Programme E: Upper Lakes from Entrance 2

What programme E is

It is the route round the upper lakes from Entrance 2 (Hladovina), the southern one: 5.1 km in a circuit, 2 to 3 hours. You cross Lake Kozjak on the short electric boat line, climb on foot along the chain of lakes above to the Prošćansko, the highest in the park, and return in the panoramic vehicle. Boat and train are included in the ticket.

There are twelve upper lakes and they occupy the upper part of the valley, between about 636 m altitude at the Prošćansko and the Kozjak, further down. They do not have the canyon or the Great Waterfall of the lower ones; instead, the path passes through forest and dozens of small waterfalls over tufa barriers, the rock the water has been depositing for thousands of years. The park highlights the Veliki and Mali Prštavac. There are usually fewer people than below.

The route step by step

1. Entrance 2 to the jetty. From the entrance you go down a short stretch to the shore of the Kozjak.
2. Electric boat, short line. You cross the lake in a few minutes. This line runs on demand, without a fixed timetable.
3. Climb through the upper lakes. You walk upstream on boardwalks and paths beside Gradinsko, Galovac, Milino, Vir, Malo and Veliko jezero, Batinovac, Okrugljak and Ciginovac. The gradient is gentle and continuous.
4. Prošćansko jezero. You reach the highest lake, about 2.5 km long, surrounded by forest.
5. Panoramic vehicle back. From the station in the upper area, the train takes you back to Entrance 2.

When to go

Programme E depends on the upper lakes being open. The park says they usually close in winter and reopen in early April, depending on the weather. From spring to autumn it is done without problems; May and June bring more water and September and October, fewer people.

Mind the train timetable: in November 2026, the last panoramic vehicle from the upper area to Entrance 2 leaves at 15:30. Check the season's hours on the park website.

Tickets and price

It is included in the general ticket, which is bought with a day and time slot. In 2026 an adult pays €23 in April, May and October and €40 from June to September; in summer it falls to €25 if you enter after 16:00 (after 15:00 in September). Under-7s do not pay; ages 7 to 18, €6 to €15 in season. You cannot enter before the time on the ticket and an hour's delay is allowed.

Getting there and parking

Entrance 2 is next to the D1, in the hotel area. The car park is paid on leaving: €2 an hour from June to September and €1.50 in spring and autumn. If you sleep at the Hotel Jezero, you are next to the entrance. From the park campsites there is a bus to the entrance.

With children, a pushchair or a dog

Together with A, it is the easiest programme for small children: short, with a boat and train, and without the descent and climb of the canyon. A pushchair is still awkward because of the narrow boardwalk stretches and the odd step; bring a baby carrier. Dogs may go on a lead. Swimming is banned.

If you also want to see the lower lakes from the same entrance, programme H adds the canyon and the Great Waterfall. For lunch afterwards, Black River is on foot from Entrance 2.