Plitvice Lakes Hiking Routes Compared: Complete A-K Guide (2026)
Plitvice Lakes National Park has eight official routes labeled A through K, skipping a few letters along the way. For first-time visitors standing at the entrance with map in hand, the system is confusing. The letters don't indicate difficulty, they don't go in order of length, and the signage doesn't explain which route suits your time, fitness, or interests.
This guide breaks down every route: where it starts, how far it goes, what you'll see, and who it's best for. Whether you have two hours or eight, there's a route here that fits.
Understanding the Route System
All routes start from one of two entrances. Entrance 1 sits at the Lower Lakes end, near Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall). Entrance 2 sits at the Upper Lakes end, closer to Prošćansko Jezero, the park's highest lake.
Routes combine three modes of transport: walking on boardwalks and forest trails, an electric boat across Lake Kozjak (the largest lake, separating Upper and Lower), and the panoramic train between stops and entrances. The boat and train are included in your ticket price.
The route letters designate specific combinations of path, boat usage, and train stops -- think of them as preset itineraries, not difficulty grades. And you're never locked in. The letters are suggested circuits; you can shorten, extend, or modify your path as energy allows.
All Routes at a Glance
| Route | Start | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Entrance 1 | 3.5 km | 2-3 hrs | Easy | Lower Lakes only |
| B | Entrance 1 | 4 km | 3-4 hrs | Easy | Lower Lakes + boat |
| C | Entrance 1 | 8 km | 4-6 hrs | Moderate | Full park tour |
| E | Entrance 2 | 5 km | 2-3 hrs | Easy | Upper Lakes only |
| F | Entrance 2 | 4.5 km | 3-4 hrs | Easy-Moderate | Upper Lakes + Great Waterfall |
| H | Entrance 1 | 8-9 km | 4-6 hrs | Moderate | Full park, different path than C |
| K | Entrance 2 | 18 km | 6-8 hrs | Challenging | Complete circuit, everything |
Route A -- The Quick Lower Lakes Loop
Start: Entrance 1 | Distance: ~3.5 km | Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Walking only
What You'll See
The Lower Lakes canyon -- the most photographed section of the park. Wooden boardwalks suspended above turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls framed by forested canyon walls, and Veliki Slap (78 meters, the tallest waterfall in Croatia).
Who It's For
Visitors with under three hours, those with mobility limitations who can manage boardwalks, late-afternoon arrivals, and winter visitors when the Upper Lakes are closed.
The Walk
From Entrance 1, descend switchbacks into the canyon (about 15 minutes). The boardwalk leads south along Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac lakes, with waterfalls at nearly every turn. At the southern end, reach the Veliki Slap viewpoint from the canyon floor. Return via the same boardwalk or the upper forest trail along the canyon rim.
Route B -- Lower Lakes with Boat Ride
Start: Entrance 1 | Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Electric boat across Lake Kozjak
What You'll See
Everything in Route A plus an electric boat crossing of Lake Kozjak (nearly 2.5 km long, 20-minute silent crossing). Panoramic views across the lake to forested hills and the transition zone between the Lower and Upper Lakes.
Who It's For
Families with children (the boat ride is a highlight for kids), and half-day visitors wanting more than Route A without a full-park commitment.
Route C -- The Classic Full-Park Tour
Start: Entrance 1 | Distance: ~8 km | Duration: 4-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Electric boat + panoramic train
What You'll See
Everything: Lower Lakes canyon, Veliki Slap from multiple angles, Lake Kozjak by boat, Upper Lakes with terraced travertine dams, and forested trails connecting it all. This is the postcard route.
Who It's For
First-time visitors with a full day. Route C is the most popular for good reason -- it delivers the complete Plitvice experience in one well-paced circuit.
The Walk (Detailed)
- Entrance 1 to Lower Lakes -- Descend into the canyon, walk boardwalks along Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac.
- Veliki Slap -- Viewpoint above, then descend to the canyon floor.
- Boat across Lake Kozjak -- P1 dock to P2 (~20 minutes).
- Upper Lakes boardwalks -- Gradinsko Jezero, Galovac, and smaller cascading lakes. Travertine dams create wide, terraced waterfalls unlike the Lower Lakes.
- Highest lakes -- Prošćansko Jezero area.
- Panoramic train -- ST3 stop back to Entrance 1 (~15 minutes).
Tips for Route C
Start before 9 AM to stay ahead of crowds. The Upper Lakes involve more stairs and elevation, so save energy. Bring lunch for the Lake Kozjak rest area. Allow extra photo time -- everyone underestimates how often they'll stop.
Route E -- Upper Lakes Only
Start: Entrance 2 | Distance: ~5 km | Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Walking only or panoramic train one-way
What You'll See
The Upper Lakes cascade system: wider lakes, gentler gradients, extensive travertine dam formations, and dense forest. Prošćansko Jezero (the highest lake) and the quieter upper section that most day-trippers rush through.
Who It's For
Visitors who've already seen the Lower Lakes, those staying two days (do Route A/B on Day 1, Route E on Day 2), and anyone seeking fewer crowds -- most visitors start at Entrance 1, leaving the Upper Lakes consistently quieter.
Route F -- Upper Lakes + Great Waterfall
Start: Entrance 2 | Distance: ~4.5 km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Transport: Electric boat + walking
What You'll See
A taste of both halves without the full Route C commitment. Upper Lakes first, then the electric boat across Kozjak, finishing at Veliki Slap. The Great Waterfall, the boat ride, and the Upper Lakes in a single half-day.
Who It's For
Half-day visitors starting from Entrance 2 and second-day visitors who covered Route E previously and want to add the waterfall. The moderate difficulty comes from elevation changes between the dock and the falls.
Route H -- The Alternative Full-Park Tour
Start: Entrance 1 | Distance: ~8-9 km | Duration: 4-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Electric boat + panoramic train
What You'll See
The same territory as Route C -- Lower Lakes, Kozjak, Upper Lakes -- but with different path segments through the Upper Lakes. Different viewpoints, different angles on the cascades, and a longer walk through sections Route C bypasses.
How It Differs from Route C
About a kilometer of additional Upper Lakes coverage along alternate boardwalks and elevated viewpoints. Certain stretches see noticeably fewer visitors. Same difficulty, but the extra distance makes it feel like a fuller hike.
Who It's For
Return visitors wanting a different perspective, and anyone who prefers more walking for fewer crowds. For a first visit, Route C is the safer default, but Route H is a genuine alternative, not a downgrade.
Route K -- The Full Circuit (For Serious Hikers)
Start: Entrance 2 | Distance: ~18 km | Duration: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: Challenging | Transport: Electric boat (train optional)
What You'll See
Every lake, every major waterfall, and forest trails above the canyons that most visitors never reach. The elevated sections provide panoramic views down over the entire lake system -- perspectives unavailable from the boardwalks. Old-growth beech forest, ridgelines, and sections that feel genuinely wild.
Who It's For
Fit hikers who want everything. Photography enthusiasts after unique elevated angles. Anyone who finds crowds tiresome -- the forest sections are often empty even in peak season.
Important Notes
Start by 8 AM. Bring at least 2 liters of water and a packed lunch (no facilities on forest trails). Expect approximately 300 meters of cumulative elevation change with muddy sections after rain. Not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential.
Which Route Should You Choose?
You have 2-3 hours: Route A (Entrance 1) or Route E (Entrance 2).
You have 3-4 hours: Route B (Lower Lakes + boat) or Route F (Upper Lakes + waterfall).
You have 4-6 hours (most visitors): Route C (the classic) or Route H (the alternative).
You have a full day and love hiking: Route K.
Visiting with kids: Route A or B.
First time visiting: Route C.
Second time visiting: Route K, or Route E combined with forest trails above the lakes.
Practical Tips for All Routes
- Download the offline park map before you arrive. The Plitvice app includes trail maps that work without cell service, which you won't have inside the park.
- Check which routes are open. Upper Lakes close in winter, and trails may close after heavy rain. The park website posts daily updates.
- Factor in boat wait times. Summer lines can exceed 30 minutes. Build this into your timing for Routes C, F, and H.
- Wear waterproof shoes on every route. Boardwalks are wet year-round from spray and rain. Slippery footing is the most common visitor complaint.
- Follow the one-way markers. Many boardwalk sections are one-way, indicated by arrows. Going against the flow creates bottlenecks.
- Don't rely on cell service. Download maps and route info before entering the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best route at Plitvice Lakes?
Route C for most first-time visitors. It covers the full park -- Lower Lakes, Upper Lakes, the Great Waterfall, the boat, and the train -- in 4-6 hours.
Can you do Route C in 4 hours?
Yes, but only at a brisk pace with minimal stops. Most visitors take 5-6 hours with the boat, train, photos, and lunch. Doable in 4, but rushed.
Are the routes well-marked?
Reasonably well. Colored markers and signs appear at every major junction. The Lower Lakes boardwalks are linear and impossible to get lost on. The Upper Lakes and forest trails have more branching, but signage covers every fork. Carry the park map to eliminate ambiguity.
Can you combine routes?
Yes. The letters are suggestions, not rules. Start on Route C and extend it with forest sections from Route K, or cut Route H short by catching the train early. The boat and train run fixed loops you can hop on or off.
Which routes are wheelchair accessible?
No route is fully wheelchair accessible. Boardwalks are narrow, uneven, and include stairs. The initial descent from Entrance 1 to the first Lower Lakes viewpoints is manageable for some wheelchair users with assistance, and the train stops are accessible. Contact the park for current accessibility details.
Do you need hiking boots for Plitvice Lakes?
For Routes A, B, E, and F, sturdy walking shoes with good grip are sufficient. For Routes C and H, waterproof walking shoes are recommended. For Route K, proper hiking boots are essential -- the forest sections involve uneven ground, mud, roots, and elevation changes. Regardless of route, avoid sandals, flip-flops, and smooth-soled sneakers.
