Things to do in Jezerce: must-see attractions

Visiting Jezerce

You might not recognize the name Jezerce right away, but you definitely know the reason for its fame: the iconic Plitvice Lakes National Park. Located within the Plitvička Jezera municipality, Jezerce is a practical home base if you are planning to spend time in the park. While the village itself has only a few hundred permanent residents, that number is dwarfed by the daily influx of travelers arriving to explore the 16 lakes, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

Trails for every hiker

Jezerce is just a five-minute drive from the two main entrances of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is worth booking a hotel, guesthouse, or campsite for the night before your visit. Getting an early start allows you to explore the park before the peak crowds arrive. Plus, the morning light hitting the water is spectacular, and the forest trails feel far more peaceful. The park spans a karst plateau of nearly 30,000 hectares. Over a distance of more than 8 kilometers, the 16 lakes connect via 92 waterfalls and a network of subterranean channels.

The park is well-organized, offering eight different routes starting from either Entrance 1 or Entrance 2. There is no single best path, as the right choice depends on your fitness level and how much time you have. You can opt for easy two-hour walks that are perfect for younger children, or choose more strenuous routes that involve some elevation gain through the woods. Regardless of your choice, you will inevitably end up walking on the 18 kilometers of wooden boardwalks that wind around the lakes.

Upper and lower lakes

Plitvice is a case study for geologists. The sedimentation process between the water and the karst landscape creates massive travertine barriers, which are visible between every pool. The lake system is split into two sections. The lower section, near Entrance 1, is narrower and features smaller lakes set in a canyon. The upper lakes, closer to Entrance 2, are more spacious and surrounded by gentle, sloping paths.

Your park admission includes access to a boat crossing and a panoramic train ride to help you navigate the terrain.

When to go

Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Summer can be extremely crowded and prone to heatwaves. In winter, park hours are significantly restricted and the landscape is less vibrant.

Getting there

Renting a car is the most efficient way to reach Jezerce and gives you total flexibility to get to the Plitvice Lakes National Park gates. Alternatively, taking a bus to Plitvička Jezera is a solid option. Carriers like Flixbus, Blablacar, Autobusni Promet, and the national line BusCroatia make the trip from Zagreb in just over two hours.