Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip in Zagreb

One of the biggest attractions in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes National Park, situated in the region of Lika, close to the town of Slunj. Every summer, thousands of tourists flock to this beautiful World Heritage Site in order to take in the breathtaking nature that it has to offer. But for those living in or near Zagreb, the question arises: can you make it a Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip from Zagreb? The answer is yes! And in this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how to do it.

Why You Should Make the Trip

Plitvice Lakes National Park is quite simply stunning. Its 16 emerald-green lakes are connected by stunningly picturesque waterfalls and cascades, which demonstrate the power and beauty of nature in all its glory. Above the lakes and waterfalls exists a lush forest, which is home to beautiful wildlife such as bears, wolves and owls. In addition, there are numerous walking tracks and pathways which are ideal for taking in the natural beauty of the park at your own speed.In addition to its natural beauty, Plitvice Lakes National Park boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Nearby Rastoke is an old Croatian village where two rivers – the Korana river and the Slunjčica river – run together, forming their own natural falls and creating their own special beauty. This peaceful village has remained relatively untouched since its origins back in the Middle Ages; making it a place of culture, tradition, and authentic experiences.With such a wealth of natural sights and cultural experiences on offer, it is no wonder that Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke are a popular destination for Croatian tourists. In fact, many people choose to base their holiday around this location, so if you have time available these two sites should be pretty close to the top of your itinerary.

How to Make a Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip from Zagreb

The first thing that you will need to do in order to make a Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke day trip from Zagreb is to book a tour or organise transport for yourself. The distance between Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 140 kilometres – around 95 miles – and can take close to two hours to drive. Plenty of guided tours are available from Zagreb which go through Plitvice Lakes National Park and the nearby village of Rastoke. Details of these can be found on sites such as GetYourGuide. These tours usually last 8-9 hours, with some also including lunch as part of the package. If you would prefer to take your own transport, then you have several options. Firstly, you can rent your own car at Zagreb airport or take a private transfer if you don’t feel like driving yourself. Alternatively, there are several buses per day that go directly between Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes National park. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, although it can be longer depending on traffic conditions. Once you arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will need an entrance ticket, which can be bought either online or once you get there. It is highly recommended that you book your ticket online before arrival as there are often queues at the entrance gates for those who pay on the day.

Things to Do at Plitvice Lakes National Park

Once inside, there are numerous things that you can do to make the most of your day trip from Zagreb. Firstly, there are the countless walking tracks and pathways that go throughout the park. These trails vary in length and difficulty, so you will be able to find one that suits your fitness level. Walking these trails provides amazing views not only of the lakes and waterfalls but also of local Croatian wildlife such as bears and wolves, which you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of during your visit. In addition to the hiking trails, there are also numerous other outdoor activities that you can enjoy while at Plitvice Lakes National Park. These include boating, whitewater rafting, fishing and even canoeing – although this tends to be an experience that is more popular during summer months. If you only have a few hours at your disposal then one of the most popular ways to explore Plitvice Lakes is via its electric boats; these little boats shuttle visitors along some of the park’s most beautiful stretches of water. Boats depart from Kozjača every hour from 9 am until 5 pm from May-September; outside these months they operate between 9 am until 4 pm.¹ Finally, for those who would like to make the trip extra special there are also several restaurants located close to the park where you can enjoy some traditional Croatian cuisine after a day of exploring. It might also be worth looking into some of the nearby hotels if you plan to stay overnight at Plitvice Lakes National Park.²

Things to Do at Rastoke

Once your time at Plitvice Lakes National Park comes to an end – or if you simply want to swap scenery for a few hours – then next stop should be Rastoke. This old Croatian town is situated only 8-miles away from Plitvice Lakes National Park and makes for a wonderful end to your day trip from Zagreb! Rastoke’s main attraction its two rivers which run together in a picturesque fashion – Korana river and Slunjčica river – forming some beautiful waterfalls where traditional family houses stand by their sides making it look like a scene out of a fairytale!In fact, Spend an hour or two at Rastoke walking along its enchanting pathways or simply sit back and listen while its rushing cascades provide a calming atmosphere – whatever you choose to do here it will certainly be an experience unlike any other.

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know about making a Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke day trip from Zagreb! It really isn’t too hard no matter how you decide travel around: rent a car or take a guided tour. Just make sure to book your ticket in advance if you can (which is highly recommended) as further queues at the entrance gates can really eat up valuable time on this day trip. When making your way back from Plitvice Lakes National Park be sure not to miss Rastoke – known for its stunning cascades formed by Korana river and Slunjčica river! This old Croatian town plays host effortlessly between nature & man with its historic houses falling flowing waterside while offering traditional restaurants food & entertainment too – making it perfect place finish off this unforgettable daytrip! For more information on guided tours or attractions in the region, be sure to check out GetYourGuide. There’s something for everyone – so make it a Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke day trip from Zagreb today. ¹ Source: https://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/visiting-the-park/boating/ ² Source: https://www.plitviceholidayhouse-rio60brdo.com/