Plitvice Lakes Trails & Routes
From easy boardwalk strolls to full-day hiking circuits — find the perfect trail for your visit
Plitvice Hiking Guide
Plitvice Lakes National Park offers several officially marked routes ranging from quick two-hour walks to full-day hiking circuits. Each route is designed to showcase different sections of the park, and all include access to the electric boats and panoramic trains that connect key areas.
The park labels its routes with letters (A, B, C, H, K, and more), each with a suggested entrance point and estimated duration. Here are the five most popular routes, from shortest to longest.
Whether you are a casual walker looking for a scenic boardwalk stroll or an experienced hiker wanting to cover the entire park in a day, there is a trail for you. All routes are well-marked and maintained, and your entrance ticket includes the electric boats and panoramic trains that connect different sections of the park.
Route A - Lower Lakes
The most popular route in the park, taking you along the stunning Lower Lakes canyon on wooden boardwalks just above the turquoise water. You will pass cascading waterfalls at every turn and end at the magnificent Veliki Slap, Croatia's tallest waterfall. This route starts and finishes at Entrance 1.
Highlights
Best for: First-time visitors, families with children, photographers
Route B - Upper Lakes
This route explores the quieter Upper Lakes section, where twelve interconnected lakes are set among dense beech and fir forests. The trail includes a scenic electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak and panoramic viewpoints over the upper cascades. Start from Entrance 2 for the best experience.
Highlights
Best for: Those wanting a quieter experience, nature lovers, moderate hikers
Route C - Full Lakes Circuit
The full circuit combines the Upper and Lower Lakes into one comprehensive walk, connected by the electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak. This is the best way to experience the full diversity of Plitvice in a single day — from intimate canyon boardwalks to expansive forest-fringed lakes.
Highlights
Best for: Visitors with a full day, those who want to see everything, active travellers
Route H - Complete Park
The most extensive route covers the entire park, including sections that most visitors never see. Beyond the main lakes, this route takes you through pristine forest, past secluded waterfalls, and along elevated ridgeline paths with sweeping views over the entire lake system. A full day of immersive nature.
Highlights
Best for: Experienced hikers, those wanting solitude, full-day adventurers
Route K - Short Visit
Designed for visitors with limited time, Route K provides a satisfying overview of the Lower Lakes from Entrance 1. The route follows the main boardwalks, includes views of Veliki Slap, and returns via a panoramic train ride. Perfect if you are passing through or have only a morning to spare.
Highlights
Best for: Short stopovers, travellers passing through, those with limited mobility
Trail Tips for Plitvice
Best Time to Start
Arrive when the park opens (7am in summer, 8am in winter) to experience the trails before the crowds. The first two hours offer the most peaceful experience and the best light for photography.
What to Wear
Sturdy, waterproof shoes are essential — boardwalks can be slippery when wet. Dress in layers as temperatures vary between shaded forest and open lakeside sections. Bring a rain jacket even in summer.
Ticket Information
Tickets must be purchased online in advance during peak season (June-September). Prices vary by season: summer tickets are significantly more expensive than winter. Your ticket includes the electric boat and panoramic train.
Photography Tips
A polarising filter is your best friend at Plitvice — it cuts water glare and reveals the extraordinary turquoise colours beneath the surface. Overcast days actually produce the most vibrant colours. Bring a tripod for silky waterfall shots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plitvice Trails
Route A (Lower Lakes) is the best trail for first-time visitors. It takes 2-3 hours, covers 3.5km of easy boardwalks, and includes the most dramatic waterfalls and the iconic turquoise canyon. Start from Entrance 1 for this route.
It depends on the route. The shortest route (K) takes 2-3 hours. The full circuit (Route C) takes 4-6 hours and covers both Upper and Lower Lakes. The complete park route (H) takes 6-8 hours and covers 18km. Most visitors choose Route C for the best balance of time and experience.
Most Plitvice trails are easy to moderate. The boardwalks are flat and well-maintained. Routes A and K are suitable for families with children. Route H is the most challenging at 18km but involves no technical hiking — just distance. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended as boardwalks can be slippery.
Yes, during peak season (June-September) tickets must be purchased online in advance and often sell out days ahead. In the off-season, tickets are available on the day but booking online is still recommended. Your ticket includes the electric boat and panoramic train rides.
Entrance 1 is best for Routes A and K (Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap waterfall). Entrance 2 is better for Route B (Upper Lakes) and gives quick access to the electric boat on Lake Kozjak. For the full circuit (Route C), either entrance works.
Spring (April-May) offers powerful waterfalls from snowmelt and lush greenery. Autumn (September-October) brings stunning foliage colours and fewer crowds. Summer has the longest hours but biggest crowds. Winter offers a magical frozen landscape but some trails may be closed.
Explore the Complete Plitvice Guide
Tickets, transport, best times to visit, and everything you need to plan your Plitvice trip.
Read the Full Guide