Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour with Entry Tickets from Split

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the mountains of central Croatia and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Sixteen named lakes step down through a wooded canyon, separated by natural barriers of travertine, the mineral that gives the water its turquoise, green and blue shades. This is what draws visitors on a Plitvice Lakes day trip from Split.

The park is best known for its cascades, wooden footbridges and clear water. Many travellers ask whether Plitvice Lakes is worth visiting; the answer is nearly always yes, thanks to the sheer number of waterfalls. Swimming is not allowed, which helps protect the fragile formations. Park opening hours and some routes change with the season.

The trail between the upper and lower lakes

The park is divided into the Upper Lakes, in a green valley, and the Lower Lakes, in a deeper canyon. On this tour you explore the trail between the two, passing springs, meadows, caves and small waterfalls. The route follows raised wooden paths, so you walk close to the water without disturbing it.

The Veliki Slap, or Big Waterfall, is the tallest in the park at about seventy-eight metres and a highlight of the lower section. Many visitors ask how long to spend at Plitvice Lakes; on this tour you have around four and a half hours, which is enough to see the main sights at a comfortable pace.

Boat trip and electric train

Between walks you rest with a panoramic boat trip across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake, and an electric train ride that links parts of the park. Both are included in this tour's ticket, so you do not need to buy extra tickets or queue separately.

The boat gives a different view of the cascades and tree-lined banks, and the train saves your legs after the trail. The trip is easy to follow, and the guide explains the route so you can move at your own pace.

The drive from Split and planning the day

The drive from Split to Plitvice takes about three and a half hours each way, with a short café stop on the way there and back. On the road the guide gives live commentary on the Croatian countryside and history, and the coach is comfortable.

The tour starts at 07:30 from a meeting point in Split. Hotel pickup is not included. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and food and drinks, which are not included. The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is in spring, for high water, or in autumn, for colour, while summer is busiest and winter is cold and snowy.