Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park
From the Roman Ruins of Istria to the Heart of Croatia
After starting our Croatian road trip in the historic north—visiting the Roman echoes of Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč—it was time to trade the coast for the lush green interior. We hopped back into our rental car and headed south. Our destination? One of the most breathtaking natural wonders in all of Europe: Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Where to Stay: A Hidden Gem for a Steal
We arrived in the small village of Rastovača after a scenic 4-hour drive. This village is a goldmine for travelers because it sits right on the edge of the park.
We stayed in a beautiful country house just a 10-minute walk from the park entrance. The best part? It only cost us €30 for the night. Staying this close allowed us to be at the gates early, which is my number one tip for anyone visiting.
Navigating the Lakes: Lower vs. Upper
Plitvice is divided into the Lower and Upper Lakes, and the experience is world-class. It honestly felt like walking through a real-life fairytale—very much like the Droomvlucht at Efteling (a theme park in The Netherlands), but created by nature itself.
The Lower Lakes: We started our journey here, eventually taking a boat across the largest lake to reach the other side.
The Upper Lakes: I explored this section solo. While the Lower Lakes are more manageable, the Upper Lakes are not stroller-friendly. If you are traveling with a young child (like we were with Jens), keep in mind that the rugged paths and stairs in the upper section require a carrier rather than a stroller.
Hiking Route C: My Recommendation
There are seven different walking routes, ranging from 3km to 18km. I chose Route C, which covers about 14 kilometers.
Route C is fantastic because it gives you the full experience: you see the lower lakes, the upper lakes, and all the major waterfalls. It’s a long walk, and I was exhausted by the end, but it is absolutely worth every step to see the park’s diversity.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Book Your Time Slot: Since our last visit, the park has introduced a mandatory online reservation system. You must book your tickets and a specific entry time slot in advance via the official website. Don’t risk showing up without a reservation, as they often sell out!
Timing & Seasonal Discounts: We visited in April and arrived at 8:00 AM. While the high season (June-September) costs around €40, there is a “late-day” discount if you enter after 4:00 PM. In the shoulder seasons (April/May/October), prices are lower, ranging between €23 and €30.
Parking: Expect to pay around €1.50 to €2.00 per hour for parking at the official park entrances.
Where to Stay (Price Update): We stayed in a lovely country house in Rastovača for just €30 a night a few years back. Keep in mind that prices in Croatia have risen since the introduction of the Euro; for 2026, expect to pay between €60 and €80 for a similar room close to the park.
One Day or Two? For most, one full day is enough to see the highlights if you start early.
Watch the video of Plitvice
What's Next?
After a well-deserved beer to celebrate the 14km hike, we are continuing our road trip toward Zadar. From there, we’ll be visiting the waterfalls of Krka and trading our car for a boat to explore the Croatian islands. More blogs coming soon!
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