【A Must-Visit Once in a Lifetime】Plitvice Lakes National Park

Known as the "European Jiuzhaigou," Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute must-visit destination when traveling to Croatia. It boasts breathtaking scenery reminiscent of a fairyland, with its stunning turquoise lakes, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1979.

The park is located approximately 170 kilometers from the capital, Zagreb. We traveled there by car, but if you don’t have one, you can also take a bus from major cities such as Zagreb and Split. The entire Plitvice Lakes National Park is divided into the Upper Lakes and Lower Lakes, each with its own entrance. The entrance fee is 110 kn per adult. There are many different trails to explore within the park, with maps available at the entrances and major junctions. These trails range in difficulty, and there are plenty of signs throughout the park to ensure you don’t get lost.

You can generally cover the entire Plitvice Lakes park in one day, but if you’re tired, there are free ferries and eco-friendly buses that shuttle between the Upper and Lower Lakes.

Lush green pools are scattered throughout the park

Wooden footbridges line the pathways

The lake water is crystal clear, and interestingly, the fish remain completely still, almost like props

Tripods are not prohibited in the park, but it gets quite crowded, so taking long-exposure shots of the small waterfalls requires some patience

Near the ferry dock, there’s a rest area where you can buy snacks to recharge—this is the only food and drink spot in the park, so stock up!!

The temperature in Plitvice Lakes National Park is quite low; even on a sunny September day, the wind is chilly, and it gets even colder at night. Be sure to bring warm clothing.

The landscape is entirely composed of blue and green hues

Iconic compositions you must capture at Plitvice Lakes

More Croatia travel and photography guides

More Plitvice Lakes travel and photography guides