Milanovac

Milanovac is one of the Lower Lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, near Rastovača in Croatia. It's the first and highest of the Lower Lakes, sitting at roughly 524 m above sea level, and also the largest among them — though within the park's sixteen-lake system as a whole it still counts as one of the smaller basins. It covers about 3.2 hectares, stretches roughly 470 m long and 50–90 m wide, and reaches a maximum depth of 18 m. Water flows into it from Lake Kozjak, forming the striking Milanovački Slap waterfall, about 10 m high, at the point where the lake begins. Milanovac sits inside a narrow canyon flanked by cliffs over 20 m tall, making this stretch one of the more dramatic viewpoints along the Lower Lakes route.

How do you get to Lake Milanovac?

The easiest starting point is Entrance 2, which sits closer to boat pier P3. From there, a free electric boat crosses Lake Kozjak — the park's largest lake at 81.5 hectares — in about 20 minutes, dropping visitors onto the wooden boardwalks that lead into the Lower Lakes area. Milanovac is reached via several marked trails: Route F begins right at pier P3 and follows the boardwalks past Milanovac, Gavanovac, and Kaluđerovac toward the Veliki Slap waterfall, while Routes A and B connect this stretch to the rest of the park, including the Upper Lakes. Pier P3 also hosts one of the park's largest dining areas, a convenient stop before or after the walk.

What will you see at Lake Milanovac?

Walking along Milanovac means crossing wooden boardwalks just above turquoise water, framed by the rocky canyon and the waterfall that feeds the lake. Continuing on, the path passes through the remaining Lower Lakes — Gavanovac, Kaluđerovac, and Novakovića Brod — before reaching Veliki Slap, the tallest waterfall in the park. This section shows off the travertine barriers that define Plitvice: natural limestone-sediment ridges that separate one lake from the next and create the small cascades between them.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early summer (April–June) bring the strongest water flow and the fullest waterfalls, fed by melting snow and seasonal rain. Autumn (September–October) offers thinner crowds and colorful foliage while the water is still running well. July and August are peak season — warmest weather, but also the busiest boardwalks, so an early start pays off. In winter, parts of the route can be closed or restricted when the boardwalks ice over.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lake Milanovac? No — swimming and wading in any of the park's lakes is prohibited to protect the ecosystem and the travertine formations.

How long does it take to walk from pier P3 to Milanovac? Just a short, easy walk of a few minutes along level wooden boardwalks — accessible for most visitors, including families with children.

Is the Milanovac trail suitable for visitors with limited mobility? Most boardwalks in this part of the Lower Lakes are flat, but some stretches are narrow and lack railings, so caution is needed; visitors using wheelchairs should check current conditions at the entrance.

Is there food or a ticket office near Lake Milanovac? Pier P3 has one of the park's larger dining areas, though tickets themselves need to be purchased in advance at the main entrances.