Program F: Lower Lakes Loop

Program F is the park’s circular Lower Lakes itinerary from Entrance 2, listed as 4.6 km and three to four hours. It starts with a short walk down to an electric boat across Kozjak, continues on foot through the Lower Lakes canyon to Veliki Slap, climbs to the east rim, then returns by panoramic vehicle. The boat and panoramic ride are part of the planned route, and rides are included with the park ticket when the selected programme uses them. The park does not break the 4.6 km into walking, boat and shuttle mileage, so treat it as the official programme distance rather than a measured on-foot total. It is a good half-day pick if you want the lakes, waterfalls and a high view in one outing. Take time on the boat crossing and boardwalks, and save energy for the climb after the waterfall.

Start at Entrance 2 and follow the signed route down the stairs to the lakeside boarding area. The electric boat takes you across broad Lake Kozjak; after landing, the route runs through the limestone Lower Lakes canyon. Wooden boardwalks and bridges carry you close to the clear pools and small cascades, with steps between levels. Some boardwalk sections are one-way, so keep moving with the marked flow and stop for photos where the path widens. The boat docks and narrow canyon paths can slow down when queues build; recent visitors mention waits at both the boat and waterfall area, so leave room in your schedule for pauses.

The route reaches Veliki Slap, the Great Waterfall, which the park identifies as its largest fall and Croatia’s largest waterfall. Take a moment to look back along the water and the limestone walls before following the steep serpentine uphill. This is the main physical effort: the route climbs from the falls to the east canyon rim, where viewpoints look over dark-blue lakes and high cliffs. For the strongest view, frame the lake below the cliff edge rather than filling the shot with water alone; the height of the canyon is what makes the scene.

From the rim, continue to the panoramic-vehicle station and ride back to St2 by Entrance 2. The return ride is part of F, so leave the marked route for the transport stop rather than trying to walk the road back. Dogs are permitted in the park on a leash. For a meal before or after the loop, the park lists Black River steak and pasta house at Entrance 2; it is a separate stop, not food along the canyon route.