Discovering the Plitvice Waterfalls: Croatia's Natural Wonder

Welcome to our latest campervan adventure! Join us as we take you on a breathtaking journey through Plitvice National Park, one of Croatia's most stunning natural wonders. During our visit we explore the park's cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, all while sharing tips and insights to help you plan your own visit.
In this video, you'll see:
Scenic Trails: Walk with us along the park's well-marked paths, offering incredible views of the lakes and waterfalls.
Majestic Waterfalls: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Plitvice's most famous waterfalls.
Pristine Lakes: Discover the park's 16 interconnected lakes, each with its unique charm and color.
Travel Tips: Learn essential tips for visiting Plitvice, including the best times to visit, what to bring, and how to navigate the park efficiently.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for your next travel destination, the Plitvice National Park offers something for everyone.
We are Richard and Jackie and we live in the UK. We retired from teaching at the age of 51 in the summer of 2022. Our plans for early requirement include relocating to the Yorkshire Dales, developing our forever home and travelling the UK, Europe and eventually the world in our VW campervan Nelson.
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Many thanks,
Richard & Jackie

[@alanbenham4139]

That looks amazing! It's now on our bucket list!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It really was quite other worldly at some points!

[@onthetrail202]

What a beautiful place, just enjoyed that on my break at work 😊

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Cheers - it was a pretty epic day 🚐🥾🏞️

[@helenvwalker7919]

Well worth the money! Oh wise ones to get there so early. Glad you were able to enjoy this experience😊😊

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

In the end we decided it was an experience that we are glad we didn’t miss - we can’t cope with the heat when hiking so do try to get out early if we know it’s going to be a long hot day. Avoiding the main crowds was also a bonus!! 😊🚐

[@Jenny95-327]

Great video, such a beautiful place to visit. I’m a first time commenter and have enjoyed many of your videos. I’m in my early 50’s from Minnesota and my husband and I are not retired, but own a seasonal business so we have 3 months free in the winter. Our kids are now young adults so the last 2 winters we have spent in Florida in our travel trailer, so a taste of retirement. Tonight I was watching a random episode of “Escape to the Country” and lo and behold - who do I see, but Jackie and Richard! Loved watching your segment with Nicki, you have a lovely cottage and it was fun to see you on the big screen (usually watch KZbin on my phone)!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Oh wow I can’t believe you get escape to the country over there! It feels like a long time since we filmed that!! It sounds like you almost have the best of both worlds having time off in the winter to get down to Florida. Mum has spent the last few winters in Bradenton as she is not keen on the British winters 😊 thanks for watching x

[@janehutchinson9999]

Another great video. Looks like paradise to me. Thanks for sharing this amazing place to visit.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It was pretty surreal at times - the colours of the water changed with the light ♥️

[@suewheeler5795]

That looks truly amazing and has definitely gone on my list...but those crowds! 😳🤣

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It was amazing - we were also quite fascinated crowd watching 🤣 for most parts we stayed away from the busy areas once the buses started to arrive by doing the whole lake hike. We did have to battle our way back to the carpark which was interesting - it was definitely worth getting there early (or probably later once the buses stop running)

[@nickwotherspoon8768]

Excellent video - brought back memories of our visit last year! We went in May, think it was one day before high season price increase, so was 27 Euro IIRC. Weather appeared far from ideal, but we had looked forward to it for so long and as we said it wouldn't stop us walking on the moors at home! Turned out it was perfect, all the falls were at their max capacity and really spectacular (not meaning that your video wasn't!) + mist cleared up as the day went on - so much so we re-adjusted our route half way around and ended up doing the full tour like you. We did stay further out, as had read online a shuttle bus picks up from several of the campsites and motorhome charges on the car park were a bit steep - probably only saved us a few euros, but bus service was certainly good - would definitely go again!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It is just one of those places that you will never forget. I think it would be beautiful in the mist - we went to lago di Braies on a misty morning and it was hands down more beautiful than when the sun came out. It’s a lovely walk around the lakes and you get to see a couple of extra waterfalls that people who just use the boats miss.

[@markyruss71]

An amazing location. Early retirement is not too far away for us so we have added this to the places to visit when we finally get time. Happy travels :)

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It was really pretty and if you have the choice try to avoid high season with the heat and the crowds. God luck with your retirement planning - we have never looked back 😊

[@vandahopwood1305]

Wonderful video, brings back some great memories, thank you

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thankyou it was such a beautiful place 😊

[@Adventures-and-More]

I’ve travelled extensively around the world and to date this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. I only heard about it after seeing Monty Don visit on one of his TV programs. You’ll remember this one a long time.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It's amazing where we all get our inspiration from isn't it? It has been on our bucket list a while now ever since we last visited Croatia and missed it out. We always need some excuse to return to places that we love😉 Thanks for the comment. 👍

[@Adventures-and-More]

@@earlyretirementwanderlust You must consider Montenegro & Albania next. Having done both I can’t highly recommend

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Ooooh...we may need to pick your brains on these destinations. Everyone we have spoken to that has been speaks so highly of these countries. It sounds like they are going through a similar evolution that Slovenia and Croatia have been through, so their undiscovered charm will not last long.

[@clairewilliams3549]

Great video, really looking forward to this now. Will try that site too, looks lovely and super dog friendly with a bit of agility.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It was a fab experience- as we said in the video we went early to avoid the heat and the crowds. The campsite was really handy and had a nice pool to cool down in after 😊

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Fantastic video of a truly amazing place, well done you guys!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks- we are glad that you enjoyed it. The park pretty much did all the work for us- it was just beautiful. Thanks again for the comment. 👍

[@mikelambrou4462]

I was fortunate enough to explore Plitvice in the late 1990's not long after independence. We had it to ourselves and it was free! A truly stunning place. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Oh wow I bet being Croatia at that time would have been an experience! The waterfalls are beautiful but sadly no swimming now

[@mikelambrou4462]

@@earlyretirementwanderlust we swam and explored the caves, it was magical. It felt like we were the only tourists in Croatia at that time, we stayed in private rooms and were given schnapps and apples for breakfast! We plan to go back to the Balkans and travel on down to Greece in our VW van next year.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

You will love it, but be warned...things have changed significantly in the last few years. We found both Slovenia, and especially Croatia really quite expensive.😳

[@tinaharris7629]

Such a stunning place you went to, thank you for sharing all of the very useful tips. X

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks Tina, we are glad that you found them of use👍

[@clareboylan6741]

Wow guys that looks absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing, we are planning a trip to the alps in September. 😊

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Ooooh how exciting! You won't be disappointed as the Alps really does have something for everyone. Some of our very first videos we did on this channel were from the French Alps in September. Just be aware that in the high Alps, the villages based on ski resorts tend to start shutting down completely from mid-September. It's worth checking the campsite closing dates too. You will have an absolute blast- have a great time with the planning👍

[@watchmaker10]

I was there in May and it was amazing. Only 20€ entrance fee. Still crowded during the day. In September there could be less water because of the hot summer. So all the waterfalls would be less amazing. I think bevore summer is the better option.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It really is amazing isn’t it!! We were a little shocked at the price in June but just decided it was a life experience we would regret not doing once we got home 😊

[@motorroamingaround]

Loved the video guys. Plitvice National Park is absolutely stunning and your photography and videography showed it up to its best. Well done. Keep safe. Irvine & Karen.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks you two. We had a blast, and really enjoyed capturing the whole day. It was a tiring one, but a day that will stay with us for a long time to come. 👍

[@jeffnewbery7376]

Wow. Thank-you for the information and tour.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

It was an unforgettable place 😊🥾

[@frannaim5670]

Shalom from ISRAEL. this is a beautifull vid.yo are tallented.

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks Fran. The park pretty much did all the work for us...it was just amazing and the day will stay with us for years to come. 👍

[@alannorman1773]

Wow, amazing ❤❤ Any bears 🐻?

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Thanks Alan- unfortunately no sightings- apart from the warning signs on the entry point😂 We are still looking for our first wild encounter, but that is fine, it's just a great excuse to keep visiting the wonderful countries that have a bear population.

[@DeansGoTravelling]

OMG that water!! 😍 our daughter went there a couple of years ago and she said the park only recently stopped people swimming in one of the waterfalls. Such a shame. Do you know if swimming is completely banned through the whole park? Absolutely beautiful video. Thanks for sharing 🥰

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

We saw some of the historic photos from before it became a national park and it looked a crazy good place for a wild swim. Unfortunately it is made really clear, and very frequently that absolutely no swimming is allowed in the park. After seeing a snake in the water when we were on the boat, and also a snake devouring a fish at the side of the boardwalk...we may have given it a miss anyway even if we were allowed😂

[@beverleyfisher935]

Your filming and music just gets better and better. Loving following this trip!

[@earlyretirementwanderlust]

Many thanks Beverley...always nice to hear😀