Winter Magic at Plitvice Lakes: Fewer Crowds, Lovely Scenery and €10 Tickets
If you’ve ever considered visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park outside the busy summer season, this winter might be the perfect time. Over the next few months, the Park is offering its lowest ticket prices of the year, with adult entrance fees reduced to just €10, valid until 31 March 2026. For anyone looking to experience one of Croatia’s most famous natural wonders in a calmer, more atmospheric setting, winter at Plitvice is hard to beat.
While Plitvice Lakes is stunning year-round, winter brings a completely different mood. The waterfalls slow and freeze, lakes turn glassy, and forest paths are often covered in snow, creating a quiet, almost fairy-tale landscape. Without the crowds that dominate spring and summer, visitors can truly appreciate the sound of flowing water, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the peacefulness of nature at rest.
Temperatures during winter can drop significantly — sometimes as low as –15°C — and snow and ice play a major role in shaping the park’s appearance. The frozen cascades and icy lakes transform Plitvice into a true winter postcard, offering photo opportunities that are impossible to capture during warmer months.
However, winter conditions do affect which parts of the park are accessible. Due to ice and challenging terrain, the Upper Lakes are currently closed to visitors for safety reasons. That said, there is still plenty to see. The Lower Lakes remain open, including the scenic walkway above the canyon leading to Entrance 1, as well as the path toward the P3 boat pier. Even with limited access, the Lower Lakes alone provide breathtaking views and a rewarding visit.
Visitors are strongly advised to take extra care on icy paths and wear proper winter footwear with good grip. Conditions can change quickly depending on the weather, so flexibility is important. Panoramic vehicles continue to operate according to the regular schedule, and electric boats are running between piers P1 and P3, making it easier to move around while avoiding longer walks in difficult conditions.
Park authorities recommend checking official updates before arriving and adjusting plans based on current weather and trail conditions. Winter visits require a bit more preparation, but the reward is a quieter, more intimate experience of the park.
Popular Routes: Zagreb to Plitvice, Zadar to Plitvice, Split to Plitvice
Winter also brings good news for snow lovers in the surrounding area. The Mukinje ski resort, located nearby, is open and operating daily from 09:00 to 16:00, along with a sledding area. This makes it easy to combine a visit to Plitvice Lakes with a bit of winter sports. Additional information about ski conditions and equipment can be obtained by phone at +385 53 751 281.
Despite the cold, Plitvice Lakes in winter offer something truly special. The combination of ice, snow, flowing water, silence, and reduced visitor numbers creates an experience that many travellers find even more memorable than a summer visit. Add the significantly reduced entrance fee, and winter becomes one of the best-value times to explore Croatia’s most iconic national park.
For anyone who enjoys winter landscapes, photography, or simply wants to see Plitvice in its most peaceful form, this season is well worth considering.
