Plitvice Lakes: Entrances and routes to suit your visit

• The main entrances, Entrance 1 in the north and Entrance 2 in the south, are about three kilometres apart.
• Programme A from Entrance 1 covers 3.5 kilometres, taking you to the Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall; the park allows two to three hours.
• Programme C from Entrance 1 and Programme H from Entrance 2 connect the Lower and Upper Lakes by boat and panoramic vehicle.
• Both main entrances have paid visitor car parks and bus stops nearby.
• The boardwalks cross uneven terrain; rocks and paths can be slippery in the rain.
• Bathing and swimming in the lakes and waterways of the national park are prohibited.

Programme A starts at northern Entrance 1. The 3.5-kilometre circular route passes through the canyon of the Lower Lakes to the Great Waterfall, then returns to the same entrance. Taking two to three hours, it is the shorter option for a visit focused mainly on the lower lake area and the park’s largest waterfall. The paths cross boardwalks and uneven ground, so distance alone does not tell the whole story when it comes to walking effort.

To see both lake areas, choose Programme C from Entrance 1 or Programme H from Entrance 2. C is eight kilometres long and takes four to five hours according to the park; H covers 8.9 kilometres and takes four to six hours. Both are circular routes combining walking sections with a boat ride across Lake Kozjak and a panoramic vehicle ride. H starts in the southern area and passes the Upper and Lower Lakes on its way to the Great Waterfall. You can choose your tour based on your preferred entrance and the amount of time you plan to spend walking.

The entrances are around three kilometres apart, and the official programmes return to their respective starting points. Your journey, parked car and entrance ticket should therefore all correspond to the same entrance. Parking at both main entrances is paid, and bus stops are located nearby. If you arrive by bus, plan your return from the entrance you chose; it is not a connection from the opposite end of the park.

The electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak and the panoramic vehicle rides are included in the official circular routes and require a valid entrance ticket. Programme A is a walking-only circuit; Programmes C and H connect the lake areas using both forms of transport. The chosen route is therefore a combination of walking and the park’s designated connections.

Swimming and bathing in the lakes and waterways are prohibited in the national park. Marked trails protect the shores and guide visitors along designated boardwalks. Wooden bridges, narrow paths and steep sections require sure footing; rocks become especially slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear and a level of fitness suited to the route make the walk more enjoyable. The routes are not fully accessible, and strollers are not recommended on the narrow, uneven paths.

From Zagreb or Zadar, the D429 state road passes the entrance and visitor areas. From Otočac and the A1 motorway, the approach is via the D52 to Korenica. When choosing between Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, consider which road and circular route best fit your day’s plans. Zagreb can be combined with a day in nature if you allow enough time for the onward journey.

Choose accommodation that allows you to reach your selected entrance and make the return journey. A day in the park is a dedicated nature excursion and is not easily combined with several far-flung destinations in a single day trip. For accommodation suited to your location and travel style, consider spending a night near the park or staying somewhere along your onward route. Central Croatia and the Central Croatia region place the lakes along the route between the capital and the coast.

The Korana flows out of the lake area and continues through a canyon to Karlovac, where the river becomes calmer. Karlovac adds a distinct city and riverside stop to an inland route. Croatia comprises a variety of regions; Central Croatia lies between the capital and the coastal areas.

For a longer road trip, Istria, Dalmatia, Krka National Park and Split can each make up a separate leg of the journey. Umag and Cavtat are in other coastal regions and suit a longer trip, rather than the same day as a visit to the park. For connections between these areas, see getting there and transport and travel planning.

A circuit around the lakes can be complemented by longer walks in nature and landscapes. Include admission, walking time and the return journey in your travel checklist and itinerary. For the journey, money and payments and staying safe while travelling are part of the general travel essentials.

Which route is best for a shorter visit?

Programme A from Entrance 1 is 3.5 kilometres long, passes through the Lower Lakes to the Great Waterfall and takes two to three hours.

Which route connects the Upper and Lower Lakes?

Programme C from Entrance 1 covers eight kilometres and takes four to five hours; Programme H from Entrance 2 is 8.9 kilometres long and takes four to six hours. Both include a crossing of Lake Kozjak and a panoramic vehicle ride.

Can you buy entrance tickets at the entrance?

Yes, if tickets are still available on the day of your visit. Online tickets are valid for the selected entrance and booked time slot.

Are you allowed to swim in the lakes?

No. Swimming and bathing in the lakes and waterways of the national park are prohibited.