Gradinsko jezero

Gradinsko Lake is one of the Upper Lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, stretching between Lake Galovac and Lake Kozjak. Also known locally as Jezerce, it ranks among the most photographed spots in the entire lake chain.

Where exactly is it located?

The lake sits at roughly 554 meters above sea level, making it the tenth-highest lake in the Plitvice chain. It has an unusual, elongated L-shape — about 450 meters long, with a width that varies between 80 and nearly 290 meters. Its surface area covers 8.1 hectares, and the depth reaches up to 10 meters in several spots.

Water flows into Gradinsko from the higher-lying lakes of Milanovac, Galovac and Batinovac, making it another link in the cascading system of the Upper Lakes before the water continues on toward Kozjak.

Where does the name come from?

The name derives from the Croatian word "gradina," meaning an old fortified settlement. A hill between the lake and Kozjak once held the remains of such a stronghold, and the surrounding area — including the lake — took its name from it.

What will you see at the lake?

At the point where Gradinsko meets Lake Galovac stands one of the park's most recognizable cascades, Mali Prštavac, alongside the neighboring Veliki Prštavac waterfall. A boardwalk trail runs along the shore, offering views of clear, turquoise-green water and a series of small waterfalls tumbling over limestone barriers.

The surrounding landscape is typical of the Upper Lakes — gentler, forested slopes rather than the steep, rocky canyon walls found around the Lower Lakes. That makes the walk along Gradinsko one of the calmer, more relaxed stretches of the park's visitor trails.

How do you get there and which route to follow?

Gradinsko Lake lies on a popular route connecting the P-2 electric boat stop on Lake Kozjak with the path leading onward to Lake Galovac. After disembarking, marked Route C follows boardwalks along the Gradinsko shoreline, passing the waterfalls before joining the paths toward the smaller Upper Lakes and continuing to Prošćansko Lake, the highest and first lake in the entire system.

Both the electric boat ride across Kozjak and the shuttle buses inside the park are included in the entrance ticket, so reaching the area around Gradinsko doesn't require any extra fees.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to walk along Gradinsko, when the boardwalks are quieter and the light reflects beautifully on the water. Spring and early summer typically bring the strongest water flow and the most dramatic-looking cascades, thanks to snowmelt and seasonal rainfall.

Frequently asked questions

Is the area around Gradinsko Lake accessible for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility? The boardwalks around the lake are mostly flat, but because the trail runs over natural terrain with several small bridges, it's worth checking current trail conditions with the park before your visit.

How long does it take to walk along the lake? The stretch along Gradinsko itself takes around 20–30 minutes, but combined with the continuation toward Galovac and the rest of the Upper Lakes, it's worth planning at least 2–3 hours.

Can you take a boat directly across Gradinsko Lake? No — the electric boat rides operate on Lake Kozjak, while the section around Gradinsko is covered on foot via wooden boardwalks.

How does Gradinsko differ from the Lower Lakes? The Upper Lakes, including Gradinsko, formed in dolomite rock and have gentler, more forested shorelines, unlike the steep limestone canyons that characterize the Lower Lakes.