Plitvice Lakes Best of Tour: Walk the Falling Lakes and Kozjak Boat Ride
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking several miles with some elevation changes and stairs; suitable for most active adults and older children.
Overview
Walk wooden boardwalks beneath firs, cross Lake Kozjak by boat and witness travertine waterfalls that change with the seasons. This private full-day tour covers both Lower and Upper lakes at a pace set to you—ideal for photographers, families, or anyone wanting a focused introduction to Plitvice.
Plitvice Lakes Best of Tour: Walk the Falling Lakes and Kozjak Boat Ride
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The path opens beneath a canopy of beech and fir, the wooden boardwalks humming underfoot as water edges close enough to touch. Mist from low waterfalls cools the air and threads sunlight into brief, luminous veils. On a private full-day tour through Plitvice Lakes National Park, the rhythm is yours: a slow morning by the Lower Lakes, lunch on the shore of Kozjak—the largest lake—and a quiet, reflective boat crossing that feels like a hinge between two worlds.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy footwear
Boardwalks and limestone steps can be slippery when wet—sturdy hiking shoes with good tread are essential for safe footing.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Water fountains exist near main entrances and Kozjak; carry a liter or more for an 8-hour day, especially in summer.
Pack a lightweight rain shell
Weather can change quickly in the karst highlands; a compact rain jacket keeps you comfortable without weighing you down.
Respect marked trails
Travertine formations are fragile—stay on boardwalks and paths to avoid irreversible damage and fines.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown trout in clear lake inlets
- Red deer in surrounding forests
History
Plitvice’s villages and mills reflect centuries of rural life in Lika; the park’s protection began in 1949 and it became Croatia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Conservation
Visitor numbers are managed with marked trails and timed access to protect travertine growth; stay on paths and avoid bringing single-use plastics into the park.
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Adventure Hotspots in Zagreb
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet boardwalks and uneven rock surfaces.
spring specific
Lightweight rain jacket
Protects from sudden showers and mist near waterfalls.
fall specific
Refillable water bottle or small hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated during the long day; refill points available at main entrances.
summer specific
Camera with polarizing filter
Reduces glare on water and deepens the lakes’ color for stronger photos.
spring specific