Plitvice Lakes National Park: planning guide
A chain of lakes and travertine waterfalls in Croatia’s karst highlands. Boardwalks wind past clear turquoise pools and cascading falls.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is in Lika-Senj, Croatia. The nearest town is Vrhovine — roughly 12.9 km (8 mi) out, about 22 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May, June, September, and early October. Shoulder season: April and late October.
Winter is cool and wet at low elevation and snowy in the mountains, with reduced hut and refuge service.
July and August combine peak heat with peak domestic holidays. Shoulder months are both cooler and quieter.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Vrhovine | 12.9 km (8 mi) | 22 min |
| Korenica | 16.9 km (10.5 mi) | 28 min |
| Otočac | 27.2 km (16.9 mi) | 41 min |
| Perušić | 28.7 km (17.8 mi) | 43 min |
| Lički Osik | 31.6 km (19.6 mi) | 46 min |
| Brinje | 38.4 km (23.9 mi) | 53 min |
| Gospić | 39.1 km (24.3 mi) | 54 min |
| Udbina | 40 km (24.8 mi) | 55 min |
Where Plitvice Lakes National Park sits
Official Plitvice Lakes National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Northern Velebit National Park
High karst ridges of northern Velebit with alpine meadows, sinkholes, and Adriatic views.
- Paklenica National Park
Two canyons cutting into the Velebit massif above the Adriatic. Classic Croatian climbing and hiking country.
- Risnjak National Park
Forested mountains inland from Rijeka — beech, fir, and karst ridges near the source of the Kupa River.
- Krka National Park
Karst river and travertine falls inland from Šibenik. Boardwalks and swimming areas below the cascades.
Common questions
Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Plitvice Lakes National Park sits in Lika-Senj, Croatia, and the closest town of any size is Vrhovine — about 22 min away.
When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Generally May, June, September, and early October, with April and late October quieter on either side.