Located halfway between Zagreb and Zadar, Plitvice National Park is the largest in Croatia and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Covering an area of 296 km2, the park is home to a huge forest covering a karst plateau, where there are 16 lakes with turquoise waters and more than 92 waterfalls. Although swimming is not allowed, the walks along the wooden bridges, the observation of the fauna and flora, the electric boat rides and the activities available in and around the park are enough to leave visitors with unforgettable memories. Planning a trip to Croatia soon to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979? Here are 10 tips for a successful experience.
1- Choose short tours if you don't have enough time
No less than 8 itineraries are proposed once you arrive at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Travelers who escape one day from Split or Trogir to discover the park can for example follow the circuit B, an excellent compromise. In 3-4 hours, one discovers the lower lakes and their limestone landscape, the Great Waterfall, the Sastavci waterfalls, lakes Novakovića brod, Gavanovac, Milanovac and Kaluđerovac, not to mention Lake Kozjak, which one has the pleasure of crossing by electric boat from one shore to the other. Tours A and F are other alternatives for a half-day discovery of some of the wonders of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
2- Opt for a full day tour
If you are a hiker and want to discover the Plitvice Lakes National Park in one day (4-6 hours), you can do a complete tour of the park by following the tours C and H. These tours allow you to see the splendor of the lower and upper lakes. They also include an electric boat ride on Lake Kozjak and a shuttle bus ride to the two main areas. The difference between these two tours? The first one starts from entrance 1 and the second from entrance 2. In any case, the wonder is there.
3- Follow the long routes for experienced hikers
Hikers who are not afraid of the distance can choose to take the K1 (from the entrance 1) or K2 (from the entrance 2) circuits, that is to say a little more than 18 km and 6 to 8 hours of walking to discover the entirety of the park lakes. The highlights of this beautiful and demanding walk are the visit to Veliki slap (the Great Waterfall), the crossing of the canyon of the lower lakes, the incredible view offered on the immensity of the lake of Prošćansko jezero, without forgetting the walk along the upper lakes and on one of the shores of Lake Kozjak.
But if these routes are unique, it is also because they invite you to get off the beaten track and discover other facets of the park. We penetrate into the forest, close to the fauna and flora. You increase your chances of encountering a deer, a hawk, butterflies, a woodpecker, a fox or a lynx.
4- Download the Plitvice Lakes National Park application
Today, technology is also at the service of visiting some of the most beautiful corners of nature in the world. Once you arrive at the entrance of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, you should not hesitate to download the dedicatedapplication. It allows you to learn about the tours and programs, to find your way around and to learn about the fauna and flora that inhabit the area. It also includes all the useful infrastructures: hotels, restaurants, with special offers. A real pocket guide that facilitates the visit.
5- Going through the information offices for the tour programs
Upon arrival at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, it is essential to decide on the tour you wish to follow. For example, some tours are more suitable for couples with children, while others are more suitable for those who want to be in a quiet place to learn more about the forest ecosystems. The information offices provide all the necessary information and brochures. It is important to know that four visit programs are marked in green on the signs from entrance 1, and four others are marked in orange from entrance 2. Because of the rugged terrain within the Plitvice Lakes National Park, it is strictly forbidden to stray from the marked trails. This is a matter of safety.
6- Enjoying outdoor activities
Are you planning a trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park? Many activities are offered to all those who like to practice outdoor! In the northwest of the park, Medveđak and its forest allow you to climb the peaks during mountaineering sessions, while keeping an eye on the Plitvice Lakes. The territory is populated by wolves, lynx and brown bears. For bicycle lovers, cycling is possible in the southern part, on the edge of the park, with a trail that joins those of the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera. In Rakociva in the north, the network of marked bicycle paths eventually reaches the edge of the park. In winter, a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park can be made after setting down your bags in Mukinje, where a ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding and fun sledding sessions. Finally, inside the park this time, Lake Kozjak allows you to rent boats for rowing. Particularly pleasant on sunny days.
7- Be well prepared and respect the park's rules
Visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park requires a minimum of information and preparation. You should always check the websites or visit the information offices to find out which tours are open. Some of them may be closed due to weather conditions. On site, the entrance ticket must be kept in order to use the bus-train shuttle and the electric boat. You must bring appropriate clothing and good sneakers for hiking. Some of the trails are steep and some rocks are particularly slippery when wet. The Plitvice Lakes National Park has an incredible biodiversity. It is important to respect this exceptional natural environment, especially by throwing your waste in the garbage cans located all along the park.
8- Stay at the Jezero Hotel
If you plan well in advance, the best way to enjoy the Plitvice Lakes National Park is to stay for a few days at theJezero Hotel. Located in the central area of the park, only 300 meters from the emerald waters of Lake Kozjak and its surrounding green hills, it has tastefully decorated rooms with the possibility of a view of the park and a balcony. An ideal place for relaxation and beautiful days in the park. It also has a bowling alley, a restaurant, a fitness room and a spa area with Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and other whirlpools.
9- ... or at Camping Korana
Camping Korana is located only 6 kilometers from the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is one of the most beautiful campsites on the Croatian mainland. It is situated along the canyon of the Korana River and offers free pitches and bungalows, an ideal place for a green vacation! It is not only a quick trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, but also an opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming in the river, kayaking, jogging, cycling or mountaineering. It is an ideal place to stay during the summer months, with entertainment, an a la carte restaurant and a self-service restaurant.
10- Delight your taste buds at the Lička kuća restaurant
Visitors who wish to do so can have a picnic while exploring the Plitvice Lakes National Park. But it would be a shame to miss out on a lunch at the Lička kuća restaurant, located near entrance 1. This place where wood dominates, emblematic of the old settlement of the Lika region, offers a succulent gastronomy based on local products. Most of them are protected by the mark of the regional quality system Lika Quality. Lika lamb, vegetable orzotto, sausages, grilled trout, cold cuts and cheeses are all dishes to be savored. A place with a family atmosphere that perfectly combines tradition and modernity in the plate.
