Mali prštavac is a waterfall on the Upper Lakes circuit of Plitvice Lakes National Park, at Plitvice Lakes National Park, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia. Set among the park’s chain of tufa-barrier lakes, this smaller Prštavac cascade is visited for its white water, mossy limestone shelves and close-up boardwalk views on walks between Galovac, Okrugljak and the P3 boat landing.
What to Expect at Mali prštavac
Mali prštavac is part of the Upper Lakes landscape rather than a separate ticketed attraction. Its name refers to the spray thrown up by its fast-moving water, and the falls are best appreciated from the timber path as the water threads through beech-and-fir woodland and over living tufa. The scene changes markedly with the weather: rain amplifies the flow and mist, while clear conditions bring out the green-blue tones of the connected lakes.
Reach the falls on the park’s signed Upper Lakes walking network, most conveniently after taking the electric boat from St2 to P3 from Entrance 2. Route E is a practical shorter circuit for this area, while Route K adds a much longer, full-day traverse. Stay on marked boardwalks and paths: the park’s fragile travertine barriers and lake edges are protected, and swimming is not permitted. Mali prštavac is a landscape stop rather than a place with a visitor centre, café or toilets immediately beside it, so use facilities at the main entrance and P3 service areas.
- Mali prštavac cascade: Watch water split around moss-coated tufa formations from a close, low-angle boardwalk viewpoint.
- Upper Lakes boardwalks: Timber walkways carry visitors across shallow channels and along lake margins where fish and submerged plants are often visible.
- Galovac Lake: The route around this broad Upper Lakes basin gives changing perspectives on cascades, wooded banks and limestone watercourses.
- P3 boat connection: The electric-boat stop is the useful access point for combining the waterfall with an Upper Lakes walk from Entrance 2.
- Veliki Prštavac area: Continue on signed trails to compare Mali prštavac with the larger nearby Prštavac waterfall and its stronger vertical drop.
Mali prštavac at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Plitvice Lakes National Park, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Upper Lakes, within Plitvice Lakes National Park |
| Operating Hours | Accessible daily during the national park’s seasonal opening schedule; entry gates, boat services and trail access vary by season and weather. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid national-park admission; $$, with seasonal ticket pricing and transport included according to the ticket type. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours as part of an Upper Lakes circuit |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Entrance 2 and its visitor parking; take the park electric boat from St2 to P3. Intercity buses stop at the Entrance 2 area. |
| Official Website & Phone | Plitvice Lakes National Park; +385 53 751 015 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at Entrance 2 at opening time, particularly from June through September, when the P3 boat route and narrow sections of boardwalk become busy later in the morning. Buy park admission online through the official park website when timed-entry availability is offered, then check the day’s boat and panoramic-train timetable before setting off. Waterproof footwear with grip is more useful than sandals: spray, rain and algae can leave timber boards slick. Carry water and a light rain layer, and keep cameras secured when stopping near the falls.
From Entrance 2, use the included electric boat across Kozjak Lake from St2 to P3, then follow trail signs toward the Upper Lakes and Prštavac waterfalls. The route to Mali prštavac involves narrow wooden boardwalks, uneven natural surfaces and short gradients; it is not a step-free excursion and can be difficult for wheelchairs, many strollers and visitors with limited balance. Pair the stop with Galovac Lake, Okrugljak Lake and Veliki Prštavac, all reached on the same signed network within roughly 5 to 15 minutes’ walking, depending on trail conditions and pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hours to visit Mali prštavac?
Mali prštavac follows Plitvice Lakes National Park’s seasonal daily operating schedule rather than having separate hours. Start from Entrance 2 early in the morning to reach the Upper Lakes before the busiest boat arrivals; always check same-day trail and boat operations, especially after heavy rain or winter weather.
Is there a separate ticket for Mali prštavac?
No separate waterfall ticket is required. A valid Plitvice Lakes National Park admission ticket is required to enter the trails, and ticket conditions include the park’s internal electric-boat and panoramic-vehicle transport as specified for the route and season. Prices change seasonally, so use the official ticket page before travel.
How much time should I allow for the waterfall?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours when approaching from the P3 boat landing and combining the falls with nearby Upper Lakes viewpoints. A full Route K hike takes far longer, while Route E provides a more manageable way to see this section without committing to an all-day circuit.
Is Mali prštavac suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families with confident walkers will enjoy the water-level boardwalk views, but children should stay close on wet, rail-limited sections. The approach includes uneven, narrow and sometimes slippery boardwalks, so Mali prštavac is not suitable as a wheelchair-accessible or reliably stroller-friendly route; sturdy shoes are essential.
When planning your Plitvice Lakes travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Plitvice Lakes, pair this stop with standout local spots including B&B Plitvica Hill, Eingang Plitvice, Hotel Degenija, and Veliki prštavac (nearby).
