Visit the bluest magic of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Love waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic hikes? Then a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park is an absolute must. This UNESCO World Heritage site blends turquoise waters, green forests, and jaw-dropping waterfalls into one unforgettable adventure. How did we get there? Traveling on a budget? Flixbus is your friend. We caught the 8 AM bus from Zagreb city center and arrived at Entrance 1 of the park about two hours later, easy, affordable, and stress-free. Worth it, you might ask? Don’t expect complete solitude! Plitvice is Croatia’s most popular national park, and the walking routes are limited. You’ll definitely be sharing the path with plenty of other visitors. Still, it’s absolutely worth it. There are several routes to choose from; we went for the 6–8 km hike, which took us about 4 hours in total. It included a relaxing boat ride across the lake and a short scenic train ride back. The color of the water? Unreal. Think vibrant blues and greens that look photoshopped. We saw waterfalls up to 28 meters high, and every turn brought a new postcard-worthy view. We caught the return Flixbus around 4 PM. Just a heads-up: traffic can build up on the way back to Zagreb, but that just means more time to plan where to grab dinner in the city once you’re back. Pro Tips for Your Visit • Pack your own lunch and snacks – unless you’re into €10 burgers at the park cafés. • Wear good walking shoes – the paths are mostly well-kept, but you’ll be on your feet for a while. • Book your tickets online in advance – especially during weekends or holidays. • Bring a refillable water bottle – there aren’t many refill stations inside the park.

@Eline Maesen

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