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Full-Day Yugo Roadtrip to Plitvice Lakes & Željava Airbase - Zagreb

Full-Day Yugo Roadtrip to Plitvice Lakes & Željava Airbase

Plitvička Jezeramoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

9–10 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness: ability to walk 2–4 miles on uneven terrain and manage stairs and short climbs.

Overview

Ride a classic Yugo from Zagreb to the luminous tiers of Plitvice Lakes, then step into the abandoned tunnels and runways of Željava Airbase. This full-day private tour blends geology, Cold War history and hands-on exploration—perfect for curious travelers ready for a long, varied day.

Full-Day Yugo Roadtrip to Plitvice Lakes & Željava Airbase

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You climb into a weathered Yugo that hums like a relic with purpose—its leather seats warm from the morning sun—and the road unfolds toward a landscape that keeps changing its mood. Pines lean over the asphalt as the car eats up the hours; the driver-guide, part storyteller, part mechanic, points out low peaks and river valleys that once shaped partisan routes. Two hours from Zagreb, the Yugo slows and the air sharpens: limestone cliffs, moss-dark rocks, and the bright, impossible blues of Plitvice’s tiers.

Adventure Photos

Full-Day Yugo Roadtrip to Plitvice Lakes & Željava Airbase photo 1

Adventure Tips

Waterproof footwear

Boardwalks and trails around Plitvice can be wet and slippery—trail runners with good grip or lightweight hiking boots are best.

Headlamp for Željava

Bring a compact headlamp for tunnel exploration; some corridors are dim or unlit and footing is uneven.

Pack snacks and cash for lunch

Lunch in the park isn’t included—cafés can be busy and card machines are not always reliable; small cash and energy snacks help.

Respect protected zones

Stay on boardwalks and marked paths in Plitvice to avoid damaging tufa formations and fragile vegetation.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • European brown hare
  • various waterfowl including mallards and grey herons

History

Plitvice has been protected since 1949 and was one of the first national parks in Southeast Europe; Željava was a major Cold War underground airbase completed in the 1960s.

Conservation

Plitvice enforces strict trail discipline to protect active travertine formation; visitors should minimize plastic waste and stay on paths to preserve delicate habitats.

Adventure Hotspots in Zagreb

Recommended Gear

Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes

Essential

Grip and ankle support make wet boardwalks and uneven tunnels safer.

Headlamp or compact flashlight

Essential

Necessary for exploring dim sections of Željava’s tunnels.

Layered clothing and light rain shell

Essential

Mountain weather can shift quickly—layers and a waterproof shell keep you comfortable.

spring specific

Refillable water bottle and small daypack

Hydration and hands-free storage for snacks, camera and layers during long walking segments.

summer specific

Frequently Asked Questions