Beautiful lakes of crystal-clear water among a lush carpet of greenery, while forming an entire orchestra with waterfalls. Not a destination, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream come true for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. From here, take a guide through what is most likely the ultimate to be said in exploring one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the face of this Earth: Plitvice Lakes National Park.
How to get to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The nearest airports to the Plitvice Lakes National Park are those of Zadar, Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka. They are all designed to handle international and local flights, hence are convenient entry points into the country.
By Air
- The distance between the park and Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is approximately 140 kilometers. It has the highest level of connection, with so many flights from all corners of Europe and beyond.
- Zadar Airport (ZAD), around 130 kilometers away, provides a good balance of international and low-cost carrier options. Further but also possible are the Split Airport (SPU) and Rijeka Airport (RJK), especially if one would like to explore a little more of the Croatian Adriatic coast.
By Boat
- There is a pretty cool way to get from the Italian coast, by ferry. Major ferry routes include Ancona to Zadar and Split. From the port, there are available buses or car rentals to your onward destination from there. Be warned that there can be seasonal variations in ferry schedules.
Travel by Car
- It is most simply reached by about two hours’ driving from Zagreb on the A1 motorway to Karlovac and from there on the D1 road. A bus from the main Zagreb bus station also plies.
- A direct bus service from Zadar takes around 2 hours, and driving via the D1 road is just as quick and scenic. Either way, expect a 3-hour journey just to Split in A1 and D1 roads, offering at least some nice scenery. There are also direct bus services from Split to the national park.
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Best Times to Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plan your trip with the change of seasons in mind. Be it the snow-sprinkled landscapes of winter, the flowery fields of spring, the verdant vibrancy of summer, or the golden and coppery dive into the lakes in dramatic reflections, the park is different in each climate.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: These weeks are going to be very warm, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C (46°F-64°F) on average. Though it is still kind of cold, especially at the early start of spring, so do layer up.
- Crowds: This is a relatively low season, especially in early spring. Crowds start to pick up towards the end of May.
- Nature: The spring magic time is the best for beauty lovers. During this time, the lakes and waterfalls have melted snow pouring in, and filling a lot of water such that it will be very fabulous. There is also the blooming of flowers that forms a green environment within the park.
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Warm and very nice, ranging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Quite hot in July and August.
- Crowds: This is the busiest time. Be prepared for great crowds, including possibly high numbers of people in the park, long waits, and crowded viewpoints in July and August.
- Nature: of the lakes: the lake’s turquoise water, very shiny, and surrounding forests give friendly shadow to their visitors. The only best period for seeking refuge from the burning sun in the area is either early mornings or late afternoons, but surely not the middle of the day.
Fall (September to November)
- Weather: The weather turns cool, ranging from 5°C to 19°C (41°F to 66°F). September can be felt in the summer, but cooler days land in October.
- Crowds: While September might still offer fairly moderate crowd levels. October and November decrease them to bearable proportions, bringing more serenity to the overall experience.
- Nature: In autumn, the gold leaves of the foliage are changing the whole park into this beautiful palette with the colors of orange, red, and yellow, contrasting against the marvelous blue-green of the lakes.
Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plitvice Lakes bear an animal life sanctuary with water – watch the trout flashing silver in the water; towards the grassland, one gets to see the endemic Dinaric shorthorn cattle, which are great and graze on the verdure. Finally, in the waters, one will view the otters patrolling them. They host one of Europe’s last breeding colonies of the critically endangered ground-nesting bird, the Great Bustard.
Photography Opportunities
The Plitvice Lakes are boundless to an enthusiast photographer, as it is all about the lighting and the play of the sun against rainbows that dance between the mists, making scenes instantly worthy of the shutter’s release. Patience is a virtue that is repaid in views of the park’s less frequent avian and animal visitors.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
Strap on your hiking boots and explore the extensive trail network leading to remote viewpoints. Revealing vistas spanning up to 15 miles across the park’s diverse landscapes. Key routes like A and K immerse you in a kaleidoscope of changing colors and sounds as you traverse varied terrain.
Boat Rides and Scenic Spots
And then, to fully appreciate the proportions of the natural architecture of Plitvice, taking a number of boat rides is possible that passes through the lakes and the high and narrow cliffs that encase them. The scenic spots are Ćoravi Most and Plitvička Jezera Village View for that postcard shot.
What to eat in Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Take a day to explore, then get your fill of traditional Croatian delicacies at one of the pavilions on-site, or at many restaurants located near the park.
Traditional Croatian Dishes
- Peka: A must-try for meat lovers. Veal, lamb, or octopus with vegetables under the bell-shaped dome, all cooked in embers. Tender and succulent.
- Ćevapi: A small roll-shaped, grilled, and skinless sausage of minced meat. Which often served with chopped onions, sour cream, and a side dish of flatbread called somun. They are present in most specialized fast food or local restaurants and are taken as an appetizer served between two pieces of somun.
- Trout: with an abundance of clear, fresh water surrounding the Plitvice Lakes, trout is a specialty of the area. Most often, one will find it grilled or baked with vegetables and a slice of lemon, so it will be clear that one is tasting fresh fish.
Sweet Treats
- Strudel: Influent from Austrian cuisine. Strudel is quite popular in Croatia, filled traditionally with apples, but at the same time, it may be filled with cherries, cheese, or even poppy seeds.
- Fritule: This is a small, fried dough ball flavored with lemon zest and raisins; the Croats treat them as festive treats. One might even come across them being sold in the local markets or fairs. They are to be dusted with powdered sugar and best served hot.
Where to stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The local area is high class, offering cozy guesthouses, sumptuous hotels, and idyllic lakeside lodges. The accommodation by the lakeside is convenient to savor the peace and calmness of the pre-dawn or post-dusk timing in the park and also provides an enchanting experience. The Plitvice Valleys, with a string of little B&Bs, are nearby and give that Croatian countryside touch.
Don’t leave your accommodations to chance! Head over TripAdvisor to discover a wide selection of available rooms tailored to your travel dates.
Practical Information
Tipping
Tipping in Croatia is both customary and appreciated, reflecting satisfaction with services rendered. In restaurants, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill if the service meets your expectations. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a subtle way of showing gratitude. In hotels, consider tipping the cleaning staff about 10 HRK per day and slightly more for the concierge if they provide notable assistance.
Passport & Visa
Croatia, a member of the European Union, allows visa-free entry to many nationals for stays of up to 90 days. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Croatia. Visitors from countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Croatia will need to apply for a visa in advance.
Useful Contacts:
For any emergencies, dial 112 — Croatia’s universal emergency number. For issues related to tourism or specific inquiries about Plitvice Lakes, the local tourist information center can be contacted at +385 53 751 015. Additionally, the British Embassy in Zagreb provides support for UK nationals and can be reached at +385 1 6009 100. Always have these contacts handy for immediate assistance when needed.
Conclusion
Finally, the words could never compare with the Plitvice experience. Thus, the very last thing that this travel guide is to be here for is to put into words its beauty; rather, it is to serve you, the reader, as a compass, so that you might experience it on your terms. The Plitvice Lakes is the place calling to be visited by the spirit of a human. It calls to see the greatness of the clean, natural world. It calls from not only hearing but also feeling oneself in a fairy-tale location that is real and charming.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is calling one—the adventure seeker, the explorer, and the seeker of solace. Proper planning, an attitude full of respect, and an open heart to wonder will surely make your visit to Plitvice one of the chapters in the book of your life that you will read again and again.
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