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Home  >  Croatia • Plitvice lakes  >  Paradise in Plitvice lakes

Paradise in Plitvice lakes

Alex Posted onMarch 25, 2016January 21, 2018 Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Plitvice Hotel, Plitvice Lakes, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Solo Travel, Waterfalls 2 Comments

I found my kind of paradise in Plitvice Lakes. Lush landscape, greenery abounds with water gushing down the tumbling cascades at different elevations and into the green-hued lakes. Also known as “the land of falling lakes”, the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have been. It sure took me a while to reach here from Dubrovnik but it’s absolutely worth the trip.

To be exact, a flight followed by two bus rides. I reached Zagreb Airport via Croatia Airlines, onwards to Zagreb Main Bus Station and finally to Plitvice Lakes.

Dubrovnik Airport
Dubrovnik Airport
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Airport
Zagreb Main Bus Station
Zagreb Main Bus Station

I bought the bus ticket from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes.

Bus Ticket from Zagreb to Plitvice

I was overjoyed to see the bus stop! If you are unsure of where to alight, do inform the bus driver of your destination upon boarding the bus. As it was getting late, I decided to recharge at Plitvice Hotel and be among the first to visit the park during the early morning.

Plitvice bus stop

Woke up much early than usual and was in the park before the official opening time. Psst, I did look for the park ranger to buy my ticket at Plitvice Lakes entrance but none of them was around, which means err… ahem ahem free ahem…

Entrance to Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is divided into Upper and Lower Lakes with two entrances leading into the park. Entrance 1 is nearest to the Lower Lakes while Entrance 2 is somewhat in the middle of both lake sections and nearest to Hotel Plitvice. I headed towards Lower Lakes nearest to Entrance 1 first, thinking it would get crowded later half of the morning since it’s so accessible.

Plitvice upper and lower lakes

Normally, I would be able to hop on to the electric boats to save me some walking. But since I am that early, none of the boats is running yet. In exchange, I get up close and personal with Mother Nature while trying to shed some excess weight on my body LOL.

Electric boats at Plitvice Lakes

The Lower Lakes of Plitvice

The slow walk to the lower lakes was a wonderful experience – very serene and picturesque surrounding. There wasn’t anyone else in the park…it’s almost like having the whole nature park to myself, although I was kinda freaked out by the ‘Beware of bear” warning signpost!!

Path to Plitvice Lower Lakes

Ducks at Plitvice Lakes

Mirror of Plitvice Lakes

Lo and behold, my first encounter with one the many waterfalls.

Waterfall along the path to plitvice lower lakes

The turquoise-coloured water with a very inviting bench really makes me wanna stay here longer to enjoy this calming effect on the surrounding.

Turquoise reflection of Plitvice Lakes

A bench with wonderful view

Path beside turquoise-coloured lake

Walking path beside turquoise-coloured lake

From here on, the thing becomes even more interesting where I get to see more waterfalls, almost every few steps apart is yet another one. Nice!!!

The many waterfalls of Plitvice lakes

The many waterfalls of Plitvice lakes

The many waterfalls of Plitvice lakes

The many waterfalls of Plitvice lakes

The many waterfalls of Plitvice lakes

The path finally leads to the majestic Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap), the largest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes where water tumbles down from the height of 78 metres.

Be prepared to get wet if you venture too near and the ground around it is a little slippery.

Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap)

How does anyone not fall in love with this amazing place? The photos taken by me don’t do any justice to the stunning landscape, you have to experience it on your own!!

Clear waters of plitvice lower lakes.jpg

Nice walking path at plitvice lower lakes

Walking path at plitvice lower lakes.jpg

Plitvice lower lakes from above

Plitvice lower lakes

More waterfalls at plitvice lower lakes

More waterfalls at plitvice lower lakes

The Upper Lakes of Plitvice

It started to drizzle just when I am about to make my way to the Upper Lakes. So I took the boat from P3 to P2 to save me from getting all wet and to experience cruising on the calm water.

Boat ride at Plitvice Lakes

P2 boat waiting area

The Upper Lakes area seems to be less enclosed and much wider when compared to the Lower Lakes. There also seem to be more wooden boardwalks around here too and by this time, the crowd has started streaming in despite the rain. So I raced ahead of the various tour groups while they are waiting for their guides.

People at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Those wooden planks make it much harder to use the tripod as movements are unavoidable at times, I just can’t imagine how crowded it will be during summer months.

Boardwalk at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Boardwalks at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Walking path at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Around Plitvice Upper Lakes

Just like its counterpart, the waterfalls around the Upper Lakes are equally as gorgeous.

Waterfalls at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Waterfalls at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Waterfalls at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Waterfalls at Plitvice Upper Lakes

Waterfalls at Plitvice Upper Lakes

I spent almost 6 hours in the park before collecting my backpack at Plitvice Hotel. The ‘water world’ experience around Plitvice Lakes National Park is almost surreal – peaceful surrounding (before it gets too crowded…), crystal clear lakes, gorgeous waterfalls and closeness to Mother Nature. This is definitely one of my personal favourites!!

欧洲普里特维采湖,青山绿水清澈見底,小魚漂浮優游自在,瀑布水流气势恢弘,
碧绿湖水仿佛镜面,倒映着天空的云朵,此景有如至身仙境,美到让人如痴如醉。

STAY: Plitvice Hotel review

I booked this hotel mainly for its location – near to the entrance of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Getting to Plitvice Hotel is fairly easy too, within a short walking distance from the bus stop on the main road. The lobby looks quite modern but the room itself is more of a classic look with forest view. Also, the lack of lifts may prove to be troublesome for those with luggage.

Plitvice Hotel entrance

Lobby of Plitvice Hotel

The basic room is comfortable and functional for my one night stay. However, there isn’t much to do around here after dark and the choices of TV Channels ain’t helping either. The food in the restaurant for dinner was not too bad.

Room of Plitvice Hotel

Dinner at Plitvice Hotel

The map to Plitvice Lakes National Park is available for purchase at Plitvice Hotel. Yes, it’s not free.

Map of Plitvice Lakes

What are your thoughts about Plitvice Lakes? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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About Author

Alex

A Singapore Travel Blog about one guy, his camera and an irresistible impulse to travel. Join his adventures to find travel reviews and tips @ WanderLex.com. Read more

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2 Comments

  1. Paulo@Travel Bugs
    March 27, 2016 at 9:29 am

    Nice walking trail. I enjoyed these kind of walks too. Great shot of the waterfalls :-)

    • Alex
      March 27, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Thanks Paulo. Yeah, it’s a great walk with wonderful scenery.

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