Croatia had been on my travel wish list for a while, and when we finally made it happen, there was one place I knew we had to see: Plitvice Lakes National Park. With its turquoise lakes, tumbling waterfalls and dreamy wooden walkways, it's basically a fairytale brought to life—and yes, it's even more stunning in person.
You can easily get to Plitvice Lakes National Park from the major Croatian cities Zagreb, Split and Zadar. We were traveling from Budapest, and getting to the park was too far to travel in one day. We spent the night in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Zagreb is charming and easy to explore on foot, with cobblestone streets, colorful facades and cute cafes on every corner. It gave us just the right amount of time to relax, wander around, and enjoy dinner before getting ready for our early morning bus ride to the park.
Getting to Plitvice Lakes: The Scenic Route
The next morning, we hopped on a FlixBus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. The ride took about 2 hours, winding through Croatian countryside and tiny villages—honestly, part of the adventure in itself. The bust stop at the park is nothing more than a small, covered bench, like you see in large cities. We arrived mid-morning and headed straight to the main gate. There is luggage storage, making it easy to get off the bus and start exploring.
There are also several day trip options from Zagreb, Zadar and Spilt. Since we were traveling with kids, I opted for an overnight stay instead of a 12-hour organized tour.
Exploring the Park: Lakes, Walkways & Waterfalls Galore
Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. The colors of the water range from deep teal to almost fluorescent blue—something you truly have to see to believe.
There are wooden walkways and gravel paths throughout the park that let you walk across the lakes and waterfalls (don’t worry, they’re sturdy, although there are no handrails). The paths wind past gushing falls, peaceful forest sections, and crystal-clear pools where you can see fish darting around below. It’s one of the few places where the journey is the destination—every turn offers another photo-worthy view.
One of the highlights of our visit was the electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park. It connects the upper and lower lake systems, and it’s such a peaceful way to see the park from the water. The ride is included in your entrance ticket and gives your feet a welcome break after hours of walking.
Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
There are two main entrances to the park: Entrance 1 (North) and Entrance 2 (South). Most accommodations cluster around these entrances and are within a 5-15 minute drive.
🛌 Hotels & Lodges Near Entrance 1 (North)
- Hotel Jezero
- 3-star hotel inside the national park, only a short walk from Entrance 2.
- Great for early access to the lakes and includes an on-site restaurant.
- Amenities: Free parking, restaurant, spacious rooms.
- Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo
- 4-star rustic-luxury resort in Plitvica Selo, about 10 minutes from Entrance 1.
- Wellness spa, outdoor pool, and very close to the Great Waterfall trail.
- Quiet and great for families or couples.
- Villa Lika
- 1 km from Entrance 1 (walkable for most visitors).
- Boutique guesthouse with a cozy atmosphere and a highly rated in-house restaurant.
- Hotel Plitvice
- Mid-range option very close to Entrance 2, with simple but comfortable rooms.
- Great views and breakfast included.
🏠 Guesthouses and B&Bs (Budget to Mid-range)
- Guesthouse Villa Plitvička
- Located 1.5 km from Entrance 2.
- Modern rooms, friendly hosts, and breakfast available.
- House Biba & Leona
- Small family-run guesthouse about 1.2 km from Entrance 1.
- Peaceful, authentic experience with a garden and easy parking.
- Pansion Breza
- A hidden gem near Entrance 2 in Plitvica Selo with traditional decor and on-site dining.
- Walkable access to the trails from the back of the property.
Where to Eat
Inside the Park
- Lička Kuća (near Entrance 1)
A traditional Croatian restaurant run by the park. It offers grilled meats, stews and local cheeses. The rustic ambiance is popular with tour groups. - Buffet Kozjačka Draga (on the Upper Lakes hiking path)
You'll find quick bites including sandwiches, pastries, and drinks, perfect for a quick break. - Restaurant Poljana (near Entrance 2)
A [ark-operated cafeteria with hearty local dishes.
Restaurants Just Outside the Park
- Restoran Degenija (in Seliste Dreznicko)
About 5 km from Entrance 1. Modern and well-rated with pizza, pastas, and grilled meats. Great for dinner after a day in the park. - Bistro & Caffe Plum
Casual spot near Degenija. Local wine, charcuterie boards, and burgers. - Pansion House Tina Restaurant
Known for homemade Croatian food and a lovely garden atmosphere. There's also a location in Seliste Dreznicko (a few minutes’ drive). - Bistro Vučnica
Located in Mukinje (near Entrance 2). Budget-friendly meals, good pizza and a terrace with views (we had dinner here and I can attest the pizza is good).
A Few Travel Tips
- Get there early – The park can get crowded by mid-day, especially in summer. We went in August and there were several parts where we had to wait due to crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes – The trails are mostly flat, but you will do a lot of walking.
- Pack snacks and water – There are a few cafes, but not many options once you're deep in the park.
- Reservations are recommended – Restaurants can be busy during the high season (June–September), especially for Hotel Jezero or Ethno Houses.
- Stay overnight nearby – Spending two days really lets you slow down and enjoy the beauty without rushing.
- Take advantage of the luggage storage – Both main gates offer storage so you can spend more time in the parkon your arrival and departure days.
Is Plitvice Lakes Worth the Detour? Absolutely.
Plitvice Lakes is peaceful, otherworldly, and a perfect place to connect with nature. Visiting with kids made it even more special—watching their wonder at the waterfalls and crystal-clear water was a reminder of why we love to travel together. It’s one of those rare places that looks just like the pictures but still manages to take your breath away in real life.
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, Plitvice Lakes deserves a top spot on your itinerary. It's nature at its most magical—and 100% worth the detour.
