From Zadar: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Enjoy a hassle-free day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park with guided walking, boat and train rides.

Getting started

Your journey begins with a comfortable pickup from the meeting point in Zadar, where you’ll meet your local guide. Settle in for a relaxing ride through Croatia’s rolling countryside as your guide shares insights into regional history and culture.

What to expect

Explore 16 terraced lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant ecosystems. With around four hours inside the park, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore its well-marked walking trails and serene viewpoints at your own pace.

Features

• Panoramic boat ride: Cruise across Lake Kozjak, the largest of the lakes, for the beautiful views of surrounding cliffs, trees, and waterfalls.

• Self-guided park exploration: Walk at your own rhythm through shaded forest trails and over wooden bridges that cross turquoise lakes and bubbling streams.

From Zadar: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

This full-day guided tour from Zadar includes roundtrip transport to the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, a panoramic boat ride across crystal-clear lakes, an electric train journey through lush forests, and an expert-guided walk. The park spans 194 square kilometers with over 16 interconnected lakes divided into upper and lower sections, featuring numerous waterfalls such as Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall) which stands at 78 meters high. Tourists will spend approximately nine kilometers walking on natural trails surrounded by breathtaking scenery, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the park's diverse ecosystem. The tour offers audio guides in multiple languages including English, German, and Italian, ensuring a comprehensive experience for international visitors. Highlights include panoramic views from the train ride through dense forests, boat journeys across pristine lakes, and guided walks along scenic trails that showcase unique geological formations and abundant wildlife. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive day filled with educational insights and unforgettable natural beauty.

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Your tour stops at Plitvice Lakes National Park where you will discover the UNESCO-listed park established in 1949, covering 194 square kilometers of stunning landscapes. The park is renowned for its sixteen interconnected lakes and numerous waterfalls including Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall) which stands at an impressive height of 78 meters. Visitors can spend about three hours exploring the upper and lower lakes, walking on well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls such as Kozjak Lake and Gavanovac Lake. The park's unique feature is its karst landscape with dolomite and limestone rocks that create a diverse ecosystem home to over 50 species of mammals and more than 126 species of birds. Why Plitvice Lakes National Park matters on this tour is because it offers an unparalleled natural experience, showcasing the beauty of Croatia’s protected areas while providing educational insights into conservation efforts.

Tour Highlights

• Panoramic boat ride at Lower Lakes
• Electric train journey through forested parklands (45 minutes)
• Audio guides in English, German, Italian
• Guided walk along Upper Lakes trails with waterfalls
• Option to photograph Veliki Slap waterfall (20 minutes)
• Experience scenic trails covering 9km of natural paths
• Access to park’s educational center detailing conservation efforts
• Convenience including roundtrip transport from Zadar

Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs, this full-day guided tour provides an immersive experience through Plitvice Lakes National Park's diverse ecosystems. The nine-kilometer walk on natural trails allows you to explore Upper and Lower Lakes, observe Veliki Slap waterfall up close, and learn about the park’s conservation efforts at its educational center. This comprehensive day trip offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Croatia’s stunning natural landscapes while gaining valuable insights into environmental preservation.