Its different now, September is almost as busy as summer, because the weather is still ideal, and whoever wants to avoid summer crowds visit in September. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter. August 29, 2019 Show all Plitvice vs Krka: Which Croatian National Park Should You Visit? Be sure to bring a bottle of water as it is important to stay hydrated. Plitvice Lakes National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. We just can't allow swimming". Published Jun 1, 2020 The Plitvice Lakes are home to stunning waterfalls and resemble a Bob Ross painting, but you can't swim in them. Photo: Grzegorz Petrykowski / Shutterstock.com The park is more than 250 miles north of Dubrovnik and will require a whole days travel to get there. The twelve Upper Lakes were formed on impermeable dolomite rock. Bug Spray: In the shadier areas you may find mosquitos and other bugs. Less traveled destinations are the national parks of Plitvice and Krka. Many of Plitvices most recognizable vistas will be seen on this route. Visitors Can't Swim In Plitvice Lakes, But The Surrounding National Can I Bring My Dog to Plitvice Lakes National Park? Theres a steep detour from Veliki Slap waterfall that leads to the Veliki Slap viewpoint (also known as Vidikovac viewpoint). Few of Croatia's natural attractions enchant so utterly as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a sequence of turquoise lakes, rushing rapids, and emerald hills that has been a national park since 1949. Wild swimming in Croatias rivers is another of the joys of venturing this far inland. (approx 1 1/2 hours to reach boat launch). No, using drones is prohibited (without prior permission from the government of Croatia). The earlier in the day, the better especially during peak season. Stay right to head to the lakes, rather than take the upper cliff path (there are better views of the lakes on the opposite cliffs, see below). Read this, too: Waterfall Addicts, Visit Krka National Park! There you will find coffee, and cold sandwiches only (ham and cheese, prosciutto and cheese, or just cheese). Can you swim in Plitvice Lakes? - kolica Language School The Ultimate Guide to Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia For your second day in the park, try to get as early a start as you can. this 12-hour tour from either Split or Trogir, 10 Stunning Croatian Beaches Youve Never Heard Of, 16 Things You Didnt Know You Should Add To Your Croatia Bucket List, 8 Croatian Beaches That Are Worth The Hype, Your Everything-To-Know Guide To The Makarska Riviera, Croatia, Mljet Island, Croatia: The Only Guide You Need, Your Everything-To-Know Guide To Omi, Croatia, Hiking In Paklenica National Park, Croatia. The routesalso called tours or programs"vary in length and distance, with the shortest taking around two hours and the longest coming in at around eight. Just outside the park several restaurants with more expansive menus can be found. Start by choosing the date you wish to visit and your arrival time. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It is a natural paradise featuring 16 terraced lakes, interconnected During the middle of summer, while beautiful, it can be very crowded (more on this later). All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. More on those and the hotels below. Be sure to have a charger so you dont miss any photos near the end of the day.A Water Bottle: It is quite hot in the summer months and easy to get dehydrated. We suggest focusing on the upper lakes, which are physically higher (from sea level) than the lower lakes. Fall colors are spectacular, and late spring is lush green. Does it sound too idyllic to be true? On the other hand, you could spend even more time if you chose the longer routes. With a chain of 16 perfectly clear, turquoise and emerald lakes, each with a terrace flowing down into the next one below, joined by small streams, bigger and smaller waterfalls (over 90 of them! . If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Privacy Policy. The country of Croatia is one of the most spectacular spaces in the world, full of natural beauty and wonder. Our tips for keeping kids safe make sure youre ready to go! We prefer to start with the lower lakes and the most well-known viewpoints and give us a sense of the scale of the park for day 2. The menu features traditional meals with a sophisticated touch, such as smoked trout bruschetta or ravioli stuffed with honey and traditional basa cheese from the Lika region. When you come to a split, stay left, following the sign Poljanak Selo Plitvica. They put together seven different visiting routes (also called visiting programs), marked with A-K, so that you can choose the one which matches the time you have in the park, and the activities youd like to do. Portions are quite large, so consider sharing some items. You could see the highlights in less time and if you really powered through. Best Croatia Hashtags for Instagram Travel Photos, Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month - Honeymoon Ideas, 14 Tropical Places You Can Visit Without a Passport, Colorado Packing List for Summer - What to Pack for Summer Hiking in CO, Bellagio, Lake Como Guide: Best Things to Do, See, and Eat, KETO: What to Expect in First Two Weeks of Keto Diet + Results, International Travel Essentials You Should NEVER Travel Without - Checklist, REVIEW: Live Aqua Los Cabos Private Residences, walked out to the main overlook and took a left toward St1 (there were less people that way), walked to St1 and got on the train/shuttle, took a right and hiked back down toward P2, got on the ferry at P2 and took it across the lake to P3, walked from P3 (another good place for bathroom/snack break) to the big waterfall, finally we hiked from the big waterfall back to Entrance 1. They only take cash so its best to be prepared with smaller bills. (You can choose to hike in the reserve direction, as well, starting near Entrance 1 and finishing near Veliki Slap.). Alas. Rovinj: 260 km, 3.5 hours. While you are at the waterfall, look for a set of steep stairs to your left. Walking across the turquoise pond at Plitvice Lakes National Park, which covers nearly 74,000 acres. The enormous restaurant is decorated in the traditional style with artifacts from the region on display for visitors. The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. This looks to be the end of the trail- but theres one more! Learn how your comment data is processed. We visited in mid-July, which is in the high season for the park. You cannot swim here, though. Tel. . You cant swim at Plitvice, but few km before the National park there is few great swimming places on river Korana. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Kotor Montenegro and Mostar, Bosnia Mid to end of September 6:27 pm. Google directions linked here or see map below: For more details on how to get to Plitvice lakes National Park visit their website. Plitvice vs Krka: Which Croatian National Park Should You Visit? View Hotel. Portions of the park are also connected by electric boats and a panoramic train (this is not actually a train as it does not run on a track rather, it is a very long bus). Reading time 12 minutes Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park? Starting at Entrance 1 also means that youll walk uphill through the park, then youll walk downhill at the end of the day when returning to Entrance 1. Despite its sizetoday, more than 115 square milesit's nonetheless a superbly well-organized attraction, with wooden walkways taking you close to the foaming cataracts and a fleet of . Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: How To Get The Best Out Once you exit the boat, youll see that there is really only one path to follow. Learn how your comment data is processed. This video shows it below (or you can see it in my, Honestly, I found the Plitvice Lakes Park. Follow the dirt trail to the road, and continue along the paved road, over the bridge, turning right onto another dirt trail just past the restored mill. Kozjak Lake is accessible directly from Entrance 2, but you can also start this loop from Entrance 1. Ask a travel expert. closest swimming near the lakes ? - Plitvice Lakes National Park Forum Plitvice Lake National Park is one of the most visited places in Croatia. Ill take a longer walk over waiting in a line like that. If you fly to Zagreb and want to get to the coast without renting a car, you can take advantage of this tour that transfers you from Zagreb to Split, and stop for a visit in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Roughly 30 minutes north of Plitvice Lakes National Park is the small town of Rastoke. Walking at our own pace, with two kids, and in mid-July crowds, we did the lower lakes from the entrance to the boat launch above Milanova Lake in 1 1/2 hours. Shes the writer and the trip organizer, and shed love to help you plan your own amazing trips! Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular destination in Croatia, and is considered as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. But buy your tickets in advance and get there as early as possible (or stay there as late as possible with the afternoon ticket) in this case. For those with more time and energy, Lake Proansko, right at the parks southern end, is the largest and most tranquil of the lakes, with its serene waterside trails stretching away from the parts of the park most frequently swamped by day-trippers. Drone is legal in Croatia with similar rules like in rest of EU. Restrooms can also be found at those locations. Children 7-18 have a special reduced price. 5 tips for visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia - Globe Guide We love this family-friendly bug spray. Like freaking Disney World miserably packed. The crowds are highest during the summer months. I think we did a pretty good job of seeing the park and would recommend our route. The A1 highway runs some 18 miles west of the lakes; the Plitvice exits are clearly marked. We paid 7 kn/bag (about $1 USD). Weve got the best things to do in Split, Croatia. There are several tolls along the way. Keep going on the trail to find Overlook #5. After viewing the waterfall, you will double back to rejoin the trail you left. Children under 7 are free and do not need a ticket. In general, youll want to follow signs for the E path, which will take you to the highest point, at Tram Station 3 (St. 3). Theyre almost the same, but C starts at Entrance 1, and H starts at Entrance 2. Like miserably packed. To be honest, we're more of city dwellers. Visit Plitvice Lakes - Guide to the Ultimate Experience in Plitvice Bring food and have a picnic in a quieter area, like on the shore of Lake Kozjak. Joined Oct 4, 2007 Messages 835 Reaction score 1,010. Are you planning a road trip to Croatia? You May Also Like: 12 Things To Do in Split, Croatia. A Picnic Lunch: The park food is limited and expensive. While youll see many photos like the one below, it was not taken with a drone! If you can figure out the logistics, your best option is a picnic lunch inside Plitvice National Park. Beyond the park, this region is a wonderful place to enjoy activities such as river kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, ziplining, and more. The parks car lots charge 10Kn/1.30/$1.30 per hour (motorbikes are free), so costs can add up significantly if youre spending the whole day here. Once you are on the bus, you can choose between Plitvice 1 (entrance 1), Plitvice 2 (entrance 2), and Mukinje which is a few km down the road, but close to several guest houses. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a result of that, it was declared the first national park of the Republic of Croatia as early as 8 April 1949. Youll find several shorter trails that climb up from the main visiting route as you wander around the park, especially in the Upper Lakes area. Route K is the longest route, and this is what we chose, because it includes some hiking, too, between the Lower and Upper Lakes areas, along the shoreline of Lake Kozjak. Read update Additional Ways To Experience Krka National Park The four Lower Lakes were formed in permeable limestone and cut deep into a canyon amid dramatic cliffs. You can swim in lakes at Krka National Parkthough, another famous park with waterfalls in Croatia. In addition to the walking routes which circle the Lower and Upper Lakes, hiking trails provide the opportunity to explore the wooded areas and surrounding mountains. 4. Once you are back on the main trail, continue along until you reach another decision point- you will see a large cave in front of you. (If theres less snow, the park looks quite gray and bare though, especially on an overcast day.) All seven of the parks programs can be found on their website. There is no obvious security check, or restrictions on what you bring with you, so no need to worry about bringing in your own food. You can spend the night nearby, and enter the park as early as you can the next morning, so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet before the crowds on day tours arrive. It is worth renting a car, visiting more parks or exploring the Adriatic Coast on a road trip. Below are the distances from the park to different Croatian towns, as well as the driving time between Plitvice Entrance 1 and each of these towns: Zagreb: 135 km, 2 hours. Enjoy the waterfalls. You can now either take the stairs down to the water (if they are open), or follow the trail back the way you came. Enter the park as soon as it opens, and use Entrance 1 which is directly by the Lower Lakes. Its a pleasant place to have a picnic if you dont mind the hustle and bustle around you. If you visit with a baby or toddler, use a baby carrier. But you can hike up on the short, steep trails to some amazing aerial views. There are three great ways to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can rent a rowboat from near the boat launch at P1. State Boating Laws Sneakers, hiking boots, or comfortable walking shoes are recommended with a non-slip sole that is suitable for a variety of surfaces such as wood, stone and dirt. Heres what to know before you go. In this guide, well take you through everything you need to know to plan two days at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia with your family- from understanding the different park entrances to buying tickets, where to stay, and where to eat. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Can you swim in the waters around end of March - Plitvice Lakes You're Not Allowed To Swim In Plitvice Lakes, But Here's What You Can Cash: While some places in the park only accept credit cards, some also only accept cash. In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the lakes, swimming is prohibited in the park. Mist from the waterfalls or rain showers can also cause wet conditions for which a waterproof jacket is advisable. To take this route, head back the way you came and follow the signs for P2. It means waking up earlier, yes, especially if youre doing a day trip and driving from Zadar like we did, but its worth it. This is a great place to stop for a snack or just a break, before continuing on. But also note that many pools will be unattended by lifeguards or safety personel. Popular among tourists for its cascading waterfalls, this village provides a nice opportunity to stop and stretch ones legs when making the drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Zagreb. It gives direct access to the Lower Lakes area, and youll be at one of the best viewpoints right after entering the park. Enjoy your lunch if you havent stopped to eat along the way. Dont forget to bring euros or you may miss out on afternoon ice creams! Well, climb whatever can be climbed, because the views are guaranteed to be amazing. Coming by public transport, youll need to choose a place within easy walking distance of bus stops and park entrances: The village of Rastovaa, near Entrance 1, is a good place to look. Follow the signs to food and bathrooms. This route takes about 6-8 hours, but it includes almost everything thats worth seeing around the lakes. Yes, and No. Its roughly 20 minutes on foot from Entrance 1. Luckily, there are tons of places around Plitvice to take stunning aerial photos without a drone! We arrive about 11:00 after dropping our bags at our hotel and began with the paths around the lower lakes. If you're taking a bus, there are three bus stops in the park to depart and board the buses . In a nutshell, yes! At 78 m high, it is the tallest waterfall not only the park, but in all of Croatia. We recommend a full day, preferably spending the night in the area before your visit. Have I already mentioned that the color of the lakes are incredible? You find many private rooms and apartments in the small towns of Rastovaa, Poljanak or Jezerce which are all close to the park boundaries. Here is what we did: It was a good route, not too difficult if youre in decent shape! I found that not all the bus booking sites included the earlier buses- getmybus does. It gets over 1 million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia. There are two entrances to the park. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water. Plitvice National Parks is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places we've been to. You will need to create an account to check out and receive your tickets digitally. everything in the Upper Lakes area, itll be around noon. If you can bear the cold weather, then it might be worth it. Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park: Which Should You Choose? There can also be a crush of people queued up to take the boat back across the lake mid-day. Explore the Lower Lakes area before most of the visitors arrive. Minimum Ages for Non-Powered Vessels. Can You Swim in Plitvice Lakes National Park We considered doing this as it looked very peaceful to be rowing out close to some of the smaller waterfalls, but decided against it in the blazing July sunshine. In my opinion, visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park during the shoulder seasons is best: spring, early summer, or late summer/early autumn. Please Note: It is standard to pay extra for each bag you check under the bus. Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes. Several paths lead around or across the water, while small waterfalls are thundering under your feet. The photos of Plitvice Lakes in autumn below prove that: Is winter a good time to visit Plitvice Lakes? Its quite convenient, especially with high parking prices and filled up parking lots in the summer. Once youve seen (and photographed!) No. But should you really visit it? Crowds are crazy in the summer. This post answers all your questions and tells you everything you need to know to plan your visit to see the amazing Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, including: Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting Plitvice Lakes! Guide to Plitvice lakes national park in Croatia - Swedish Nomad Get inspiration for your next outdoor adventure with these videos. You can buy tickets (in advance) at the Plitvice website. The park was held by Serb rebels and hotels and other facilities used as barracks until August 1995 when the Croatian Army retook the region. Within the park there are several restaurants and cafs serving simple fast food such as grilled meats, sandwiches, or pastries and hot or cold drinks. However, it takes almost 5 hours to drive there from Dubrovnik, so its definitely not suitable for a day trip, rather connect the two on a multi-day road trip. Advance planning is essential, but the lakes spellbinding beauty means that youll be more than glad you made the effort. Only then do we invite our travelers to join in the experience. The names of the lakes are Proansko Jezero, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Veliko Jezero, Malo Jezero, Vir, Galovac, Milino Jezero, Gradinsko Jezero, Burgeti, and Kozjak. Walking wont be too delightful since you need to walk on the side of the road, but its 10 minutes only (500-700 m) from Pansion Danica, House Flora or House Milan (which all offer free private parking). The lower lakes will give you the best views in the park- and I always prefer to hit the highlights first- then if it rains, or someone gets sick on the second day, youve hit the best bits first! Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide: All You Need To Know Before You Go If you arrive early, you can do Plitvice Lakes in one long day- but you will need to prioritize, and move quickly. There are several tolls along the way. Weve covered what you need to plan ahead, which tickets are best, and how to navigate the park once you are there. Then take a boat ride to the Upper Lakes. Purchase your bus tickets to Plitvice Lakes. Have more questions? What to Bring to Plitvice Lakes National Park, There You Have It: 2 Days in Plitvice Lakes, Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke from Split, best budget-friendly places to eat in Dubrovnik. For the summer months and September, full day tickets are not even a possibility anymore, you either purchase a ticket before 4 pm or after 4 pm. These include Hotel Jezero, Hotel Plitvice, and Hotel Bellevue. A and B routes are very short and can be done in 2-4 hours, but hopefully, youll have more time than that, because neither of them includes the Upper Lakes area. The late 1800s marks the beginning of tourism in the region, with hotels erected for visiting Austrian royalty. Packing list essentials for visiting Plitvika Jezera, Croatia Have you heard about the amazing waterfalls in Croatia? The rising tensions between Serbs and Croats led to shots fired which resulted in two deaths, twenty wounded, and four hundred tourists evacuated. This region has four seasons which means frozen waterfalls and a dreamy snow cover in winter if youre lucky. Today, admiring the beauty of the lakes and their glittering falls, it is hard to imagine the blood that once spilled on this soil, or the landmines which littered the forest. A First Timer's Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park Lower Lakes are right there by Entrance 1, and you find the highest waterfall of the park in this area: 78 meters tall Veliki Slap (Great Fall). : +1 (213) 808-6022 CELL PHONE: +385 91 644-3333 WHATSAPP: +385 91 644-3333 EMAIL: office@sugamantours.com ADDRESS: Obala Lazareta 3 HOW DOES THE TOUR FLOW? Just something to keep in mind! A series of wooden footbridges and pathways snake over the lakes and around their shores providing gentle trails for visitors to wander, explore, and take in the breathtaking views. More . She likes hiking, good novels and chocolate, as well. Facilities Info points, trail maps, luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, restrooms, souvenir shops, and restaurants can all be found at both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 of the park. If you have to choose, because youre short on time, but want to visit Plitvice Lakes while in Croatia, we can only tell our subjective opinion. Split is not much further, about a 2.5-hour drive. Short on time? Youll find it about 50 feet after a large sign with four different locations listed on it, which faces away from you. Things to Do Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park: Which Should You Choose? From practical information to choosing the right trail, this guide covers everything you need to know. They tend to be more expensive than other location options. PS if youre looking at getting a drone, I have the DJI Spark and love it! You will find the same (a bit expensive) options at all the grills and bistros in this section of the park: hamburgers, veggie burgers, ham and cheese sandwiches, etc. Very. You Can Swim In Krka National Park, And It's A Great - TheTravel As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 20 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Hungary, Your Guide To Visiting The Cathedral Rocks, Kiama, New South Wales, The Best Wedding Gifts For Outdoorsy Couples, The Boneyard, Kiama: Australias Giants Causeway. Where To Stay In Skopje, North Macedonia? A Cell Phone Charger: you will take a lot of pictures! If you start the loop around Kozjak lake at the Lower Lakes, then youll end up there once finished. Characterized by rolling meadows and scenic woodland, the Plitvice area is one of the most unspoiled parts of Croatiaand camping here is a joy. Not that any of them would disappoint. Tell me about Zagreb 6:47 pm. Plitvice Lakes National Park in November 2019 A series of wooden footbridges and pathways snake over the lakes and around their shores providing gentle trails for visitors to wander, explore, and take in the breathtaking views. In fact, some of the hiking trails developed during that time still exist today. Sunscreen: Some areas of the park offer more shade than others, but you will definitely need to protect yourself from the sun. That was the line to get on the trolly from Entrance 2. This hike is not as spectacular as exploring the boardwalks, but its much more peaceful and ideal for those hours of the day when its jam-packed with visitors. If you prefer a boat ride and a panoramic train ride between the two areas, route C or H are what youre looking for. 8 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Croatia - Miss Tourist Buses run many times daily from Zagreb to Plitvice to Split, and the reverse. The exceptional natural beauty of this area has always attracted nature lovers. There are about 22 km of hiking trails around the lakes, but theres another 36 km of them that leads further away from the lakes. Were not full-time travelers nor digital nomads, just an average family seeking to explore the world, one hiking trail at a time, sharing our tips and advice so that you can make the best out of YOUR trips! hbspt.forms.create({region:"na1",portalId:"24362231",formId:"c7a2d45c-4299-45e9-959d-fc558ebcf3dc"}); Bea is the co-founder of Our Wanders. We didnt have time to visit during our trip, but Ive heard good things! Google directions are linked here or see map below: Driving to Plitvice National Park from Split, Croatia is a little further of a journey. The closest cities are Zagreb or Zadar, both being about 2 hours drive from Plitvice Lakes by car. Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Kid-Friendly? Where to Stay There are a number of government run hotels located at Entrance 2 of the park. If you allot two days (or 1 1/2 days with travel) you will have plenty of time to explore the park without rushing. Arizona law states that it is illegal for a person under the age of 12 to operate a vessel with a motor greater than 8 horsepower (which includes personal watercraft) unless: An emergency exists or Another person at least 18 years of age is on board. Take the dirt path and follow it to find 6 different overlooks with amazing views of the lakes and trails below. You are prohibited to swim in hopes to preserve the National Park and keep it beautiful for visitors. The concentration of rushing, burbling falls and the lakes in the middle of the systemGradinsko, Galovac, and Okrugljakare accessible via boardwalk trail from Entrance 2. Several walkways and boardwalks take you to explore the terraced lakes that drop 133 meters altogether. We chose to begin our trip with Entrance 1, and focus on the lower lakes for the first day. Tickets can be purchased for a single day, or multiple days, and must include an entrance time and gate for your first point of entry. We recommend the latter, because if you get there early, you can enjoy morning peace while exploring the Lower Lakes, too.
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