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Usitour
must-visit in PlitviceNational Park & Nature

Lower Lakes

📍 Entrance 1, Plitvicka Jezera, 53231 Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Lower Lakes
1 photos
4.8/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Croatia, Plitvice
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
3-4 hours; the full Route C takes about 4-5
Address
Entrance 1, Plitvicka Jezera, 53231 Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Coordinates
44.8656, 15.5823

Introduction

The Lower Lakes are the lower-elevation section of the Sixteen Lakes park, chaining the four main lakes of Gradinsko, Veliko, Milanovacko and Novakovica, and the classic hiking stretch of the whole system. Travertine dams hold the water back level by level, each spill becoming a cascade, the colours shifting from jade to deep blue with minerals and light while the boardwalks run almost at water level; at the end of the section stands Veliki Slap, the 78-metre Great Waterfall that crowns the route, its roar filling the canyon as the strongest memory of the whole walk. The classic Route C enters at Entrance 1 and follows the boardwalks downhill through the lakes and falls for 4-5 hours, finishing at the Great Waterfall; an electric boat across Lake Kozjak and the panoramic shuttle link the Lower Lakes to the Upper Lakes, so the two sections can be strung into one day. In winter, roughly November to mid-March, when the Upper Lakes close, the Lower Lakes stay open and become the park's main ground. They are covered by the park ticket, with no separate charge.

✨ Highlights

1
Four Lakes in a Chain
Gradinsko, Veliko, Milanovacko and Novakovica linked in the park's lowest and most classic stretch.
2
The 78-Metre Great Waterfall
Veliki Slap drops 78 metres at the section's end, its roar the strongest memory of Route C.
3
Boardwalks at Water Level
The boardwalks run almost at water level between lakes and falls, gentle and open - the park's best stretch for slow walking and photos.
4
The Classic Route C
From Entrance 1, downhill through lakes and falls for 4-5 hours to finish at the Great Waterfall - the recommended first route.
5
Boat and Shuttle Links
The Kozjak electric boat and panoramic shuttle tie the Lower Lakes to the Upper Lakes, making a single-day loop.
6
The Winter Ground
From about November to mid-March the Upper Lakes close while the Lower Lakes stay open - almost the only option in low season.

🛈 Practical Info

→Route advice：Route C enters at Entrance 1 and runs downhill through the lakes and falls for 4-5 hours to the Great Waterfall; if time is short, turn back at a midway viewpoint
→Boat and shuttle：The Kozjak electric boat and panoramic shuttle connect the Lower and Upper Lakes; enter at Gate 1, boat or shuttle up, and loop back for an efficient day
→Best time：The first hour after opening leaves the boardwalks nearly empty; after 3pm the tour groups thin and the light warms; in winter the light window is short, so come early
→Worth it?：Yes - the Lower Lakes have the park's most developed route and densest waterfalls, with the Great Waterfall as the climax; with half a day, Route C here beats a rushed whole-park tour
→Watch out：Boardwalks are wet year-round with some unrailed stretches over water, so wear grippy shoes and watch children; book online June-September; boardwalks may close in storms or high wind
→Combine with：String it with the twelve Upper Lakes and the Kozjak boat for a full day; inland, the Barac cave village and the Rastovaca service area by Entrance 1 are easy add-ons
→Opening Hours：Follows the park: 7:00-20:00 in summer, opening at 8:00 otherwise; in winter, roughly November to mid-March, the Upper Lakes close while the Lower Lakes stay open
→Transportation：Entrance 2, park

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Covered by the park ticket with no separate charge (2026: EUR 10/23/40 by season, free for under-7s)

💡 Tips

• Route C starts at Entrance 1 and ends at the Great Waterfall, 4-5 hours in all.
• The first hour after opening leaves the boardwalks nearly empty with the best light.
• Boardwalks are wet year-round, so grippy hiking shoes are essential.
• The Lower Lakes are covered by the park ticket - no extra ticket needed.
• In winter the Upper Lakes close but the Lower Lakes stay open at the lowest price.
• Some stretches run unrailed over water, so hold children's hands.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Lower Lakes?

Follows the park: 7:00-20:00 in summer, opening at 8:00 otherwise; in winter, roughly November to mid-March, the Upper Lakes close while the Lower Lakes stay open

How much is the admission for Lower Lakes?

Adult: Free; Covered by the park ticket with no separate charge (2026: EUR 10/23/40 by season, free for under-7s)

Any practical tips for visiting Lower Lakes?

Route C starts at Entrance 1 and ends at the Great Waterfall, 4-5 hours in all. The first hour after opening leaves the boardwalks nearly empty with the best light.

How long should I spend at Lower Lakes?

A typical visit takes 3-4 hours; the full Route C takes about 4-5.

Lower Lakes hours follow the park's overall schedule - the Upper Lakes close in winter while these stay open; boardwalks are slippery and some stretches run unrailed beside the water, so take care in storms. Compiled October 2026.