Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's most visited national park - a UNESCO wonderland of 16 terraced lakes and countless waterfalls. Accommodation clusters around the two park entrances, with options ranging from the park's own hotels to family guesthouses in nearby villages. Staying overnight is essential for early morning visits before day-tripper crowds arrive.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Entrance 1 Area
Most accommodation, closest to the dramatic Lower Lakes waterfalls, and easiest logistics. Wake up early and be among the first into the park before day-trip buses arrive from Zagreb and the coast. The iconic boardwalk views are steps away.
Entrance 1 Area
Entrance 2 Area
Mukinje Village
Rastoke
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Day-trip crowds arrive 10am-4pm in summer - staying overnight is essential for a peaceful experience
- • The park's own hotels are convenient but often overpriced - nearby guesthouses offer better value
- • Summer (July-August) is extremely crowded - spring and autumn are far better
- • Winter visits are magical but many hotels close and some trails may be closed
Understanding Plitvice Lakes Geography
Plitvice Lakes National Park has two entrances about 2km apart. Entrance 1 (south) provides quickest access to the dramatic Lower Lakes and Big Waterfall. Entrance 2 (north) offers panoramic views and Upper Lakes access. Villages (Mukinje, Jezerce, Korana) surround the park with guesthouses. The main road runs between Zagreb (130km) and Split (230km).
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Plitvice Lakes
Entrance 1 Area
Best for: Lower Lakes access, main entrance, visitor center, most hotels
"Main tourist hub with easiest access to the dramatic Lower Lakes"
Pros
- Close to dramatic waterfalls
- Most accommodation options
- Visitor facilities
Cons
- Crowded in peak season
- Tourism-focused
- Pricey restaurants
Entrance 2 Area
Best for: Upper Lakes access, panoramic viewpoint, train/boat connections
"Quieter entrance with stunning panoramic views and Upper Lakes access"
Pros
- Better views
- Less crowded start
- Access to full circuit
Cons
- Fewer hotels nearby
- Further from waterfalls initially
Mukinje / Korana Village
Best for: Budget guesthouses, authentic village, Korana River, local restaurants
"Traditional Croatian village with family-run guesthouses and rural charm"
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Authentic experience
- River activities
- Local cuisine
Cons
- Need transport to park
- Basic facilities
- Very quiet evenings
Rastoke
Best for: Watermills, waterfalls, 'Little Plitvice', historic village
"Enchanting watermill village where rivers meet - a mini Plitvice"
Pros
- Unique watermill village
- Less crowded
- Great photography
Cons
- 50km from Plitvice
- Limited accommodation
- Best as day trip
Accommodation Budget in Plitvice Lakes
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
House Krizmanic
Mukinje Village
Family-run guesthouse with warm hospitality, excellent breakfast, and garden setting. Short drive to park entrances.
Guesthouse Marija
Entrance 1 Area
Simple rooms in excellent location right by Entrance 1. Basic but unbeatable for early park access.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Degenija
Entrance 1 Area
Family-run hotel with excellent restaurant, comfortable rooms, and easy park access. Best mid-range option.
Hotel Grabovac
Grabovac Village
Pleasant hotel in nearby village with pool, good restaurant, and peaceful atmosphere. Slightly removed from tourist hub.
Hotel Jezero (Park Hotel)
Entrance 1 Area
The park's main hotel right at Entrance 1. Not luxurious but unbeatable location for dawn walks into the park.
Plitvice Miric Inn
Near Entrance 2
Charming family-run inn with excellent homemade food, traditional decor, and warm Croatian hospitality.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Lyra Hotel Plitvice
Near Entrance 1
Modern hotel with indoor pool, spa, and contemporary comfort. The most upscale option near the park.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Mirjana Heritage Hotel
Rastoke
Stay in an historic house beside Rastoke's famous watermills. Unique location with restaurant serving fresh trout.
Smart Booking Tips for Plitvice Lakes
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for May-September, especially weekends
- 2 Park entry tickets should also be pre-booked online in summer to avoid queues
- 3 Two-day tickets offer best value if you want to explore thoroughly
- 4 Spring (April-May) offers waterfalls at peak flow with fewer crowds
- 5 Autumn colors (October) are spectacular and crowds thin significantly
- 6 Consider combining with Rastoke watermills and Zadar or Zagreb
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Plitvice Lakes Guides
Weather
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Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Plitvice Lakes: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.