Destinations Europe

Finding beauty at Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes

June 13, 2017
Plitvice lakes in one day

There are places which are boasting with beauty and seem impossible to describe in a few words and photos. The Plitvice Lakes National Park in the heart of Croatia definitely belongs to those places. That’s why it took me almost two months to write an article about it. I had to choose from more than 300 photos and I thought it’ll be impossible to do so. But finally – after many hours of brain work and painful decisions – I managed to narrow it down somehow. Yes, the National Park is a UNESCO site, no insider tip and hugely popular. Yes, there are lots of visitors there and it might even feel crowded at times. But it’s all worth it: If you’re able to fade out the tourist groups in your mind and your camera lens, you’ll find yourself in a fairy tale-like paradise with countless waterfalls and turquoise to azure pools. The boardwalk take you right through the gorgeous sceneries, one prettier than the other, which means: You better bring your camera fully charged 😛

The weather was a bit on the chilly and rainy side, however I imagine this park must be beautiful during any weather and season. Personally I’d skip the high season from June to August, heat- and crowd wise. If you can’t get enough of these pics, check out Marion’s blog post too 😉

Plitvice what to see Plitvice what to seePlitvice what to see Plitvice what to see

Plitvice what to seePlitvice what to seePlitvice what to seePlitvice what to seePlitvice what to seePlitvice what to see

Plitvice what to see Plitvice what to see Plitvice what to see

Plitvice what to seePlitvice what to see Plitvice what to seePlitvice what to see

Directions:

From Zagreb it’s a 2.5 hours drive. If you don’t want to drive yourself, there are frequent buses that run between the National Park and Zagreb’s main bus terminal. Timetable and bookings are available here. Due to the park’s popularity it’s advisable to book the tickets in advance!

Useful travel Information:

The park is open year-round and can be entered through two entrances (only one stays open during the winter months). There’s an admission for every visitor which includes transportation within the park (trains and ferries). Further information can be found at their official website. The visitor area is well equipped with restaurants, shops and restrooms. The boardwalks are well maintained and nicely integrated into the landscape, however they can be slippery and narrow when there’s a lot of people. Also don’t miss the hiking trails above and around the lakes which are less frequented and provide amazing views! The whole circuit including the Upper and Lower lakes are doable on a full day but that seems rushed to me. We were glad we stayed two days and with several photo stops you might want that extra time too 😉

If you want to stay overnight, there are a few hotels near the park entrances, but for a more personal experience, I’d recommend to stay in one of the plenty guest houses in the closest village of Jezerce. Just beware that evening entertainment is VERY limited and there aren’t not many dining options either. We grabbed a pizza and some ćevapčići at Bistro Vučnica and had a feast on our balcony 🙂

Plitvice what to see


Have you been to the Plitvice Lakes National Park? What was your experience?

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15 Comments

  • Reply SueT唐 梦 琇 June 15, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Oh my goodness Julia. These photos are absolutely stunning. That water is so beautiful.

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you Sue. You can’t go wrong with any photo there 😉

  • Reply shootingvienna June 15, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Wow, the water is so clear and the nature looks amazing! Hope I can visit this place sometime soon 🙂

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:31 pm

      Try to include it next time when you’re heading to Bosnia 😉

  • Reply Paleica June 17, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    Hach so toll! Ich bin schon mehr als gespannt wie meine Bilder geworden sind und freu mich gar nicht aufs aussortieren 😀 sieht so aus als wär es bei euch angenehm leer gewesen! Bei uns war Montag Abend super entspannt, Dienstag untertags war aber die Hölle los und an langzeitbelichtungen eher nicht zu denken. Dennoch war es dort so Wunder wunderschön und es lohnt sich definitiv trotz all der Menschenmassen finde ich.

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:36 pm

      Ich glaube die Ruhe trügt etwas 😉 Es war Osterwochenende und somit offizielle Saisoneröffnung und an manchen Stellen staute es sich schon etwas. Aber ich möchte gar nicht wissen, was sich in der Hochsaison tut… Bin jedenfalls auch schon soooo gespannt auf deine Fotos! Das mit der Langzeitbelichtung hat nur bedingt geklappt weil die Holzstege gewackelt haben, so bald jemand vorbeigegangen ist (also eh ständig). Das Stativ haben wir eigentlich völlig umsonst mitgenommen 😛

  • Reply Tiffany. Yang June 18, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Oh my god this place seriously looks like a paradise! So peaceful, I’d love to spend a day there!

    Tiffany x
    https://www.mstiffanyyang.com

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks Tiffany, it was truly gorgeous!

  • Reply PinaySkattebasse June 20, 2017 at 8:28 am

    I thought Croatia is all about sand and beaches aside from the GOT or course. 🙂 But this place is so — I don’t even think there is a word to describe the beauty. Can you dip into the lake?

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:57 pm

      You’re right, Croatia is also known for its stunning coast and Dubrovnik (the GOT city) is high on my travel list too! Dipping in the lakes is prohibited which I think is a good thing, considering the amount of people…

  • Reply lulir87 June 20, 2017 at 8:50 am

    Stunning pictures!!! Hopefully my next trip!! 🙂

    • Reply sileas June 22, 2017 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks so much 🙂

  • Reply Chiara Pannozzo (@wine_and_olives) June 27, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    When I first saw that opening picture, I never would have dreamed it was Croatia. How stunning! Thanks for sharing these pictures with us 🙂

    • Reply sileas June 29, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      Thank you Chiara, I’m glad you liked it!

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