From Split to Plitvice Lakes: Exploring Croatia's Stunning Natural Wonder

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How to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its turquoise waters, cascading waterfalls, and lush green forests. Here's how to get there from Split:

By car: The easiest way to get to Plitvice Lakes from Split is by car. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and is a scenic drive through the Croatian countryside.

Explore your destination at your own pace by renting a car from Rentalcars.com - click here to book now!

By bus: If you prefer not to drive, there are several bus companies that operate regular services from Split to Plitvice Lakes. The journey takes around 4 hours and tickets can be purchased at the Split bus station.

Use this link to book your bus in advance (recommended).

map of plitvice lakes trails from entrance two - the gymsy traveller
Plitvice Lakes entrance 2 map and paths

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How to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Where is Plitvice lakes?
How long should I spend in Plitvice lakes, can you do it in a day?
Plitvice Lakes Photos
Can you swim in Plitvice lakes?
Do you need hiking boots for Plitvice?
Where to buy tickets for Plitvice Lakes?
Final Thoughts – Is Plitvice lakes worth visiting?

Where is Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes is located in central Croatia, in the region of Lika-Senj. The park is known for its interconnected series of 16 terraced lakes, numerous waterfalls, and cascades, which are surrounded by lush forests and limestone cliffs. The park covers an area of 296.85 square kilometres and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the European brown bear, lynx, and wolf.

Part of the allure of Croatia is the diversity of the beautiful cities, beaches, and islands. Yet there remains so much more to be seen. Not least the national parks, Biokovo, Krka, and Plitvice are among those. Not only are these parks stunningly beautiful they are a reason to visit this country on their own.

This post is one of the few where you'll realise not much needs to be said, only seen, as you'll notice from the images below.

a calm lake view with forestry surrounding the lake, clear skies with one cloud seen in the sky
A serene lake in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

How long should I spend in Plitvice Lakes, can you do it in a day?

If you're short on time, it is possible to see the highlights of the park on a day trip. The park has several different walking routes, with the most popular being the circular route that takes you around the entire park. This route is about 8 kilometres long and takes about 6-8 hours to complete. You can also take shorter routes if you prefer.

That being said, spending more than a day in Plitvice Lakes can allow you to fully immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty and take your time exploring its many trails and viewpoints. Additionally, if you're interested in photography, you may want to spend more time in the park to capture its stunning landscapes at different times of the day.

Overall, if you only have a day, it's definitely worth visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, but if you have the time, consider staying longer to fully experience all that the park has to offer. That being said I would not stay for longer than 3 days unless a retreat away from the world is also on your list of things to do.

(Click images to expand)

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Can you swim in Plitvice lakes?

Swimming is generally not allowed in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. The lakes are a protected area and swimming, fishing, or any other activities that could harm the ecosystem are strictly prohibited.

Additionally, the water in the Plitvice Lakes is very cold and can be dangerous even for experienced swimmers due to strong currents and the presence of underwater caves and crevices. Visitors are allowed to walk on the designated trails and boardwalks around the lakes to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park and the waterfalls.

While strolling along the boardwalks, an individual found themselves in a situation where they had to plunge into one of the lakes to retrieve a lost item. As a result, they emerged covered in mud, suggesting it might not be the most appealing option after all.

a singla tree bark with view of lakes reflecting trees off of still water, pltivice lakes national park
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Do you need hiking boots for Plitvice?

Expect a lot of walking during your stay in the area so comfortable sturdy footwear is a must. As mentioned, you'll be on the designated boardwalks for the majority of the way around the lakes and national park.

More importantly, check the weather in advance as it can be very unpredictable so bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain. If there is rain then accommodate for it and be sure to wear footwear with good grip.

Looking for a reliable hiking boot that can handle any terrain? Check out our top pick for the best hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails in style and comfort!

Where to buy tickets for Plitvice Lakes?

It is best to buy your tickets online on the official site at plitvicka-jezera.hr, you can also find more information  in general on the site and information on tour programs. I made my ticket reservation well in advance, and I strongly recommend that you do the same. You wouldn't want to go through the hassle of making plans only to discover that tickets are unavailable when you intend to arrive.

You can buy tickets when you arrive but like I said I would advise against that.

Final Thoughts – Is Plitvice lakes worth visiting?

stunning still lake with fallen tree just below surface easily visible in crystal clear water, lush greenery around the banks and blue skies, plitvice lakes national park
Lake in Plitvice Lakes National Park

You tell me!

I use Booking.com to choose my accommodation so I recommend for you to check them out to or have a look for yourself on the map below.

If you want to check out where you can stay in Plitvice Lakes here is a map showing the area and available hotels...

Booking.com

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