K2 Program Loop

The K2 Program is a 17.5 km ticketed loop from Entrance 2, the south entrance. The park lists 6–8 hours. It links the Big Waterfall and Lower Lakes canyon with the west shore of Kozjak, the Upper Lakes and Prštavci waterfalls, Tomićevo Pogledalo, then a short electric boat crossing to Kozjak’s east shore and a return above the canyon to Entrance 2. It is a full-day route; leave time for the uphill viewpoint detour and the boat connection. K2 starts at Entrance 2, unlike the similar K1 program from Entrance 1.

Follow the K2 or orange route markings from Entrance 2. The first named highlights are the Big Waterfall and the Lower Lakes canyon; the programme then follows the west side of Kozjak before turning through the Upper Lakes. The waterfall approach includes a short mapped stair and footpath spur. Other mapped pieces include compacted path, stone paving and wooden boardwalk, so expect different surfaces rather than one continuous boardwalk. Stay on marked paths, especially where the tour meets the other lake routes. Swimming in the lakes is prohibited.

The upper section reaches Veliki and Mali Prštavci, the waterfalls named by the park, and Tomićevo Pogledalo. Getting to the viewpoint involves a short uphill climb of about 20 minutes. From there the view takes in Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Veliko and Malo lakes, with Prošćansko Lake also visible. The viewpoint’s name recalls poet Josip Eugen Tomić, who often visited the spot for inspiration. This is a good place to pause and frame the layered lakes; the waterfalls and the path beside Burgeti Lakes offer closer water-level compositions.

K2 reaches Kozjak’s west shore before crossing the lake by electric boat. The transfer is part of the listed route, not a shortcut to skip; the park includes the boat ride in the entrance ticket. After landing on the east side, the route follows that shore and continues above the Lower Lakes canyon back to the south entrance. The lake tour and transport schedules change with the season, so check the current boat and park hours before setting out.

Buy a ticket for Entrance 2 and validate it there within the time printed on the ticket; entry is tied to the selected entrance and time window. The park map marks parking, ticket sales, toilets and information at the Entrance 2 complex. Black River – steak & pasta house is also at Entrance 2, a separate meal stop rather than a trail-side service. Dogs are allowed on leash. In winter, the park usually closes the Upper Lakes, with reopening weather-dependent and commonly in early April, so verify that the complete K2 circuit is operating before planning on it.

If you want the Big Waterfall and Lower Lakes canyon in a shorter visit, the park’s A Program from Entrance 1 is a separate 3.5 km, 2–3 hour loop. It is not a shortened K2, and its different starting entrance matters when choosing a ticket.