This is a great place to rest and have lunch, whether thats your own packed lunch or something from the restaurant. As one of the most incredible national parks in Europe, its rightfully extremely popular! This road transports you to the edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Closed-Toe Shoes You definitely wont need hiking boots to explore the Plitvice Lakes, but comfortable, closed-toe shoes that youre happy to walk for hours in are best! We havent been to all of them, and to be honest, we usually prefer the lower angles and getting closer to the lakes/waterfalls. 7. One Day tickets: Adult Tickets - Entry fees 2023: Jan, Feb, March & Nov, December: 10 Euro or 11.85 US$ April, May & October: 23.5 Euro or 26.5 US$ June, July, August & September: 40 Euro or 44.5 US$ Children's Tickets - Entry fees: Child ticket for young persons from the a ge of 7 to 18: Jan, Feb, March & Nov, December: 4.5 Euro or 5.2 US$ If you compare routes H and C, you will also see that for some portions of boardwalk on the Upper Lakes, they take slightly different routes. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia Yes, you can drive up to the park. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Dear Maya & Sari, It was so nice to see your beautiful work here. All the best for your travel blog and the magazine. The postcard view is also a pretty short walk from these coordinates, and you can drive almost all the way there: 44549 N 153627. Because only one ride is included, we recommend riding the ferry out to the Upper Lakes, hiking up to Station 3, and then taking the tram back down when youre ready to make your way back toward Entrance 1. Consisting of 16 stunning lakes connected by a series of out-of-this-world waterfalls, it's on the bucket list of every visitor who enters Croatia. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The route slowly makes its way across the Lower Lakes to the opposite side, where you can then make your way up back towards entrance 1 on the high trail. (Photo by J. Scott Clark/The Points Guy) Yosemite National Park. From Zadar: This highly recommended Plitvice Lakes tour is very affordable, but if you are a group of up to four people, consider taking this private tour. You can park your car by entrance #3 (no fee), navigate the park with a map .We left the park by 5pm and arrive Zadar by 7pm. ymw321 Toronto, Canada Hi, we are planning a self-driving trip to Croatia in early October, starting in Vienna. If youd like to swim in some of Europes best waterfalls during your trip, we recommend checking out Krka National Park. Thanks, Val, this place is absolutely stunning! If you are looking to get away from the crowds for a bit then this can be for you! With an average of 11 15 rainy days a month, whenever you visit Plitvice Lakes, a raincoat and an umbrella is always a good idea. To be honest, were more of city dwellers. When choosing your accommodation at Plitvice Lakes you need to consider whether you have a car or not. If you plan to hire a car, it's a relatively easy drive with a journey time of less than 2 hours. Drive. You can easily reach Plitvice Lakes National Park by car from other stops on your European or Adriatic vacation. Wondering where to sleep in Madrid or where to find the best tapas bars? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Be sure to refer to these maps when comparing what route is best for you. This part of Croatia receives 4 distinct seasons, so while the greenery surrounding the lakes is lovely, dont despair if your trip happens at an off-peak timenot only will there be fewer crowds, but just imagine how beautiful the lakes would look surrounded by fall foliage or snow! In terms of parking, the parking lots near Entrance 1 fill up quite quickly. From, This route will take you all over Plitvice National Park, and apart from taking a very short boat ride between Pier 1 and Pier 2, you are going to do it all on foot. Made up of 16 interconnected lakes that tumble into each other, one after the other, in a series of stunning waterfalls, the Plitvice Lakes were designated as Croatias first national park in 1949, and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Check rates & book your rental car for your Plitvice Lakes road trip today! Croatia Airlines. Start the day and head to entrance 1 first thing at opening time and take your time to enjoy the Lower Lakes before the crowds arrive by heading on Route A or B. In addition I have highlighted some upper trail viewpoints. Between the two sections you will find the large Jezero Kozjak main lake. You can also reach this viewpoint by driving. Trogir to Plitvice Lakes National Park - one way to travel via car Prijevoz Kneevi. Always take the direct bus, preferably the earliest one and dont forget to check when the last bus leaves. Are there any benches along the way to rest at for the older set that do not have endurance anymore What route would you suggest for the elderly set? The direct drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split is 160 mi (257 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 1 min in normal traffic. Be sure to keep an eye on the ticket pricesthey have almost doubled since we first visited Plitvice in 2015 and will likely continue to climb. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Note that at the upper lakes, the trail is uphill. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below. You can begin this route from either. Enjoy the trip out to Croatia. Have fun out there and safe travels! Plitvice Lakes National Park in November 2019 A series of wooden footbridges and pathways snake over the lakes and around their shores providing gentle trails for visitors to wander, explore, and take in the breathtaking views. I understood everything and now it is a lot easier to have a bigger picture about the park. The next day complete your sightseeing in the early morning hours and go back to which city you came from or turn it into a fun road trip and continue to explore other parts of Croatia (note that for renting a car at one location and returning it at another, there might be a fee). Such a beautiful park. If you don't want to spend 5 hours on the roads, or you want a chance to jump into the water (you can't swim at Plitvice Lakes), consider taking a tour to Krka National Park. Because of this, restaurant and hotel choices are limited, which of course lends itself to a selection of subpar restaurants that charge expensive prices for the area. There are plenty of birds, butterflies, and lizards but also larger animals like the grey wolf, the Eurasian otter, and even the brown bear. You will have plenty of opportunities to take beautiful pictures at Plitvice Lakes. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. There are 7 walking routes that are split between the Upper and Lower Lakes of the National Park some of the Plitvice Lakes routes circle just the Lower Lakes (A,B,F), some just circle the Upper Lakes (E), and some circle both the Upper and Lower Lakes (C,H,K). With program H, youll be walking downhill in the upper lakes but end your day with a steep 10-15 minutes walk uphill. Stops and things to do on Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split drive Plitvice National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and those wanting to witness one of Croatia's spectacular natural wonders. If you do want to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, its best to do so from either Zagreb or Zadar. This route will take you all over Plitvice National Park, and apart from taking a very short boat ride between Pier 1 and Pier 2, you are going to do it all on foot. As you can imagine, this increased wear and tear on . Driving to Plitvice Lakes National Park. If youre visiting Plitvice during the winter months, Entrance 2 and the upper lakes programs will probably be closed. I especially love the photography tips. From there, you can walk or take the shuttle bus back to Entrance 2. Looking forward to our May 2020 trip to Plitvice. Thanks so much, Nele! Capitol Reef National Park is a 'hiker's dream' and that's not all Check out the updated prices here. Yes, and there are small convenience stores at the entrances selling snacks. We were in Croatia last year and totally missed this. Nevertheless, depending on the season and your itinerary, you might consider skipping this visit if you are traveling in July or August, AND you cant get here in the early or late hours of the day. April 22 - First day of National Park Week. There are some benches, but its also a bit of a climb to most spots. 4. Based on your own preferences, you can make the decision of what you would like best. There are a lot of small towns in your way there, mostly inns. Plitvice National Park is without a doubt the most famous place in Croatia. Climb the staircase next to Veliki Slap, go right at the top , and follow the path till you reach a road. You cannot drive through it. From Entrance 1, follow the path to the left that goes along the western side of the lower lakes. Entrance and Entrance Fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park Visiting Plitvice Lakes Tip: Entrance 2 and some of the routes are usually closed during the winter months. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From about 11 am till 2-3 pm, the wooden walkways of Plitvice Lakes are going to be extremely crowded. We havent been to all of them, and to be honest, we usually prefer the lower angles and getting closer to the lakes/waterfalls. Well then, I am sure you will want to enjoy some of the beautiful and scenic Plitvice hikes and trails that make their way all around the area. Learn all about why you should visit Plitvice National Park, how to get to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb, Zadar or Split, what to see, which hiking route to choose, the best viewpoints and many more tips to help you plan the perfect visit to Plitvice Lakes. So, dont worry about bringing a bathing suit along. As I go into the individual Plitvice Lakes routes, I will also have a picture of the map for that particular route for you to better understand the layout. If you're taking a bus, there are three bus stops in the park to depart and board the buses . Glad you enjoyed it. Can you drive to different areas of the park? Or - Plitvice Lakes Thanks so much, Paula. Other than that, you may try reaching out to the park and asking if they have a shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance or consider arranging for a driver. Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (or in Croatian. This route begins at the southern entrance, Just like Program C, by choosing this route, you will able to explore both the upper and lower lakes, but this route starts at the upper lakes. It takes between 2 and 3 hours by bus from Zadar to reach Plitvice national park. Check out all the top things to do in and around Rovinj, including the best viewpoints and hidden gems! Plitvice National Park (or or Plitvika Jezera- pronounced as Plit-vit-sa) is located in the mountainous region of Croatia between the Mala Kapela mountain range in the west and northwest, and the Lika Pljeivica mountain range to the southeast. Seriously: its worth setting aside the time during your trip to Croatia to spend a night at the Plitvice Lakes! There are eight different routes that you can take throughout the park, and they range in difficulty and length, from two to eight hours. Dubrovnik 5 hours northwest Zadar 1.5 hours northeast Pula 3.5 hours east There is no train access to Plitvice Lakes National Park. At the boat terminal you will want to hop on the 30 minute ferry and cross the Jezero Kozjak lake. Route K on the other hand takes you up above the Upper Lakes, so you can get some beautiful viewpoints in from above. Thank you so much, Sharon! Depending on which route option you end up taking, you may be taking nearly all of the transportation options around the park or none of them at all. This essentially is the second half of Route C listed above. When you reach P2, take the boat across the lake to P3 and explore the Lower lakes till you reach Entrance 1. Hope you guys enjoy the park! There is no need for a tour guide. Once you arrive at the other end of the lake, you will now be at the P1 boat terminal. )and no, a drone is not one of them (drones are not allowed in Plitvice, so leave them at home). Services are operated by Prijevoz Kneevi. Plitvice Lakes National Park is part of the Lika Destination where you can experience a variety of watersports activities and go hiking, cycling or horse riding in the area. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Best Walking Route, Helpful Tips & Photos Barac Caves Where is Plitvice? Be great for you to include park opening times. Croatia Travel Budget: Is Croatia Expensive? The ferry across Lake Kozjak will take you from the Lower Lakes to the Upper Lakes (or vice versa), and one ride is included with your ticket price when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. If you have more time to spare, then a second day in Plitvice could also be an option for you. ST2 is located just outside entrance 2, and ST3 is located all the way at the top of the Upper Lakes section. From Entrance 1 which is the main entrance to Plitvice National Park, you can start with Route A from the north. Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. In the winter, tickets are at their cheapest, coming in at around $12 USD for a one-day adult ticketso as you can see, prices vary dramatically! Driving time: 3 hours, 29 minutes. Good hiking shoes are essential! If youre looking at traveling the to the Plitvice Lakes from one of Croatias other popular tourist destinations, heres what you can roughly expect as far as drive times: There is no train access to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Well then, I am sure you will want to enjoy some of the beautiful and scenic Plitvice hikes and trails that make their way all around the area. In terms of distance and driving hours, check out our general information section. Estimated time: 6 to 8 hours | Trail length: 18.3 km | Highlights: Lower & upper lakes. Thanks so much for the kind words. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Plitvice, Hotel Jezero, or Hotel Bellevue now! You can check official park hours for your dates, The official national park website has several, As you follow the trails through the Lower Lakes, youll eventually arrive. Even July and August have an average of 9-10 rainy days. A Birds Eye View of the Wooden Boardwalks Another favorite viewpoint of ours was also pretty close to Entrance 1. Children under 7 years can get in for free as well as disabled people (over 50% disability). There are great birds eye viewpoints of the wooden boardwalks of the lower lakes on the trail between ST1 and Entrance 1 so make sure to take the closest trail to the lakes when you return from the shuttle bus station back to Entrance 1 or walking from Entrance 1 to take the shuttle bus from St1 back to Entrance 2. Once off at P2, you will make your way all around the Plitvice Upper Lakes. In a nutshell, yes! Thanks Clare! It is definitely a ton of walking, but if you are trying to see the Plitvice Lakes in a way few others experience, then Route K is a great option to choose from. However, most car agencies wont open before 8:30 am, which means youll get to Plitvice during the most crowded hours. Going to definitely use this blog for planning. This circular route starts at Entrance 1, and some of its highlights include the Big Waterfall (Veliki slap) and visiting the lower lakes till you reach your final destination, the Kozjak Bridge. Although there are only few hotels in the area,there many apartments, villas and B&B to choose from: Luxury: Villa Irene Studio Apartments | Grand Lakes Rooms | Villa Lika, Mid-Range: Guesthouse Green Valley| Green Lakes House | Plitvice Miric Inn | Apartment Josipa, Budget: 16 Lakes Rooms | House Marija | 4 Seasons Guest House | House Leonarda | Rada Guest House. All Nationals parking garages and lots are managed by parking professionals. You cannot swim in these lakes! However, nothing can prepare you for the sheer breath-taking vistas of Plitvice Lakes National Parks. Your photos are amazing. Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia (or in Croatian, Plitvika Jezera) is one of those places that simply defies words. Ideally, youll want to spend at least one night either in or practically next door to Croatias Plitvice Lakes to help ensure that you beat the crowds to the park! A First-Timer's Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia - AFAR Cost: $1 per person. Nope! Plitvice Lakes National Park 210.0 km from Ljubljana. The ticket price for visiting the Plitvice Lakes varies throughout the year, with the most expensive months to visit being June, July, August, and September (when ticket prices are roughly $45 USD/person for a one day ticket). I am sure it took a lot of time to write it, but, man, it is REALLY GREAT! Spring & Fall: These are the best seasons to visit Plitvice Lakes. Have a great time in Croatia. You two are truly passionate about travelling. which is filled with UNESCO sites, blue and white tiles, spectacular views and lots of delicious food and Port wine. Thanks, Sara! In the end, you will embark on the shuttle bus from the St3 station via St2 to St1 station to return to Entrance 1 (you can also walk if you choose to). Maybe a mile walk would be about it. In our plan is this Plitvice Lakes National Park. While in route B, you will get off the boat at P1 and take the shuttle bus back near entrance 1, route C will have you hopping on another (much shorter), boat ride to P2 the starting point to exploring the Upper Lakes. You can check official park hours for your dates here. If you look closely along the trails when exploring the Plitvice Lakes, especially around the Upper Lakes, youll notice several opportunities to climb up to a higher trail or vantage pointand the views are virtually always worth the effort. We recommend starting at Entrance 1 for your first (or only, as the case may be) day in the park. After you finish eating and resting, its time to board the ferry across Lake Kozjak! What time of year should you visit Plitvice Lakes? If you are renting a car in Croatia, be sure to check out Rentalcars.com, which will have a variety of rental options to choose from. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sizedwe used aNorthface Jester backpackfor years and loved it as well. Here are some things to consider when choosing when to visit Plitvice National Park: Summer (July & August): The hot summer months are the least preferred time to visit the park since this is the high season. 3. 04/09/13 06:15 AM 6223 posts I think it's possible, but it would be somewhat hurried (and you better hope nothing goes sideways - road closed, bad weather, etc.). What You Should Know Before Visiting Plitvice National Park Croatia You can join an organized day tour, take local public transport or rent a car and drive. From Istria (Pore and Rovinj): You can take this recommended tour, but the driving time is about 3 hours one way. This is going on the list for when I finally make it to Croatia. Keep in mind that as this is a rural area, you wont find many large hotels unless youre willing to drive a bit further. Anyone interested in visiting California's Yosemite National Park during peak times, from 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., will be required to make advance reservations through Sept. 30. We bought some fruits and snacks the day before and had a proper picnic with the most beautiful view in the park. Entrance 1 is closer to the lower lakes, while Entrance 2 is closer to the upper lakes. Logistics of Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park In my opinion, visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park during the shoulder seasons is best: spring, early summer, or late summer/early autumn. It is the most popular destination within the Shenandoah National Park. Can you believe this place is even more stunning in real life?! one night in the area, as youll be able to see the park shortly after opening and before closing (ie, when all of the daytrippers arent there! So if you are going to arrive at midday (which is not recommended), try parking at Entrance 2. Hi, we are planning a self-driving trip to - Tripadvisor Check out the, If you intend to visit the park for two days, purchase the. The quickest way to get from Trogir to Plitvice Lakes National Park is to drive which costs 30 - 50 and takes 2h 45m. It starts the same as Program A (. Dates Effective: March 1, 2023 - November 30, 2023. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. A Perfect Guide to Explore Plitvice Lakes, Croatia - Hopping Miles Plitvice Lakes National Park lies 130 kilometers south of Zagreb. I may as well start off the guide with a Plitvice Lakes map to give you a better idea of how the National Park is laid out. Winter The atmosphere is quite magical in the winter months. I will be visiting the lakes on a day trip in between 9-12 December. I had no idea this place even existed. If youd prefer to avoid driving yourself or booking a tour, you can reach the park by bus. From wherever you are in Croatia, the easiest way is to rent a car. All rights reserved. We absolutely do not recommend taking a Plitvice Lakes day trip from Dubrovnik, though youll find the occasional enterprising tour company offering them. Once off the boat at P2, it is a simple boardwalk to follow all the way through as you follow signs to ST3 (the last shuttle bus stop). Once off at P3, you will walk all around the Lower Lakes of Plitvice before ending up at the ST1 bus stop and taking the shuttle back to ST2 at entrance 2. Hop on the shuttle from there that will take you right back to the ST2 stop at entrance 2. Thanks so much, Kooky, its always so great when a local love our posts. Our neighborhood guide lists the top things to do in our favorite Madrid neighborhoods! The Plitvice Lakes winter opening hours are 8am-3pm for park entrances and car parking. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Alternatively, there are some restaurants and snack stands available inside the park, so you wont go hungry either way. Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Forum, Plitvice Lakes National Park Vacation Rentals, Things to Do in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Guide. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Zadar or Zagreb in a car. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Few of Croatia's natural attractions enchant so utterly as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a sequence of turquoise lakes, rushing rapids, and emerald hills that has been a national park since 1949. The weather keeps changing so it might be sunny and in an hour youll find yourself walking in the pouring rain. Although Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia, Croatia also has many hidden gems so dont forget to check out some of our posts to help you plan the perfect Croatia itinerary. My question is: can we drive all the way to the entrance of the park (so there must be parking area)? Plitvice Lakes is beautiful at any time of the year and every hour of the day. Hop on the shuttle that will take you all the way back to ST1, where you can then walk the 10-15 minute path back to entrance 1. We had heard Plitvice Lakes was struggling with over-tourism. Thank you for all these tips. Comfortable Day Bag We currently usePacsafes sleek anti-theft backpackand love it, but if you dont want to shell out the cash for this trip, thats totally understandable. The bus loads of day trippers will then slowly fill up the boardwalks during the late morning, when you can the head back to your guesthouse/hotel for a couple hours of relaxing. By continuing to use this website you consent to our privacy policy. Wow, how stunningly beautiful are those lakes! Most tourists arrive to the area mainly to visit Plitvice Lakes, (and maybe stop at the charming village of Rastoke) but there are so many other attractions for nature and sports lovers in the area. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. You can also add on the upper trail viewpoints of the Lower Lakes during this time (access near P3). Estimated time: 4 to 6 hours | Trail length:8.9 km | Highlights: Lower lakes & upper lakes & a panoramic boat ride. Split or Dubrovnik: Which Coastal Croatian City is Right for You? From Istria (Pore and Rovinj): You can take this recommended tour , but the driving time is about 3 hours one way. ). *Affiliate Disclosure:This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. Tailgating is not permitted in Nationals parking garages and lots. However, boat rides and the tram ride run every 30 minutes until 4pm. The best way to get from Trogir to Plitvice Lakes National Park costs only 41 and takes just 2 hours. All lots, including the GEICO Garage and Garage C will open 2.5 hours prior to the start of each game. . There is no train route to Plitvice Lakes, so the best ways to get to the park are to drive, take a bus, or book a tour. This guide will be dedicated to giving you a complete breakdown of all the different routes you can enjoy during a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park and what to expect along the way. You do not need to follow the routes to a tee. Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia Your guide is really detailed, I love it, will save it for later. Children under 7 years can get in for free as well as disabled people (over 50% disability). Were thrilled our passion comes through our articles and that we can provide some inspiration and spark your wanderlust , Your email address will not be published. Enchanting Emilia-Romagna, Italy: Itinerary for 7 Food-Filled Days, 19 Best Day Trips from Barcelona (+ How to Get There! Thanks for this comprehensive guide! The trails are extremely well-maintained and generally fairly smooth to walk across, so this is hardly mountain-climbing, but youll want to be comfortable with uneven terrain and moderate to severe inclines and declines to hike through the park without limits. You can rent a car or hop on one of the many buses that stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park. The boats and shuttle busses are included in the price of the Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket. If you do want to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, its best to do so from either Zagreb or Zadar. You can get to the Veliki Slap Viewpoint by taking a detour from the main trail of the lower lakes. This place looks like paradise on earth! This route goes down toward the lower lakes and leads right to the Great Waterfall. So while route A is just walking the Lower Lakes, route B also adds in a beautiful boat ride across Jezero Kozjak lake. Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park - Rome2rio Surprisingly enough, the famous lakes and waterfalls constitute only 1% of the parks total area! 5 Reasons to Never Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park (+1 Reason to Visit) I first became enamored with the idea of visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia after finding a photo of the park on Pinterest almost a decade ago, and many years, two trips, and several days spent staring in wonder at the lakes later, Im still just as smitten with them.
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