Veliki Prštavac is a 28-metre waterfall in the Upper Lakes section of Plitvice Lakes National Park, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia. Falling through the park’s limestone-and-tufa lake system near Lake Galovac, it is one of the area’s most forceful cascades and a rewarding stop for walkers following the wooden boardwalks through Croatia’s UNESCO-listed national park.
What to Expect at Veliki Prštavac
Veliki Prštavac takes its name from the spray thrown up as water drops over a vegetated tufa barrier. Rather than a roadside lookout, it is experienced from the park’s signed walking network, where low boardwalks thread through beech-and-fir woodland and alongside clear, mineral-rich lakes. The sound changes with the season: spring snowmelt and rain make the fall especially loud and full, while summer brings greener foliage and more stable walking conditions.
The waterfall belongs to the Upper Lakes landscape, where water continually builds and reshapes porous travertine barriers. Allow time to pause at the viewing sections rather than treating it as a quick photo stop; mist, wet timber and changing light make the scene particularly atmospheric. Veliki Prštavac is generally incorporated into longer Upper Lakes walks from Entrance 2, often paired with Lake Galovac, Gradinsko Lake and the park’s electric-boat and panoramic-train connections.
- 28-metre cascade: Watch water descend in a broad, powerful drop over a living tufa barrier, with the strongest flow commonly seen after wet weather.
- Upper Lakes boardwalks: Follow timber paths set close to the water, offering intimate views of reeds, lake edges and forested slopes.
- Lake Galovac: Combine the waterfall with the park’s fourth-largest lake, a calm counterpoint to the rushing water.
- Tufa landscape: Notice moss-coated barriers and pale limestone formations created by the same mineral processes that formed Plitvice’s lakes and falls.
- Photography stop: Use a wide-angle view for the full fall, then photograph details of the spray, turquoise water and surrounding greenery.
Veliki Prštavac at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Plitvice Lakes National Park, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Upper Lakes, near Lake Galovac and Gradinsko Lake |
| Operating Hours | Accessible during Plitvice Lakes National Park opening hours; daily seasonal schedules vary. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid national-park entry ticket; seasonal rates apply, with scheduled electric-boat and panoramic-train transport included. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours within a longer Upper Lakes route |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Begin from Entrance 2 and its visitor parking; park shuttle and boat stations connect walking routes. |
| Official Website & Phone | Plitvice Lakes National Park; +385 53 751 015 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at Entrance 2 close to opening time, particularly from June through September, when the boat platforms, shuttle stops and popular boardwalk stretches become busy. Buy park entry online in advance when possible and choose a route that explicitly covers the Upper Lakes; the waterfall is not beside either entrance. Wear shoes with gripping soles, carry water, and keep rain protection handy. Boardwalk surfaces can be slick from spray, and visitors should remain on marked paths to protect the fragile tufa formations.
There is no public road or visitor parking at Veliki Prštavac itself. Drivers should use the signed national-park parking areas at Entrance 2, while intercity buses serving Plitvička Jezera stop near the entrance zones; check the park’s official transport information before travel. The route to the fall includes narrow boardwalks, uneven natural ground and occasional steps, so it is not a reliable wheelchair route. Nearby walking pairings include Lake Galovac, the smaller cascades around Gradinsko Lake, and the Upper Lakes boat-and-shuttle network, all reached along the signed park paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Veliki Prštavac open, and what is the best time to visit?
The waterfall is reached during Plitvice Lakes National Park’s daily operating period, which changes by season. Start in the morning for quieter boardwalks and more time to absorb delays at boat and panoramic-train connections; spring is especially compelling for high water flow.
Do I need a separate ticket for Veliki Prštavac?
No separate waterfall ticket is sold. A valid Plitvice Lakes National Park admission ticket is required, and the price varies by season; scheduled park boat and panoramic-train services are included with entry. Purchase through the official park website for current rates and availability.
How long should I allow for the waterfall?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours when Veliki Prštavac is part of an Upper Lakes circuit, including walking and transport waits. A complete Plitvice visit commonly takes much longer, so select a route matching your available daylight and fitness.
Is Veliki Prštavac suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Active families can enjoy the route if children are supervised closely on wet boardwalks and near open water. The approach includes narrow paths, uneven surfaces and steps, making this particular waterfall unsuitable for most wheelchairs; strollers are also awkward on the boardwalk sections.
When planning your Plitvice Lakes travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Plitvice Lakes, pair this stop with standout local spots including B&B Plitvice Area Natura, B&B Plitvice Lacus, Great Waterfall, and Mali prštavac (nearby).
