Visiting Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes in Winter

Croatia is an ideal popular destination during summer because of its crystal-clear sea, breathtaking cliffs and very characteristic seaside villages. It is a mix of attractions, relaxation, and fun in the wild and untouched nature. 

A few hours’ drive from the coast, is one of the places for which Croatia is known — the Plitvice Lakes nestled in the National Park of the same name. The Plitvice Lakes National Park includes as many as 16 lakes and is a zone of crystal-clear waters and green areas; a rare sight that attracts thousands of tourists every year in the peak season of summer. 

The enchanting frozen waterfalls inside Plitvice Lakes Park 

However, perhaps not everyone knows that the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a destination not to be missed during the coldest season either; when its appearance changes radically, but its beauty remains intact.

So, layer up and let us go into the Narnia-like beauty of the Plitvice Lakes in Winter! 

Inside the Plitvice Lakes National Park 

The 16 lakes, halfway between the Croatian capital, Zagreb and Zadar, in Dalmatia, receive water from the two rivers Bijela Rijeka and Crna Rijeka as well as underground rivers. The lakes are in turn interlocked with each other by several scenic and big waterfalls that flow into the Korana River. 

The snow-laden trails inside the Plitvice Lake Park 

Plitvice Lakes are also very popular with children because they recreate a fairytale atmosphere. Thanks to the wooden walkways (about 18 km) overflowing with water, you will feel as if you are immersed in the lakes themselves. The Plitvice Lake entrance ticket also includes various transportation like panoramic trains or electric boats to move comfortably inside the park.  

During winter, we recommend you visit this fantastic destination even if you have already admired it in other seasons. Snow falls almost always in this area every year, so you can enjoy a unique and exciting panorama. But, in winter, there are many variables. For instance, it can happen, though very rarely, that the park is closed due to heavy snowfall. 

The park is divided into a lower area with smaller lakes and an upper lake area where you can admire the spectacle of the waterfalls — perhaps also the most famous and recommended part of the whole park. For those who love skiing, you can practice this sport from the entrance near the village Mukinje, where there are easier slopes suitable for children as well as for those who want to use the toboggan. 

Coming with children? Try tobogganing in Mukinje 

What animals can you spot in Plitvice Lakes Park? 

Since the park largely remains unspoiled and has strict policies to conserve the natural flora and fauna, there is a lot that one can explore and learn about the natural ecosystems of the park. There are 8 walking routes to explore; four of which start at Entrance 1 and are open throughout the year, and the other four start at Entrance 2 but remain closed during winter.  

The Plitvice Lake Park is home to an impressive 321 species of butterflies, ground beetles, alpine salamanders, 22 species of bats and rich ornitho-fauna that includes birds like woodpeckers, owls, raptors and chickadees. For wildlife photographers, the park is perhaps the finest avenue to get the pictures of a lifetime! 

A herd of the adorable ranch deer in Plitvice Lake 

Can you see bears in Plitvice Lakes Park? The park is indeed a natural habitat for this magnificent carnivore. Having said that, it may not be possible to see a bear at the lakes as they prefer secluded areas, and it is prohibited to wander off the marked trails in the park. However, other animals that you can see in the park are the red deer and, if you are very lucky, then also the endangered Eurasian lynx and otters. 

Is Plitvice Lakes open in November and December? 

The park is open year-round to be enjoyed; but the upper lake area of the park remains closed during winter, which starts in the first week of November and ends in the first half of March. 

A stunning aerial shot of the Plitvice Lakes in winter 

Distance of Plitvice Lakes Park from major cities 

As only 70 km2 out of the massive 300 km2 of the total area of the Plitvice Lakes Park is open during winter, it is better to make a day trip to the Croatian national park rather than staying the night. One can easily visit the park from major tourist cities like Zadar, Zagreb and Split.

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes: 1.5 hours 

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes: 2 hours 

Split to Plitvice Lakes: 2.5 hours

Tip: The free parking entrance is located at Entrance 1! 

Plitvice Lakes Park tickets 

The Plitvice Lakes Park tickets can be easily booked online the day before you want to visit the lakes or you can buy them on-site till 14:00, which is 2 hours before the park closes! 

Tip: Don’t miss the electric boat rides, which are operational during winter in the biggest lake of the lower area, Lake Kozjak. 

Weather in Plitvice Lakes during November-March 

The weather conditions in the park remain highly variable throughout the year. Therefore, check the Plitvice Lake weather forecast and dress up accordingly. In winter, since it is common to snow it is important to layer up and wear shoes with good treading to avoid slipping on the narrow icy paths of the lake trails. 

The sun brightening the crystal-clear waters of the Plitvice Lakes 

So, are you ready to visit a destination that will make you feel unique emotions even in the coldest months with frozen waterfalls, the colour of emerald water standing out in the white snow, and all around, a snowy landscape? 

Discover here our vacation homes and visit the national parks in Croatia!