Novakovića Brod

Novakovića Brod is the lowest and one of the smallest lakes in the Lower Lakes group of Plitvice Lakes National Park, located near Rastovača, Croatia.

Where exactly is Novakovića Brod?

Sitting at roughly 503 metres above sea level, Novakovića Brod closes the chain of sixteen Plitvice lakes at its lowest point (coordinates approximately 44.9023°N, 15.6099°E). It's the final basin before the water leaves the lake system and continues on as the Korana River. The lake sits right next to the Great Waterfall (Veliki slap), the park's most famous landmark, making it one of the last stops on the Lower Lakes trail.

How does the lake get its water?

Novakovića Brod is fed by the neighbouring lake Kaluđerovac, separated from it by a natural travertine barrier a few metres high. Water tumbles down through a series of small cascades formed on this limestone barrier — the same ongoing process of travertine deposition that constantly reshapes the entire Plitvice landscape.

What will you actually see here?

Despite its modest size — only about 90 metres long, 50 metres wide, and up to 3 metres deep — Novakovića Brod leaves an impression thanks to its setting. Just below the lake lie the Sastavci rapids, where the waters converge and the Korana River is born. It's a quietly symbolic spot: the point where the cascading chain of Plitvice lakes finally ends. Take a moment here to look back at the long stretch of water that has fallen, lake by lake, all the way down from the Upper Lakes.

Where does the name come from?

The lake is named after a local man, Novaković, who used to ferry himself across it by boat. Like many other lakes in the park, its name reflects local history rather than any natural feature.

How do you get to Novakovića Brod?

The lake lies directly on the boardwalk trail running through the Lower Lakes, close to the entrance near the Great Waterfall. The easiest way to reach it is on foot, following the wooden walkways that hug the shoreline of the surrounding lakes — the path is well marked and manageable for most visitors, including families with children. In high season, arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the crowds gathering at the nearby waterfall.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and periods after heavy rainfall bring the strongest water flow and the most dramatic cascades, as water levels in both the Korana River and the lakes rise. In summer the flow is gentler but the water is clearer, letting you spot the lake bed and fish beneath the surface. Autumn adds another layer of charm, with the surrounding beech forest turning shades of gold and copper.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Novakovića Brod? No — swimming is prohibited throughout Plitvice Lakes National Park, including in Novakovića Brod.

Is the lake easy to reach for visitors? Yes, it sits right on the main boardwalk route through the Lower Lakes, near the Great Waterfall, so no difficult hiking is required to see it.

What makes Novakovića Brod different from the other Plitvice lakes? It's the lowest-lying and one of the smallest lakes in the entire system, closing the chain of sixteen lakes just before the water becomes the Korana River.

Is it worth stopping at such a small lake? Yes — it marks a symbolic point on the trail, where the cascade of lakes ends and the river begins, and the view over the Sastavci rapids is one of the more memorable moments of the walk.