We saw some pictures of the Plitvice Lakes and waterfalls and knew we had to go. However, we were going to be in that region in winter so we were apprehensive since everything we read said only a couple of trails and car parks would be open.We are here to tell you that they are all wrong! At least partly—there was only one car park open, but all the trails were open and that’s what matters most to us. Here is everything we did, how we did it and what we were able to see. PICTURES ARE BELOW ALL OF THE TEXT!
When we went: Nov. 27-29th
Where we stayed: Plitvicka Jezera. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33489639
How we got there: We stayed one night in Zadar fairly close to the airport. The next morning we made our way to the airport where we rented a car. We took the long and scenic route through the mountains, which took about 2 1/2 hours (without tolls). On the way back we went via the highway with tolls.That only took about an hour and 45 minutes.
Weather: BEAUTIFUL. It was about give or take 60 degrees with some showers here and there but never anything serious.
Crowds: Non-existent. This was the best part because all the pictures we saw and blogs we read said that the lines to walk on paths was on the border of unbearable during the summer.
Where to park: Plitvice Parking Lot 1 (Entrance 1) was the only one open during the winter. Another perk of going during the winter means that parking is free!
Price for park: It was 180 CK ($26) for both of us for two days, which is a discount during the winter hours.
Hiking: Here is the best part. We were told that only the lower lakes were open (Trail A and B) on blogs and also at the gate where we bought our ticket. We did Trail A on Day 1. On Day 2 we were prepared to only do Trail B which is Trail A with a boat ride across the lake (and then you make your way back to the car park). The worst part about the boat ride is that it takes you within a stone’s throw of the paths that lead to the upper lakes (that were supposedly closed).
When we got off the boat we saw a boat drop off a couple of people at the upper lakes dock. We were curious so luckily we asked the employee if we could go over there and he said, “Of course.” A boat drove us less than a hundred yards to the upper lakes dock where we did the whole Trail E (technically we did Trail C because C is simply B (only the long lower lakes walk) + E (only the long upper lakes walk)-got that?!? Once we got to the end of the trail, we grabbed a shuttle back to where the ferry had dropped us originally and walked back to our parked car.
Our theory is that as long as the weather is good then they must keep the upper lakes trails open. Regardless, you should go and ask the people at the ferry dock because even the nice lady at the ticket booth told us differently.
To see ALL of our pictures go here.