It is nicer, but however it is slower). Speaking from personal experience, we can confirm that a trip to Plitvice can be a truly magical experience, however we can also confirm (also from personal experience) that the experience can easily be marred by a handful of (easily avoidable) issues that many face when visiting the park. Easy walking. James, what time did you get to the park and at what time of year? If youre holidaying in Split and Zadar and you just want a short tour to change scenery and see some pretty waterfalls, then Krka is a better option, as its much closer to Zadar and Split. Michel v 4 4 Not worth it. This spot is relatively unknown, so youll be able to escape the crowds and get a crystal clear photo of the beautiful nature that is Plitvice Lakes. 3 For my taste and energy level and tolerance for tourists (hundreds), it worked fine and it was enjoyable. We were quite pleased with our decision to NOT stay in thearea, as it was too crowded for our taste. This made some people very angry and there was lots of pushing, shoving and arguing from then on and the queue became a mass of people- no order whatsoever- but the staff did nothing to sort this. It sounds oxymoronic to describe a place that attracts 1 million annual visitors as a perfect place to detox and revel in nature, but that is exactly the feeling this UNESCO world heritage site in Croatia evokes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26397167', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Croatia, and Dalmatia are rocky, bring "water socks". The national park is 100 % worth your visit. We didn't wait long for the boat or buses- Max 15 mins. On a hot day, the Korana river, which flows through Plitvice Lakes National Park, can be just as appealing as the park itself. here you have a full list of rent a cars in Rijeka, so you can check it out. Even if you find a parking spot, it's then impossible to get in, takes too much time. Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. As mentioned above, Plitvice Lakes National Park is in Croatia, a European country located in the Mediterranean. Walk the path around the lakes and relax on a boat trip. Here's what you can do instead. What is there to see in Krka National Park? I did not - I stayed in a very nice apartment just down the road from both entrances. Would it be as great as everyone said? Plitvice had better be worth the effort because i'm travelling from Zadar to visit it in june.From what i've been told it takes more than a half day visit there to experience the park properly & to enjoy the visit.What is the earliest time that you could leave Zagreb at because all posts here state that the earlier in the morning that you get there the better the experience is before the park gets swamped with tourists. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Most of the park isnt accessibility-friendly and requires lots of walking to traverse, mostly on steep gravel pathways or uneven wooden platforms with no railing. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The upper lakes are closed in winter, but you can go skiing and sledding in the nearby village of Mukinje. If youre planning to spend in Krka pretty much all day, you can either arrive early and take a boat tour that would take you to the area you cant visit by food. Once we were in it wasn't too crowded. The park opens at 7am, and I recommend getting to the ticket counter . That is a good plan.enjoy your visitPlitvice is stunning! Set atop a pretty promontory that extends into the Adriatic sea, Zadar has a compact and attractive old town of golden-hued churches and Roman ruins that. I far prefer the freshness of spring to autumn colours. Plitvice Lakes National park is definitely worth the detour. The walkable part is quite small and youll be able to complete it in just over an hour. But when we exited that main gate around 11:30am, I was shocked to see well over one hundredpeople in line for tickets! And this was at about 9:15. I had my plans and tickets booked last autumn but the visa did not come through on time :(. As Croatia's oldest and largest national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Plitvice Lake National Park is reputed for its 16 emerald lakes and magnificent waterfallsincluding Veliki Slap, the country's largest waterfall. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sleep in the No-Charm Inn. I dont have a, As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, its j, Hiking in Zermatt: 3 Scenic Trails You Don't Want to Miss, 3 Questions to Ask Before Travel Planning, Reset & Ready: An Update from the Swiss Family Domeck, An Open Letter to My NEWEST Newborn Daughter, The Don CeSar: Highlights from Our Stay at the Pink Palace of Florida. Self-guided tours are best for experienced hikers and budget travelers since you have the freedom of choosing your own pace and pathof which there are many possible optionsbut you can also opt for a paid guided tour to get more history. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If seeing as much of the park as possible is paramount, these hotels allow next-door access to the lakes and two days of park entrance for the price of one. Some people say to do half the hike late afternoon and come back for the other half the next morning. The lakes and waterfalls were beautiful and we had a great morning walking around.We had been warned about the crowds so set off very early. Depending on how you time your visit you can enjoy the colours of autumn, the wintery touch of snow and ice, or the beginning of a new season in spring. It's crazy. It is a full course meal and very delicious. We queued for about 30 minutes to get in at entrance 1 and opted for route C (which took us around 3/4 hours). Not very sure if it snows there but if its free of snow its worth it. We stayed one night and hiked the upper lakes in the late afternoon on our first day to avoid crowds. Our Croatia students toured the Plitvice Lakes and soaked in the beautiful scenery of Plitvice National Park, a . Krka National Park How to get to Krka National Park? It sounds like the best thing would be to rent another car in Zagreb, drive it to Plitvice and on to Split, returning it there. What is there to do at Krka National Park? We pulled in before7:30am, and although there were already a few people milling about, it took us five minutes to get our tickets. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. How to get to Krka National Park 1.2 Can you swim in Krka National Park? The park has limited restaurants and facilities and what exists is clustered by the lakes. Sigh. I am planning to visit (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Very green and lots of water. Make sure you arrive at the park at Entrance 1, where there's a paved road from the street all the way to the scenic lookout point. I think everyone can enjoy Plitvice Lakes as long as expectations are set properly. The park is a two-hour drive from the countrys capital, Zagreb, or an hour and a half drive from Zadar. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. There are also two campsites with rustic cabins you can rent on the grounds. Continue the adventure and join my travel team today! A stop in Plitvice is a great idea! Your comments are very positive and suggest that May will offer very good sights of Plitivice lakes NP. There was one very, very steep, long climb, and that was from the lower lakes up to Station 1. You will also need comfortable shoes as there is a bit of hiking involved (unless you wait for the bus). Each entrance has four routes you can take. We highly valued the sweet moments of space and solitude, and so we always passed the slowpokes. When you purchase your tickets, youll choose your preferred entrance. From Plitvice then, if you don't have time, you can take the highway (it takes about 3 hours approximately), but if you want to see something more of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Concerning what you should wear to the parks, make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. The Plitvice Lakes national park is a beautiful and unique slice of Croatia. Recently we have heard about how beautiful Plitvice Park is, and would like to try to squeeze it in on the way to Split. Maybe I'm too subjective, but in my opinion, Slovenia is more of a winter destination, while in summer you should spend all the time you have in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And the snacks also the food in the park is rather meh. Swimming is not allowed in Plitvice Lakes the lakes and waterfalls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are protected by strict conservation regulations. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's largest national park covering almost 30,000 hectares, is situated in the lower elevations of the Dinarides in the central part of the country. Also, BASIL. Insider tip: Croatia has 8 amazing national parks. I believe the earlier or later you go, the better as it will be less crowded. From relaxing on gorgeous islands to strolling through Roman-era cities to enjoying seafood dishes like black risotto, there is truly something for everyone in this Mediterranean country. To begin with, it took me about an hour to get through the ticket line in 2015. There are some panoramic viewpoints which you can visit to take some breathtaking shots of the National Park as well. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, in the eastern part of the country, and not far from Croatia's border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Croatias sparkling coastline bustles with activity over summertime travel, another destination in the countrys interior attracts tourists by the thousands. Since Plitvice Lakes is such a popular tourist attraction, there are plenty of hotels and independently-owned bed and breakfast places within minutes of the site. The best option is to stay overnight in the hotel in the park itself. CARRY SNACKS &WATER, BUT LEAVE THE SWIMSUIT The coastal road is not a road for speed so it is a slow drive unless you take the expressway in which case you miss the coast. Summer draws the most visitors. We left the park around noon. So, Im going to share with you a secret place to get the absolute best photo of the Plitvice lakes. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. There are steep altitude differences depending on where you go, so temperature, precipitation, and traction can change quickly. spring is the best time to go. Just wanted to understand what the state of Piltvice lakes NP will be like during that time. 1.3 What is there to see in Krka National Park? Crowded. Krka National Park is one of the largest and also one of most visited National Parks in Croatia. Boats may be out of the water; paths may be dangerous if icy. CUTEST. Season Working hours; Winter: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Spring: . 4. We also made reservations to have our dinner there, too, for a cost of $20 per person. The Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. Our Croatia students toured the Plitvice ." Rustic Pathways on Instagram: "These might be the only waterfalls worth chasing! Not sure whether you should visit Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes on your trip to Croatia? As I shaped my travel itinerary for an epic trip around Croatia with my husband and our 5-month oldpuppy, I was extremely wary about including Plitvice Lakes in our journey. All roads are full of cars coming to the Plitvice, until the end of the day. This UNESCO site has been transformed into a highly organized and efficient national park hosting 1.3 million visitors every year. Driving distance from Pula to Plitvice Lakes. The issue is that most daytrippers won't get to the park until 10 AM or later, finding themselves among thousands--not hundreds--of other visitors. Youll also want to make sure you pack your camera or free up some storage space on your phone. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. I saw 2 or 3 areas to stop and get food, but also saw people picnicking in those areas. No one wants to deal with a Hangry Monster out there. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26408293', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Croatia, then you'll have to cross the mountain Velebit, and it will take you about 3 and a half hours, but pay attention, that there are a lot of bends and curves, so if you tend to feel sick during the trip, then it is maybe better you take the highway. Dress warmly, though, as the temperatures begin to drop during this time of the year. Her work centers on food, travel and leisure, mental health, psychology, and other topics. Visiting right when the park opens is ideal for more leisurely walks without crowded pathways. You can reach the peaks of Plitvice's mountains or wander the rugged upper lakes area, but don't stray from the marked trails; you don't want to get lost in this expansive park. We drove overfrom Zagreb the morningwe visited Plitvika Jezera, and we drove to the coast to stay near Zadar that night. About | Archive | Travel Resources | Submissions | Work With Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy Copyright 2021 Go Backpacking | All Rights Reserved, Plitvice Lakes National Park: A Complete Visitors Guide, adorable accommodation with a fantastic breakfast. I totally agree! Thank you everyone. I would concur to reduce time in Slovenia, forget Zagreb, and head straight to Rijeka after Slovenia. Be sure to think about the following before planning your visit: During a historical period of drought, locals petitioned the magical Black Queen for assistance, and she answered by building the Plitvice lakes. Without further ado, lets get started comparing Plitvice Lakes vs Krka National Park! The only village walkable from the park is Plitvica Selo (20 minutes), but for more varied and modern accommodation options, check out nearby towns like Jezerce, Grabovac, or Korana. Review of Plitvice Lakes National Park Reviewed August 14, 2017 via mobile It's a beautiful environment, I'm gonna give 10 points for the nature, but 0 for the organization. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112300598', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Croatia in May over any other month because it's fresh, lush, dripping with various shades of green with flowers blooming all over the place. The hotels in the park also have rooms available that are accessible for guests with disabilities. The wooden pathways around and through the lakes are small and often without railings. Genuinely, I would say that Plitvice Lakes is a bit more impressive than Krka National Park -so if you have an opportunity, even if youre based in Split or Zadar and being 2.5 hours in a bus each direction doesnt bother you too much, I would recommend visiting the Plitvice Lakes! Ill explain more about getting to the park later, though. Your goal should be to maximize the time you have in the park when the day-trippers are not there, and minimize the time you share the park with them. The park gets crowded and congested, and you could end up shuffling along for several hours, frustrated and anxious to extricate yourself from the never-ending line of tourists. How strenuous is the hiking? As a wife, mom, and travel addict, her love for mountains, fairy-tales, and great food keep her mind and heart always on the lookout for the next great adventure. 1 year ago Save Hello Guys, I am planning to visit Croatia later this year. Have you heard of Croatias most popular national park or at least seen photos of it before? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26398940', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car again in Croatia and dumping it off in Split. Expensive, but we didn't travel to this marvelous area in Croatia to save money. We had planned to return our rental car in Ljubljana and take the train to Zagreb (because we were told that we could not return the car in Croatia), and then take the train to Split and head out to Hvar. Probably never going back if it stays this way. I knew this would give me peace to start off the day and hopefully only small crowds when I arrived at the lower lakes. How much does it cost to visit Krka National Park? Inside the park, there are four hotels that offer packages, including tours and tickets of the lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a unique experience. When many of us travel, we like to capture memories by taking photos of what were experiencing and seeing. 2. Unlike many Croatian hotels, this hotel provided a regular mattress and box spring for a bed. The lake Proansko Jezero was thought to be her first creation! I have visited Plitvice Lakes in May and it was absolutely beautiful, very lush. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I went to both of these National parks in August (the busiest and most expensive month of the year) and this article will be mainly based on visiting these parks during the busy summer months. The park opens at 7am, and I recommend getting to the ticket counter before 8am. . The exceptional natural beauty of this area has always attracted nature lovers. However, because only a certain number of people are allowed in the park each day, I recommend purchasing a few days in advance to ensure availability. Is an afternoon and the next morning enough time to see the lakes? Planning a trip? Spend all day there or maybe two if you have time. The walking trails are laid out in a figure of eight pattern, circling around the upper and lower lakes. However, I didn't realise that buses don't start running until 8am. However, if youre like me, the majesty of this park could easily be stripped away by massive amounts of people coursing throughthe gorgeous scenery with you. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Plitvice Lakes seems quite restrictive for those of us with an exploratory nature. The majority of visitors to Plitvice visit the park during their summer vacation in July and August. Croatia's oldest and biggest national park, Plitvice is a four-season playground known for its pristine forests, stunning waterfalls, and dozens of turquoise lakes. While many visitors stick to Croatia's coast, the Plitvice Lakes are inland, close to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But it so worth drive !! Worthy of a detour? Check out our guide to Croatian national parks, which contains information on each park's location, what makes it unique, what you can do during your visit as well as some Croatian vocabulary to learn and practice if you're interesting in learning some Croatian! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26391832', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Croatia in July. Keep walking down the path for a couple of minutes. Although you can easy do a day trip to Plitvice Lakes (we can organize transfers and guides), it is also worth considering staying the night, or a couple of nights in this Mediterranean paradise. SNAP AWAY, BUT DONT FORGET TO LOOK AROUND Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Its important to note that you cannot reserve same-day tickets; you must purchase tickets at least a day in advance. All answers depend somewhat on your interests and time. Heres a tour from Splitand heres a tour from Zadar. [3] The national park was founded in 1949 and is in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia, at the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. But I also really loved being in Zagreb, so that helped make it worth my while. Feel free to contact Andrea directly for a chat about any questions you might have! And I agree that sometimes one just needs to consider the hotel price as part of the experience. Its not easy to find a shuttle that goes to Plitvice Lakes from Zadar or Split, so it is easier to book a tour. If youd like more information about Plitvice Lakes National Park, visit their website HERE. Besides the gorgeous waterfall, Skradinski Buk, there are plenty of other lovely smaller waterfalls, lakes full of fish and beautiful paths all around the National Park. You can also take scenic boat rides in some lakes and one lake is even offering kayaking! As a national park, Plitvice Lakes entirely lives up to the hype, and really is as impressive as the photos make it seem. You can take a route that is shorter - or longer - than C. Allow plenty of time to stop and rest if you have a question about how strenuous it might be. What is the best way to see Plitvice from Split on a day tours to plitvice lakes national PARK CROATIA, How long to stay in park on route to Zagreb. The park is broken up into the upper and lower falls, with a boat ride connecting the two. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a true oasis of magnificent and untouched nature that is definitely worth your time. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Well be happy to tell you more about our language school and the learning options we offer. Walking around both the upper and lower lakes takes six to seven hours. Visiting Krka National Park: is it worth it? During the summer months the park opens each day at 7am, and if you don't mind making an early start we strongly suggest arriving at the park as early as you possibly can. I had a car, which also helps determine your choices. Expanding over 30,000 hectares / 74,132 acres of the Dinaric Alps, Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's largest national park. In acknowledgement of its prominence as one of Europe's most outstanding natural wonders, the Plitvice Lakes were declared to be Croatia's first national park on April 8, 1949, following the end of World War II. Had an adventure and nearly got stranded in early evening on the lakeside opposite hotel area. You'll be walking over the waters on a boardwalk for a good amount of any path, which is just wide enough for two individuals to walk side by side comfortably. 1.1 Where is Krka NP and how much does it cost to visit it? Would the crowds ruin our experience? As of March 2023, the ticket prices range from around 8 euros to 34 euros, depending on the time of year and the type of ticket (adult, student, child, or group). Also, when you subscribe, you'll receive my lookbook "The Best of Switzerland" for free :) So, what are you waiting for? Listen to interesting stories about Croatia before arriving at the park. You can purchase Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets online through the parks official website. Get answers to your questions about Plitvice Lakes Plitvice Lakes National Park Bed and Breakfast, Plitvice Lakes National Park Vacation Rentals, Things to Do in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Guide, Browse all 1,391 Plitvice Lakes National Park topics , Visit timing: late afternoon or early morning, time to cross into Bosnia + transfer recommendation, Split to Plitvice day trip and ending in Zagreb, See All Plitvice Lakes National Park Conversations. We did, in May, for our three nights in Venice, and we dont regret it. We stayed nearby but had to rely on overpriced taxis so I would recommend a day trip would be sufficient. When I say early, I mean it! Plitvice Lakes National Park forum caroline3031 new jersey 7 posts Is Plitvice worth the effort? Experience the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a day trip from Split with your entry ticket and a guided tour. From Canada to Croatia, these destinations wear the cold exceptionally well. Plitvice Lakes National Park or Plitvika Jezera in Croatian has experienced a shocking rise ofvisitors inrecent years as images of romantic waterfalls and turquoise waters have spilled across the globe. Like Richard I enjoy (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When is your trip? Outdoor Adventure Travel + Van Life (@coconutsandcamels) on Instagram: "15 of our favourite memories from 15 months of van life Full time van." ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26395581', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car in Croatia, pick one up in Rijeka and leave it where it is most convienent.
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