PAID CONTENT FOR PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
PAID CONTENT FOR PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
PAID CONTENT FOR PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Plitvice Lakes National Park PLITVICE LAKES, CROATIA
THIS NATIONAL PARK IS ONE OF THE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THE REGION — AN AREA OF CLEAR BLUE LAKES, GUSHING WATERFALLS AND VAST, VERDANT FORESTS
Step through Entrance 1 of Plitvice Lakes National Park and a breathtaking view opens before you. At the foot of a karst canyon, turquoise lakes spill into one another in a chain of waterfalls, framed by dense beech forest and drifting mist. Here stands the Great Waterfall — at 255ft, it’s the tallest in Croatia. Yet this is only the beginning: Plitvice Lakes is the country’s largest and oldest national park, its first UNESCO natural heritage site and one of its most visited, welcoming more than a million people each year.
How to make the most of the park Plitvice Lakes is open year-round, showcasing the beauty of all four seasons across its 16 lakes. Nearly five miles of trails wind through the Lower Lakes canyon and Upper Lakes forest, while four hiking routes allow visitors to explore further. Entrance tickets include a ride on an electric boat and a panoramic vehicle, though the finest way to experience the park is on foot, close to the lakes and waterfalls. In summer, spray from the falls
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hangs in the air like cool mist. On Lake Kozjak, the largest of the lakes, rowboats can be hired in the warmer months, while in winter the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, with the Lower Lakes remaining open for safe access. Just a mile from Entrance 2, in the village of Mukinje, sledging and skiing are possible, often late into the evening.
Staying inside the park A short walk from Kozjak Lake is Hotel Jezero, offering comfortable accommodation and spa facilities including a whirlpool bath, Finnish sauna and Turkish steam bath. Its mix of rooms, apartments and accessible options suits both leisure and business travellers. With a large conference hall and meeting rooms, it also serves as a venue for seminars and workshops. Dining choices include a spacious buffet restaurant with terrace views, an a la carte restaurant named Waterfall and a lobby bar. A recent addition, Kozjak Café & Pastry Shop, presents elegant
patisserie crafted by the park’s own chefs. For those who prefer to stay immersed in nature, two campsites lie on the park’s edge. Korana, at 85 acres, is one of continental Croatia’s largest, with bungalows, pitches and a restaurant. Its wide grounds ensure space and privacy for all. Smaller Borje, shaded by century-old pines, offers pitches, a modern restaurant, children’s playground and sports facilities, with transport provided to and from the park.
The flavours of Lika Gastronomy in Plitvice Lakes National Park is rooted in the traditions of the Lika region, where local ingredients are central to the seasonal menus. Among the dining options, Lička Kuća stands out. With more than 50 years of tradition, its rustic exterior and warm interior create an authentic setting for regional specialities, from slow-cooked meats to dishes prepared in traditional ovens. For a contemporary twist, Black River Steak & Pasta House near Entrance 2
serves dry-aged steaks matured for up to 55 days alongside handmade pasta with Mediterranean- inspired sauces. Both restaurants, though different in style, are united by exceptional cooking, prime locations and recognition in the prestigious Gault & Millau guide.
Beyond the lakes While many visitors enjoy Plitvice Lakes on a half- or full-day trip, others choose to linger for several days to explore the wider Lika region. Hotel Jezero, located in the heart of the park, provides an ideal base for day excursions. Within easy reach are two other national parks — Paklenica and Northern Velebit — as well as the Grabovača Cave Park, the only cave park in Europe, and the Barać and Cerovac caves, both offering guided visits. Although cycling isn’t actually permitted
within Plitvice itself, there are numerous cycling routes that run through the surrounding countryside. The wider region also offers horse- riding tours at nearby ranches, rafting and kayaking on rivers, and excitement for thrill-
seekers with a variety of high-octane activities designed to get their heart rate racing.
Year-round appeal Each season brings a new perspective on Plitvice Lakes. Spring carpets the forest in green while the waterfalls are swollen by the meltwater coming down from the surrounding hills. Summer offers bright days, shaded walks and the cool mist of cascading falls. In autumn, the park glows with colour as beech tree leaves turn gold and crimson. Winter brings snow, transforming the landscape into a white wonderland where icy waterfalls glisten in the low sun.
Plan your visit No matter the time of year, Plitvice Lakes National Park combines unspoilt nature, active adventure and rich regional culture. Whether you’re exploring trails, dining in historic restaurants or simply pausing to admire the play of light on the water, a visit promises an unforgettable glimpse into Croatia’s natural heart.
DON’T MISS Enter the park on all days of your stay with an extended one-day ticket, when you stay at the Jezero Hotel
Need to know
KEY FACILITIES • Jezero Hotel • Korana Campsite • Borje Campsite
KEY ACTIVITIES • Hiking • Sledging • Skiing • Horse-riding • Kayaking • Rafting • Cycling
KEY TREATMENTS • Spa zone in Jezero Hotel with a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, various massages & beauty treatments
GET IN TOUCH
np-plitvicka-jezera.hr T: +385 53 751 015 E:
info@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
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