Veliki slap, the Big Waterfall
Veliki slap, also called the Great Waterfall, is the Plitvice big waterfall and the main sight of the lower lakes. You do not walk to it on a separate trail. It is part of the lower-lakes visit, and several hiking programs lead past it. You need a park ticket for any of them, see the Plitvice Lakes tickets page for prices and time slots.
The waterfall drops into the canyon at the end of the lower lakes, where the water continues as the Korana. You can see it from viewpoints near the water, and a steep path leads to more viewpoints on the eastern side.
How to reach the Big Waterfall
The programs that include Veliki slap.
| Program | Start | Length | Usual time | What the route does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Entrance 1 | 3.5 km | 2–3 h | On foot only, through the canyon and back to Entrance 1 |
| B | Entrance 1 | 4.0 km | 3–4 h | Electric boat over Kozjak and the panoramic vehicle |
| F | Entrance 2 | 4.6 km | 3–4 h | Kozjak boat, panoramic vehicle and a steep switchback climb to the viewpoints |
The longer programs C, H, K1 and K2 cover the lower lakes as well. For most visitors who want the waterfall without a full day, A is the simplest choice from the north and F the one from the south. If you are fit and have a day, a longer loop shows the waterfall as part of the whole lake system. Details for each program are on the Plitvice Lakes hiking routes page.
Our pick: the Big Waterfall with a guide
Our take: this walk includes a visit to Veliki Slap and the boat across Kozjak.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Plitvice Lakes tours and day trips
Guided visits and day trips with live prices and availability.
Viewpoints and the walk
Program A takes you through the canyon and back to the entrance, so it is the easiest way to see the waterfall from below. Program F climbs steep switchbacks next to the waterfall to reach the viewpoints on the east side. If you have knee or heart problems, think about whether you want that climb.
Whether a given viewpoint is open on your day is something to check at the entrance. Walking time from a car park to the first boardwalk also varies, so ask at the entrance. The Plitvice Entrance 1 or 2 page helps you choose the starting point.
Not all routes in the park are suitable for wheelchairs. If you rely on step-free access, ask park staff which paths suit you, and do not assume the viewpoints are reachable.
The height of Veliki slap
Why you see different numbers.
The Big Waterfall has several heights. One measurement gives 78 m. Another gives 62 m down to the first pool, and 87 m if you count the further cascades down to where the Korana begins. All of them describe the same waterfall, only with different start and end points.
Water volume changes with weather and season, so the waterfall does not look the same twice. A photo from another month is a guide, not a promise.
The waterfall through the year
What to expect in each season.
Summer
This is the high season. An adult day ticket costs €40 in June to September, or €25 for late entry (after 16:00 in June to August, after 15:00 in September).
Best time to visit →Autumn
In April, May and October an adult day ticket costs €23. The waterfall can be seen with autumn colours around it, as the photo below shows.
Winter
The lower lakes are normally open in winter and the upper lakes are closed. The waterfall belongs to the lower lakes. Snow and ice depend on the weather, so there are no fixed dates.
Plitvice in winter →
Rules at the waterfall
The same park rules apply here as everywhere.
No swimming
Swimming is not allowed in the lakes or below the waterfall.
Stay on the path
Use the marked paths and boardwalks only. Do not damage rocks or trees.
Drones
Drones for aerial photos are not allowed. For a view from above, use the viewpoints.
Animals
Do not feed or disturb wildlife, and keep any dog on a leash.
A bit of film history: Veliki slap is among the filming locations of the Karl May films "The Treasure of Silver Lake" from 1962 and "The Desperado Trail" from 1965. Not every Winnetou film was shot here. The history of Plitvice Lakes tells more.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pages that go with the waterfall.
Plitvice big waterfall: frequently asked questions
How high is the Big Waterfall at Plitvice?
The figures differ with where you measure: 78 m, or 62 m to the first pool and 87 m including the further cascades down to the start of the Korana.
How do I get to Veliki slap?
Walk program A from Entrance 1 (3.5 km on foot only), program B from Entrance 1 with boat and panoramic vehicle, or program F from Entrance 2 with a steep climb to the east-side viewpoints.
How long does it take to see the waterfall?
The programs that lead to it take 2 to 3 hours for A and 3 to 4 hours for B and F. That includes the whole route, not only the waterfall.
Can I swim at the Big Waterfall?
No. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park.
Is the waterfall open in winter?
The lower lakes, which include the waterfall, are normally accessible in winter, while the upper lakes are closed. It depends on the weather, so check the current situation before you go.
Is this the official site of the park?
No. This is an independent guide to the park. For tickets and operating rules the park is the authority, so check the current timetable before you go.