Last Updated on: 16th March 2024, 09:23 am
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter -famous for its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, caves, and lush forests, plus a stop at the lovely village of Rastoke, makes for a great day trip from Zagreb. It’s Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to legend, during a drought, the inhabitants of the area summoned the magic of the black queen to help them, and she sent a thunderstorm, which left behind the sixteen lakes when the rains ended.
She said, “From now on, people will come from all over the world to see these beautiful lakes,” I guess she was right, as the park receives over 1.4 million visitors yearly! I can’t help but feel that that quote and possibly the legend came straight from the tourist board, though. 🤔
While summer draws massive crowds to Plitvice Lakes National Park, visiting in winter provides a more peaceful and serene atmosphere. With fewer visitors, you have time to leisurely explore the park’s pristine beauty without the hustle and bustle of peak season. And photos look so much better without crowds of people getting in the way.
But note only the lower lakes are accessible in the winter months. Plitvice Lake’s winter season begins on the last Sunday in October and lasts until the last Sunday in March. However, it’s still a wonderful experience and being out of season, there are fewer tourists, and it’s cheaper to visit, too!!
Lower Lakes of Plitvice
I followed route B, which starts from Entrance 1 and includes a boat and a train ride. The boat won’t operate in bad weather. But, apart from being a bit windy and overcast the day I visited, the temperatures were very mild, and the boat was most definitely operating. I went to the park at the end of February.
Route B takes around three to four hours and takes you along a network of well-maintained trails and wooden boardwalks across crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls set against a backdrop of lush greenery. It’s just beautiful.
From entrance 1, a viewing platform overlooks the Veliki Slap (meaning big waterfall). At 78 metres, it’s no Victoria Falls, but this is the highest waterfall in Croatia, and the views are impressive.
Then, you follow the paths down to the lakes.
The boardwalks allow you to see the waterfalls close up. Built over the lakes and waterfalls, the boardwalks have no side barriers, so you could end up in the water if you trip. So watch your steps, especially when taking photos.
Lake Kozjak is the largest of the 16 lakes in the national park and the lowest of the Upper Lakes. A 20-30 minute boat ride across the lake is included in the ticket price, but note that sometimes, depending on weather conditions, the boat might not operate in winter.
Just before you board the boat, there are a couple of places where you can buy food and refreshments. It’s mainly just burgers and sandwiches. There was no queue in the winter when I visited, but from what I’ve been told in the summer, you could be waiting quite a while for your food. There are plenty of picnic tables if you’ve brought food with you.
Boats leave every half hour, and seeing Plitvice Lakes from the water offers an entirely different viewing experience.
After disembarking, take care not to fall over in a heap as I did for some unknown reason and make your way up the hill to take the train shuttle, which takes you almost all the way back to the entrance. The last bit of the trail to the entrance is along a short trail with more lovely viewpoints.
You don’t have to take the train; many people enjoy walking the whole trail back to the main entrance.
Tips For Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park In Winter
Here are some simple tips to remember when you’re visiting Plitvice Lakes in the winter:
Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly.
Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and adjust as needed.
Look at the Plitvice Lakes National Park website beforehand to see what routes are available and which entrance to use (usually, only Entrance 1 is open in winter).
Note that shorter daylight hours mean reduced business hours. The park closes at 4 pm in winter, and the last entry is at 2 pm.
Wear sturdy, waterproof boots, as the trails and boardwalks may be slippery.
Swimming in the lakes is strictly prohibited, and the waters will be icy cold in winter.
Toilets are available at the entrance and restaurants near where you board the boat.
Rastoke, A Quaint Riverside Village
About 30-40 minutes outside the national park is Rastoke, a charming Croatian village famous for its picturesque waterfalls, quaint wooden houses, and rustic mills.
Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Rastoke is often called the “Plitvice Lakes’ little brother” due to its similar natural beauty.
On a day tour such as I was on, we had opted to spend a little longer at the park and just made a short stop at Rastoke. But there was enough time to take a stroll and take a few photos.
But with more time, you can wander across the wooden footbridges that crisscross the cascading waterfalls and maybe enjoy some traditional Croatian cuisine in one of the cosy riverside restaurants.
Accommodation is available in Rastoke if you want to stay a little longer.
How To Get To Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is roughly 130 kilometres ( 80 miles) southwest of Zagreb, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you drive, join a guided tour, or go by bus, the journey from Zagreb to the park is conveniently accessible and straightforward.
I took this excellent tour as I haven’t driven in years and being out of season, there were only three of us on the tour.
If you want to go by bus, there are only four departures a day during winter. All buses to Plitvice leave from Zagreb’s central bus station and stop close to the main entrance. You can check the bus timetable here.
Can I Stay In Plitvice Lakes National Park During The Winter?
During the winter months, the only accommodation available within the park is the Hotel Jezero. But note that only the Lower Lakes are open in winter, and not all park facilities are open, so a day trip to the park is probably enough.
So Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting In Winter?
Yes, a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter provides a wonderful, peaceful break from the city, allowing you to reconnect with nature in a calm and picturesque environment. With fewer tourists, easy access, stunning winter scenery, and lovely walks, it’s the perfect day trip from Zagreb.
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Love your post about Plitvice. In 2002, I spent 3 days in a town outside Plitvice Park and wandered the park and surrounding areas. Amazing lake and waterfalls and the water color! It was beautiful.
I even took a drive into Bosnia-Herzogovina…I was traveling solo. Along the way I spotted a bombed-out village and church in a field, I parked and walked over and went inside the church. Spray painted on a wall in the church, was the church name and ethnicity (it was Serbian) and the year it was built I assume – 1784. I said a few prayers and shed a few tears. Note….there was a sign declaring the field had been demined, which I noticed in my walk back to the car. From Plitvice, I drove to Split for an overnight then took the ferry to the island of Hvar where I spent a week with friends. Then I drove back to Germany where I was living at the time. Wonderful adventure
Wow, fascinating experience. That is how I was in 2002, but seem less adventurous as I grow older. You have inspired me. It is a beautiful park – would love to return outside the winter season and explore more.