Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the most visited national park in this country. Plitvice lakes are visited throughout the year, but the summer season is the period when the park is most crowded. But what about Plitvice Lakes in winter? Absolutely stunning, if you ask us. Yes, most of the park is closed and you can visit only some of its parts, but once the snow covers the surrounding nature, everything becomes so fairytale-like.
The cascading waterfalls freeze into intricate icicles, the emerald-green lakes become surrounded by snow-covered trees, and the serene atmosphere creates a magical experience for anyone visiting this period. Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter offers a unique perspective of this UNESCO site, but it’s essential to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your adventure.
Here’s what to expect out of your visit to Plitvice Lakes during this period.
Can you go to Plitvice Lakes in winter?
Yes, you can. Although the most of the park is not open and there are many restrictions on where you can go and what you can visit, you can still enjoy the snowy wonderland of this national park in Croatia. It’s completely different than any other time of the year, and we sould say winter is the most magical season to visit Plitvice Lakes.
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes in Winter? First of all, why should you visit Plitvice Lakes in Winter in the first place? Croatia is nowhere as visited during the winter as it is in other seasons. If you visit Croatia in winter, you’ll find out that options are very limited when it comes to usually available tourist content. If you’re visiting Croatia in this period, then you should think about visiting Plitvice Lakes, especially during the snowfall. If you are from neighboring countries such as Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and such, you might want to wait until the snowfall and then head toward Plitvice.
Winter transforms Plitvice Lakes into a dreamy wonderland, which attracts photographers, nature enthusiasts, and basically anyone looking for a peaceful escape. The lack of summer crowds allows you to explore the park at your own pace, and the snow-covered landscape provides a stunning contrast to its vibrant summer colors.
Highlights of Winter Visits :
Frozen waterfalls and snowy wooden pathways.
A tranquil atmosphere with fewer visitors.
Unique photo opportunities of the icy scenery.
What to Expect During Winter While Plitvice Lakes is open year-round, winter brings certain changes that visitors should be aware of. We already mentioned that parts of the park are closed which means you won’t be able to explore some of the park’s parts. On the other hand, Plitvice Lakes in winter have way less visitors and you really have the opportunity to enjoy the peace and serenity winter brings to this place. You will see from the images we attached to this article that we were basically one of the rare visitors to the Plitvice Lakes National Park that day.
Here’s what to expect if you plan to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia during winter.
Closed Sections : Some trails and upper lakes may be inaccessible due to safety concerns, especially during heavy snowfall or icy conditions. You can expect most of the wooden pathways to be inaccessible since they are not cleaned.Shorter Days : With limited daylight hours, plan your visit to make the most of the available time.Winter Weather : Temperatures at Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter can drop significantly, often below freezing point, so dressing warmly is essential if you plan to visit Plitvice in this period.
Air temperature at Plitvice Lakes during winter
Wherever there is a snow you can expect low temperatures so be prepared for them. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in Lika region, the coldest part of Croatia. Lika has a continental climate which means it can get very cold, especially during the nights. Day temperatures during winter can be as low as 0 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures can drop well below zero. Always check the forecast before getting to Plitvice Lakes and dress accordingly.
Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Winter If you plan to visit this stunning national park in Croatia during the winter, then you need to take a few extra steps to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
Dress Appropriately :
Wear layers of clothes to stay warm, including a waterproof outer layer.
Insulated hiking boots with good grip are a must for walking on icy trails of Plitvice Lakes.
Bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf to protect against the cold.
Plan Your Route :
Check the official park map and updates at the entrance to see which trails and sections are open.
Stick to the lower lakes if higher sections are closed due to snow.
Stay safe and respect the closed areas of the park.
Arrive Early :
The park opens at 8:00 AM, and arriving early allows you to enjoy the serene beauty before other visitors arrive. Being among the first to enter means you’ll have more time to explore with fewer people around.
Use Public Transport :
Winter roads can be icy, so consider using public transport or shuttle services to reach the park safely. If you are arriving in Croatia by car, always check road conditions before you embark toward Plitvice Lakes National Park. The regional roads are usually well-maintained and clean of snow.
Activities to Enjoy on Plitvice Lakes in Winter While many tours near Plitvice Lakes are not open during the winter period, you still have a lot of opportunities to make your day on Plitvice Lakes in winter even better. If you are visiting this national park outside the winter period, know that you have many adventure options and activities to do around.
1. Walking Tours
The snow-covered wooden trails create a magical walking experience. Focus on exploring the lower lakes and the Great Waterfall (“Veliki slap”), which often freezes into a stunning ice creation. Just walking through the Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter is simply an experience in itself.
2. Photography
Winter light and the snowy landscape provide you with incredible photography opportunities. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for capturing the park’s beauty. That’s what we did when we visited Plitvice Lakes in winter. We just walked around and made some great photo memories as well as regular ones.
3. Peaceful Environment
Without the summer crowds, winter is perfect for quiet, reflective walks surrounded by beautiful nature. It’s the kind of peace that really reaches into you.
4. Visit Željava Airbase
Željava Airbase is not part of Plitvice Lakes National Park, but we wanted to include it in this article since it’s nearby and one of the most stunning abandoned places in Croatia. Željava is basically an underground airport and one of the largest underground military installations in Europe. It’s possible to visit it, just make sure you stay safe while exploring it.
Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes Many accommodations near the park offer cozy retreats during the winter season. While many accommodations are not available during the winter season, you’ll still have no problem finding a place to stay.
Here are some recommendations:
Hotel Jezero :
Located within the park, this hotel is convenient for early starts and explorations of the Plitvice Lakes in winter.
Offers nice old-fashioned rooms and a restaurant with local meals.
Guesthouses in Rastovača :
A short drive from the park entrance, these family-run accommodations provide authentic Croatian hospitality.
Chalets in Mukinje :
Perfect for a rustic winter experience, these types of accommodations are ideal for couples and families.
Dining Options Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter means fewer dining options, so make sure you pack enough snacks and water.
For a warm meal, consider these nearby options:
Bistro Vučnica (Mukinje): Serves local dishes and hot drinks, perfect for after the exploration of the park. There is also a ski area there so if you are into skiing, you can rent equipment and enjoy this activity at Plitvice Lakes area.Lička Kuca (Entrance 1): Offers traditional Croatian cuisine in a rustic setting.
Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes in Winter So what would be the best period to visit Plitvice Lakes in winter? Each winter is different, and unfortunately, there is not as much snow nowadays as there was in previous decades. Still, there are few snowy days at Plitvice Lakes each year. We suggest you wait for the snowfall and visit Plitvice as soon as possible after it.
December to February : Snow is most likely during this period, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. January and February are usually the coldest months.Weekdays : Fewer visitors mean a quieter experience compared to weekends which can still attract Croats to visit the Plitvice Lakes in winter.
Challenges of Visiting in Winter Although winter at Plitvice Lakes brings absolutely amazing landscapes and experiences, there are still some challenges of visiting the park in this period.
Accessibility :
Heavy snowfall may temporarily close roads leading to the park so you might get stuck in traffic. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling.
Limited Facilities :
Some visitor facilities, such as restaurants and restrooms, may have reduced hours or be closed during winter. This is a common limitation for all of Croatia in winter. There are simply not many visitors for these facilities to remain open.
Safety Concerns :
Icy trails within the Plitvice Lakes can be slippery; always follow marked trails and park guidelines. Also, have the proper gear when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter.
Alternative Activities Nearby If you’re staying in the Plitvice Lakes area for a few days, you might want to consider these nearby activities:
Skiing in Mukinje :
A small ski slope perfect for beginners is located near the park.
Rastoke Village :
Known as the “Small Plitvice,” this charming village features waterfalls and traditional mills. We suggest visiting it while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in winter.
Snowshoeing or Hiking :
Explore nearby hiking trails for a different perspective of Croatia’s winter landscapes. Nearby Plješivica mountain offers a lot of nice hiking trails. But beware of the winter conditions and hike with the necessary winter equipment.
Željava Airbase :
We already mentioned this underground marvel of Croatia. It’s not so far away from Plitvice and you might want to visit it if you are into urban exploration and abandoned places similar to Željava.
Drežnik Grad :
Drežnik Grad is the old tower not so far away from Plitvice Lakes and it holds many answers to the rich history of this area.
Before You Venture to Plitvice Lakes in Winter Plitvice Lakes in winter is a magical destination that offers escape into nature. You can experience part of it simply by looking at the images in this article. But if you really want to enjoy the winter wonderland of Plitvice Lakes National Park, then you should plan your visit after the first heavy snowfall.
Although there is not much to do around Plitvice at this time of the year, and a lot of the park is out of limits, we still believe it’s worth visiting it, especially if you are already visiting Croatia and passing by.
Enjoy the winter at Plitvice Lakes National Park!
