More than just a day trip: your perfect plan for the fullest Plitvice Lakes experience

When we think of Plitvice Lakes, we often picture a day trip — a quick tour and a few snapshots before heading home. But Plitvice Lakes are so much more than that. To truly experience its magic, you need to slow down, stay longer, and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature around every corner.

Start your day at the heart of the park: Stay at Hotel Jezero

Staying at Hotel Jezero offers more than just comfort; it gives you unrivalled convenience. Step outside, and you’re already on the trail leading to some of the most beautiful sights in the Park. No need for long drives or searching for a parking spot—everything is within reach. Enjoy the immediate natural surroundings and explore the Plitvice Lakes at your own pace, with full access to all trails and viewpoints. Here you can truly enjoy peace and quiet, while all the beauties of the Park are literally within your reach. A special perk for hotel guests is that they only need to buy an entrance ticket for the first day of their stay, and the rest of their visit is automatically covered. This means they can come and go as they please: go for a stroll, head back to the hotel for a break, and immerse themselves in nature whenever it suits them. This flexibility makes Hotel Jezero an ideal choice for families looking for a slower pace, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or anyone craving a few days off the grid. After a day filled with lakeside walks, climbing to viewpoints and exploring green paths, returning to the hotel gives a chance for true relaxation. Cozy rooms and the silence of the surrounding forest create the perfect setting for a peaceful start to each day.

After a day filled with walking and discovering the beauties of Plitvice Lakes, there is no better way to end the day than relaxing in Hotel Jezero’s wellness center. For a complete sense of peace and energy boost, our guests have access to our hydrotherapy whirlpool bath, Finnish sauna, or Turkish steam bath—the perfect combination for a recovery after time spent in the fresh air. Those who prefer a more active vacation can hit our gym or enjoy a fun game of bowling. Every visitor can find something to their liking.

Experience the lakes from a different perspective: Rowing along Kozjak

For a truly special experience, rent a boat and go for a row on Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the Park. As you row across its serene surface, you’ll discover Plitvice in a fresh new light: crystal-clear water, lush greenery and silence create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you’re with a partner, family, or just your camera, it’s the perfect way to connect with nature. Savor each stroke, embrace the stillness of the lake, and create memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

Stay longer: Explore every trail, waterfall and viewpoint

One day is simply not enough to truly enjoy Plitvice Lakes. If you want to immerse yourself in this natural wonder, I recommend you to stay at least two or three nights. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both the Upper and Lower Lakes, each offering a completely different experience.

While programs H, C, and K are thoughtfully designed to cover the whole Park in a day, we recommend that visitors extend their visit by staying in one of the accommodation facilities within the Park. Avoid the rush and fully soak up the beauty that Plitvice Lakes has to offer. Start your adventure at Entrance 1, where the very first lookout reveals the majestic Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall)—the tallest waterfall in in the Park, as well as the entire Croatia. This natural gem offers a different spectacle in every season: shimmering like gold under the summer sun, transforming into an icy sculpture in winter, and roaring to life with spring rain and snowmelt. From the viewpoint, the trail descends to the base of the waterfall. When water levels are high, you might even feel its cool mist on your face. The path then winds through the limestone canyon of the Lower Lakes, where the color of the water shifts depending on the time of the day—from emerald green to deep, surreal blues. Nestled along the paths, waterfalls accompany you every step of the way, revealing new wonders with each new step.

At the end of the canyon, you’ll reach Kozjak, the largest and deepest lake in the entire system. You can cross it on foot or enjoy a peaceful ride aboard our electric boats. From there, the path continues to the forested Upper Lakes, which can be explored along three different trails. Wander beside the lakes and waterfalls or take in the views from above, especially along the scenic Stubica trail. At the highest point of the Upper Lakes, don’t miss Tomićevo Pogledalo viewpoint, opened last year. It offers a panoramic view of part of the Upper Lakes, and in the distance, you may even catch a glimpse of Prošćansko Lake, the first in the chain of sixteen that make up this watery wonderland.

While it’s possible to see the whole Park in a day, we highly recommend a multi-day visit for a truly immersive experience. Book a room at Hotel Jezero or pitch your tent at Borje or Korana campsites, and give yourself the chance to discover every hidden nook and cranny of this natural fairytale.

Hiking trails of the Plitvice Lakes National Park: A journey through untouched nature

Beyond its eight scenic walking routes along lakes and waterfalls, Plitvice Lakes National Park also offers three hiking trails for those eager to delve deeper into its pristine nature. All three trails are both educational and recreational, offering insight into the Park’s unique forest ecosystems and their crucial role in nature.

One of the trails is the Medveđak Trail, accessible from either Entrance 1 or Entrance 2. Stretching for 8 kilometers (5 miles) through a dense beech forest, it showcases varied terrain along the forested slope of Medveđak, a northwestern extension of the Lička Plješivica range. Along the way, hikers can enjoy spectacular panoramic views over parts of the Lakes and the valley between the Mala Kapela and Lička Plješivica mountains. The trail leads to the massif’s highest peak, Oštri Medveđak, rising 889 meters above sea level. A key highlight of this walk is the well-preserved beech forest, left to follow its natural course. It offers a glimpse into the Park’s past while illustrating the natural evolution of European forests, creating ideal conditions for a rich variety of plant and animal life. Informative panels line the route, adding depth to the hiking experience and encouraging an appreciation for natural processes. Čorkova Uvala is another treasure in the Park’s hiking network, serving as the cornerstone for the development of educational and recreational trails through its forest ecosystems. This area can be explored via two hiking trails: Čorkova Uvala Trail and Plitvice Trail. Both start from the same point but diverge at one point, giving you the chance to choose your own adventure into the forest wilderness.

The 9-kilometer (5.5-mile) Plitvice Trail meanders through dense woodlands and occasionally opens up to lake vistas. In contrast, the Čorkova Uvala Trail ventures deeper into the forest, passing briefly along the edge of the protected old-growth forest of Čorkova Uvala, offering an extraordinary opportunity to witness the richness and complexity of this highly valuable natural habitat up close. Both trails provide educational insights that bring visitors closer to the ecological and biological features of the National Park’s forests.

Plitvice Lakes offers so much more than just a day trip—it is a destination that delivers a complete experience of nature, dining, and active vacation. With cozy accommodation right in the heart of the Park, authentic restaurants, and a wide choice of hiking and walking trails, visitors can truly connect with nature at their own pace. With a new wonder revealed with each new step, a multi-day stay provides an opportunity for complete peace, relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a quiet retreat, or inspiration—Plitvice Lakes National Park has it all.