Exploring Waterfalls in Croatia | Part II: Plitvice Lakes National Park

This was my favourite hike that we took in Croatia. The waterfalls were absolutely stunning. Similar to the trip to Krka National Park, we went with an excursion company, Elegance Tours that had a small store front near our Zadar accommodations. It was an early pick up and then a two hour drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, so naturally I slept for some of it and took in the scenery including seeing lots of sheep, goats and cows.

Elegance Tours had suggested a self-guided tour that took us throughout the park in 4-5 hours. The scenic train gave us great views of the park and we didn’t have to hike uphill the entire way – which I think is a bonus! The paths wound nicely through nature so we could see as many falls as possible and there were so many more compared to Krka National Park.

I loved how some of the scenery looked like it could be in China (never been but on my list of places to visit), with huge stone cliffs/rock faces with a lake and walkways on both sides. Quite the spectacular setting.

I loved the signs at most of the bigger falls because it showed where it was located and gave some info on it. We also got to be up close and personal with many of the smaller waterfalls and loved the way they have carved into the landscape. There is a path to get to the bottom of the Big Waterfall, but it was quite busy there so we took a couple of photos and went along our way.

Self-Guided Tour Details
Go through Entrance 1 and walked to Station 1 to catch the scenic train to Station 3 at the top of the upper lakes. Walk down to P2, a stop for the electric ferry on Lake Kozjak which takes you across the lake towards P3. The last portion of the walk was from P3 downhill along the lower lakes to the Big Waterfall (note: we passed a couple that we through were the Big Waterfall but you need to keep on walking until you see signs for it!). To end the hike, walk uphill back to Entrance 1.

One last photo because who can get enough of this view?

Let me know what other national parks I should visit on my next trip to Croatia.

Happy Wandering!
Gloria