Plitvice Lakes Walking Tour - Route C

Route C is widely regarded as the definitive Plitvice Lakes walking tour — a comprehensive self-guided circuit that takes you through both the Lower and Upper Lakes, revealing the full majesty of Croatia's most visited national park. Covering approximately 8 kilometres of wooden boardwalks, forest trails, and lakeside paths, this route delivers every iconic Plitvice experience in a single outing. If you only have one day at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Route C is the trail that gives you everything. Your journey begins at Entrance 1, where the trail immediately descends into the dramatic Lower Lakes canyon. Within minutes you are walking on boardwalks suspended just centimetres above turquoise pools, with travertine barriers creating cascading waterfalls in every direction. The highlight of the Lower Lakes is Veliki Slap — at 78 metres, it is the tallest waterfall in Croatia and a truly awe-inspiring sight, especially in spring when snowmelt swells the flow. From here, the route winds through a deep limestone gorge past dozens of smaller waterfalls before reaching Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake. An electric boat carries you silently across the crystal-clear water to the Upper Lakes section, where the trail continues through a quieter, more forested landscape dotted with emerald pools and gentle cascades. A panoramic train ride returns you to the starting point, completing the loop. Route C typically takes between 4 and 6 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photographs. The trail is rated moderate — the boardwalks are flat but the distance requires reasonable fitness. Sturdy walking shoes with grip are essential as wooden surfaces can be slippery when wet. Both the electric boat and panoramic train are included in your park entrance ticket, so no additional transport costs apply. Start early (before 10:00) to walk the Lower Lakes boardwalks before the day-trip crowds arrive. Park entrance tickets cost approximately €40 per adult in peak season (July–August) and €27 in shoulder months, with children receiving significant discounts. Tickets can be purchased online at the official Plitvice Lakes website for guaranteed entry — advance booking is strongly recommended during summer as daily visitor limits are enforced. Free cancellation is available on most online bookings up to 24 hours before your visit. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions for Route C: water levels are high, temperatures are comfortable for hiking, and visitor numbers are manageable. Bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, and at least one litre of water. Pack snacks as there are no food facilities along the trail itself, though cafés are available near both entrances. A polarising filter for your camera will help capture the famous turquoise colours of the lakes. Route C is the ideal Plitvice Lakes walking tour for first-time visitors, nature enthusiasts, and photographers who want the complete experience. Book your entrance ticket in advance and discover why this trail is considered one of Europe's finest national park walks. Best Season: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) What's Included: Park entrance ticket, electric boat rides across Lake Kozjak, panoramic train rides, access to all boardwalk trails