Big Waterfall | Plitvice Lakes

The Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap) is the tallest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park and within the Republic of Croatia. It is located at the very end of the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera), where the Plitvice stream plunges into the Korana River canyon.

Visual Characteristics

Veliki Slap has a vertical drop of 78 meters. Unlike the other waterfalls in the park, which are formed by the overflow of one lake into another via travertine barriers, this waterfall is created by the Plitvice Stream falling over a steep limestone cliff. The water appears as a powerful white veil against a backdrop of dark, moss-covered rock and sheer limestone walls. During winter, the waterfall frequently freezes into a massive ice column.

Location & Access Logistics

The waterfall is situated near Entrance 1 (North Entrance) of the National Park.

Direct Access: A 10–15 minute walk from Entrance 1 down a steep but paved serpentine path.

Boardwalks: It is at the terminus of the Lower Lakes walking trails (Programs A, B, and K).

Viewpoints: The most iconic "postcard" view is from the lookout point located on the canyon rim above the waterfall, accessible via a trail starting near the wooden bridge over the Korana.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, the waterfall sits at the confluence of the Plitvice stream and the Korana River. The surrounding rock is Middle Triassic and Upper Cretaceous limestone. Unlike the "live" tufa waterfalls in the rest of the park, Veliki Slap is a classical erosive waterfall. It was formed as the Korana River cut deeper into the canyon, leaving the Plitvice stream to fall from the higher plateau.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography: The base of the waterfall features a large wooden viewing platform. High-angle shots are best taken from the "Vidikovac" (viewpoint) on the eastern side of the canyon.

Sastavci: Immediately below the waterfall is the "Sastavci" area, where the water from the Big Waterfall and the overflow from Lake Novakovića Brod join to form the beginning of the Korana River.

Proximity to Lower Lakes: It is the final stop for most visitors before they ascend back to Entrance 1 or continue toward the boat docks.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The area at the base of the waterfall is strictly for viewing; there are no commercial facilities here.

Restrooms: The nearest facilities are at Entrance 1 or at the P3 boat station (approx. 20-minute walk).

Pathways: The boardwalks can become extremely crowded and slippery from the waterfall's spray.

Cell Signal: 4G/5G reception is stable throughout the canyon area.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (May/June): Peak flow due to snowmelt from the Lička Plješivica mountains.

Winter: For ice formations, though some access paths may be closed due to safety concerns.

Daily Timing: Early morning (before 09:00) is critical to avoid the dense crowds that congregate at the base platform.

Facts & Legends

The Big Waterfall is unique because its flow can vary significantly; in extremely dry summers, it may reduce to a trickle, whereas the other lake-to-lake waterfalls remain more consistent. It has served as a filming location for several international productions, most notably the 1960s "Winnetou" Western films based on Karl May’s novels.

Nearby Landmarks

Entrance 1 – 0.5km North

Lake Novakovića Brod – 0.2km South

Supljara Cave – 0.4km South

Korana River Canyon – 0.1km East

Plitvice Selo – 1.0km West