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Usitour
must-visit in PlitviceNational Park & Nature

Kozjak Lake

📍 P3 Pier, Plitvicka Jezera, 53231 Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Kozjak Lake
1 photos
4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Croatia, Plitvice
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
1.5-2 hours including the crossing
Address
P3 Pier, Plitvicka Jezera, 53231 Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia
Coordinates
44.8700, 15.6100

Introduction

Lake Kozjak is the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park: about 81.5 hectares and some 46 metres deep, the largest and deepest lake in the park, lying between the Upper Lakes (twelve) and the Lower Lakes (four). That it is one lake at all is the work of travertine - a 40-metre barrier that once divided two lakes grew faster downstream, so about 400 years ago the water rose and merged them, the old barrier now about 4 metres under the surface; the bed is impermeable dolomite, so the water never sinks into the karst. Three piers, P1, P2 and P3, are served by open-sided silent electric boats, the main P2-P3 crossing taking about 10-15 minutes, included in the park ticket. From the boat you can see Stefanija's Island near the centre, a small travertine islet named after Crown Princess Stephanie of Belgium's 1888 visit; fish are visible in the exceptionally clear water between forested limestone cliffs, the quietest stretch of water in the park. At the southern end the Burget cascades pour in from Gradinsko Lake. In peak season the P3 pier queues 20-30 minutes between 10:00 and 15:00; coming from Entrance 2 on Route H and boarding at P2 is usually quicker, and wheelchair users can take the boat with staff assistance.

✨ Highlights

1
The Largest, Deepest Lake
About 81.5 hectares and 46 metres deep, the park's largest and deepest lake, lying between the Upper and Lower Lakes.
2
Two Lakes Merged 400 Years Ago
A 40-metre travertine barrier that once divided two lakes grew faster downstream, raising the water and merging them about 400 years ago; the old barrier lies 4 metres down.
3
The Silent Electric Boat
Open-sided silent electric boats run between piers P1, P2 and P3, the main P2-P3 crossing taking 10-15 minutes, included in the park ticket.
4
Stefanija's Island
The small travertine islet near the centre, named after Crown Princess Stephanie of Belgium's 1888 visit, is visible from the boat and serves as the water route's landmark.
5
The Burget Cascades
At the southern end a series of low travertine cascades pours in from Gradinsko Lake, close enough to touch from the walking path.
6
A Name from Goats
Kozjak comes from the Croatian koza, goat - legend says 30 goats crossing frozen ice to escape wolves fell through and drowned, giving the lake its name.

🛈 Practical Info

→Boats and piers：Three piers - P1 near Entrance 2, P2 on the Upper Lakes shore, P3 on the Lower Lakes shore; the main P2-P3 crossing takes 10-15 minutes and P1-P2 about 5, every 15-30 minutes at peak
→Avoiding queues：At P3, 20-30 minute queues are common 10:00-15:00 in peak season; coming from Entrance 2 on Route H and boarding at P2 is clearly faster, and within the first hour there is barely a queue
→Boat and shuttle：The boat links the Upper and Lower Lakes while the panoramic shuttle, an open-sided road vehicle, connects stations ST1, ST2 and ST3 along the 3 km internal road - both included in the ticket and both structural to the routes
→Duration：1.5-2 hours: 10-15 minutes on the water plus the shore boardwalks, the Burget cascades and the pier rest areas; P3 is the park's largest rest area with food and toilets
→Best time：The first hour after opening brings mist and mirror reflections; in October the golden-red beech reflections are the park's finest photography; midday light is flat and crowds peak
→Worth it?：Yes - the only water-level perspective in the park, revealing the canyon's scale and cliff height in a way the boardwalks cannot; but the crossing itself is only 10-odd minutes, so do not treat it as a standalone sight
→Watch out：Swimming is prohibited in all park lakes; build queue time into peak-season plans; the boat may stop in winter and low season, so call +385 53 751 014 first; wheelchair users can board with staff help
→Opening Hours：Follows the park (7:00-20:00 in summer, opening at 8:00 otherwise); boats run every 15-30 minutes at peak, less off-season and may stop in severe winter
→Transportation：Park transfer pier

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

The boat is included in the park ticket at no extra cost (2026: EUR 10/23/40 by season, free for under-7s)

💡 Tips

• The boat is included in the park ticket - no separate fare.
• On Route H board at P2 to save half an hour over the P3 queue.
• The first hour after opening brings mist and mirror reflections.
• Watch for Stefanija's Island and water birds along the cliffs.
• Pier P3 is the park's largest rest area with food and toilets.
• Swimming is prohibited in all lakes; the boat may stop in winter.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Kozjak Lake?

Follows the park (7:00-20:00 in summer, opening at 8:00 otherwise); boats run every 15-30 minutes at peak, less off-season and may stop in severe winter

How much is the admission for Kozjak Lake?

Adult: Free; The boat is included in the park ticket at no extra cost (2026: EUR 10/23/40 by season, free for under-7s)

Any practical tips for visiting Kozjak Lake?

The boat is included in the park ticket - no separate fare. On Route H board at P2 to save half an hour over the P3 queue.

How long should I spend at Kozjak Lake?

A typical visit takes 1.5-2 hours including the crossing.

Boat schedules shift by season and may stop in severe winter; before a low-season or winter visit call the park at +385 53 751 014. Swimming is prohibited in all park lakes. Compiled October 2026.