Private Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Tour from Zagreb — Tickets Included
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to walk 4–6 km on uneven, sometimes wet boardwalks and climb stairs.
Overview
Spend a full day away from Zagreb discovering Plitvice Lakes’ tiered waterfalls and the fairytale watermills of Rastoke. This private tour includes park admission and hotel pickup for a straightforward introduction to one of Croatia’s top natural attractions.
Private Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Tour from Zagreb — Tickets Included
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The minivan eases out of Zagreb before dawn and the city silhouette dissolves into rolling karst and mixed beech forests. By the time the tour drops you at the Plitvice National Park entrance, the air is wet with spray and the world narrows to the sound of water. Boardwalks thread across glass-blue pools, and every bend reveals another tiered fall or a shelf of limestone where moss tightens to stone. The biggest cascade—Veliki Slap—drops 78 meters, a vertical line that organizes the landscape and draws the eye.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy footwear
Boardwalks and stone paths are often wet—choose closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread to avoid slips.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Water stations exist but lines can form; carrying 1–1.5 L keeps you comfortable during the 4+ hours of walking.
Layer for changing weather
Morning fog and afternoon sun can alternate quickly—pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and a sun layer.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
If possible, schedule pickup for the earliest slot; the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap are busiest mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- European otter
- Roe deer (often seen at dawn/dusk)
History
Plitvice Lakes was designated Croatia’s first national park in 1949 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique travertine formations and intact forests.
Conservation
The park operates strict path systems and ticket limits to protect travertine growth—visitors must remain on boardwalks and carry out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Zagreb
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on wet boardwalks and comfort for several hours of walking.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against spray from waterfalls and sudden rain showers, especially in spring and autumn.
fall specific
Daypack (20–30 L)
Carries water, snacks, layers and camera without hindering movement on narrow paths.
Refillable water bottle (1–1.5 L)
Keeps you hydrated; tap water is drinkable at park stations so you can refill.
summer specific