Complete Plitvice Walking Routes Guide: Routes A to K Compared (2026)

Plitvice Lakes National Park offers seven official walking routes — labeled A, B, C, E, F, H, and K — and choosing the right one can make or break your visit. Pick a route that's too short and you'll leave wishing you'd seen more. Pick one that's too ambitious and you'll spend the final hours exhausted, rushing past scenery you came thousands of kilometers to see. The park's route system is actually well-designed once you understand it, but with limited signage explanation at the entrances and confusing letter designations (there is no Route D, G, I, or J), most visitors end up guessing — or worse, following the crowd onto whatever path is closest.

Here's what you need to know: the park is divided into two sections — the Lower Lakes (a dramatic canyon with the park's most famous waterfalls) and the Upper Lakes (a gentler, more spread-out chain of lakes winding through dense forest). The enormous Lake Kozjak sits between them, acting as a natural divider that you cross by electric boat. Some routes cover only the Lower Lakes, some only the Upper Lakes, and the best routes cover both. The park also provides a free panoramic train (an open-sided electric tram) that shuttles visitors between stops, and an electric boat service across Lake Kozjak — both are included in your ticket and incorporated into most routes.

The routes split by entrance: Routes A, B, and C start from Entrance 1 (the northern entrance, closest to the Lower Lakes canyon). Routes E, F, and H start from Entrance 2 (the southern entrance, near the Upper Lakes). Route K is the grand loop — a full-day hiking trail that circles the entire park and can start from either entrance.

This guide breaks down every route with the specific details you need to make a confident decision — distances, durations, difficulty, highlights, pros, cons, and exactly who each route is best for.

---

Route Comparison Table

Before diving into individual details, here's a side-by-side comparison of all seven routes to help you quickly narrow down your options:

Route	Entrance	Distance	Duration	Difficulty	Lakes Covered	Boat	Train	Best For
A	1	3.5 km	2–3 hrs	Easy	Lower only	No	No	Quick visits, limited mobility
B	1	4.0 km	3–4 hrs	Easy	Lower + Kozjak crossing	Yes	Yes	First-timers with half a day
C	1	8.0 km	4–6 hrs	Moderate	Lower + Upper	Yes	Yes	Seeing everything in one day
E	2	5.1 km	2–3 hrs	Easy	Upper only	Yes	Yes	Peaceful morning walk
F	2	4.6 km	3–4 hrs	Easy	Lower only	Yes	Yes	Entrance 2 visitors wanting Lower Lakes
H	2	8.9 km	4–6 hrs	Moderate	Upper + Lower	Yes	Yes	Full park from Entrance 2
K	1 or 2	18.3 km	6–8 hrs	Hard	Full park + forest trails	Yes	No	Serious hikers, crowd avoidance

Key takeaway: If you want to see both lake systems in a single day, Routes C, H, or K are your options. Route C starts at Entrance 1 (going Lower → Upper), Route H starts at Entrance 2 (going Upper → Lower), and Route K is the full hiking loop.

---

Route A — The Quick Lower Lakes Loop

Starting Entrance: Entrance 1 (north) Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles) Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Easy Elevation Change: ~60 meters descent and ascent Boat Ride: No Panoramic Train: No

What You'll See

Route A is the shortest and simplest option in the park. From Entrance 1, you descend into the Lower Lakes canyon along a forested path and immediately encounter the park's most iconic sight: Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall), Croatia's tallest waterfall at 78 meters. The trail then follows wooden boardwalks through the Lower Lakes — Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac — where cascades tumble between turquoise pools separated by living travertine barriers. The boardwalks here weave directly over the water, sometimes only centimeters above the surface, creating an immersive experience that feels like walking through the waterfalls rather than just observing them.

After reaching the furthest point near Kozjak Bridge, you loop back via a higher forest trail that offers panoramic overlooks of the canyon below. This elevated return path provides completely different perspectives of the same lakes you just walked through — the aerial views of the turquoise water cutting through the white travertine are genuinely stunning.

Who Route A Is Best For

• Visitors with limited time (airport transfer day, afternoon arrival)
• Families with very young children or visitors with limited mobility
• Anyone who wants a taste of Plitvice without committing a full day
• Late arrivals who enter the park after 2:00 PM in summer

Pros and Cons

Pros: Shortest route; sees the park's most famous waterfall; no reliance on boat or train schedules; easiest to navigate; great for photography with dramatic canyon scenery.

Cons: Misses the Upper Lakes entirely; no boat ride experience; the Lower Canyon is the most crowded section of the park; feels incomplete if you've traveled far to visit. The lack of the boat crossing means you miss one of the park's signature experiences.

Seasonal Notes

Route A works year-round, including winter when some longer routes have sections closed. In spring (April–May), the Lower Lakes waterfalls are at their most powerful. In summer, arrive before 8:00 AM to have the canyon boardwalks to yourself — by 10:00 AM, Route A becomes a slow shuffle behind tour groups.

---

Route B — Lower Lakes Plus Boat Ride

Starting Entrance: Entrance 1 (north) Distance: 4.0 km (2.5 miles) Duration: 3–4 hours Difficulty: Easy Elevation Change: ~60 meters descent, flat return Boat Ride: Yes (P3 → P1, approximately 20 minutes across Lake Kozjak) Panoramic Train: Yes (ST2 → ST1 back to Entrance 1)

What You'll See

Route B follows the same initial path as Route A — the descent to Veliki Slap, the Lower Lakes boardwalks through Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac — but instead of looping back through the forest, you continue past Kozjak Bridge to the P3 boat terminal. Here you board the free electric boat for a scenic 20-minute crossing of Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake at 81.5 hectares. The boat glides silently across emerald water surrounded by forested hills — it's a highlight in itself, and the mid-hike rest is welcome.

You disembark at the P1 terminal on the opposite shore, then walk a short distance to the ST2 train stop. The panoramic train (a quiet electric tram with open sides) carries you back to Entrance 1. The train ride runs through meadows and forest, offering a relaxing final stretch after hours on the boardwalks.

Who Route B Is Best For

• First-time visitors with a half-day available who want the full Plitvice experience (walking, boat, train)
• Families with children — the boat ride breaks up the walking and kids love it
• Visitors who want to see the Lower Lakes plus experience the boat without committing to 5+ hours

Pros and Cons

Pros: Includes the Lower Lakes' best waterfalls plus the boat crossing — the two most popular Plitvice experiences. Manageable distance for all fitness levels. The boat provides a natural rest break. Train ride back eliminates uphill return walking.

Cons: Still misses the Upper Lakes. The P3 boat terminal can have 20–40 minute queues in peak summer. You see the Lower Lakes in the same direction as most other visitors, so the boardwalks can feel congested, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Seasonal Notes

The electric boat runs year-round but with reduced frequency in winter (November–March). In peak summer, arrive early to minimize boat queue times. Route B is excellent in autumn when the Lake Kozjak crossing offers stunning reflections of fall foliage on the mirror-still water.

---

Route C — The Complete Experience from Entrance 1

Starting Entrance: Entrance 1 (north) Distance: 8.0 km (5.0 miles) Duration: 4–6 hours Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Change: ~150 meters total (gradual) Boat Ride: Yes (P3 → P2, longer crossing including Upper Lakes drop-off) Panoramic Train: Yes (ST3 → ST1 back to Entrance 1)

What You'll See

Route C is the most popular comprehensive route, and for good reason — it covers both lake systems in a single outing. You start with the full Lower Lakes canyon (Veliki Slap, all the boardwalk waterfalls), then take the electric boat from P3 across Lake Kozjak to P2, which drops you at the starting point of the Upper Lakes.

The Upper Lakes are a different world from the Lower Canyon. Instead of dramatic vertical drops, you walk along a gentle chain of interconnected lakes — Gradinsko, Galovac, Burgeti, Okrugljak, and Ciginovac — connected by hundreds of smaller cascades, mini-falls, and travertine streams. The water here is shallower, the colors shift between jade and sapphire depending on depth and sunlight, and the forest presses in closer. You'll encounter the beautiful Veliki Prštavac and Mali Prštavac waterfalls, which cascade down moss-draped cliffs into impossibly clear pools.

After walking the Upper Lakes loop, you reach the ST3 train stop, where the panoramic train carries you back to Entrance 1. The train ride takes approximately 15 minutes and passes through open meadows with views of the surrounding mountains.

Who Route C Is Best For

• Anyone who wants to see everything in one day from Entrance 1
• Photographers — this route covers both the dramatic Lower Canyon and the serene Upper Lakes, offering maximum variety for composition
• Visitors with moderate fitness and 5+ hours available
• The recommended route for most visitors — it's comprehensive without being exhausting

Pros and Cons

Pros: Covers both lake systems completely. Includes boat ride and train ride. The most efficient way to see the whole park in one visit. Good balance of walking, riding, and resting. Walking direction (Lower → Upper) means you start with the most dramatic scenery when you're freshest.

Cons: At 4–6 hours, it requires a decent time commitment. The Lower Lakes section will be crowded during midday regardless of season. By the time you reach the Upper Lakes, afternoon light can be harsh in summer. The boat crossing from P3 can involve significant queues (30–60 minutes in July–August).

Seasonal Notes

Route C is ideal in spring and autumn when water levels are high, crowds are moderate, and light conditions favor photography throughout the day. In summer, start by 7:30 AM — you'll reach the Upper Lakes by late morning before the worst crowds arrive there. In winter, the Upper Lakes section may have partially closed boardwalks, so check current conditions at the entrance before committing to Route C.

For the best photography spots along Route C, see our Plitvice Lakes Photography Guide.

---

Route E — The Peaceful Upper Lakes

Starting Entrance: Entrance 2 (south) Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 miles) Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Easy Elevation Change: ~100 meters (gradual descent) Boat Ride: Yes (P1 → P2, short crossing) Panoramic Train: Yes (ST3 → ST2 back to Entrance 2)

What You'll See

Route E is the Upper Lakes equivalent of Route A — a focused, manageable loop that covers one lake system thoroughly. From Entrance 2, you take the panoramic train to ST3, then walk down to the P2 boat landing. A short boat ride across the southern end of Lake Kozjak brings you to P1, where you begin the Upper Lakes walking trail.

The trail meanders along the chain of Upper Lakes: Prošćansko Jezero (the highest and one of the most beautiful lakes), Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Burgeti, Galovac, and Gradinsko. This section feels markedly different from the Lower Canyon — quieter, more intimate, with the forest canopy creating dappled light on the water. The boardwalks here are narrower, the cascades smaller but more numerous, and the overall atmosphere is meditative rather than dramatic.

You'll walk past Veliki Prštavac (the Upper Lakes' tallest waterfall at 18 meters) and Mali Prštavac, both of which are gorgeous and far less photographed than Veliki Slap because fewer visitors reach them. After completing the loop, you return to ST3 for the train ride back to Entrance 2.

Who Route E Is Best For

• Visitors who've already seen the Lower Lakes on a previous visit or day
• Anyone staying near Entrance 2 who wants a relaxed morning walk
• Nature lovers and birdwatchers — the Upper Lakes forest is rich with wildlife
• People who prefer solitude over spectacle — the Upper Lakes receive roughly 40% fewer visitors than the Lower
• Excellent for photographers seeking soft light and reflections without the Lower Canyon crowds

Pros and Cons

Pros: Significantly fewer crowds than the Lower Lakes routes. More intimate, forest-immersed experience. Includes boat ride and train ride. Short enough to combine with afternoon activities outside the park. Some of the most beautiful water colors in the park — the shallower Upper Lakes produce incredible turquoise-to-emerald gradients.

Cons: Misses the iconic Veliki Slap waterfall and the dramatic Lower Canyon. The waterfalls here are smaller and less "Instagram-famous." Entrance 2 has limited opening hours in winter (sometimes closed entirely December–February). Less dramatic scenery for visitors expecting the classic Plitvice postcard shots.

Seasonal Notes

Route E is outstanding in autumn — the Upper Lakes forest is predominantly beech, and when the leaves turn golden-orange in October, the reflections on the still lake surfaces are extraordinary. In spring, the numerous small cascades along the Upper Lakes are swollen with snowmelt. Summer mornings on Route E are magical — arrive when Entrance 2 opens and you may have the boardwalks largely to yourself for the first hour.

---

Route F — Lower Lakes from Entrance 2

Starting Entrance: Entrance 2 (south) Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 miles) Duration: 3–4 hours Difficulty: Easy Elevation Change: ~60 meters Boat Ride: Yes (P1 → P3, full Lake Kozjak crossing) Panoramic Train: Yes (ST1 → ST2 back to Entrance 2)

What You'll See

Route F is essentially Route B in reverse — it takes visitors from Entrance 2 to the Lower Lakes and back. From Entrance 2, you take the panoramic train to the ST2 stop, then walk to the P1 boat terminal. The electric boat carries you across Lake Kozjak to P3, where you disembark near the Lower Lakes.

From P3, you walk the Lower Lakes boardwalks — Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac — and visit the Veliki Slap waterfall, following the same canyon trail that Routes A, B, and C cover. After exploring the Lower Canyon, you walk up to the ST1 train stop near Entrance 1, where the panoramic train takes you back to Entrance 2.

Who Route F Is Best For

• Visitors who parked at or arrived at Entrance 2 but want to see the Lower Lakes
• Those doing a two-day visit who covered the Upper Lakes on day one (via Route E) and want the Lower Lakes on day two
• Anyone looking for the Lower Lakes experience with a different starting perspective

Pros and Cons

Pros: Sees the dramatic Lower Canyon and Veliki Slap from Entrance 2. Includes the full Lake Kozjak boat crossing. Approaching the Lower Lakes from the opposite direction means you arrive at Veliki Slap last — a dramatic grand finale rather than an opening act.

Cons: Route F is less popular and therefore less documented — signage can feel less intuitive. The boat crossing is longer (P1 to P3 is the full lake distance). Subject to the same Entrance 2 seasonal availability limitations. Takes slightly longer than Route B due to the transport logistics.

Seasonal Notes

Route F works best from April through October when Entrance 2 is fully operational. The reversed direction (arriving at the Lower Canyon from the south side) actually provides excellent afternoon light for photography — the sun illuminates the canyon walls from behind you, which is the opposite of what Route A/B photographers experience in the morning.

---

Route H — The Complete Experience from Entrance 2

Starting Entrance: Entrance 2 (south) Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 miles) Duration: 4–6 hours Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Change: ~150 meters total Boat Ride: Yes (P2 → P1 and P1 → P3) Panoramic Train: Yes (ST1 → ST2 back to Entrance 2)

What You'll See

Route H is the Entrance 2 mirror of Route C — a comprehensive route that covers both lake systems. You start with a panoramic train ride to ST3, then walk down to the Upper Lakes. After exploring the full chain of Upper Lakes (Prošćansko Jezero through Gradinsko), you reach the P2 boat terminal and take the boat to P1. From P1, a second short boat ride to P3 brings you to the Lower Lakes.

Now you walk the Lower Canyon boardwalks — the same dramatic waterfalls and turquoise pools — finishing with Veliki Slap before walking up to the ST1 train stop. The panoramic train returns you to Entrance 2.

The key difference from Route C is the direction: Route H goes Upper Lakes → Lower Lakes, while Route C goes Lower Lakes → Upper Lakes. This matters more than you might think. Starting with the gentle, serene Upper Lakes and building toward the dramatic Lower Canyon means you finish your day with the most spectacular scenery — Veliki Slap and the canyon boardwalks are your grand finale. Many experienced visitors actually prefer this narrative arc.

Who Route H Is Best For

• Anyone staying near Entrance 2 who wants to see everything
• Visitors who prefer the Upper → Lower direction (building toward the dramatic finish)
• Those who arrive via bus from Split or Zadar (buses often stop at Entrance 2)
• Repeat visitors who did Route C previously and want a fresh perspective

Pros and Cons

Pros: Covers both lake systems comprehensively. The Upper → Lower direction means you save the most dramatic scenery for last. Starting at Entrance 2 means slightly smaller initial crowds (more visitors enter at Entrance 1). The slightly longer distance (8.9 km vs C's 8.0 km) actually provides a more relaxed pace with less backtracking.

Cons: Entrance 2 has seasonal limitations (check opening status in winter). Two boat rides means double the potential for queuing. The route is slightly longer than C with the same overall coverage. Some visitors find the Upper Lakes less exciting as a starting point — if you're tired by the time you reach the Lower Canyon, you might rush through the best part.

Seasonal Notes

Route H is excellent in summer when starting at Entrance 2 before 8:00 AM means you'll have the Upper Lakes almost to yourself while most crowds funnel through Entrance 1. By the time you reach the Lower Lakes at midday, the morning rush has passed and afternoon crowds haven't peaked yet — you hit a sweet spot. In spring, the Upper Lakes' snowmelt cascades make the opening section particularly beautiful. Route H may be partially unavailable in winter when Entrance 2 closes.

---

Route K — The Grand Hiking Loop

Starting Entrance: Entrance 1 or Entrance 2 (full loop) Distance: 18.3 km (11.4 miles) Duration: 6–8 hours Difficulty: Hard Elevation Change: ~300 meters cumulative Boat Ride: Yes (one crossing, P2 → P1 or P1 → P2 depending on direction) Panoramic Train: No (hiking replaces all train segments)

What You'll See

Route K is Plitvice's hidden gem — the full circumnavigation of the park that only a small fraction of visitors attempt. This trail covers everything the other routes cover plus substantial sections of elevated forest trail that no other route reaches. You'll walk through dense beech and fir forest on hilltop paths with panoramic views down to the lakes below, cross meadows where you might spot deer or wild boar, and experience the park as a genuine wilderness rather than a managed visitor attraction.

Starting from Entrance 1, you descend to the Lower Lakes and walk the canyon boardwalks past Veliki Slap and through the full cascade sequence. After taking the boat across Lake Kozjak (P3 → P2 or P1 → P2), you walk the Upper Lakes loop. But instead of taking the train back, you continue on foot along the western ridge of the park — a forested trail with occasional clearings that provide breathtaking elevated views of the entire Upper Lakes chain.

The trail loops above Prošćansko Jezero (the highest lake), passes through stretches of old-growth forest, and eventually descends back to the eastern side of the park. You return to your starting entrance via forest paths that parallel but sit well above the main boardwalk routes.

The terrain on Route K is more varied than other routes — expect a mix of boardwalks, gravel trails, packed earth forest paths, and some steeper rocky sections. This isn't a technical hike, but it requires proper footwear and reasonable fitness. The total elevation gain of approximately 300 meters is spread across the full 18.3 km, so no single climb is particularly brutal, but the cumulative distance is demanding.

Who Route K Is Best For

• Serious hikers who want to experience Plitvice as a genuine wilderness hike, not just a boardwalk stroll
• Visitors who hate crowds — the elevated forest sections of Route K see perhaps 5% of the traffic that the Lower Canyon receives
• Photographers seeking unique perspectives — the elevated viewpoints offer compositions that 99% of Plitvice photos miss
• Anyone with a full day (8+ hours) and good fitness who wants the most complete Plitvice experience possible
• Wildlife enthusiasts — the forest sections offer the best chances of spotting deer, woodpeckers, and potentially even signs of brown bear activity

Pros and Cons

Pros: The most comprehensive and rewarding Plitvice experience. Genuine solitude on the forest sections. Unique elevated perspectives unavailable on any other route. Covers absolutely everything. A real sense of achievement. The forest sections are stunningly beautiful and completely different from the lake boardwalks.

Cons: 18.3 km is a long day — not suitable for casual visitors or families with young children. Requires proper hiking shoes (the forest sections can be muddy or slippery). Limited facilities on the forest trail sections — carry water and snacks. Some sections have minimal shade in summer. If you start late, you risk not finishing before the park closes. Navigation on the forest sections requires more attention than the heavily-signed boardwalk routes.

Seasonal Notes

Route K is best attempted from May through October when trail conditions are dry and daylight hours are long enough to comfortably complete the hike. Spring (May–June) is ideal — the waterfalls are powerful, the forest is lush, temperatures are comfortable for long hiking, and the trails are dry. Autumn (September–October) is equally beautiful with fall colors making the forest sections spectacular. Avoid Route K in winter — the elevated forest sections can be icy, dangerous, and some may be officially closed. In summer, start at park opening (7:00 AM) to maximize cool hiking hours and finish before the afternoon heat.

---

How to Choose Your Route

With seven options, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical framework based on the four factors that matter most.

Based on Time Available

• Under 3 hours: Route A (Entrance 1) or Route E (Entrance 2). Both give you a genuine Plitvice experience in a compact timeframe. Route A is more dramatic; Route E is more peaceful.
• 3–4 hours: Route B (Entrance 1) or Route F (Entrance 2). These add the boat crossing, which many visitors consider the highlight of their visit.
• 4–6 hours: Route C (Entrance 1) or Route H (Entrance 2). These are the sweet spot for most visitors — you see both lake systems without feeling rushed. Route C or H is what we recommend for the majority of visitors.
• 6–8 hours: Route K from either entrance. For dedicated hikers only.

Based on Fitness Level

• Low fitness / mobility concerns: Route A is entirely walkable on boardwalks and gravel paths with no reliance on transport schedules.
• Average fitness: Routes B, C, E, F, or H are all manageable for anyone who can walk 5–9 km on mostly flat terrain with some gentle inclines.
• High fitness: Route K is the only route that constitutes a genuine hike. All other routes are essentially flat walks on boardwalks.

Based on Your Interests

• Photography: Route C or H for maximum variety. Route K for unique elevated perspectives. See our Plitvice Photography Guide for specific spots on each route.
• Waterfalls: Route C gives you both Veliki Slap (78m) and the Upper Lakes' Veliki Prštavac (18m) plus hundreds of cascades.
• Solitude and nature: Route E (Upper Lakes only) or Route K (forest sections). Both offer genuine peace.
• Families with kids: Route B is ideal — manageable distance, the boat ride entertains children, and the Lower Canyon's boardwalks feel like an adventure.
• Instagram / social media: Routes A or B cover the most-photographed viewpoints — Veliki Slap, the Lower Canyon boardwalks over turquoise water, and the Lake Kozjak crossing.

Based on Season

• Spring (April–May): Route C or H to see all waterfalls at maximum power.
• Summer (June–August): Route H from Entrance 2 to avoid the worst Entrance 1 morning crowds. Or Route K to escape crowds entirely.
• Autumn (September–November): Route E for Upper Lakes fall foliage reflections, or Route K for the full forest color experience.
• Winter (December–March): Route A is the safest bet — it operates year-round and doesn't depend on Entrance 2 or extensive transport services.

For detailed seasonal planning, see our Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes guide.

---

Route Tips and Hacks

Best Times to Start

The single most impactful thing you can do is arrive when the park opens. In summer (June–August), gates open at 7:00 AM. In spring and autumn, it's 8:00 AM. In winter, 9:00 AM. Being at the entrance when it opens means you'll have the first hour largely to yourself — the tour bus groups don't arrive until 9:30–10:00 AM.

If you're doing Route C or H, early starts are especially critical. The boat terminals develop long queues by mid-morning. Starting at 7:00 AM in summer means you'll reach the P3 boat terminal by 9:00 AM, well before the 30–60 minute queues form.

Direction Strategy: Clockwise vs Counterclockwise

For Routes C and H, the official direction matters. Route C takes you Lower Lakes → boat → Upper Lakes → train back. Route H is the reverse. But here's a tip many guides miss: if you're at Entrance 1 and the park is busy, consider doing Route C in reverse by taking the train to ST3 first, walking the Upper Lakes while they're quiet, then doing the Lower Lakes in the afternoon when the initial morning rush has cleared. You'll need to follow the H route path logic in reverse, but the park paths allow it.

Crowd Avoidance Strategies

Beyond early starts, these tactics help:

• Skip the viewpoint crowd: At Veliki Slap, most visitors cluster at the main viewpoint platform. Walk 100 meters further along the trail for an equally good (and uncrowded) angle.
• Eat off-schedule: The park restaurants peak from 12:00–1:30 PM. Bring snacks and eat on the trail, or eat lunch before 11:30 AM.
• Reverse the boat: Instead of walking down and boating back (like most groups), consider using the boat first and walking back — you'll move against the flow of traffic.
• Visit on weekdays: Saturdays are the busiest day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see the fewest visitors.

Photography Spots by Route

• Route A/B/C: The footbridge above the Veliki Slap base pool (use a wide-angle lens); the boardwalk section between Gavanovac and Milanovac where cascades fall directly beside the path; the elevated return trail overlook above the Lower Canyon.
• Route E/H: The reflection pools along Galovac Lake (arrive before 10 AM for mirror-still water); the Veliki Prštavac waterfall viewing platform; the narrow boardwalk through the reed-lined southern end of Gradinsko Lake.
• Route K: The western ridge viewpoint overlooking the full Upper Lakes chain (approximately km 12 from Entrance 1); the old-growth forest section with massive beech trunks.

For comprehensive camera settings and equipment advice, see our Photography Guide.

Where to Take Breaks

There are food and drink facilities at both entrances, at the P1/P2 boat landing area (mid-park), and at the ST2 train stop near Kozjak Bridge. These are the only places with toilets along the routes. Plan accordingly — if you're doing Route K, carry water and snacks for the forest sections where there are no facilities for several hours.

The boat rides are natural rest points. The Lake Kozjak crossing gives you 15–25 minutes of seated rest with spectacular scenery — use it to hydrate, eat something, and check your photos.

---

Combining Routes

Can You Do Multiple Routes?

Technically, the routes overlap significantly. Routes A, B, and C share the same Lower Lakes section — B is just A extended, and C is B extended further. Similarly, Routes E and H share the Upper Lakes section. So "combining" two routes doesn't mean doubling your walking — it usually means extending one route into another.

The most practical combinations:

• Route E + Route A (Two-Day Plan): Day 1, take Route E from Entrance 2 to enjoy the Upper Lakes in the morning. Day 2, take Route A from Entrance 1 for the Lower Lakes canyon. This lets you experience both lake systems at a relaxed pace without the 4–6 hour commitment of Route C or H. Two-day tickets are available at a discount compared to buying two separate tickets.

• Route A morning + Route E afternoon: If you're fit and have a full day, you could enter at Entrance 1 in the morning for Route A (2–3 hours), then drive or take a shuttle to Entrance 2 for Route E in the afternoon (2–3 hours). This gives you both lake systems with a break in between. However, Route C or H achieves the same coverage more efficiently.

• Route C + Route K extension: Some hikers do Route C but continue on foot instead of taking the train back from ST3, adding the western forest trail section. This creates a hybrid that's roughly 14 km and takes 6–7 hours. It's not an official route but is perfectly walkable if you follow the Route K trail markers from ST3 onward.

Time Needed for Combinations

Budget a full day (8+ hours including breaks) for any serious combination. If you're doing a two-day plan with separate routes on each day, 3–4 hours per day is comfortable. Remember that park entry times and closing times vary by season — check the official schedule before planning ambitious combinations.

---

Special Considerations

Accessibility

Route A is the most accessible option — the boardwalks are generally flat and wide enough for careful navigation, though they are wooden with some uneven sections and no handrails in places. The park is not wheelchair accessible on the boardwalk trails. Visitors with mobility limitations should consult the entrance staff for current conditions. The panoramic train is step-on/step-off with no ramp.

Visiting with Children

Children aged 7+ can handle Routes A, B, C, or E without difficulty. The boat ride is a guaranteed highlight for kids. For children under 7, stick to Route A or B — the distance is manageable, and the canyon scenery is dramatic enough to hold their attention. Bring snacks, as there are limited food options on the trail. Buggies and strollers are not practical on the boardwalks.

Winter Walking

In winter (December–March), Route A from Entrance 1 is the most reliable option. Entrance 2 may be closed, limiting access to Routes E, F, and H. The panoramic train runs on a reduced schedule, and the electric boat may also have limited departures. Boardwalks can be icy — wear shoes with good grip. The upside is dramatic: frozen waterfalls, snow-dusted forests, and almost no other visitors. For detailed winter planning, see our Best Time to Visit guide.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book a specific route in advance? No. You buy a general park entry ticket, and at the entrance, you choose which route to follow. The routes are suggested itineraries, not reserved paths — you can switch routes or modify your walk once inside. However, in peak summer (July–August), the park has daily visitor caps, so booking your entry ticket in advance is strongly recommended.

Which route is best for first-time visitors? Route C (from Entrance 1) or Route H (from Entrance 2) — both cover the complete park in 4–6 hours. If you only have 3 hours, Route B from Entrance 1 gives you the Lower Lakes highlights plus the boat ride.

Are the routes marked with signs? Yes. Each route is marked with its letter on signposts throughout the park. Maps are available free at both entrances, and the official park app includes GPS trail maps. That said, the signage can be confusing at junction points where multiple routes overlap — when in doubt, follow the flow of other visitors or ask park staff.

Can I switch routes halfway through? Absolutely. The routes share many of the same paths, so extending Route A into Route B or Route B into Route C is simply a matter of continuing forward instead of turning back. You cannot easily switch between Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 routes mid-walk without using the transport systems.

Is Route K safe to do alone? Yes, Route K is a well-marked trail within a national park — it's not backcountry wilderness. However, the forest sections are less trafficked, so tell someone your plans, carry enough water (at least 2 liters), and start early to ensure you finish before the park closes. Mobile phone signal is intermittent on the elevated forest sections.

How crowded are the routes? Routes A, B, and C (Lower Lakes from Entrance 1) are the busiest, especially between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM in summer. Route E from Entrance 2 sees roughly 40% less traffic. Route K's forest sections are nearly empty. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.

Do I need hiking boots? For Routes A through H, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are perfectly fine — the paths are boardwalks and gravel. For Route K, proper hiking shoes with ankle support and good grip are recommended, especially if conditions are wet. In winter, waterproof boots with traction are essential for all routes.

Can I bring a dog? No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

What happens if it rains? The park is open rain or shine, and the boardwalks are walkable in rain (though they get slippery — wear appropriate shoes). Waterfalls are actually more spectacular after rainfall, and the crowds thin dramatically. Bring a waterproof jacket rather than an umbrella — the boardwalks are too narrow for umbrellas, and the waterfall mist will soak you regardless.

Is there an entrance fee for every route? All routes use the same park entry ticket. The fee varies by season: approximately €10 in winter, €23.50 in spring/autumn, and €40 in peak summer. The ticket includes unlimited use of the electric boat and panoramic train. Children under 7 enter free. For full pricing details, see our Complete Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide.