H Program Lake Tour

H Program is the park’s circular lake-zone itinerary from Entrance 2: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) and about four to six hours. It links the Upper Lakes, Lake Kozjak and the Lower Lakes, with the Great Waterfall at the end of the canyon walk. The point is range: you see the main lake areas in one outing, with a boat crossing and panoramic-vehicle rides breaking up the walk. Pick it if you want that complete lake-zone circuit and have most of a day. It isn’t 8.9 km of continuous walking; the transport legs are part of how Program H works.

From Entrance 2, start with a short walk and take the panoramic vehicle to St3, where the mapped lake-zone walk begins. Follow the paths along the Upper Lakes, cross Kozjak by electric boat, then walk through the Lower Lakes canyon to the Great Waterfall. The route continues along the canyon’s east rim to St1, where another panoramic-vehicle ride takes you back. The line on the map follows the walking and boat part from St3 to St1; it doesn’t draw the vehicle links. Check that the ride and boat service are operating before you set out because you need them for this itinerary.

Underfoot changes between raised wooden boardwalks, compacted paths and stairs; it isn’t one smooth boardwalk all the way. Some walkways cross the natural barriers between lakes, so you’re close to the moving water. Stay on the marked route; swimming is prohibited in the park. Take your time where boardwalks meet steps or uneven ground.

Veliki Slap, the Great Waterfall, is the route’s standout destination. It is the largest waterfall in the park and in Croatia, and comes after the Lower Lakes canyon. After the falls, Program H goes above the canyon’s east side before the final ride. This last section changes the angle from the lakeside walk to the rim, so don’t assume the waterfall is the finish.

The lake barriers are built from travertine and tufa: flowing water deposits dissolved limestone and chalk, gradually making natural dams that separate lakes and form waterfalls. That process is still active. Look for the low barriers and small cascades along the route; they’re why these lakes break into short linked basins instead of one long lake.

Allow four to six hours for the full program. Start at Entrance 2 and keep the return ride in mind; if transport isn’t running, the official circuit won’t work as described. A valid park ticket is required for the electric boat and panoramic vehicle. Dogs are allowed if leashed. For a separate meal at the start or end, the Black River restaurant by Entrance 2 serves steak and pasta; it’s outside the mapped route.