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Plitvice Lakes travel guide

Sixteen turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls

The lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice. Photo: Zysko serhii, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 15mflight from London
ZAGnearest main airport
21° in Julwarmest month
-0° in Jancoolest month

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a chain of 16 terraced lakes in shades of turquoise and green, joined by waterfalls and crossed by wooden boardwalks.

It's Croatia's most visited national park, halfway between Zagreb and the coast.

Good forNatureWalkingPhotographyDay trips

What Plitvice Lakes is known for

  • Turquoise lakes

    Sixteen lakes joined by waterfalls.

  • Boardwalks

    Walk right over the water.

  • Veliki Slap

    Croatia's tallest waterfall.

  • UNESCO

    One of Europe's oldest national parks.

Top things to do in Plitvice Lakes

  1. 1

    The Lower Lakes

    Canyons and Veliki Slap waterfall.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Upper Lakes

    Woodland trails past cascades.

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  3. 3

    The electric boat

    Cross Lake Kozjak.

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  4. 4

    A viewpoint walk

    The classic view above the lakes.

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See all tours and tickets in Plitvice Lakes

Where to stay in Plitvice Lakes

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Best time to visit Plitvice Lakes

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. May, June, September and October: the falls are full and crowds lighter. Winter is magical but icy.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-0.4 C-0°J0.6 C1°F4.6 C5°M9.6 C10°A14.1 C14°M18.3 C18°J21.2 C21°J21 C21°A15.3 C15°S10.6 C11°O5.9 C6°N1 C1°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Plitvice Lakes, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 15m from London to ZAG, and flights from most UK airports.

Drive or take a bus from Zagreb or Zadar. Inside the park there are boats and shuttles.

Find flights to Plitvice Lakes (ZAG)

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Good to know

  • Book tickets online in summer: entry is time-limited.
  • Arrive at opening to beat the crowds.
  • Swimming is not allowed.
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Plitvice Lakes FAQ

How long do you need at Plitvice?

Four to six hours.

Can I do it as a day trip?

Yes, from Zagreb or Zadar.

More places in Croatia

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