Essential Zagreb Waterfalls Tours for 2026
✨ From the thunderous cascades of Plitvice to the fairytale mills of Rastoke and kayaking hidden canyons, unlock the wild, watery heart of Croatia just a short drive from the capital.
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Did you know?
Local Insight:The water at Plitvice Lakes isn’t just clear—it’s a living geological artist. The constant deposition of calcium carbonate (travertine) builds new barriers and waterfalls at a rate of about 1 cm per year, meaning the park’s iconic landscape is literally growing before your eyes.
Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours
1.Top Rated Small Group – from €63 per person
Zagreb: Plitvice with Ticket & Rastoke Tour for Max 8 people
- ⭐ 5.0 stars from over 580 reviews
- Intimate small-group experience (max 8 guests)
- Plitvice Lakes National Park entry ticket included
- Visit the fairytale waterfalls village of Rastoke
- Includes guided walk, boat cruise & panoramic train ride
- Convenient pickup and drop-off from Zagreb
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2.Top Rated Guided Trip – from €61 per person
From Zagreb: Rastoke and Plitvice Guided Trip with Ticket
- ⭐ 4.8 stars from over 360 reviews
- All-inclusive: park ticket & professional guide
- Perfect introduction to Croatia’s #1 natural wonder
- Scenic 8.5 km hike on wooden pathways
- Includes a relaxing electric boat ride on Lake Kozjak
- Learn about local culture, history, and geology
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Feeling the Vibe?
Rastoke village is often called “Little Plitvice,” but its charm is unique. For centuries, the constant roar of waterfalls powered grain mills, making it a bustling hub. Today, that same powerful serenity offers the perfect prelude to the vastness of the national park.
Luxury & Premium Experiences
3.Exclusive 2-Day Private – from €369 per person
Zagreb: Bled & Plitvice Exclusive 2-Day Private driver
- 4.9 stars for a cross-border luxury adventure
- Two-day private tour with full itinerary flexibility
- Visit Slovenia’s Lake Bled & Croatia’s Plitvice
- Includes Rastoke village and optional pletna boat ride
- Comfortable private transportation with a dedicated driver
- Returns to your Zagreb hotel each evening
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4.Private Castle & Lakes Tour – from €169 per person
PRIVATE TOUR from Zagreb – Dubovac, Rastoke & Plitvice.
- 5-star rated private day trip at your own pace
- Combine history & nature: medieval Dubovac Castle included
- Explore “Small Plitvice” Rastoke village
- Plitvice Lakes National Park tickets included
- Independent walk & peaceful boat ride in the park
- Ideal for couples, families, and photographers
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A Secret for You…
The Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) at Plitvice is fed by the Plitvica Stream, but its power comes from a hidden source: it drops 78 meters from a cliff that’s actually the edge of a higher, hidden plateau, creating the highest waterfall in Croatia.
Affordable & Budget-Friendly
5.Budget Group Day Trip – from €51 per person
From Zagreb: Rastoke and Plitvice lakes Guided Day Trip
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from over 500 reviews
- Exceptional value with park ticket included
- Professional guide for culture and history insights
- Approx. 8 km scenic hike (high season route)
- Includes panoramic train and boat ride within the park
- Visit the 17th-century watermills of Rastoke village
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6.Active Kayaking Adventure – from €60 per person
Mrežnica Waterfalls Kayaking | Slunj – Rastoke – Plitvice
- 5.0 stars for a unique water-based perspective
- Kayak through a hidden canyon to secret waterfalls
- Jump from 5m & 8m high rocks (optional)
- All equipment and licensed guide provided
- Small-group experience in pristine nature
- Base located right on the river by the waterfalls
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The Best Part? ✨
Unlike a standard sightseeing tour, a waterfalls adventure from Zagreb engages all your senses. You’ll hear the thunder of Veliki Slap, feel the mist on your face, smell the pine forests, and taste the crisp, clean air—a full immersion into Croatia’s pristine natural heritage.
⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)
⭐Ultimate Combo Tour – from €61 per person
Zagreb: Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour with Ticket
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from over 1,850 reviews – Top Rated badge
- Most booked & highly trusted Plitvice tour from Zagreb
- Everything included: entry ticket, guide, transport, boat & train ride
- Choice of small-group van or comfortable bus option
- Expert licensed guide brings the park’s geology & history to life
- Seamless hotel pickup/drop-off available (small-group option)
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What is the best Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb for first-time visitors?
The “Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour with Ticket” is our top pick. With a 4.9-star rating from thousands, it includes everything: ticket, guide, transport, and boat ride. It’s the most reliable way to experience Croatia’s iconic national park and charming Rastoke village stress-free.
Are Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb worth it, or should I go independently?
Absolutely worth it. Organizing transport, purchasing timed entry tickets, and navigating the park’s vast trail system alone is complex. A guided day trip from Zagreb handles all logistics, provides expert commentary, and often includes extra stops like Rastoke, offering far better value and a richer experience.
What should I wear and bring on a Plitvice waterfalls day trip?
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers—weather can change. Bring a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and your camera. Most tours last 10+ hours, so a small snack is also a good idea.
Can I visit both Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke in one day from Zagreb?
Yes, most top-rated Zagreb waterfalls tours combine both. You’ll typically visit the fairytale watermill village of Rastoke first, then spend 4-5 hours exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park. The combined experience showcases the region’s best natural and cultural highlights perfectly.
Is it necessary to book Plitvice Lakes tours in advance?
Highly recommended. As a UNESCO site, Plitvice has daily visitor limits and tickets sell out, especially in peak season (July-August). Booking a tour in advance secures your entry ticket and spot on transport. It’s a small step that guarantees you won’t miss out on this bucket-list experience.
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Category: Europe, Croatia
Latest post update: January 2026
