Welcome to a world where nature’s artistry knows no bounds and the tranquility of pristine landscapes takes your breath away. Nestled in the heart of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and wanderlust seekers. With its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife, Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage site that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
In this travel blog, we invite you to join us on a virtual journey to Plitvice Lakes, where we’ll explore the magical wonders of this captivating destination. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply seeking inspiration, our guide will showcase the park’s beauty, essential travel tips, and share unforgettable experiences that await you in this oasis.
So, grab your hiking boots, camera, and a sense of wonder as we embark on the exploration of one of the world’s most remarkable natural treasures – Plitvice Lakes.
When I am researching activities and things to see in a new city, I wish I found more itineraries that ranked the list of activities they recommend. Everyone’s time is different in a new city and it’s important to be able to prioritize activities that are a MUST versus activities that are nice, but could possibly be skipped. I like to schedule my days and build an itinerary with one MUST item, one TRY TO DO item, and one SKIP item a day in case something happens or we are too tired, we can always hit the MUST item and SKIP the item that’s not as important.
★★★ MUST SEE
★★ TRY TO DO
★ SKIP (BUT WORTH IF YOU HAVE TIME)
★★★ Plitvice Lakes National Park
★★ Zagreb
We spent just half a day in Zagreb. Here’s a list of things we did:
When: August 2019
Who: My Best Friend and I (just 2 adults) ~ we did more of a budget trip as we just had graduated college and hadn’t started full time work yet
Where we stayed: South Vienna
Day 1 Information ~
⚠Plitvice Lakes National Park ~ reserve tickets ahead of time
When doing research about Croatia, we came across Plitvice and immediately knew we had to visit this place. It far exceeded all expectations! Plitvice Lakes National Park is celebrated for its stunning cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. The park consists of 16 interconnected terraced lakes which are divided into the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes and over 90 waterfalls! The lakes are characterized by their vibrant azure, emerald, and turquoise hues, which are a result of mineral-rich waters. The park features a network of wooden boardwalks and well-maintained hiking trails that allows visitors to explore.
We booked our tickets ahead of time to enter the park starting at noon and they cost ~23 euros per person. We booked outside transportation to take us to and from Plitvice. I will supply a link for transportation HERE. It is a 2 hour drive from Zagreb to get to Plitvice. We walked around and explored for over 4 hours. This place is a definite MUST SEE!
The weather at Plitvice varies throughout the year, with distinct seasons offering different experiences. Here’s an overview of the weather:
Spring: Highs will be around 68℉
Spring: Lows will be around 55℉
Summer: Highs will be around 81℉
Summer: Lows will be around 63℉
Autumn: Highs will be around 73℉
Autumn: Lows will be around 55℉
Winter: Highs will be around 39℉
Winter: Lows will be around 28℉
Zagreb offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some popular areas to consider:
What to wear at Plitvice depends on the season and time of year. You will definitely want some good hiking shoes though as it’s a lot of walking. Here are some general clothing and packing tips:
