Plitvice Lakes are definitely the most spectacular natural site in Croatia!
This almost 30,000-hectare national park is the oldest and the biggest one in Croatia. There you can observe a series of turquoise lakes, waterfalls and caverns created naturally by the water flowing and depositing limestone and chalk over thousands of years. The uniqueness and significance of the park was also recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Inside the Plitvice Lakes , the wooden pathways and footbridges guide you around 16 crystalline lakes which are connected by many waterfalls and cascades. This really scenic site attracts many tourists yearly. Here are some tips and tricks for visiting Plitvice National Park.
1. Where to stay
There are 3 hotels inside the Plitvice National Park. These are Hotel Jezero, hotel Bellevue, and Plitvice Hotel and some private villas and bungalows. You can find many more accommodation options outside the national park, not far from the entrance.
I believe it is definitely worth staying inside the national park overnight. You might need to pay a bit more but I believe it is absolutely worth it! If you choose your accommodation inside the park you will stay longer in the park, observe its beauty in the evening and you will be able to take a peaceful walk on your own in the early morning hours before all the other tourists arrive.
2. Tips for visiting the park
The busiest months for visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park are July and August. The busiest hours are between 9 am and 2 pm. Tour buses arrive around 9 am, have lunch at noon and finish their trips around 3 pm. As Plitvice can get very busy it is best to try to avoid this times, if possible.
Plitvice Lakes are a big park and there are many paths to choose from. The lower parts around the big lake are the busiest, but well worth a short visit. To visit as much of the park as possible start your day early and I recommend you begin your visit at the upper lakes.
If you have more than a few hours in the park I recommend a visit to some of the less visited parts of the park. Plitvice’s lakes and waterfalls are really spectacular, but they make up only 1% of the national park. There's so much more to see! Corkova Uvala for example is a primeval forest in the northwest corner of the park with a variety of spectacular hikes worth checking out.
3. How to dress
How to dress depends on the month you are visiting. During the hottest months of June, July and August Plitvice are usually hot and sunny. Use a sunscreen and cover your head with a hat! During the winter months of December, January and February Plitvice often experience snow, so make sure you are dressed for the winter wonderland you are about to experience. September, October and November are often rainy, so don’t forget your raincoat or umbrella.
I would recommend wearing hiking shoes for visiting Plitvice Lakes, although it is not absolutely necessary. Rubber shoes are not necessary as you are not walking in muddy areas as the pathways are lifted from the ground. Most of the paths are wooden and flat, but they might get slippery after rain and near the waterfalls.
4. Find your mindful place by the waterfall
Plitvice are also known for being one of the special energy spots where the strong energy currents can be easily felt. The running waters of this place have a specific kind of power.
Find a quiet spot, meditate with the sound of the waterfall and connect with the Earth. This is also a great spot for charging your special crystal!
I can’t wait to hear what you think about Plitvice National Park. Let me know if you have any questions or would like help planning your next trip to Croatia. Visit my website at Sunny & Turquoise Travel for upcoming women’s retreats or for a consultation to help build your dream trip.
Sending Love and Happy Trails, Lea
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