Plitvice Lakes day trip from Zagreb: 16 lakes and waterfalls

The park has 16 lakes stacked in a limestone canyon, connected by waterfalls you walk between on wooden paths.

This guided day trip from Zagreb takes you to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-protected reserve of 16 terraced lakes, forest trails and waterfalls across 295 square kilometers. You travel by van with a local English or Spanish-speaking guide, explore the park on foot and by boardwalk, take a boat ride on Lake Kozjak, and see Veliki Slap, the country's tallest waterfall. The route also stops at Rastoke, a watermill village where two rivers meet, on the drive out. Hotel pickup and park entry are included. The tour runs in all weather, though the panoramic train and electric boats do not operate November through March.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes tour

• Hotel pickup in Zagreb at 8am
• Drive 1.5 hours to Rastoke
• Pass river Sava, exit Zagreb
• Pass through Karlovac city
• Free time exploring Rastoke village
• Guided hike in Plitvice Lakes National Park
• See Veliki Slap, Croatia's highest waterfall
• Lunch break at Lake Kozjak
• Boat ride on Lake Kozjak
• Visit Veliki Prštavac waterfall on Lake Galovac
• Visit Prošćansko lake
• Panoramic train ride in the park
• Final 20-minute hike in Plitvice Park

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Zagreb hotel at 8am, then a 90-minute drive south through Karlovac: a city built on four rivers with a specific founding date because it was designed as a fortress against the Ottomans. Along the way your guide talks through the region's history and everyday life. You stop first at Rastoke, a small village where the blue-green Slunjčica river flows into the Korana, creating the same kind of natural waterfalls and pools that gave Plitvice Lakes its name. The village sits on a bridge Napoleon himself built, and you have free time to walk the watermill village before moving on.

At Plitvice Lakes, the guide takes you through the forest on foot and wooden boardwalks, starting with the four Lower Lakes. The first thing you see is Veliki Slap: a 78-meter waterfall, the highest in Croatia, that freezes solid in winter. After a lunch break (not included), you hike to the twelve Upper Lakes, passing Veliki Prštavac, a 28-meter waterfall on Lake Galovac. From November through March, you walk the entire route. In other months, a panoramic train carries you partway back, then you hike the final stretch from a different angle. The day ends with a boat ride on Lake Kozjak, one of the park's largest and deepest lakes, on an electric eco-friendly boat. You're back in Zagreb by early evening.

Small groups travel together in a comfortable van or minibus with a local guide who knows the park and can adjust the pace. Rain gear is provided if needed. The tour runs in all weather, though some park areas may close depending on conditions. You'll need comfortable walking shoes and moderate fitness for several hours of hiking on uneven surfaces. The tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities. Bring your passport. You can choose between English or Spanish-language departures when you book.

What’s included

• Park entrance fee.
• transport in a comfortable van or minibus.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a raincoat if needed.
• an official English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• road tolls and parking.

Options for this experience

4 options

Bus group tour in English08:30Lasts 10 hours, by mini-bus or bus

English language-small group08:30Guided van tour in English, pickup is included

Bus group tour in SpanishAvailable from 1 Jun 2027Lasts 10 hours, by mini-bus or bus

Spanish Language-small group08:30Small-group Plitvice Lakes & Rastoke tour in Spanish, ticket included (guaranteed departure)

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 15 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Roundabout Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the English-language small group if you want fewer than a dozen people and more flexibility from your guide. Choose the Spanish-language small group for the same setup in Spanish. The group bus options run larger but cost less: either way, the small-group approach means you're not herded through the park, and the local guide adjusts the pace to the group instead of sticking to a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (under 7).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Veliki Slap and why does it matter on this tour?

Veliki Slap is Croatia's highest waterfall at 78 meters, located in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's the first major sight on the hike and the centerpiece of the Lower Lakes section: the operator notes that one look at it is worth the price of admission alone, and in winter it freezes into an ice sculpture.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this day trip?

You hike for several hours on forest trails and wooden boardwalks throughout Plitvice Lakes, with a lunch break in the middle. From November through March, a panoramic train carries you partway back to reduce walking time. In other months, you walk the full route plus a 20-minute hike after the train ride. Comfortable hiking shoes and moderate fitness are required.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. You have a lunch break at Lake Kozjak, one of the park's largest lakes, but you'll need to bring your own food or purchase it separately.

What happens if I book in winter? Does the tour change?

From November 1st through March 31st, the panoramic train and electric boats do not operate, so the entire route is completed on foot and boardwalk instead. The tour still runs in all weather conditions, though some park areas may close depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included, and what if my hotel is outside central Zagreb?

Hotel pickup from selected Zagreb hotels is included in the tour price. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, public transportation options are available nearby to reach the meeting point.

What is Rastoke and why is it on the route?

Rastoke is a small watermill village situated where the Slunjčica river flows into the Korana, creating natural waterfalls and pools similar to Plitvice Lakes. It's sometimes called the Small Lakes of Plitvice. The village has historical significance (Napoleon visited and built a bridge there) and sits at the junction of two rivers. You have free time to explore it on the drive to the national park.