Plitvice Lakes National Park lies at the heart of the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera. Its forests are home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species. The municipality is described as a meeting place of mountain landscapes and a rich water heritage. The park’s history of protection is also one of the area’s distinctive features: on 8 April 1949, it was declared Croatia’s first national park. On 26 October 1979, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the outstanding universal value of its tufa formation process.

Experience the lake landscape on foot and by boat

The routes through the Lower Lakes and Upper Lakes combine walks with transport within the park, but focus on different experiences. A route through the Lower Lakes includes an electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak and a trip in a panoramic vehicle. The route in the Upper Lakes area includes a short boat ride across Lake Kozjak, a walk to Lake Prošćansko and a return trip on a sightseeing train. A guided hike crosses a large part of the lake zone and includes, among other places, the Tomićevo Pogledalo viewpoint.

The Plitvice Train also runs for visitor transport within the park along the 6.5-kilometre Rapajinka – Velika Poljana – Labudovac route. The national park has eight electric boats; the longer ride across Lake Kozjak takes 20 minutes. Check the latest park notices before making firm plans for the boat services. At Kupalište (P1), visitors can rent wooden rowing boats. Rowing is permitted only on Lake Kozjak; check whether rentals are available before your trip.

The trails also vary in character. The Čorkova Bay Trail is 21 kilometres long. The Oko Mrsinja cycling route runs mostly through the area surrounding the national park and partly enters it. If you prefer a themed guided tour, the park offers tours on geology, biology, forestry, the lakes and other topics, arranged in consultation with park experts. Confirm specific topics and availability with the park.

Plan your visit and discover local cuisine

For organised visitor groups, travel to Čorkova Uvala is possible only using transport organised by the park; groups must be accompanied by a ranger. If you are planning a group visit, take these requirements into account when coordinating with the park. This will help distinguish the special conditions for visiting this destination from the various routes and services in the lake zone.

One dining destination in the national park is the Lička kuća national restaurant. It presents traditional dishes in the atmosphere of a traditional house from the Lika region. A taste of the region’s cuisine thus adds a distinct cultural aspect to visits to the park and its natural landscapes.

The national park is open 365 days a year; public opening hours vary by season. Check the seasonal hours before your visit so you can plan your time in the park accordingly. Whether you are interested in a route combining a boat and panoramic vehicle, a guided hike or one of the named trails, the range of activities offers several specific ways to get to know the national park and its landscape.

Discover more destinations:

Korenica, Plitvička Jezera, Vrelo Koreničko, Rudanovac, Poljanak, Prijeboj, Gornji Babin Potok, Ličko Petrovo Selo, Gornji Vaganac, Rastovača, Šeganovac

For the main travel overview: Lika-Senj.