- by croatiaweek
- August 3, 2026
-
in
News
Plitvice Lakes
PLITVICE LAKES, 3 August 2026 – Croatia’s most visited national park is experiencing another busy summer season, with visitor numbers remaining broadly in line with last year.
While weekly figures have fluctuated slightly, officials at Plitvice Lakes National Park say overall attendance is stable and the park continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Acting director Tomislav Kovačević tells HRT weekly visitor numbers have varied by around two to three per cent, but overall the park is performing at a similar level to last year.
Rather than increasing visitor numbers, the park’s main challenge is encouraging tourists to stay in the area for more than a single day.
To achieve this, the national park and the local municipality are expanding the region’s tourism offer with new attractions and upgraded facilities.
One of the latest additions is the Glagolitic Trail, created in partnership with the local tourist board. The walking route features Glagolitic letters along the path and painted rock displays highlighting the history of the Croatian language, giving visitors another reason to explore beyond the lakes themselves.
At the same time, the historic Hotel Plitvice is undergoing renovation. Plans include introducing a small wellness area and new healthy lifestyle programmes designed to encourage guests to extend their stay.
The park also continues to improve accessibility. Visitor Goran Malinović, a Croatian war veteran using a wheelchair, praised the support available for people with disabilities, highlighting the assistance provided by staff as well as accessible transport including the park’s boats and panoramic trains.
International visitors continue to arrive from across the globe, with tourists from countries such as Nepal and China among those enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chinese police officers taking part in an exchange programme also spoke positively about the park’s welcoming and safe environment.
Although local hospitality businesses report mixed trading conditions this season, Plitvice Lakes remains one of Croatia’s strongest tourism destinations.
The key challenge now is transforming it from a popular day trip into a destination where visitors choose to stay for several days.
