Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Dear Plitvice, Water That Never Stops Moving
- Reading time
- 3 minutes
Dear Plitvice,
Your lakes step down a valley in a chain of terraces, linked by waterfalls and cascades. The water is so clear that you can see fish and fallen trees on the bottom.
You were one of the first natural sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the lakes are formed by travertine barriers that grow slowly over time.
This letter is about water, boardwalks and timing.
What we love
♥Veliki Slap
The great waterfall, Croatia's tallest, at the lower end of the park.
♥The boardwalks
Wooden walkways cross the water itself. Stay on them at all times.
♥Boat across Kozjak
Electric boats cross the largest lake, part of most routes through the park.
♥Autumn colour
In autumn the beech forests turn gold and red, and crowds are lighter.
What we'd tell a friend
- Tickets
- The park uses timed tickets in busy seasons. Book online ahead.
- When
- Early morning entry or shoulder seasons are best. Summer is very crowded.
- Getting there
- Buses from Zagreb and Zadar. Staying nearby makes an early start easier.
This is general guidance. Prices, timetables, opening hours and entry rules change, so please check the official sources below before you travel.
Handle with care
Swimming is forbidden in the park lakes. Do not feed fish or ducks, and do not leave the boardwalks.
Before you go
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (official) ↗ (opens an external site)
- UNESCO: Plitvice Lakes National Park ↗ (opens an external site)
Plitvice, your water never stops moving. We will stay on your boardwalks and arrive at opening time.
With love,
The WTWL Team
Written June 2026
Spotted something out of date? Send us a correction.
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