Plitvice Lakes National Park is a stunning natural wonder, known for its 90+ cascading waterfalls, 16 crystal-clear aqua-green lakes, and countless wooded trails.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Covering 73,000 acres, this park offers plenty to explore, and having a solid plan in place is essential to maximize your experience.

Best Route to Take When Visiting Plitvice Lakes

Dear Lykkers! With 7 official routes, 4 hiking trails, and 2 entrances, the park can be a bit overwhelming without a clear plan. It’s recommended to follow one of the official routes, or tailor your own, using the park’s detailed maps. Here’s a suggested route based on extensive research, designed to enhance your experience while minimizing potential mistakes.

Lower Lakes

Starting at Entrance 1

Begin your journey at Entrance 1, where a viewing platform offers stunning views of the big waterfall and others. Follow the steep paths down to the lakes, where additional spectacular waterfall views await.

Velika Slap (Big Waterfall)

Once you reach the boardwalks, take a detour to the right to visit Velika Slap, the highest waterfall in the park. The path is clearly marked, and it’s one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.

Postcard View

If the staircase next to Velika Slap is open, climb up for one of the most epic views of the lakes and waterfalls. This spot is widely regarded as one of the best viewpoints in Plitvice Lakes.

Additional Views

After taking in the postcard view, continue walking back towards the staircase. You’ll find more incredible views on the left through a wooded area, which are worth exploring if time permits.

Boardwalks and Supljara Cave

Exploring the Boardwalks

Continue along the boardwalks, passing lakes Gavanovac and Milanovac. The boardwalks are adorned with small cascades of water, and the aqua-colored lakes offer clear, stunning views.

Supljara Cave

Take a detour to Supljara Cave for a unique perspective of the boardwalks below. If the cave path is closed, you can visit later during your route.

Lake Kozjak

Crossing Lake Kozjak

Cross Lake Kozjak at the bridge and follow signs for the boat dock (P-3). Take the free shuttle boat to P-2, which runs every 30 minutes, with your ticket scanned for entry.

Upper Lakes

Exploring the Upper Lakes

Once you reach P-2, take the shuttle boat to the P-3 dock, and follow Route C to walk along Lake Gradinsko. Keep walking until you reach Veliki Prstavac, one of the largest waterfalls in the upper lakes section.

Veliki and Mali Prstavac

Continue on the boardwalk until you reach Mali Prstavac, a smaller waterfall, and continue to explore more viewpoints along the way.

Postcard View (Alternate Routes)

For Those Missing the Stairs

If the staircase near Velika Slap was closed earlier, you can either drive or hike to the postcard view. The alternate route allows you to enjoy the stunning vista without missing out on this iconic spot.

Drive or Hike Back to the Entrance

Driving Back

If driving, take the shuttle boat from P-2 to P-1 and then catch the shuttle bus from ST-2 to ST-1, or take the boat from P-2 to P-3 and cross the bridge back to the lower lakes. Afterward, you can pick up your car at Entrance 1.

Hiking Back

For those opting to hike, take the shuttle boat from P-2 to P-3. From here, the trail will lead you towards the postcard view. Once you’ve enjoyed the view, backtrack and continue towards Velika Slap, completing your journey through the park.

Alternate Routes for Exploring

Entrance 2

Another option is to start at Entrance 2. Depending on your preferences, you can visit the upper or lower lakes first. Take the boat from P-1 to P-2 for the upper lakes, or from P-2 to P-1 for the lower lakes, and enjoy a different perspective of the park’s waterfalls and lakes.

Route Notes

When taking the alternate route, remember that the waterfalls on the lower lakes will be behind you. This requires turning back to fully appreciate the views, but the experience is still highly rewarding.