The Plitvice Lakes in winter are simply magical. It's our favourite time of year to visit because the emerald green waters, icy trees, and snowy walkways are spellbinding. As well as gazing at the frozen waterfalls, there's lots of other winter activities to enjoy nearby including skiing, sledging, snowshoeing, or just cosying up in your cabin in front of a roaring fire.
On the flip side, it's also the coldest time of year, the weather is unpredictable, visiting hours are a lot shorter, and part of the park is closed. In this guide we'll tell you what it's really like visiting Plitvice in winter, and how you can get the most out of your trip!
Overview
Is Plitvice Lakes Worth Visiting in Winter?
Since we live by the seaside in Split, we rarely get a true winter experience! One of our favourite winter weekend getaways is to drive up on a Friday afternoon and spend the weekend at one of the cosy hotels in Plitvice National Park like Lakeside or Hotel Jezero. It's the perfect place to include on your Croatia winter itinerary.
Seeing Plitvice in the Snow is Magical
Snow and ice turn Plitvice Lakes into an enchanted wonderland. The last time we visited in January we were lucky enough to see the whole region blanketed with snow. Leaving sunny Split and arriving in a snowy forest 3 hours later was such a magical experience.
The snow and ice transforms the lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice into a winter paradise. Think huge, dramatic icicles hanging off the frozen falls, trees literally encased in thick ice, and large swathes of the lakes frozen over. And of course there's plenty of snow lying around for an ad hoc snowball fight!
Veliki Slap or "Big Waterfall" surrounded by frozen trees and icicles.
It's Warm and Cosy (Inside)
My second favourite thing about Plitvice in winter is the chance to cosy up in a cute little cabin or lakeside hotel and watch the snow fall. Some good options include the Plitvice Holiday Resort which has individual cabins set on a lake 8km from Plitvice park. And the Hotel Jezero where we stayed last time which has a couple of saunas and a steam room ideal for warming up after a cold day outside.
Inside the park itself there are also plenty of opportunities to warm up. We entered the park at Entrance 2 right next to the Hotel Jezero. From here we hoped on the electric boat to reach the waterfalls. The boat ride was beautiful but also pretty cold! So we immediately headed to the cafe for a steaming glass of mulled wine by the fire before starting our walk to Veliki Slap (the "Big Waterfall").
Cosy up in the winter months in a cosy cabin like these at Plitvice Holiday Resort.
Plitvice Park is Peaceful & Quiet During the Winter Months
In summer the crowds at Plitvice can be insane. Visit in the winter and you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet experience that very few people get to experience. Plitvice receives about 1.5 million visitors per year, but the vast majority come in July and August.
The quietest months at Plitvice are December, January, and February. These months see just a few thousand visitors per month. When we visited in January there were only about 25 people at Veliki Slap at the same time as us and it was easy to navigate the boardwalks and viewpoints to take as many photos as we wanted.
Plitvice Tickets are MUCH Cheaper in Winter
Another big advantage is that it's a lot cheaper to visit Plitvice in the winter. Plitvice Lakes tickets are just 10 euros per person or 4 euros per child in the winter months, while in the summer you'll be paying 40 euros per person!
Winter Discounts on Accommodation & Car Hire Prices
Other costs like accommodation prices and car hire from Zagreb or Split are also significantly lower between January and April. We paid less than 10 euros a day for our car hire!
There are also great deals to be had on accommodation at Plitvice in the winter. We opted to stay at Hotel Jezero because they offer a special package which includes the park entry tickets, a twin or double room, breakfast, and use of the sauna for just 58 euros per person. The park tickets are even valid for every day of your stay making it an amazing deal!
Riding the boats across the frozen Plitvice lakes in winter can be pretty chilly!
The Downsides of Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Winter
Winter at Plitvice is Cold and Wet!
The biggest downside of visiting Plitvice Lakes during winter is that it can be very cold. The weather is unpredictable from November to April with plenty of cloudy and rainy days. If you book your trip months in advance hoping to see snow you could well be disappointed. I've been before in April and had two days of solid rain and cloud.
It's also pretty cold especially from January to mid-April. As I mentioned above, the electric boat rides are beautiful but also freezing since the boat is open to the elements and you're sitting for about 30 minutes. Make sure you wrap up warm with plenty of layers. Hats and gloves are essential.
Shorter Visiting Hours
Winter opening hours at Plitvice Lakes are a lot shorter than the long days of summer. Both entrances usually open 8:00 to 15:00, but the ticket offices close at 13:00. Aim to arrive at the park by 9:00 or 10:00 so you have enough time to see everything comfortably. In the depths of winter it starts to get really cold in the late afternoon anyway, so you'll want to be cosy inside!
Plitvice is Partially Closed in Winter
Due to the icy conditions which make the boardwalks very dangerous, the upper Plitvice Lakes are closed in the winter. You can still ride the boat from the auxiliary Entrance 2 (near the Hotel Jezero) to the other side of the lake. And from here you can complete the walking route to see Veliki Slap and the various viewpoints along the way. Or you can enter from Entrance 1.
There's less to explore than in the summer months when the whole park is open. But actually this isn't a terrible thing because it's so cold. It took us about 4 hours to complete the circuit starting and ending at Entrance 2. By the end we were ready to head back to the hotel and warm up.
Plitvice Lakes in Winter Map
Map from the official Plitvice National Park website.
Things To Do In Plitvice Lakes in Winter
The best thing to do in Plitvice in the winter is just enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Things are a lot slower and quieter here at this time of year. We love driving up from Split for a cosy weekend at one of the hotels or cabins in the park. For me there's nothing better than waking up to a crisp layer of snow outside your window!
1. Walk Route B in Plitvice Park
Route B is the ideal length for a winter visit if you plan to spend 4-5 hours in the park and not get too cold! We started at the Hotel Jezero which is right by the auxiliary entrance at Entrance 2. From here it's a beautiful (but freezing) electric boat ride to P3 where there's a cafe and toilets. You can then walk to the main waterfall Veliki Slap on the boardwalks over the falls.
This is a very easy walk, so it's suitable for all ages and abilities. Just be careful on the boardwalks and paths because they can be icy and slippery. When you're done with the Lower Lakes you can take a little electric bus back to Entrance 2.
2. Go Skiing at Mukinje Ski Centre!
If there's enough snow on the ground, you can even go skiing near Plitvice Lakes! The Mukinje ski centre is located about 2.5km from Entrance 2. Although there's only one main slope here with 400m of runs served by one ski lift, it's still a fun way to spend a couple of hours. On Fridays and Saturdays they also offer night skiing.
There's a ski hire shop at the bottom of the hill as well as a pizzeria for warming up afterwards. Just make sure to check ahead on the official website if the ski centre is open since they only operate when there's enough natural snow. Prices are very reasonable, starting from €5.50 per adult for a half-day of skiing and €10 for ski hire.
3. Or go Sledging
If skiing isn't your thing, then you can still enjoy being out on the snow on a sledge. Sledge hire is available at Mukinje ski centre for just €5.50 per sledge, and there's a dedicated sledging hill separate from the ski slopes. It's a great option if you've got young kids or a group who prefer different activity levels.
4. Horse Riding at Ranch Terra
This is another nice option for getting out and seeing the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes in winter. Experienced riders or confident beginners can go out with a guide for several hours to explore more of the Plitvice Valleys. Or you can just opt to spend an hour learning the basics in a beautiful setting. Just remember to wrap up extra warm as you'll be outside and it can get very cold on more exposed sections of the trails!
We even got a 20% discount at Ranch Terra included with our package at the Hotel Jezero, so make sure you check that out if you're planning on going riding anyway. Horse riding costs €30 per hour or €24 per hour with the Hotel Jezero package discount.
5. Speleon Centre
The Speleon Centre is billed as an "Underground Heritage Centre" linked to the Barać Caves which are about a 20 minute drive from Plitvice Lakes. The centre is home to many of the finds from the Barać Caves including prehistoric animals and traces left by ancient humans.
Unfortunately the caves themselves are closed in winter. But the centre is open year-round, so it's a useful option in case of bad weather during your visit. If you stay at the Hotel Jezero and take their winter package, you also get a 20% discount on entry to the Speleon Centre.
Travel Tips for Planning Your Trip to Plitvice in Winter
What's the Weather Like in Winter at Plitvice?
Winters in Plitvice Lakes are cold with temperatures typically ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Snow is common especially in January and February, turning the park into an enchanted land of icy lakes and frozen waterfalls. Even when there isn't snow, trails can be very slippery and some paths may be closed due to the conditions. Make sure you pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear with good grip.
Frozen waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes Croatia in winter.
When's the Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes in Winter?
My favourite times to visit Plitvice in winter is either around Christmas or in January and February when there's plenty of snow and ice. The festive vibe in all the hotels and restaurants is amazing with crisp snow outside and cosy fires inside.
For the full Croatian winter experience, try to combine your Plitvice trip with a visit to the famous Zagreb Christmas Market. Running from late November into early January, the Zagreb Advent has been voted the best European Christmas Market three years in a row and is definitely worth seeing!
When we visited in January our hotel had left all their Christmas decorations and lights up, so it was almost like a second Christmas. Just the thing for keeping the winter blues at bay. During this period, the park is usually blanketed in snow, and the waterfalls may freeze, creating stunning ice formations. Early mornings are particularly magical, with the soft light highlighting the snowy landscapes.
I've also visited Plitvice in April and I wouldn't recommend going at that time. The weather was grey and rainy the whole road trip, making the waterfalls and the lakes look drab and dull. And it was also still pretty cold, only around 5°C during the daytime!
Plitvice Winter Opening Hours
The opening hours for Plitvice National Park in the winter are 8am to 3pm. Ticket offices in the park are open from 8am to 1pm. You can find the current opening hours to plan your visit on the official website.
Plitvice Ticket Prices in Winter
From November 1st to March 31st the Plitvice Lakes entry fee is 10 euros per adult and kids are just 4 euros. There is also the option to buy a 2-day ticket if you're planning on staying overnight which costs 15 euros or 7 euros for kids.
You can see the full price list below and check the current prices on the official Plitvice park website.
How to Buy Plitvice Entry Tickets
In the winter it's easy to just buy your tickets directly at the ticket offices in the park. The ticket offices at Entrance 1 and the auxiliary Entrance 2 are open from 8:00 to 13:00. See the park map above for more information.
Buying Plitvice Tickets Online
If you want just head straight into the park and skip the ticket queue, you can buy your tickets online on the Plitvice Park website. If you also need transportation to get to Plitvice, consider booking this guided Plitvice tour which includes a skip-the-line ticket and comfortable transport to and from Zagreb for a great price. You also get to visit one of our favourite places in Croatia, Rastoke where the waterfalls literally run through the 17th century town!
Do I need to buy Plitvice tickets in advance?
You don't need to buy entry tickets in advance for Plitvice in the winter. But if you're travelling in the summer or have young children, you can save time and avoid hassle buying them online before you go.
One important consideration is that the park doesn't offer refunds in case of bad weather. They only offer refunds when conditions are so bad that the park actually closes. In the winter especially we recommend only buying tickets on the day you plan to go so you can check the weather in the morning!
Which Parts of Plitvice Lakes are Open in Winter?
Plitvice National Park consists of 16 different lakes and waterfalls. In winter the upper lakes are usually closed due to dangerous conditions on the boardwalks. Most of the restaurants and cafes in the park also close during winter.
When we visited in January you could only enter the park via Entrance 1 or the auxiliary Entrance 2 just below the Hotel Jezero. See the official Plitvice winter park map for more details on what's open.
How to Get to Plitvice Lakes in Winter?
The best way to get to Plitvice Lakes in winter is to rent a car since there are very few coaches running from Split and Zagreb at this time of year. If you'd prefer not to drive your best option is to book a guided Plitvice day trip which includes coach transfer from Zagreb or Split.
Visiting the frozen Plitvice Lakes in winter Croatia.
Distance of Plitvice Lakes Park from Major Cities
Driving from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park takes about 2 hours, while Split to Plitvice is about 3 hours. Zadar to Plitvice takes around 1.5 hours and Dubrovnik to Plitvice is around 5.5-6 hours. You can easily do a day trip to Plitvice from Zagreb or Zadar, but from Split and Dubrovnik it's better to stay over if you're driving.
For cities outside of Croatia, Ljubljana to Plitvice is around 3 hours, Vienna to Plitvice is around 5 hours, and Budapest to Plitvice is about 5-6 hours.
Where to Park at Plitvice in Winter?
It's better to park at Entrance 1 in the winter because it's right next to the main waterfall, Veliki Slap, and the Lower Lake walkways. This means you can see the most impressive parts of the park right away when it's quieter.
During the winter Entrance 2 is usually closed but you can park here and enter at the auxiliary entrance (see the map). From here you'll need to take the shuttle bus or the electric boat across the lake to get to Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) and the walkways that are open.
How Much is Parking in Winter at Plitvice Park?
A nice thing about winter is that parking is free at Entrances 1 and 2 during winter. From December 1st to March 14th there is no charge for parking. In October and November it's €1.50 per hour and €1 per hour in late March, April, and May.
What to Pack for Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Winter
Winter can be very cold in Plitvice especially if you're planning on hiking or taking the electric boat across the lake. Pack a thick waterproof jacket, thermal base layers, hats, gloves and scarves. If you don't have dedicated cold winter gear, just later plenty of thin clothes over each other. You'll need hiking shoes or trail running shoes with good grip in case the paths in the park are icy.
I also recommend packing a portable battery pack for your phone and camera, since batteries run out much faster in cold conditions. You'll need it for all those amazing snowy photo opportunities!
Hotel Jezero is a great accommodation option in the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes in Winter
There are several nice hotels near Plitvice Lakes National Park which are ideal for a long weekend or one night stay. Here are my personal recommendations:
Hotel Jezero
Hotel Jezero is my top option if you want a relaxing weekend with all the details taken care of. We chose this option since in the winter they offer a nice promo package which includes entry to the park for every day of your stay, bed and breakfast, and use of the gym, pool, saunas and steam room. We paid 58 euros per person per night which seemed like a great deal for what you get.
This is a really convenient option because you don't have to worry about buying tickets, parking, or queueing to enter the park. We stayed from Friday through to Sunday, and we decided to visit the park on Saturday morning. They actually gave us our park tickets at check in, so on Saturday all we had to do was walk about 200 metres down from the hotel to the Auxiliary Entrance Flora. From here you can either take the boat across the lake or a shuttle bus to the main Veliki Slap waterfall.
The only downside for me was that the decor in the rooms was a little dated. But the rest of the stay more than made up for that. Breakfast was lavish and varied, with something for everyone ranging from fresh fruit, cereals, and pastries to a full fry up. And given the cold weather we loved having access to two saunas and a steam room to warm up after being out in the cold all day. Plus we even went bowling one night at the on-site bowling alley!
Lakeside Hotel is one of the best places to stay near Plitvice Lakes Croatia.
Lakeside Hotel
I also heard great things about Lakeside Hotel from friends who've stayed here. The buildings here are modelled on traditional houses from the local Lika region, so you get that cosy cabin vibe. Everything here is made by hand from natural materials like wood and stone. The rooms here are comfortable and nicely-decorated, and some even have private hot tubs on the balcony!
It's also really easy to enter the park if you're staying at Lakeside Hotel since there's another (secret) entrance about a 10-minute walk away.
Fenomen Plitvice
Sticking with the cosy cabins theme, Fenomen Plitvice Resort (above) also comes highly recommended if you're looking for cute accommodation near Plitvice National Park. The property offers suites and charming private cabins which are all decorated in a homey yet modern style.
There's also a sauna and jacuzzi on-site as well as a restaurant which serves up a hearty breakfast each morning. Just be aware that the restaurant isn't open for lunch or dinner in the winter season, so you'll need to eat out in the evening.
The Best Restaurants in Plitvice in Winter
Everything is MUCH quieter during winter in Plitvice, so lots of restaurants and cafes in the area are closed. When we were there in January 2025 we struggled to find many interesting options within a 15-30 minute drive of the Hotel Jezero where we stayed. Visiting Plitvice in winter is more about the beautiful nature than the gastronomic experience!
Here's the places I've personally been to and can recommend:
Pizzeria Vučnica is really close to Entrance 2 and the Hotel Jezero where we stayed, so we ate here the first night. You get a 10% discount at this restaurant included in the winter package offered through the official park website. While it wasn't the best pizza in the world, prices were very reasonable and we didn't want to just eat at our hotel the first night. It's also right next to the ski and toboggan slope, so it's a good place to warm up after being out in the snow.
Hotel Jezero restaurant is a great option if you're staying at the hotel anyway, although they do allow non-guests to dine there too. The vibe is a little old-fashioned and sterile, but the staff are fairly friendly and there are plenty of simple local dishes like grilled trout, meat platters, and stuffed veal steak.
Kozjačka Draga Bistro is a very cute cafe-bar right on the shore of Lake Kozjak, and it's the perfect place to stop in for a glass of mulled wine and a quick snack. It's handily located right where the electric boats stop. We hopped off the boat and immediately popped in here to warm up with a hot drink by the roaring open fire before beginning the short walk to the main Veliki Slap waterfall area.
FAQ: Visiting Plitvice Lakes in Winter
When is the winter season in Croatia?
Winter in Croatia typically runs from November to March. The coldest months are often January and February, although on the coast March can be very cold with icy bura winds blowing from the north.
How cold is Croatia in winter?
Coastal Croatia has mild winters (0–15°C/32–59°F) with frequent rain and strong winds. In Zagreb and other inland areas it's colder (-5 to 8°C/23–46°F) with some snowfall likely from late December to March.
Do Plitvice Lakes freeze in winter?
The Plitvice Lakes rarely freeze over completely, although some of the smaller lakes can get pretty icy. What's really impressive is how the park turns into a stunning icy landscape with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trails.
Is Plitvice Lakes National Park crowded during winter?
Plitvice Lakes are at their quietest during winter. Just a few hundred visitors come to the park during December, January, and February, so you'll have plenty of space to linger by the waterfalls and take all the photos you want to.
How long to spend at Plitvice Lakes in winter?
Ideally you want to spend 4-5 hours exploring the Plitvice Lakes in winter. At this time of year there is less to see since the Upper Lakes are closed and it can also get uncomfortable being outside for so long in the cold.
Which entrance is best for Plitvice Lakes during winter?
Entrance 1 is the best for visiting Plitvice Lakes in winter, as it provides easy access to the lower lakes and the main waterfall area around Veliki Slap. When we visited the main Entrance 2 was closed, but we entered from the auxiliary entrance there.
What are the differences between Plitvice Lakes and Bled in Slovenia?
Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) are known for their cascading waterfalls, turquoise-green lakes, and scenic hiking trails. Lake Bled (Slovenia) is an alpine lake with a charming island, a hilltop castle, and boat rides. Plitvice is better for nature and adventure, while Bled offers a fairytale setting for relaxed sightseeing.