Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes: 16 Terraced Lakes in Croatia's Lika Highlands

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, sits in the Lika region of central Croatia, roughly 130 km south of Zagreb and 110 km northeast of Split. The park's 16 terraced lakes — cascading from Prošćansko jezero at the upper end down to Novakovića Brod — are fed by the Korana River and linked by waterfalls, the tallest being Veliki Slap at 78 metres. Wooden boardwalks cross travertine barriers whose mineral content shifts the water's colour from turquoise to deep green with the seasons.

Where to Stay Near the Park

Most hotels and guesthouses cluster around Entrance 1 near Plitvički Ljeskovac and Entrance 2 near Mukinje settlement, both within 2 km of the main trailheads. The village of Rastoke, 13 km north near Slunj, offers smaller family-run stays beside historic watermill channels. Accommodation inside park boundaries is limited to the state-run Hotel Jezero and Hotel Plitvice, open seasonally.

Practical Tips

• Season: April–May and September–October bring fewer crowds and lower rates than the July–August peak.
• Access: Buses run from Zagreb (roughly 2.5 hours) and Split (roughly 3.5 hours) year-round.
• Entry: Park admission is charged separately from accommodation; tickets are timed and entrance-specific — book ahead in summer.
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes suit the boardwalk trails, which can be slippery near spray zones.