Plitvice Lakes: Croatia's most beautiful park in 2 days

Plitvice Travel Guide

Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s oldest and largest national park, located in the mountainous region between the Mala Kapela mountain range to the west and northwest and the Lička Plješivica mountain range to the southeast.

Established as Croatia’s first national park, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The park is predominantly covered in dense forests, with smaller areas of grasslands, while its most famous feature—the lakes—cover less than 1% of its total area.

The lake system consists of 16 main lakes and several smaller ones, cascading into one another. Due to the park’s unique geological and hydrogeological characteristics, the lakes are divided into two sections: the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is undoubtedly one of the nicest national parks we have ever visited in Europe.

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Good to Know About Plitvice Lakes National Park

Before diving into our Plitvice Travel Guide, here are some key things to know to make the most of your visit.

The park has two main entrances during the high season:

Entrance 1 (north) – The main entrance, offering direct access to the Lower Lakes.
Entrance 2 (south) – Provides access to the Upper Lakes.

Since we stayed in the north, we used Entrance 1, and throughout this guide, we’ll refer mainly to this entrance. Plitvice Lakes National Park offers pre-made routes to help visitors navigate the trails. The available programs are:

From Entrance 1: A, B, C, K
From Entrance 2: E, F, H, K

You can follow these routes as planned or mix them up to fit your preferences. Our Plitvice Itinerary:

Day 1: Program C + Waterfall + Cave + Viewpoints + Program A
Day 2: Program K

At first, the different programs seemed a bit confusing, but we’ll break them down later in this guide to help you navigate them more easily.

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you’re driving, you can park in the main parking lot located right across from the entrance, connected by an overpass. Parking costs 10 HRK per hour.

If you don’t have your own car, renting one is the most convenient way to reach and explore Plitvice Lakes at your own pace. You can rent a car in Zagreb, Zadar, Split, or Dubrovnik through Rentalcars.com, which offers a variety of vehicles at competitive prices, plus we have always been satisfied with the car we got.

You can also reach Plitvice Lakes by bus from major Croatian cities. If you’re coming from Zagreb, there are multiple daily departures to the park. The bus stop you need is “Plitvička Jezera.”

Here are the distances and estimated travel times from major cities:

Zagreb: 135 km, 2 hours 15 minutes
Zadar: 136 km, 2 hours
Split: 260 km, 3 hours
Dubrovnik: 450 km, 5 hours

How many days in Plitvice?

You can visit Plitvice Lakes in either one or two days, and honestly, both options work well.

We personally opted for two days, and it was an amazing experience. Having extra time allows you to explore more than one trail, enjoy a more relaxed pace, and increase your chances of experiencing better weather.

If you’re visiting during peak season, a second day also means another morning to explore the park before the crowds arrive, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter experience.

It’s also possible to visit Plitvice as a day trip from Zagreb, Zadar, or even Split, but keep in mind that you’ll spend a lot of time on transportation and have limited hours to enjoy the park. We strongly recommend staying overnight to make the most of your visit.

How to Buy Tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You can purchase your entry tickets either at the entrance counter or online through the official Plitvice National Park website.

We highly recommend buying tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season. We opted for a 2-day ticket, which is significantly cheaper than buying two separate 1-day tickets. Plus, you’ll receive an e-ticket, making it easy to access without worrying about printed copies.

Pro Tip:

Book the earliest available slot to enjoy the park before the crowds arrive.
Your ticket allows multiple entries and exits throughout the day, so you can take breaks and return later.
If you’re visiting in August, queues at the ticket counter between 7 and 8 AM were short, but purchasing online is always the safest option.
At the park entrance, simply show your e-ticket for quick access. Arriving early morning = no waiting in line! 😊

One-Day Tickets:

Adults:
- - January, February, March, November, December: €10
  - April, May, October: €23.50
  - June, July, August, September: €40
Children (7–18 years):
- - January, February, March, November, December: €4.50
  - April, May, October: €6.50
  - June, July, August, September: €16
Children under 7 years: Free

Two-Day Tickets:

Adults:
- - January, February, March, November, December: €15
  - April, May, October: €35
  - June, July, August, September: €60
Children (7–18 years):
- - January, February, March, November, December: €7
  - April, May, October: €10
  - June, July, August, September: €25

These prices include access to the park’s shuttle buses and ferry boat rides. Discounts are available for students, groups, and individuals with disabilities upon presenting valid identification.

Please note that ticket prices are subject to change; it’s advisable to check the official website for the most current information.

Plitvice Lakes Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but some facilities and trails may be closed during colder months. Seasonal changes can affect accessibility, so it’s best to check the official website for up-to-date information.

Opening Hours:

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ticket sales close at 4:00 PM

The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is early in the morning, right when the park opens. This is the only time you can enjoy the park without the crowds. By late morning and early afternoon, it gets packed with visitors, especially in peak season (July & August).

We visited in August 2021 and experienced one rainy day and one sunny day. Our schedule looked like this:

Day 1: 7:00 AM – 11:45 AM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Day 2: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM

From 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, the park was peaceful and uncrowded, but after that, the crowds started pouring in with people coming on 1-day trip from Zagreb, Zadar, or even Split,

Pro Tip:

Arrive between 7:00 – 9:00 AM for the best experience.
If you’re visiting in peak season, plan for an early start to enjoy the park without the crowds.

Getting Around Plitvice Lakes National Park

The primary way to explore Plitvice Lakes is on foot, but the park also offers free transportation (included in your ticket) to help you navigate the area, depending on your chosen route.

Electric Boat Services:

P1 → P2
P2 → P3
P3 → P2

Panorama Train (More of a Bus):

St1 → St2
St2 → St1
St2 → St3
St3 → St2

Tip: The panorama train helps cover long distances between key points, but walking remains the best way to fully experience the park.

If you’re following Program K, check out this modified map where we’ve marked all transportation points for better navigation.

Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park

You have two options when it comes to accommodation: staying inside the park or just outside in the surrounding area.

Staying Outside the Park (Rastovaca, Korana, Poljanak)
If you’re traveling by car, staying outside the park is a great option. There are guesthouses, hotels, and campsites within a 10 to 15-minute drive from the entrances :

(€) Villa Lucija
(€€) Pansion Danica
(€€€) House Flora

Camping Near Plitvice
Several campsites are available nearby for those looking for a more nature-immersed experience. These are great options if you’re traveling in a campervan or enjoy sleeping under the stars.

Staying Inside the Park
For those without a car or who want to be the first in the park in the morning, staying inside Plitvice Lakes National Park is an option. There are a few hotels within the park itself, offering direct access to the trails:

(€) B&B Plitvice Lakes Villa Prica
(€€) B&B Plitvica Creek
(€€€) Fenomen Plitvice Resort

While these tend to be more expensive than staying in the nearby villages, those places to stay will forever stay in your memory.

Tip: If visiting in peak season, book your stay in advance, as accommodations fill up quickly, especially near Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.

What to Eat

There are a few stores, small fast-food stands, and restaurants inside Plitvice Lakes National Park, offering options for snacks and meals during your visit:

Fast Food Stands – Scattered throughout the park, these small kiosks offer quick bites like sandwiches, burgers, and pastries. They’re convenient if you’re looking for something fast and easy while exploring.
Restaurants – There are a few restaurants near the entrances and within the park itself, serving traditional Croatian dishes and international cuisine. However, prices can be high compared to places outside the park.
Stores – Small shops and kiosks can be found at the entrances, selling snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and some hiking essentials.

Tip: If you’re on a budget or have specific dietary preferences, bringing your own food is a good idea. There are many picnic areas inside the park where you can stop for a break and enjoy your meal with a scenic view!

Upper and Lower Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is divided into two sections: The Upper Lakes and The Lower Lakes, each offering unique landscapes and geological features.

The Upper Lakes (Entrance 2 and beyond). This section consists of 12 lakes: Prošćansko jezero, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Batinovac, Veliko jezero, Malo jezero, Vir, Galovac, Milino jezero, Gradinsko jezero, Burgeti, and Kozjak.

These lakes were formed on impermeable dolomite rock, making them larger, more irregularly shaped, and surrounded by gentle slopes and dense forests. The tranquil and scenic landscapes here are perfect for a peaceful stroll along wooden pathways and breathtaking viewpoints.

The Lower Lakes (Entrance 1 to Entrance 2). This section consists of 4 lakes: Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod.

These lakes were formed in permeable limestone substrate, creating a dramatic canyon landscape with steep cliffs and waterfalls. The lakes flow into the Sastavci Waterfalls, where the Korana River originates. This area is home to some of the most iconic views of Plitvice, including the famous Veliki slap (Big Waterfall).

Each section of the park offers a different experience, so visiting both the Upper and Lower Lakes ensures you see the best of Plitvice’s stunning natural beauty.

Things to do in Plitvice, Croatia

Understanding the Plitvice Lakes Hiking Programs

When visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’ll come across four recommended hiking programs for each entrance. These pre-designed routes help guide visitors through the park and often include transportation (boat and panoramic train). However, you are not required to follow them strictly—you can mix and match or explore on your own.

Each program is essentially a hiking route but is referred to as a “program” because of the additional transportation options. You can complete these trails in both directions, and throughout the day, you’ll see hikers going both ways.

Key Points to Know About the Hiking Programs:

Each entrance has four different programs:
Entrance 1: Programs A, B, C, K
Entrance 2: Programs E, F, H, K
Program K exists at both entrances, meaning there are seven different hiking options in total.
If you want to see some of the best viewpoints, such as the cliff overlooking the Lower Lakes, you may need to go off the designated programs and explore additional paths.
Most of the trails run alongside the lakes and are absolutely stunning. Only a small section of Program K ventures into the forest, offering a different perspective of the park.

While the pre-made routes are helpful, don’t be afraid to explore at your own pace and customize your experience!

Program A: Lower Lakes Loop

Stats:

Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Length: 3.5 km
Starting Point: Entrance 1

Program A is a short but scenic route that takes you through the stunning Lower Lakes area.

You’ll start with a breathtaking viewpoint over the lakes before descending toward a small intersection. From here, you can take a short detour to see Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall in Croatia, from its base. After admiring the falls, return to the main trail and continue your walk along the lower lakes.

Along the way, you’ll reach another intersection leading to a cave passage. If you choose to go through it, it will bring you back up to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. From there, you can either return to the entrance or descend again for another perspective of the lakes.

This trail is a great introduction to Plitvice, offering beautiful waterfalls, peaceful lakes, and iconic viewpoints in just a few hours.

Program B: Lower Lakes & Scenic Return

Stats

Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Length: 4 km
Starting Point: Entrance 1

Program B follows the same initial route as Program A, offering stunning views of the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall.

However, instead of heading straight back to the entrance, this route extends the experience:

After reaching the wooden bridge on the right, you’ll cross over and continue along the lakes.
From there, you’ll take an electric boat across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park.
Finally, a panoramic train will take you back to Entrance 1.

This program is a great option if you want to enjoy a bit more of the park while experiencing both the boat ride and scenic train journey. It’s still a relatively easy route but offers a more complete experience of Plitvice’s breathtaking landscapes.

Program C: Lower & Upper Lakes Exploration

Stats:

Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Length: 8 km
Starting Point: Entrance 1

Program C is an extended version of Program B, allowing you to explore both the Lower and Upper Lakes for a more immersive experience in Plitvice National Park.

Trail Highlights:

Lower Lakes & Veliki Slap: Start with breathtaking views of the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall). Follow the wooden trails along the lakes and cross the scenic bridge.
Boat Ride Across Lake Kozjak: Instead of heading back, take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak (P2 → P3).
Scenic Upper Lakes Walk: Once off the boat, the real adventure begins! You’ll walk through one of the most scenic sections of the park, following wooden walkways past crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls. The Upper Lakes are quieter and less crowded compared to the Lower Lakes.
Panoramic Train Back to Entrance 1: The trail ends at Station 3 (St3), where you’ll hop on the panoramic train for a relaxing ride back to Entrance 1.

This was the first trail we did in the park, and it was absolutely stunning. If you have half a day and want a well-rounded experience of both Lower and Upper Lakes, Program C is a great choice!

Program K: The Ultimate Full-Hike Experience

Stats:

Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Length: 18.3 km
Starting Point: Entrance 1 or 2

Program K is the most complete trail in Plitvice National Park, allowing you to explore everything on foot without using the boat or the panoramic train. This route takes you through both the Lower and Upper Lakes, offering the most immersive experience for those who love long hikes.

Trail Highlights:

Lower Lakes & Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall): Start with the same scenic route as Program C, passing the Lower Lakes and enjoying amazing viewpoints. Walk down to the base of Veliki Slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall.
Scenic Walk Along Lake Kozjak (instead of taking the boat): Unlike other programs where you take a boat across Lake Kozjak, you’ll walk all around it on a beautiful forested path. This peaceful trail offers stunning lake views and fewer crowds.
Exploring the Upper Lakes (with an uphill section): Continue hiking through the Upper Lakes, passing breathtaking cascades and turquoise pools. Instead of using the train at Station 3 (St3), you’ll climb uphill through the forest, offering aerial views of the lakes before reconnecting with the main trail.
Looping Back to Entrance 1: After completing the Upper Lakes, you’ll walk back through the Lower Lakes instead of taking the train. This section follows a different side of the canyon, offering new perspectives of the waterfalls and lakes.

We did Program K on our second day, and it was the best way to fully experience the park. This trail lets you see everything at your own pace, without relying on boats or transport. It’s perfect for hikers who want a full-day adventure and don’t mind a bit of uphill walking. If you have time, this is the best route to take!

Program E: Upper Lakes Scenic Walk

Stats:

Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Length: 5.1 km
Starting Point: Entrance 2

Program E is a short and scenic route focused on exploring the Upper Lakes of Plitvice National Park. This is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter hike while still experiencing the park’s breathtaking waterfalls and landscapes.

Program F: Lower Lakes Route (Reverse of B)

Stats:

Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Length: 4.6 km
Starting Point: Entrance 2

Program F follows a similar path to Program B but in the opposite direction. Begin with a boat ride from Entrance 2 (P2 to P3). Walk along the Lower Lakes, taking in the breathtaking waterfalls and turquoise waters. Finish at Entrance 1, where you take the train back to Entrance 2.

A great alternative route for those starting from Entrance 2 who want to explore the Lower Lakes first before heading back.

Program H: Full Experience from Entrance 2 (Reverse of C)

Stats:

Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Length: 8.9 km
Starting Point: Entrance 2
Similar to Program C, but done in reverse:
Start with the train from Entrance 2 to Station 3 (St3).
Hike through the Upper Lakes, following scenic trails along the waterfalls.
Reach P2, where you’ll take the boat to P1.
Walk through the Lower Lakes, enjoying the stunning views.
Finish at Entrance 1.

This is a great option if you start from Entrance 2 but still want to see both the Upper and Lower Lakes without missing anything.

What to do then ?

Which program to choose?

Before visiting Plitvice Lakes, we checked online to plan our visit, but we were completely confused by all the different programs. And when we arrived at the park, it wasn’t any clearer! We had no idea which trail to follow or what would give us the best experience.

So, to make things easier for you, here’s our recommendation based on our visit:

If You Have 1 Day:

Follow Program C (if starting at Entrance 1) or Program H (if starting at Entrance 2).
This route will cover both the Lower and Upper Lakes, include a boat ride and a train ride, and show you the park’s most stunning highlights.
Bonus tip: If you want a little extra, take a detour to the upper cliff viewpoint of the Lower Lakes for an incredible panoramic view.

If You Have 2 Days:

Day 1: Follow Program C or H as described above.
Day 2: Go for Program K, which avoids all transportation and allows you to walk through the entire park at a more relaxed pace.

This way, you won’t miss anything, and you’ll also get the chance to experience the park in different ways!

Entrance 1 or 2??

This is a common question when planning your visit to Plitvice Lakes! Our recommendation is Entrance 1—mainly because it’s the one we used, and it worked perfectly for us.

However, most people choose their entrance based on where they are staying. Since we stayed north of the park, Entrance 1 was the closest option for us.

Key Differences:

Entrance 1 (North) → Best for Lower Lakes first, offering a stunning first view of the waterfalls before hiking through them.
Entrance 2 (South) → Best for Upper Lakes first, providing a more gradual introduction before reaching the dramatic Lower Lakes.

In the end, both entrances work well—just choose the one that makes the most sense based on your location!

How we visited Plitvice Lakes

Getting there

Since we were visiting Plitvice Lakes in peak season, and travelled without a plan, we ended up buying our tickets online the day before. We weren’t sure if tickets would still be available on-site, and we also wanted to secure an early morning entry. Buying online was super convenient because we received an e-ticket, allowing us to enter and exit the park multiple times throughout the day.

Wanting to make the most of the early hours, we set our alarm for 5:45 AM to have breakfast and prepare our lunch boxes for the day. At that time, heavy thunderstorms and rain showers were passing through, but we decided to stick to our plan.

By the time we left just before 7 AM, the rain had stopped. We drove to Entrance 1 and parked in the main parking lot right opposite the entrance. At this early hour, the parking lot was completely empty. (For reference, there are two parking lots: one on the right after you turn in, which is only for cars, and a much larger one on the left for cars, campers, and buses.)

We reached Entrance 1 by 7:10 AM, and to our surprise, there was almost no one there—a rare sight in such a popular destination!

Day 1 in Plitvice Lakes

Since we were a bit confused by all the program options, we decided to just follow the signs inside the park and go with the flow. 😊

At this early hour, there weren’t many people around, and the light morning rain created a magical atmosphere. The mist rising from the lakes, the raindrops rippling through the crystal-clear waters, and the peaceful silence of the park made it feel like we had the place all to ourselves. It was so peaceful!

Great Waterfall

A few minutes into the walk, we came across a viewpoint overlooking the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap). It’s just a short 5-minute detour, and absolutely worth it—especially in the early morning when there are barely any people around.

Standing there, watching the powerful cascade surrounded by lush greenery, felt surreal. The morning mist and light drizzle added to the atmosphere, making it even more special. Definitely a must-see stop before continuing deeper into the park!

The Caves

At the next intersection, a sign pointed toward a cave, but the trail wasn’t very clear. Unsure of the exact route, we decided to follow the path up to the cave—which turned out to be an excellent decision.

Climbing up led us to one of the most iconic viewpoints of Plitvice National Park—a scene straight out of the famous postcard photos! The elevated view over the turquoise lakes and wooden pathways winding through the park was breathtaking.

However, after reaching the top, we got a bit lost and ended up looping back to Entrance 1, unsure of which way to go next. We even asked a few other visitors, but they seemed just as confused as we were.

Program C

Since we found ourselves back at Entrance 1, we decided to keep it simple and follow Program C. This meant retracing our steps along the same path, but this time, instead of heading up to the cave, we turned left at the intersection toward P3.

By now, the rain had stopped, and the sun began to break through the clouds, casting a beautiful glow over the lakes. The once quiet trails were gradually filling up as more visitors arrived, but it was still peaceful compared to later in the day.

Lower lake

The first part of our route took us through the Lower Lakes, and to be honest, it was an easy walk. You don’t need to be in top shape to enjoy it—it’s accessible to most visitors.

Following Program C, we passed through some of the most breathtaking scenery, with stunning views of the lakes and waterfalls. Eventually, we reached another intersection.

At this point:

Turning left would have led us back to Entrance 1 (Program A) or allowed us to continue walking along the lakes all the way to Entrance 2.
Instead, we crossed the bridge and continued following Program C, heading toward the Upper Lakes.

Port 3

After crossing the bridge, we quickly reached another intersection. Here, we had two options:

Detour to the upper cliff viewpoints for a panoramic view of the lakes.
Continue following Program C, which would eventually lead us to the Upper Lakes.

We decided to stick with Program C for now and planned to visit the viewpoints later.

Shortly after, we arrived at P3, the docking point for the electric boat. We waited for a bit before boarding, enjoying the peaceful surroundings while more visitors started to arrive.

Boat

We hopped on the boat around 9:35am and noticed that most people opted for the boat rather than walking around the lake (Program K).

The boat ride lasted for about 20 minutes, and once we arrived, we continued following Program C.

Upper lakes

Following Program C, we continued our walk around the Upper Lakes. Despite the rain starting again, this part of the trail was absolutely breathtaking. The scenery was stunning, with crystal-clear waters, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery creating a magical atmosphere.

Station 1

At the end of the trail, we arrived at Station 1 and took the panoramic train (which is more like a bus) back to Entrance 1. It made one stop along the way, but we stayed on until the final stop. By the time we left the park, it was around 11:45 am.

Mid-day

By now, the park was getting crowded, so we decided to head back to our accommodation for lunch. We had read that the park tends to be less crowded later in the afternoon, so we opted to take a break and return later for a more peaceful experience.

Return to the park (2nd Visit)

We returned to the park entrance at 3 PM, but the crowds hadn’t really thinned out since we left before noon. Undeterred, we decided to head toward the upper cliff viewpoint.

The first part of the trail felt familiar—it was actually our fourth time walking this section! We followed Program C once again, but this time, we took the trail leading to the viewpoint overlooking the big waterfall.

Big waterfalls & Viewpoints

To reach the final viewpoint, we crossed a bridge and arrived at the scenic overlook for the big waterfall. After taking in the view, we retraced our steps to a small hut just before the stairs that led back down into the park. From there, we walked back to the bridge and followed Program A to return to the entrance.

The entire loop took us about two hours, and even by the time we finished around 5 PM, the park was still quite crowded.

Last viewpoint

To reach the last viewpoint, we passed a bridge and arrived at the big waterfall viewpoint. From there, we just went back till a little hut a bit before where the stairs go get back down in the park were. From there we walked back to the bridge and then followed Program A to get back to the entrance.

It took us around 2h for all of it. And even when we finished around 5pm, it was still crowded.

Our Advice and Thoughts:

By the end of the day, we still had some time left in the park, but we felt we had seen enough. Even though the weather had improved and we were tempted to revisit the Upper Lakes, it would have been too much.

One of the coolest things about Plitvice is the warmth rising from the water, especially in the morning when the air is crisp from the rain—it creates such a magical atmosphere.

If you only have one day at Plitvice, here’s what we recommend:

Follow Program C (before taking the boat)
Take a small detour to the Big Waterfall
Hike up and down to the cave for the famous viewpoint (it’s empty in the morning)
Visit the Upper Cliff Viewpoints for a stunning aerial perspective
Continue with Program C

This itinerary allows you to experience the park’s highlights while avoiding the worst of the crowds!

Day 2 in Plitvice Lakes

When we first woke up, it was pouring outside, so we decided to stay in bed a little longer before getting up for breakfast and preparing our lunch boxes. The weather forecast showed that the rain would stop soon, so we took our time, waiting for the skies to clear.

Once the rain had passed, we drove to Entrance 1 and parked in the main lot. We arrived around 7:40 AM, and to our delight, the park was still quiet, with only a handful of visitors. The earlier rain had kept the crowds away, and now the weather was absolutely stunning—fresh, crisp air and a perfect atmosphere for exploring.

Program K

The beginning of our second day followed the exact same path as Program C until we reached P3, so there’s no need to go into too much detail. From Entrance 1, we simply followed the K Program signs all the way to P3.

However, instead of taking the boat across the lake like we did the day before, we continued walking around, ready to explore the full trail on foot.

Lake Kozjk

From P3, we set off on the trail that loops around the lake. The path begins right behind the boat station, and from the start, it was clear that this was one of the most beautiful sections of the park.

Since it was still early, the crowds hadn’t arrived yet. We passed only a few people and families along the way, making it a peaceful and enjoyable walk. The trail is completely flat and offers stunning views of the lake, all while being shaded by the surrounding forest, which made for a comfortable and scenic hike.

Forest Part

At the end of the Lake Kozjak trail, most people turned back toward the C Program, which shortens the day and leads to one of the most stunning parts of the Upper Lakes.

However, we stuck to the K Program, which takes you up into the mountains. On this section, we were almost completely alone. The trail gradually ascends through the forest, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Along the way, there were two or three scenic viewpoints, providing a different perspective of the park and its breathtaking landscapes.

Upper lakes

At the end of the forest trail, we descended back to lake level and briefly rejoined the C Program. However, instead of heading toward ST1, the K Program continues along the Upper Lakes trail, which is absolutely stunning.

Here, we also rejoined the crowds. As breathtaking as this section was, it was also quite busy, with some bottlenecks forming in front of the larger waterfalls. Despite the congestion, the scenery made it all worthwhile, with crystal-clear waters, cascading falls, and lush greenery creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Stations

Once we got through the crowded sections, we continued along the trail until we reached P2, where we took a quick 5-minute boat ride across to P1. This was the perfect spot for a lunch break.

We had wanted to stop earlier, but one of the main downsides of the national park is that most of the trails along the lakes are very narrow, making it difficult to find a comfortable spot to rest without blocking the path. It felt a bit like stopping on a highway—not the best idea.

P1 is located at ST2, where you’ll find a large rest area with shops, WC facilities, and picnic tables. We sat under a big tree, enjoyed our lunch, and watched the ducks for a while. It was quite entertaining as the female ducks kept chasing and pushing the males away—a little unexpected lunchtime entertainment!

Return

After lunch, we continued along Lake Kozjak, this time on the opposite side, until we reached the intersection where Trail A connects to complete the K loop.

This section was much less crowded, possibly because it was lunchtime or simply because most visitors opt to take the train in this area rather than walk.

Despite the lack of crowds, this was still a beautiful and peaceful part of the park, with flat and easy trails, making it an enjoyable way to wrap up our hike.

Ending Word

We arrived back at the parking lot just before 2 PM, having spent a total of 6 hours and 20 minutes exploring the park.

While Plitvice Lakes National Park is undeniably stunning, one major downside is that the paths are extremely narrow, meaning you’re almost always walking in a single-file line with little freedom to roam.

If you’re visiting with kids, avoid bringing a stroller—it will be very difficult to navigate the trails. We even saw an abandoned stroller along the path, which pretty much says it all!

Other things to do in Plitvice

Another thing that might interest you is that Plitvice Lakes National Park offers more than just scenic walks along the lakes. Here are some additional activities you can enjoy:

More Hiking – If you want to explore beyond the lakes, you can venture onto longer, less crowded trails in the park’s forests and mountains.
Rowing – You can rent a rowing boat at P1 and enjoy a peaceful ride on the lake, giving you a unique perspective of the park.
Skiing & Sleighing – If you’re visiting in winter, certain areas of the park are open for snow activities, including skiing and sleigh rides

Tko vino večera, vodu doručkuje – ‘Who dines on wine has water for breakfast’: You have to pay the price for whatever you did the night before.

About the authors

We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.

We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.

Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.

We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.