Recommended duration
Per person per night
A unique local traditional honey gift!
Recommended duration
Price per night per adult
A unique local traditional honey gift!
Contemporary 4-star design hotel located in the serene village of Ličko Petrovo Selo, just 7 km from the UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Visit: Breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage Plitvice Lakes National Park
Stay: Contemporary stylish design eco-friendly hotel
Experience: Nature, hiking and biking in rich biodiversity
See: Star-gaze by night at a top destination for minimal light pollution
Support: Regeneration of local historical war-torn economy, people & places
Connect: multi-cultural ethnicity and complex ethnographic history
If you’d love to experience the breath-taking Plitvice Lakes in Croatia in sustainable style, this hotel is THE place to stay.
Located on the edge of the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park UNESCO World Heritage site, just a few kilometres from the entrance, this modern 4-star design hotel is surrounded by lush green landscapes that provide a tranquil retreat after a day of exploring.
Close to the border of Croatia with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the small village of around 100 people has a complex history. Historically a majority Serb community, it experienced significant hardships including destruction during World War II and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s leading to a population exodus, and unrepaired war damage you can still witness today.
The hotel opened in 2019 on the site of a former school, aiming to revitalise with tourism to boost the local area. Where many people only pass through to visit Plitvice, make sure you stay longer and really experience all the area offers.
Its prime location makes it an ideal base and retreat for travellers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the stunning natural landscapes and waterfalls of the park and those seeking the comforts of a high-quality, more-than environmentally conscious accommodation that supports local community and wider conservation.
When it first opened, the hotel was considered a pioneering design hotel in Croatia. It uses natural materials throughout, like a stone reception desk, in keeping with its eco-friendly ethos and its lush green surroundings.
The exterior features wooden facades that give the hotel an elegant yet intimate appearance, blending well with the surrounding spruce forest. Inside, 58 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites are furnished in an open industrial-style, with steel furniture in matte gold hues.
Experience unique activities like star-gazing or explore the picturesque landscapes on electric bikes.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the hotel is a great blend of contemporary Scandi-chic style and comfort, which stands out in its rural Croatian setting while remaining sensitive to its surroundings, and provides a perfect base for discovering the natural beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region.
We loved the zero waste touches like the bathroom pouch toiletries!
Standard bookings are Bed & Breakfast. Dinner is a la carte. Picnics available for lunch.
Breakfast is served as a buffet, allowing guests to start their day with a range of delicious choices.
Groups can be half board.
How does tradition taste?
The hotel invited elderly ladies from the village, who cooked for the first visitors to the park, to teach the chefs how to prepare these traditional local dishes for you so guests can enjoy hearty truly local specialties in the restaurant, emphasising fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms, and the use of indigenous plants and herbs from the gardens.
As well as international cuisine option, vegetarians and vegans are well catered for with innovative dishes, and gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.
A well-curated selection of Croatian wines is on offer to complement meals.
There is a Lobby bar and café.
A variety of activities cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is unsurprisingly the most popular natural attraction in Croatia. With its breath-taking waterfalls, 16 turquoise lakes, lush forests, verdant maze of paths and scenic walking trails, it’s perfect for hiking and photography. Home to a number of wildlife species, including the European brown bear, wolf, lynx, wild cat and over 120 species of birds, such as eagles, owls and heather cock, if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse!
Una National Park: A short drive from the hotel, this park was established as recently as 2008, making it the youngest of the three national parks in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Including impressive Štrbački Buk, this is Western Bosnia’s finest set of waterfalls, home to some of the best white water rafting in Europe, and more stunning landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing.
Star Gazing: With the smallest amount of light pollution in continental Europe, take advantage of the hotel’s amazing location to enjoy organized star-gazing evenings using high-quality telescopes provided by the hotel, enhancing the overall experience of connecting with nature here. Look out for namesake constellation, Lyra, The Harp, clearly visible in the Northern Hemisphere above the hotel!
Zipline!: One of the longest in the world: 80 metres above the ground, flying at a speed of 120 km/h travelling almost two kilometres over the landscape of beautiful Lika.
Cycling: Rent electric bikes from the hotel to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions in an eco-friendly manner.
Hiking: The hotel offers access to various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Horse riding: through the picturesque landscape of the Plitvice valley, suitable for all ages, for all levels of experience including complete beginners.
Barać Caves: Explore the fascinating underground world of these caves, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites. First opened to the public in 1892, they were abandoned due to World War II and re-opened in 2004.
Željava Airbase: Take a history lesson James-Bond style at the largest underground airport and military airbase in the former Yugoslavia, and one of the largest in Europe, situated on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under Plješevica Mountain.
Drežnik Old Town: Visit this defensive fortress from the 12th century, one of the few preserved and restored historical attractions of the Plitvice Valleys and Municipality of Rakovica.
Rastoke Village: This watermill village is sometimes known as “the Small Lakes of Plitvice”, connected to the Plitvice Lakes by the Korana River, since 1962 under the protection of the State Directorate for cultural and historical heritage.
Nikola Tesla Memorial Center: A Tribute to a Global Genius. Experience the legacy of Nikola Tesla, a visionary inventor who holds a special place in both Croatian and world history. His ground-breaking work in electric power production, transmission, and application left a lasting impact. Visit his birth place and village, Smiljani, to explore historical landmarks and participate in an interactive demonstration of wireless electric energy using the Tesla coil.
The region experiences a typical continental climate:
March to May (spring): Temperatures gradually rise; March averages ~2°C, May ~20°C. Flora blooms.
June to August (summer): Warm temperatures and longer daylight hours make this the peak tourist season. Activities like hiking and boating are popular and the park’s waterfalls flow at their fullest.
September to November (autumn): Foliage transforms into vibrant autumn colours, providing stunning scenery. Temperatures begin to drop, with September ~22°C and November ~11°C.
December to February (winter): The park becomes a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls. Average temperatures in December ~0°C, making it a serene time for visitors seeking tranquillity.
Due to its close proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity, you might come across a variety of animal species, including deer, and numerous bird species, and even elusive bears and wolves are present.
The lush forests and diverse ecosystems surrounding the hotel provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration.
The hotel suits the needs of diverse travellers as a unique and eco-friendly getaway, connecting with local community and an inclusive ethnic diversity of staff.
From nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to explore the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes UNESCO World Heritage site, to couples seeking a peaceful retreat, to adventure seekers interested in a novel destination and much to do.
Families will appreciate the family-friendly amenities like spacious rooms and outdoor activities, also great for groups.
And with its commitment to sustainability and local community engagement, Hotel Lyra appeals to environmentally conscious travellers who value eco-friendly practices.
The hotel is 7-15 km from Plitvice Lakes National Park, depending on the entrance. It’s in a quiet area with not much around, so be prepared for a short drive to reach the park or other attractions.
In an area where ethnicities have divided and created conflict, the hotel’s intent of regeneration isn’t purely economic or eco for environment, but social sustainability is recognised as key.
Intentionally multi-ethnic and international teams share a commitment to the purpose and joy of travel.
Serbs were invited to settle here to defend the borders of the Austro-Hungarian empire against the Turks in the 15th Century.
The village was named Petrovo Selo (Petar’s Village) after Captain Petar Kun who beat the Turks in 1791 and the next year in 1792 Austro-Hungarian authorities settled border guards to the area.
In the 20th century the village had 3000 inhabitants, a local school and even its own hotel. It was one of the first villages in Croatia to receive a water plumbing system!
However, being historically a majority Serb community made Ličko Petrovo Selo a target during periods of tensions and conflict between different ethnic groups (Orthodox Christian Serbs and Catholic Croats).
The village experienced significant challenges particularly during World War II, including massacres, and destruction of the church. Nevertheless after WWII it was a thriving area especially with the construction of a large military air base in Željava, the next village: the most expensive military complex in ex-Yugoslavia built and to this date the second biggest military airport in Europe. The population growth demanded a new primary school to be built, on the grounds where the hotel is today.
However, in the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, as part of a separate Republic, and war that spilled across the nearby border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meant extensive destruction once again when most residents fled, and the scars remain.
Hardships have left lasting impacts on the village’s demographics, infrastructure, and economy.
The village faced economic decline, many houses remain unrepaired full of bullet-holes in their facades from the war damage, but also in divisions in the community.
They have faced challenges including significant depopulation, with most young Serbs never returning, so residents being mostly elderly, and some houses used as less permanent second houses. The school which at one point educated 200 children has just 2 left, so was forced to close.
In 2015, the now-hotel bought the land the school stood on, with its opening in 2019 intended to regenerate, rebuild and revitalize the community.
The hotel’s mission is to act as a catalyst for change and reconciliation, regenerating the village economy and bringing together all the ethnic communities.
The hotel aims to become carbon zero by 2025 and have bio-chemical filtration and recycling of ‘brown water’ for garden reuse, plus other eco-friendly practices such as composting, and solar energy on route.
They are also one of the first “beef-free hotels” in the world, recognising its production as a cause of significant land degradation, 8% of carbon emissions, plus methane greenhouse gas.
In cooperation with the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, they have tested and demonstrated the use of several more sustainable innovations in tourism: For example, new “123 Zero” powder-mix-with-water shampoos and body lotions are completely harmless to nature and contain no microplastics. (We were really impressed and didn’t mind the lack of any smell!)
The hotel strives to end racial discrimination and gender inequality and support mix ethical teams working towards a common goal.
They support the local community in particular women and to refuel the return of the younger generations to the area.
The history, culture and customs of the village is presented to engage and educate clients and travel companies.
Investment: The construction of this modern hotel on the site of a former school represents a significant investment in the local area, potentially spurring further economic development.
Local sourcing: Food procurement gives farmers and bakers from the surrounding region the opportunity to offer their products to guests, supporting the local economy and reducing food miles emissions and damage for a better quality product.
Community employment: The hotel employs people from different communities, including from across the border in Bosnia. This helps to regenerate the local economy and bring together various ethnic communities.
Support for local initiatives: The hotel actively supports local projects, such as rebuilding damaged homes in the community and working with a local women’s foundation called Tara Cooperative.
Promoting local tourism, regenerating economy: Serving as a gateway to Plitvice Lakes National Park, the hotel encourages tourism and economic activity in the region in an area that previously lacked quality accommodations for tourists.
Sustainable tourism model: By focusing on eco-friendly practices and local engagement, the hotel is helping to establish tourism that can benefit the local economy in the long term.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: The hotel’s fitness centre and outdoor activity promotion supports physical health like hiking, but also mental health connecting with nature including stargazing.
SDG 5 – Gender equality: Collaborates with local projects and a women’s foundation called Tara Cooperative.
SDG 7 – Clean Energy: Solar energy. Electric bikes are available for guests to use.
SDG1 – No Poverty, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth & SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities: Employs people from local communities, including across the border in Bosnia.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure: The now-hotel bought the land the previous school stood on, to regenerate industry, bring pioneering community-based sustainable tourism, offer previously lacking quality tourism accommodations and innovative sustainable tourism solutions.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Catalyses regional development in an area that previously lacked quality accommodations.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Sources food locally from nearby farms and bakers. Cosmetics all cruelty free. No micro/single-use plastics.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Signatory of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency: carbon accounting and reduction plans with eco-friendly practices, including electric bikes for guests and being one of the first “beef-free hotels” in the World. Plitvice Lakes National Park has 100% electricity from renewable sources, primarily certified hydropower plants.
SDG 15 – Life on Land: Gardens filled with indigenous plants and herbs, supporting local biodiversity.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: the hotel aims for reconciliation, bringing together all the ethnic communities to work together for common goals.
SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals: Collaborates with local projects and Tara Cooperative. In the gift shop, Croatia’s leading name in truffles, Zigante, offers exquisite flavours, aromas and an impressive assortment products. Sister-company Happy Tours services the local region, Balkans and more.
Nearest international airports include:
By Car
By Bus
There are bus services from major cities like Zagreb and Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The nearest bus station is Jezerce – Mukinje, which is about 14 km from the hotel. From there, you may need to arrange for a taxi or shuttle service to reach Hotel Lyra.
By Train
Train Options: While there isn’t a direct train service to Ličko Petrovo Selo, you can take a train to nearby towns such as Karlovac or Ogulin and then use local transport or a taxi to reach the hotel.
New, eco-friendly hotel, located in amazing scenery What makes this place extraordinary and cool is mesmerizing combination of stunning wild surroundings and the urban vibe of the hotel. Wi-fi works flawlessly and hotel is, in my opinion, perfect for family get-aways, digital nomads stays and for middle sized corporate meetings. The location in the middle of the old historical village Ličko Petrovo Selo, wild nature all around and the proximity of CRO-Bosnian border makes the whole experience very unique and kind of mind-boggling. There are many very interesting places to discover and see (beside the magical Plitvice lakes!) and it's not very far away from capital Zagreb and the airport. Hotel restaurant offers, aside very nice meaty options, variety of delicious vegan dishes too and the pastries are made by local masters. Rooms are cozy and modern with crispy cotton bedding. Well-equipped gym with large windows is located in the ground floor, they have outdoor swimming pool too. Highly recommend it!
Very nice stay near Pltvice Lakes We stayed at the Lyra Hotel near Plitvice Lakes National Park in November of 2023. The hotel was very nice with ultra modern rooms that were comfortable and clean. The hotel was in somewhat of an odd location with the nearby village being almost completely abandoned from the war in the 1990’s. The homes and buildings still showed the devastating impact of the war. The village is very close to the Serbian border and many of Croatian residents chose not to move back with Serbia in such close proximity. The hotel was near Plitvice Lakes National Park which is absolutely stunning. The hike down to the lakes is a must and not that difficult. The park is well worth a lengthy visit.
Signatory, Tourism Declares Climate Emergency
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