The Lower Lakes of Plitvice: What to See & How Long It Takes
The Lower Lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park consist of four lakes — Milanovac, Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod — cut into a narrow limestone canyon. They contain the park’s most dramatic waterfall (Veliki Slap, 78 metres), the famous boardwalks directly above the turquoise water, and the Šupljara Cave. The Lower Lakes section takes approximately 2–3 hours to explore thoroughly. It is accessed from Entrance 1. The boardwalk trails here are the park’s most photographed and most visited section, and are best explored in the first hour after opening.
The Lower Lakes are where most visitors first encounter Plitvice’s extraordinary landscape — the canyon, the turquoise water, the boardwalks inches above the surface, and the roar of Veliki Slap. Four lakes in a compressed limestone canyon create a concentration of drama that is unmatched anywhere else in the park.
This guide covers every key sight in the Lower Lakes section: the four lakes, the defining boardwalk experience, Veliki Slap, Šupljara Cave, and the Sastavci waterfalls — along with practical advice on how long to allow and when to visit for the fewest crowds.
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The Four Lower Lakes
The Lower Lakes were formed in permeable limestone — a more soluble rock than the dolomite of the Upper Lakes — creating a deeper, narrower canyon with steeper walls and more dramatic waterfall drops.
Kaluđerovac is the lake you reach first descending from Entrance 1. It is the most photographed lake in the park — the view across Kaluđerovac toward the canyon walls, with Veliki Slap rising on the right, is the “postcard view” of Plitvice. Crystal clear turquoise water with abundant trout swimming at water level makes this lake deeply captivating to stand beside.
Gavanovac lies below Kaluđerovac, connected by the Milka Trnina waterfalls — named after the famous early 20th-century Croatian opera singer who donated funds for the park’s preservation. Gavanovac is smaller and deeper-blue than Kaluđerovac, with an intense indigo colour in its centre.
Milanovac is the first lake directly below Lake Kozjak, where the Milanovački Slap waterfall — approximately 10 metres — marks the point where the Upper Lakes system drops into the Lower. Milanovac is elongated and flanked by the high canyon walls that define the Lower Lakes character.
Novakovića Brod is the lowest lake, from which water exits the park via the Sastavci waterfalls into the Korana River. From the elevated viewpoints near Entrance 1, both the Sastavci and Veliki Slap are visible simultaneously — one of the park’s most spectacular composite views.
Key Sights in the Lower Lakes
Veliki Slap. At 78 metres, Croatia’s tallest waterfall. Approached via the boardwalk from Kaluđerovac, it can be viewed from the base or from the elevated platform near Entrance 1. See our Veliki Slap guide for full detail.
The boardwalks. The defining experience of the Lower Lakes — narrow wooden paths at water level, crossing directly above the lake surface and beside cascades. The sense of walking on the water is literally achieved in sections where the boardwalk passes over shallow areas. No railing on most sections; the full immersion in the landscape is intentional.
Šupljara Cave. Located between the boardwalk near Kaluđerovac and the exit path, Šupljara Cave is a natural cave accessible via a short detour. Stalagmites and stalactites have formed over thousands of years; archaeological evidence of prehistoric human habitation has been found inside. It provides a brief, cool contrast to the open canyon. See our Šupljara Cave guide.
The Sastavci waterfalls. At the exit of Novakovića Brod, the Sastavci form a broad fan of cascades across multiple channels where the lake water drops into the Korana River. Best viewed from the elevated path near Entrance 1, alongside Veliki Slap.
The Great Cascades (Velike Kaskade). A series of stepped cascades in the lower section of the canyon that are easily overlooked by visitors focused on Veliki Slap — but which offer some of the most accessible waterfall views from the boardwalk.
How Long to Allow
A thorough Lower Lakes visit — descending from Entrance 1, walking the main boardwalk, taking the Veliki Slap detour, exploring Šupljara Cave, and returning — takes approximately 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace. Visitors following Route A complete just this section. Routes B, C, and K continue from the Lower Lakes to the boat crossing and Upper Lakes.
When to Visit for the Fewest Crowds
The Lower Lakes boardwalks are the park’s busiest section, particularly between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM in summer. The most effective strategy is arrival at the 7:00 AM summer opening — the first 60–90 minutes are dramatically quieter, and the softer morning light is better for photography. By 10:00 AM, tour groups from Zagreb, Split, and Zadar begin arriving simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Lower Lakes open in winter?
Yes — the Lower Lakes section remains accessible throughout the year. The Upper Lakes close in winter for safety, but the Lower Lakes boardwalks are kept open and gritted.
What is the difference between the Lower Lakes and the Upper Lakes?
The Lower Lakes are in a narrow limestone canyon with steeper cliffs and more dramatic, concentrated waterfalls. The Upper Lakes are more open, forested, and serene — 12 gentler lakes in a wider landscape. See our Upper Lakes guide.
Are the Lower Lakes more crowded than the Upper Lakes?
Yes — significantly. The Lower Lakes are the park’s busiest section. The Upper Lakes are noticeably quieter, particularly early in the morning.
