Plitvice Lakes as seen on postcards

Overview

These are the classic high viewpoints above Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall) where the turquoise pools, snaking boardwalks, and the park’s tallest cascade line up in one frame. It’s the shot you’ve seen on postcards a thousand times—because it really is that good.

Where Exactly Is It?

Start from Entrance 1 and follow the Lower Lakes paths toward Veliki Slap. As you climb toward the top of the waterfall, several side overlooks open up to those postcard compositions. A short, steep detour up the odd stairs at Šupljara Cave delivers another dramatic look back over the lakes and boardwalks.

How People String It Together

A popular loop is: Entrance 1 → Lower Lakes boardwalks → shuttle from ST1 to ST3 → continue toward Entrance 2 → boat from P2 to P3 across Lake Kozjak → hike up to the high viewpoints above Veliki Slap → descend back to Entrance 1. Not everyone makes the final climb to the upper lookouts, so you often get a bit more breathing room up there.

Photography Tips

• Overcast light makes the colors pop and smooths waterfall contrast.
• Low sun also works; midday is harsh and flattens the scene.
• A small tripod helps for silky water, but be courteous—boardwalks are narrow and busy.
• Autumn brings saturated reds and golds; spring has peak flow and fresh greens.

What You’ll See

The Lower and Upper Lakes are terraced by travertine barriers that water has built over thousands of years, creating a staircase of pools and more than 90 waterfalls. Expect fish and ducks cruising the shallows; look for quick little coal tits and nuthatches flitting through the trees while you linger at the overlooks.

Practicalities

Trails are organized A–K with varying lengths—pick based on your time. Buy tickets online in advance, especially in summer, and plan to start right at opening to beat the tour groups that roll in around 9–10 AM. Food inside the park is basic; many visitors carry snacks and eat near the entrances afterward. There are no on-the-spot facilities at the upper overlooks themselves, so use restrooms at service nodes or near the entrances before you climb.

Best Time to Visit

Go at opening for soft light and fewer people; late afternoon can also be lovely once day-trippers thin out. Weekdays are calmer than weekends in peak season. For color, late September–October is superb; for flow and fresh greens, late spring to early summer shines.