A First Timer’s Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

While in Croatia, among the many lovely cultural sites and historical places to go and one of the most majestic sites to visit is The Plitvice Lakes National Park. The beautiful multi-colored series of sixteen lakes that flow into the Korana River has been a national park since 1949 and was registered to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1979.

The park sees roughly one million visitors every year, including Hollywood itself in the 60s came to make several films over the years. Numerous historical groups including elements of the Romans, Celts, Slavs, and, obviously, Croats have long enjoyed the lakes. These beautiful lakes have long been a strong economic draw for the region as there are numerous businesses and things to do once you’re in the area known as Plitvice Lake National Park.

When coming to the park, you should know the price of admission shifts based on the time of the season. This happens for numerous reasons: one of which is to accommodate the fact that during spring and autumn, the weather can still get rather wet and cold, so not many people come. When they do, they can’t get as much usage out of the parks.During the summer, there are so many people that they raise the price a little bit, and also, the weather is much more agreeable, so people are able to stay throughout the whole day.

In the early parts of the season – April, May and the end of the season October –, the entry for an adult is roughly $13 and students just $11. As summer heats up in June and September, the prices do rise to $24 for an adult and $16 for a student. At the peak of the season – July and August –, the price comes up to $39 for an adult and $25 for a student; children under six get in for free all-season. The student discount is one of those great opportunities. Once at the national park, there are several groups, tours, and trips you can join that will cost additional money.

Avoiding the crowds, while desirable, would require going earlier in the season. While it does save some money, it forces one to contend with the weather. As it still rains regularly in the spring and autumn and the temperatures are still cool, people are less likely to spend all day in the park. When night falls in the spring and autumn, it can still get rather cold, so people are far less likely to stay all day.

The most enjoyable time to go, weather-wise, would also be the most crowded and the most expensive – the peak season in July and August when the weather is nicer and warmer and the rains don’t come as frequently. The weather would be most favorable to enjoy the trails and breathtaking views, and the evenings are still rather enjoyable, so people are able to stay longer and partake in the park much longer.

Having a great time is easiest when one is properly supplied for the day. Whether it be swim trunks for waterplay or winter wear for skiing, it’s important to be packed for the right occasion. While there are numerous trails and things to see, it’s important to remember to bring the essentials.

Food and drinks aren’t readily available in the park, hence, it would be a good idea to pack.

During summer, it can get up to the mid-80s, so a t-shirt and shorts wouldn’t be an awful choice. Sunscreen will likely be required. Sunglasses will be enjoyed during the days, but come evening, the night cools off rather quickly and an extra layer might be required.

In autumn, the weather turns and the rains come in, so a good waterproof jacket that holds warmth and several layers underneath would be wise as the cold water can get in everything. Waterproof boots would also be a good idea. In either season, it’s recommended to bring a waterproof case for smartphones, sunblock, hiking boots, and if you’ll be hiking for any length of time, some kind of chair or cushion to take breaks on.

The beauty of such a large swath of land being a National Park is the large variety of things to do in such a place. Aside from the numerous private tours offered from a large variety of services at a large variety of prices there is also a large swath of trails to hike, some being rather long and taking most of the day to walk. There are waterfalls to take in and sixteen beautiful lakes to enjoy the sight of, although swimming in them is not allowed. In addition to all the private tours there are also several tour groups that offer rates for their planned day long excursions. All kinds of off-road and off-trail tours are available for the adventure minded who make the trip and simple boat rides for those with a lazier inclination.

When in the mountainous Karst area of central Croatia, one of the oldest and largest national parks in all of Croatia is right there for you to see. Enjoy over 16 natural lakes that form a chain of cool, fresh water that changes colors based on the mineral content, organisms, and how the sunlight hits the water and flows right into the Korana River.

These beautiful lakes have brought over a million people to the local region, fueling the economy in the area surrounding the Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are hiking trails, private tours, planned excursion trips that can be enjoyed for a reasonable price, which varies to reflect the timing of the season. Children under six will always be able to visit for free. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to spend several days enjoying nature with friends and family.