Stats, trail tips and important information regarding this trail are located at the bottom of the blog post. Unless explicitly noted, all pictures in this blog are owned by me and should otherwise not be used without expressed written consent.
The trip to Croatia did not initially go as planned. On my hiking bucket list is an island hiking cruise. We booked this cruise during COVID and then it was cancelled. We had to pivot. So Croatian road trip it was!
We began in Split, traveled up to the Istrian Peninsula then south and finally to the island of Braç. Heading south after Sibenik we were able to visit one of the most amazing waterfall hikes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Plitvice (plit vitsa) Lakes. Because it was during COVID, we were graced with a lighter crowd.
The area is relatively remote and within the country’s interior. When we arrived, the view as you enter the park is spectacular…
And the overview video…
A beautiful panoramic view of the park, but the park has so much to offer than meets the eye.
There are 16 lakes connected by waterfalls. The trail is almost entirely composed of a wooden decking system…
The water is a stunning milky blue-green color partly due to the limestone and chalk deposit at the bottom of the lake…
Walking so close to the waterfalls is a surreal experience. I’m used to having to go off-trail for that!
A picture of an awesome bridge… well, most of the hike is basically one long bridge…
One of the many, many waterfalls in the hike begin to come into focus once you walk beyond the trees…
Looks like an impossible waterfall huh? Or artificially made? Just crazy. And check out this little God-made waterslide…
A panoramic view never disappoints here…
This video helps you get a sense of how enveloping the hike is…
Even a random, downhill slope turns into a waterfall around here…
The hike also takes you to the upper lakes via electric boat. Interesting experience indeed but we did not photograph it as we were attempting to finish before the park closed.
With every hike, I can tell you “you have to see it to understand its beauty”. Plitvice Lakes is enormously photogenic, but pictures still do not do it justice. Walking above the water, feeling the wind of the waterfalls, hearing the rush of water, taking intermittent relaxing strolls above the water away from the waterfalls. If you can see it, you should see it. Croatia is highly underrated and so is this geological wonder.
Total Distance/Time: 9.4 miles in 3 hrs 30 min
Calories Burned: 750 (estimate; I was an idiot and accidentally left my fitness watch at home)
Trail Type: Loop Trail
Trail Features: Waterfalls, lake, terraced walkways, boat ride
Best Time to Hike: Summer and Fall
Trail Tips: This is the most popular park in Croatia so it can get busy. Visit early or during off times to have more of the park to yourself.
Difficulty Rating: 4/10
Trailhead Coordinates: 44.9055001, 15.6118100
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Absolutely stunning!
It is truly a special place!
Thank you for sharing your awesome adventures with us, with such great detail! Super inspiring!!
You’re welcome, Dave! I hope my hikes give you some ideas on where you’d like to travel. 🙂 Plitvice Lakes is just an absolutely spell-binding place. As in general, Croatia is such a hidden gem travel destination.