Plitvice Lakes National Park (PlitviÄŤka jezera) is located in central Croatia, roughly halfway between the capital Zagreb and the coastal city of Zadar, near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. It’s easily accessible by car or bus via A1 Highway and is one of Croatia’s most famous natural landmarks.
  Exact Location:
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Region: Lika-Senj County
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Distance from Zagreb: ~2 hours drive (130 km)
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Distance from Split: ~2.5 hours drive (250 km)
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🌊 Why Visit Plitvice Lakes?
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1. Stunning Natural Beauty
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16 turquoise lakes cascading into each other via over 90 waterfalls
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Surrounded by lush forests, wooden walkways, and crystal-clear water
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2. UNESCO World Heritage Site
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It’s been protected since 1949 and listed by UNESCO since 1979 due to its unique geology and biodiversity
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3. Peaceful and Magical Atmosphere
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A mix of hiking trails, wooden footpaths, and boat rides creates a calm, fairy-tale vibe
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4. Wildlife and Nature Lovers’ Paradise
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Home to bears, wolves, deer, rare birds, and unique flora
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Perfect for photography, birdwatching, or just enjoying unspoiled nature
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5. All-Year-Round Beauty
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Spring: lush greenery and high waterfalls
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Summer: vibrant colors and clear skies
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Autumn: stunning fall foliage
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Winter: frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trails—absolutely magical!
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🎟 Tips for Visiting
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It can get crowded in summer—early arrival or off-season visits are recommended
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Wear good walking shoes and bring water/snacks
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There are two main entrances: Entrance 1 (north) and Entrance 2 (south)—routes vary in difficulty and length
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🥾 Suggested Hiking Routes in Plitvice Lakes
The park is divided into the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja jezera). There are 8 official walking routes, ranging from short to full-day hikes. Here are 3 popular ones:
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🔹 Route A (Lower Lakes only)
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Length: ~3.5 km / 2 hours
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Start/End: Entrance 1
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Highlights: Veliki slap (the Big Waterfall), cliffs, caves, lakes
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Perfect if: You’re short on time or want a light walk
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🔹 Route B (Upper + Lower Lakes)
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Length: ~8 km / 4–5 hours
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Start/End: Entrance 1 (includes boat + shuttle ride)
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Highlights: Big Waterfall, boat across Kozjak lake, full lake experience
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Perfect if: You want the best of both worlds without extreme hiking
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🔹 Route C (Scenic full experience)
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Length: ~9 km / 5–6 hours
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Start: Entrance 2 → finish at Entrance 2 (includes boat + shuttle)
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Highlights: Great panoramic views + both Upper and Lower lakes
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Perfect if: You’re up for a more complete adventure
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🏞 Nearby Places Worth Visiting
Here are some beautiful and interesting spots close to Plitvice that are perfect for a road trip or short detour:
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1. Rastoke (The Small Plitvice)
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Distance: ~30 minutes from Plitvice
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What to see: A charming fairy-tale village with old mills, waterfalls running through houses, and traditional wooden architecture
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Perfect for: Lunch, coffee, and dreamy photos
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2. Barac Caves (Baraćeve špilje)
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Distance: ~20–25 minutes
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What to see: Underground cave system with stalactites, fossils, and guided tours
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Perfect for: Something a little different—especially fun with kids
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3. Una National Park (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
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Distance: ~1.5 hours (passport needed)
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What to see: Wild rivers, waterfalls (like Ĺ trbaÄŤki buk), fewer tourists than Plitvice
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Perfect for: A day trip across the border to explore lesser-known gems
Hope you will enjoy the trip.