
Experience a 12-hour guided Plitvice Lakes Tour with entry tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park included. Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off, transportation by minivan or tour bus, departing from either Split or Trogir.
“I recommend this tour! A well-thought-out route: it was interesting, beautiful, not boring and not too tiring. […] Our transport was very comfortable, with air conditioning.” Анастасия, Aug. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
