Plitvice Lakes, Croatia is a fairytale adventure. Waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, cute little rowboats, and inquisitive european chubs, all make this destination one of a kind. The pristine level of this National Park is heartwarming and inspiring. With various ways to get around the park, it's a must do that you simply cannot leave off your bucket list!
Plitvice Lakes Details
Entry tickets are 120 kuna each. This includes any ferry or bus rides inside the park and access to all trails. There's large maps at the entrance and also on your tickets, which are easy to follow. At the top of the trail is an information board recommending 3 routes, depending on your fitness level and how much time you have. We ended up not really sticking to the recommendations and went our own way. You don't need to be very fit to do these trails, but disabled access is extremely limited.
Our magical adventure took us from Entrance 2 > P1 where we then paddled around the lake in a hired row boat > a Ferry from P1 > P2 > walked all the way to St3 > caught a bus > St1 > walked around to P3 > Ferry to P1 > Walked back to Entrance 2.
At the first Ferry wharf, you'll find small row boats you can hire and row around the lake in! These are the cutest, and quietest way to get unique shots of the lake and some of the waterfalls. A romantic, private journey on the water is another way to make this trip special. I would recommend doing this once your legs have had enough, topping off the day!
The clarity of the water and lush greenery all around is purely inspiring. I was honestly filled with pure happiness the entire day here! Everything seemed almost magical! The perfect water, the perfect trees, the perfect waterfalls, the perfect walkways, the perfect duckies and fishies... oh i was filled with joy! I wanted to pull up a toadstool chair and start writing a magical tale filled with unicorns, fae and all things winged and glittery and never wanted to leave! This National Park is an absolute must-do attraction in Croatia!
All throughout the park, under every walkway, in every pond and lake, alongside your boat will be dozens of European Chubs. Seemingly unfazed by all the tourists, the chill level of these fish is where i'd like to peak one day on a beach in retirement. But do be careful where you step, watch where you walk. The paths are not fenced and it can get a bit pushy with so many people wondering round with eyes everywhere except on the next step. It is illegal to litter, put anything in the water or physically go into the water yourself. So don't be 'that' tourist.
With 16 Lakes and dozens of waterfalls and cascades, the small buses are a great way to see a little of a lot or take a break in between each trail.
We were greatly impressed by how many cleaners were around, ensuring no stray litter ended up in the water. The litter free environment aided by limited food and drinks available in the park. I do suggest taking a bottle or 2 of water and your own snacks and lunch.
Now that i've seen the wonders of The Plitvice Lakes in the summer, I must see it in the Winter! The lakes freeze over and it becomes a pure white snowy wonderland! Plitvice Lakes, Croatia have landed straight back onto my bucket list!
What destination have you been to that has inspired you beyond anything else before? Let me know in the comments!
'Believe you can and you're halfway there'
