Walk wooden boardwalks, glide across Lake Kozjak by electric boat and stand beneath the 87 m Big Waterfall on a guided group tour of Plitvice Lakes. Practical tips and route highlights to plan your visit.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a humming wooden boardwalk as morning mist lifts off turquoise water, the scent of wet stone and pine filling the air. The trail curves along a series of tiered lakes, wooden planks clicking underfoot while the distant roar of Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) draws you forward.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Requires moderate fitness: several kilometers of walking on uneven boardwalks and short stair sections; suitable for regular walkers.
Wildlife
History
Plitvice was protected as a national park in 1949 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 due to its unique travertine barriers and karst features.
Conservation
Visitor numbers are managed with timed tickets and designated boardwalks to protect fragile tufa formation; follow guide instructions and pack out litter.
Reserve your spot on the Plitvice Lakes Group Walking Tour with Local Guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Buy park admission in advance
Entrance tickets (10–40€) are separate and can sell out in peak slots—book an exact time online before your tour.
Wear grippy shoes
Wooden boardwalks can be wet and uneven—sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes improve traction and comfort.
Bring a waterproof layer
Mist from waterfalls and sudden mountain showers make a lightweight rain shell worthwhile even on warm days.
Respect marked trails
Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile tufa and aquatic life; off-trail shortcuts damage the ecosystem.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support on wet, uneven wooden boardwalks.
Waterproof rain jacket
Protects from waterfall spray and sudden showers.
spring
1–2L water bottle
Hydration for multi-hour walking; water sources are limited on some sections.
summer
Camera or phone with protective case
For capturing waterfalls and lake reflections—protect from spray and moisture.