Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 or 2: Which Should You Choose?

Entrance 1 vs Entrance 2: quick comparison

Times are approximate. Queues, photos and long breaks can extend the visit. Follow the current route signs and check seasonal availability.

Plitvice Entrance 1: route C from the Great Waterfall to the Upper Lakes

1. 1. Walk down to the Great Waterfall

   After entering at Entrance 1, descend into the Lower Lakes canyon. Follow the signed detour to Veliki slap, the Great Waterfall and Croatia’s highest waterfall, then return to your route. The views arrive early, with wooden walkways, turquoise water and steep canyon sides. Allow time for photographs without blocking the narrow paths.

2. 2. Follow the Lower Lakes to Kozjak

   Continue along the Lower Lakes towards Lake Kozjak. The route follows lakes and cascades rather than a single riverside path. Although parts feel gentle, do not expect the whole walk to be flat: surfaces, steps and changes in height vary. Keep to the signs for programme C.

3. 3. Rest at Kozjačka draga and cross the lake

   At boat pier P3 in Kozjačka draga, there is space to rest and a catering facility when open. You can pause for a drink or something to eat before boarding the electric boat to P2. The park gives about 20 minutes for the long Kozjak crossing; waiting before boarding is extra. A departure interval of 30 minutes is not the crossing time.

4. 4. Walk upstream through the Upper Lakes

   From P2, continue through the Upper Lakes towards the higher part of the park. This section is mostly upstream, with lakes, cascades and viewpoints that invite frequent stops. Take your time and adapt your pace to the group. Reaching the other side of Kozjak does not mean the walking part of your day is finished.

5. 5. Labudovac and the return to Entrance 1

   Near Prošćansko Lake and Labudovac, you can rest before returning. The Labudovac buffet is a seasonal option, not a guaranteed year-round stop. Follow the route to panoramic vehicle station St3 and return towards St1. From St1, finish on foot to Entrance 1; the vehicle does not drop you at the ticket gate or your parked car.

Plitvice Entrance 2: route H through the Upper Lakes first

1. 1. Panoramic vehicle from St2 to St3

   From Entrance 2, walk to panoramic vehicle station St2 and take the service towards St3 at the higher end of the lake area. These are marked transport stations, not the entrance gates. Check the available service and follow the signs for programme H before setting off.

2. 2. Walk down through the Upper Lakes

   From the upper station, explore the Upper Lakes downstream towards Kozjak. This reverses the main direction of the Upper Lakes section described for route C. It can suit visitors who prefer downhill walking, but the complete route still has steps and climbs. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the waterfalls.

3. 3. Boat from P2 to P3 and a lakeside break

   Board at P2 for the long crossing to P3 in Kozjačka draga. Allow about 20 minutes on the water, plus boarding queues. On this circuit, the lakeside rest area comes after the Upper Lakes. When the catering facility is open, it is a convenient place to sit down before the Lower Lakes section.

4. 4. Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall

   Follow the marked route through the Lower Lakes canyon to Veliki slap. The major waterfall that appears early on route C comes later on route H. Take the signed detour as required. This section is not an entirely level walkway, so leave enough energy for the final ascent.

5. 5. Climb to St1 and return towards Entrance 2

   After the Great Waterfall, climb towards the canyon rim and follow programme H to station St1. Take the panoramic service towards St2, then walk to Entrance 2. You do not need to reach the Entrance 1 ticket gate to board: the marked St1 station is the relevant departure point.

How long is the walk from Kozjak through the Upper Lakes?

The park does not publish a separate official walking time for the P2–St3 section of these circuits. Do not confuse the duration of a complete programme with walking time for one section.

For scale, the official Upper Lakes programme E is 5.1 km and takes 2–3 hours, but that programme also includes transport. It is not a measured time for walking from P2 to St3. For your whole visit, use the published 4–5 hours for C or 4–6 hours for H, and allow extra time for long breaks, photographs or queues.

Which entrance to Plitvice is best for your day?

Choose Entrance 1 and route C if seeing the Great Waterfall near the start is your priority and you are comfortable walking upstream through the Upper Lakes afterwards. Choose Entrance 2 and route H if you prefer taking the panoramic vehicle uphill first and visiting the Upper Lakes mainly downhill.

Also consider your accommodation, your bus stop, the entrance and time shown on your ticket, and the routes available on your date. Neither entrance guarantees fewer crowds or an effortless walk for every visitor.

Plitvice Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 parking

Parking is available at both main entrances. Navigate to the specific car park for your booked entrance rather than simply entering “Plitvice Lakes” as your destination. Follow the current signs on arrival.

If travelling by bus, confirm the precise stop and your return connection. Allow time to walk from the final transport station to your exit or car park. Seasonal transport hours and the last departures matter when planning a complete circuit.

Plitvice entrances: frequently asked questions