Croatia, Plitvice Lakes: Entrance Fees, Parking, and Accommodation Tips in 2025

Plitvice Lakes? That’s the place Luky’s uncle took us when we were cycling through Croatia on e-bikes! It was absolutely amazing. In this article “Croatia, Plitvice Lakes: Entrance Fees, Parking, and Accommodation Tips in 2025” I’ll cover what you need to know before you go.

It is the oldest and largest national park in all of Croatia. Imagine a system of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades, where the water shimmers in all shades of blue and turquoise. No wonder it’s the most visited attraction in the country and has earned a place on the UNESCO list.

The park spans an altitude of 500–640 meters, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. We were among them – and that road trip, even with the rather insane early start, was well worth it.

Let’s take a look together at the hiking trails, entrance fees, parking, and accommodation tips for Plitvice Lakes.

TL;DR

• Basic Information: Plitvice Lakes are the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The system includes 16 lakes connected by waterfalls.
• Entrance Fees (2025): Prices vary by season
  • High season (June-September): 40 EUR adults, 15 EUR children 7-18 years old
  • Off-season: from 10 EUR adults, from 4 EUR children
  • Students and groups receive discounts, children under 7 years old free
• Opening Hours: Open year-round, usually 7:00 AM-8:00 PM in summer, shorter hours in winter (8:00 AM-4:00 PM)
• Parking: Available at both main entrances
  • Prices: cars 1.50-2.00 EUR/hour depending on season
• Routes:
  • Route A: 3.5 km, 2-3 hours, suitable for families with children
  • Route B: 4 km, 3-4 hours
  • Route C: 8 km, 4–6 hours, ideal for photographers
• Main Attractions: Great Waterfall (78 m), 16 lakes, 140 smaller waterfalls, rich flora and fauna
• Practical tips:
  • Book your tickets online in advance
  • Avoid crowds by arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon
  • Utilize boat transport and the panoramic train
  • Consider accommodation directly within the park area, e.g., Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes Hotel or Lakeside Hotel Plitvice.

What to Know before Visiting Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes form the largest and most famous lake system in Croatia, known for its turquoise-colored lakes, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna. The lakes are located at the intersection of mountainous regions and are protected as a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Swimming is not allowed in the park.

Whether you’re going to explore the beauty of Plitvice Lakes by bike, car, or on foot, don’t underestimate preparation. While Croatia is close, it’s still a trip abroad – and reliable travel insurance can come in handy. It covers not only unexpected injuries or illnesses but also, for example, damage to your bike or lost luggage. Check out comprehensive travel insurance for Croatia and save yourself unnecessary worries – so you can fully soak in that turquoise tranquility!

History of the National Park

Water beautifully cascades over limestone, forming fairytale-like waterfalls – that’s the magic of Plitvice Lakes, which were declared Croatia’s first national park in 1949.

Since 1979, it has also been on the UNESCO list. And it’s no wonder – its geological uniqueness and breathtaking nature make Plitvice an unparalleled place.

The park has a rich history. While initially explored mainly by local enthusiasts, it gradually became a magnet for visitors from all over the world. Although the Croatian War of Independence damaged some parts of the park, you wouldn’t even know it today.

Plitvice Lakes are a true star among European parks – hundreds of thousands of tourists visit annually, eager to witness that unrepeatable dance of water, limestone, and light.

💡Read also: Kamenjak National Park

Where to Stay? Tips for the Best Accommodation and Hotels near Plitvice Lakes

We recommend staying at:

• Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes Hotel,
• Lakeside Hotel Plitvice,
• B&B Villa Irene Plitvice Lakes.

Geography and Location

Plitvice Lakes are located in Lika-Senj County on the upper course of the Korana River, approximately halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. The national park covers an area of about 300 km² and forms a natural bridge between alpine and Mediterranean climates.

The park is defined by dense forests, limestone cliffs, and karst terrain. In total, there are sixteen interconnected lakes, divided into upper and lower groups.

The Lower Lakes are located in a deep canyon, while the Upper Lakes lie at a higher altitude. The largest lake is Kozjak, which is the center of the hiking trails.

Characteristics of the Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes system includes 16 lakes, which are connected by numerous waterfalls and streams. The lakes are divided into an upper section with 12 lakes and a lower section with 4 lakes. Among the most famous are Prošćansko Lake, Kozjak, Milanovac, Gavanovac, and Kaludjerovac.

The lakes have various shades of blue and green depending on the mineral and microorganism content. Characteristic features are the limestone barriers, which are formed by the gradual precipitation of travertine.

Around the lakes, there are rich forest growths and a number of protected plant and animal species. In addition to the impressive waterfalls, Veliki Slap, the highest Croatian waterfall, stands out.

Plitvice Lakes: What You’ll See

Plitvice Lakes will captivate you with countless water formations, diverse vegetation, and a high species diversity of animals living here.

Waterfalls and Rivers

The biggest attraction is the numerous waterfalls and clear rivers that connect all 16 lakes in cascades of various sizes. The most famous waterfall is the Great Waterfall, which reaches a height of approximately 78 meters. In total, there are around 140 waterfalls in the area, distributed among the individual lakes.

In addition to the waterfalls, several smaller rivers and streams flow through the area. This network of natural flows supplies the lakes with water and contributes to their constant variability. The formation and continuous growth of travertine barriers are a result of the water’s chemical composition and the action of mosses and algae.

💡You might also be interested in: Where to go on holiday in Croatia

Flora of Plitvice Lakes

In the park, you’ll find over 1,400 plant species. Approximately 50 of these are very rare or protected. The area is also an important site for several endemic plants that grow nowhere else in the world. You’ll especially appreciate the beautiful flowers in spring when the meadows are in bloom.

Furthermore, the vegetation around the lakes fulfills an important ecological function – it stabilizes the soil, purifies the water, and provides food and shelter for many animals.

Fauna and Biodiversity

Approximately 50 mammal species are found in the national park, including wolves, lynx, deer, and wild boars. Bats are also a significant group.

Around 160 bird species have been recorded in the park, including rare species such as the black stork and the golden eagle. Various fish and amphibian species live beneath the lake surface, including endemic carp and newts.

Plitvice Lakes: Routes and Tourist Circuits

At Plitvice Lakes, various routes are available, differing in length, difficulty, and what you’ll see. Some circuits are suitable for families with children, while others offer unique opportunities for photographers and nature lovers.

Popular Hiking Trails

Among the most popular is Route A, 3.5 km long, which takes about 2–3 hours and leads around the Veliki Slap waterfall, the Lower Lakes, and the Kozjak bridge. For those who want to stay longer, Route C, measuring approximately 8 km, is suitable, taking 4–6 hours to complete. This route leads around the Lower and Upper Lakes, as well as the large waterfalls Veliki and Mali Prštavac.

Shorter trails can also be completed as Route B, which is 4 km long and takes about 3–4 hours. Each circuit is marked, safe, and mostly accessible year-round.

The choice of a specific trail depends on your physical condition and available time. Some sections also include boat rides or train rides.

Plitvice Lakes – Recommended Routes for Families with Small Children

For families with smaller children, it is recommended to choose shorter and easily accessible circuits. Route A or a short route from Lake Kozjak, which is about 2 km long, are suitable even for smaller children, as the terrain is easy and full of waterfalls and wooden walkways.

A great advantage is the option to partially use the electric train or boat transport, which children often enjoy. Toilets and refreshment stands are regularly available at various points.

Routes (not Only) for Photographers

Love photography? Then you’ll appreciate Route C, thanks to the diversity of waterfalls, small lakes, and paths offering many beautiful views in various lighting conditions. For photography, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are fewer people at the lakes and the light is soft.

Plitvice Lakes: Practical Information for Visitors

Plitvice Lakes are among the most visited natural attractions in Croatia, so it’s worth knowing the current information about entrance fees, operating hours, and parking options.

Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park is possible via three official entrances – Entrance 1, Entrance 2, and the auxiliary Flora entrance (near Entrance 2). You can purchase tickets either online via the park’s official website, which significantly shortens waiting times, or directly at the ticket offices on site.

The entrance fee includes not only access to the park but also an electric boat ride, panoramic train ride, and visitor insurance. Prices vary significantly by season – the summer period from June to September is naturally the most expensive.

2025 Entrance Fee Price List (One-Day Ticket)

*A group must consist of at least 15 people and needs to be announced in advance.

The park is open year-round, but operating hours vary by season. The longest operating hours are during the summer months, when you can visit the park practically from dawn till dusk. During high season, it’s ideal to arrive either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon – this way you’ll avoid the largest crowds of tourists. For those who want to explore the park thoroughly, a two-day ticket option is available.

The park has extended opening hours during high season, usually from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In winter months, it is open for shorter periods, for example, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, as the number of visitors is limited.

Parking – Plitvice Lakes

Parking is available at both main entrances (Entrance 1 and 2). If parking with a car, we recommend arriving early in the morning, as parking lots fill up quickly during the day, especially in the summer months.

When parking lots are full, organizers strongly urge visitors not to park along the main road (DC1), on green areas, and not to wait for spaces to free up, which could slow down traffic. A practical solution is to use accommodation directly within the park area (hotels Bellevue, Jezero, Plitvice, Grabovac), where parking is provided for guests.

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