Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 or 2: Which One is Better?
Visiting Plitvice Lakes and not sure whether to start from Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 or Entrance 2?
There are pros and cons to both Plitvice Lakes Entrances, but in general it is best to start from Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1.
After tons of research and spending time exploring Plitvice Lakes ourselves, we used Entrance 1 and I highly recommend it due to the convenience and the ability to see the Lower Lakes first (before the crowds come).
For more information on why Entrance 1 is best and when you should choose Entrance 2 instead, see below!
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How Many Entrances does Plitvice Lakes Have?
Officially, Plitvice Lakes has 2 entrances, referred to as Entrance 1 (north entrance) and Entrance 2 (south entrance). Both entrances have parking lots, ticket booths, and can get you started on one of the many trail routes that are available in the national park.
Plitvice Lakes Entrance Locations
Both Plitvice Lakes Entrances are located off the state road D429. Below are the exact GPS locations for both.
Entrance 1 (north entrance)
GPS Coordinates: 44°54’17.9”N 15°36’40.3”E
Entrance 2 (south entrance)
GPS Coordinates: 44°52’58.5”N 15°37’25.2”E
Is There an Entrance 3 at Plitvice Lakes?
Technically there is an Entrance 3 to Plitvice Lakes National Park, but it is only open to guests of some of the nearby hotels and not the general public. There also isn’t a parking lot or ticket booth, and so you will need to use one of the official Entrances 1 or 2.
What is the Difference between Plitvice Entrance 1 and 2?
The biggest difference between the Plitvice Lakes Entrances is that Entrance 1 is next to the Lower Lakes while Entrance 2 is next to the the Upper Lakes.
Both Entrances 1 and 2 offer parking, ticket booths, and the ability to start on one of the walking routes that go through the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
For more details about each entrance see below:
Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1
☑️ Near the start of the Lower Lakes and a view of the Veliki Slap
☑️ Routes A, B, C, and K1 all start from Entrance 1
☑️ Parking Lot, Restaurant, and Ticket Booth
☑️ Flixbus Station is at Entrance 1
Plitvice Lakes Entrance 2
☑️ Near the start of the Upper Lakes
☑️ Route E, F, H, and K2 all start from Entrance 2
☑️ Parking Lot, Restaurant, and Ticket Booth
☑️ Closer to Hotel Jezero and Plitvice Hotel
Which is the Best Entrance at Plitvice Lakes?
Entrance 1 is the best entrance at Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is easy to find and there is plenty of parking as well as a ticket both.
However, the reason that Entrance 1 is the best is because you are immediately greeted with an incredible view of Veliki Slap, Croatia’s highest waterfall.
From there, you can follow the unique boardwalk path through the beautiful Lower Lakes. If you arrive early and state from Entrance 1, there will be fewer crowds which creates a magical experience.
The Upper Lake paths tend to be a bit less crowded as they are higher up and slightly more difficult, so it is best to do the Lower Lakes early and then move on to the Upper Lakes.
Reasons to use Entrance 1
✅ See the best part of the park first
✅ If you arrive early, you’ll see the Lower Lakes without the crowds
✅ Experience the unique boardwalk paths with fewer people (if you arrive early)
✅ Easier for those with limited mobility/only want to see the Lower Lakes
✅ Entrance 1 is easy to find and use
When Should You Use Plitvice Lakes Entrance 2?
If you want to do the Upper Lakes first, you can start with Plitvice Lakes Entrance 2.
Additionally, if you decide to arrive between 10am-12pm, it may be beneficial to try Entrance 2 and explore the Upper Lakes first (especially during the summertime).
Then, once it is later in the day you can go see the Lower Lakes as hopefully the crowds will thin out later in the afternoon.
Our Experience at Plitvice Lakes
We spent a full day exploring Plitvice Lakes in late June (which is high season). I was a bit nervous it would be overcrowded and so we did a ton of research beforehand.
We decided to go with Entrance 1 and arrived before 8am and it was the best decision. We also mostly followed Route C, which included both the Lower and Upper Lakes.
Starting with Entrance 1 early in the morning allowed us to explore the Lower Lakes and see highlights like the famous Veliki Slap without many other people around.
Once we got to the boat ride, we waited for about 5 minutes and were on our way to the other part of the trail. We continued onto the Upper Lakes, which we found to be even less crowded.
The key aspect of our experience was that we started early from Entrance 1 and saw the most popular part of the park before the major crowds arrived.
Where to Stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park
While it is possible to do a day trip to Plitvice, it may be a better option to stay closer to the national park for at least 1 night so that you can arrive early.
Below are some highly rated hotels near Plitvice Lakes National Park.
📍 Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes Hotel
Located in the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park, this highly rated hotel is a great choice. The hotel includes a delicious breakfast and the rooms have an authentic wooden ambiance.
📍 Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
This 4-star hotel is located only 10km from Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is highly rated, with air-conditioned rooms and beautiful decor with a natural ambience. It is a perfect option for 1-2 nights near Plitvice Lakes.
FAQ: Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 or 2
Start at Entrance 1. This entrance will give you better views of the waterfalls when you arrive, and if you arrive early it allows you to explore the Lower Lakes without the crowds.
Route C is the best route for seeing both the Lower and Upper Lakes. Route C starts at Entrance 1 and takes about 3-5 hours. First it goes through the Lower Lakes then takes a boat ride to the Upper Lakes portion. After exploring the Upper Lakes, you’ll take the train back to Entrance 1.
It is best to visit Plitvice Lakes in the early morning. By arriving around the time the park opens you can experience one of the most beautiful places in Croatia for a few hours before the intense crowds that come later in the day.
The Wrap Up: Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 or 2
Plitvice Lakes National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. It is a UNESCO site for its universal value and is definitely worth visiting on your next trip to Croatia.
For the best experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park, it is recommended to arrive to the park early (before 9am in high season) and start with Plitvice Entrance 1.
Entrance 1 will immediately lead you to some of the parks highlights, including the unique boardwalk paths of the Lower Lakes and some stunning viewpoints of Veliki Slap.
From Entrance 1 you will also have a choice of several different hiking routes, including route C which will take you through the Lower Lakes and then through the Upper Lakes.
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