In the hinterland of Šibenik in Central Dalmatia, you’ll find one of Croatia’s eight national parks, characterised by the approximately 73-kilometer-long Krka River with its numerous rapids and waterfalls. Krka National Park has 47 km of educational hiking trails and 388 km of cycling paths, along which you can admire the water features created by the river.
What to see
Krka National Park boasts 7 waterfalls, one of the most famous being the mighty Skradinski Buk, which consists of 17 levels and measures about 400 meters in width and approximately 46 meters in height.
In the middle of Lake Visovac there is Visovac Island, home to a Franciscan monastery and church that have stood there since the mid-14th century and played an important role in preserving Croatian national identity. The island is accessible by boat.
At the Visovac House, you can find information about the native species of the forest ecosystem and the natural and cultural heritage of the national park. They also hold educational workshops for children.
If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled by the amphitheater near the 1st-century Roman military camp Burnum, which could once host up to 8,000 spectators.
Rising above the Krka River are 5 stone fortresses dating back to medieval times. You can admire them from the river but are not open to visitors.
Manjolovac Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the park, with a drop of almost 60 meters. You can admire it from the viewpoint where, way back in 1875, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife also admired it.
Flora and fauna of the park
The Krka National Park area is also exceptionally rich in terms of its flora and fauna, with almost 1,200 different plant species. These include the Illyrian Iris, Croatia’s national flower.
The Croatian name for the iris is ‘perunika‘. This name is supposedly connected with Perun, the Slavic god of thunder and lightning. According to Slavic mythology, irises grew where lightning struck the earth.
The Krka River is home to 31 species of freshwater fish, 12 of which are endemic. With 230 recorded bird species, this national park is one of the most important ornithological areas in Europe.
How to plan your visit
Getting there
Krka National Park covers a very large area, and if you want to see it all, you’ll need to set aside quite a bit of time. On the highway between Šibenik and Skradin, you can take the Šibenik exit (Lozovac entrance) or the Skradin exit (Skradin entrance). You can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by boat. The park has several entrances from which you can continue your tour. From the town of Skradin, you can reach the Skradinski Buk waterfall by boat (a 15-minute ride) or via a 3-kilometer-long bike path. If you park in the town of Lozovac, you can reach the entrance point by free shuttle bus.
Buses also run from Split and Zadar to Šibenik and Skradin.
Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and the type of ticket. You can purchase a day pass for the entire park or a day pass for a specific section of the park (Roški Slap, Manojlovac, Burnum, Eko KAMPUS Krka, Krka – the well of life). To visit the Skradinski Buk waterfall, you must purchase a ticket for the entire park. Ticket prices also vary for adults and children. Children under the age of 7 enter free of charge. An additional fee applies for boat tours within the park.
To avoid waiting in line, we recommend that you buy your tickets online.
When to visit
Krka National Park is open year-round. Despite the high temperatures, the park offers plenty of shade in the summer, but you can also expect crowds of tourists during the peak tourist season. In spring and early fall, visiting the park is pleasant due to the smaller number of tourists, and the river is usually more watery at this time, offering even more beautiful views of the waterfalls.
What to take with you
For a walk through the park, we recommend comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as a hat and sunglasses in the summer. We also recommend bringing enough water and some snacks for the journey. If you get hungry while in the park, there are also a few places where you can grab a bite or a drink and treat yourself to some ice cream.
What to do in the park
There are designated swimming areas at the Krka National Park. You are not allowed to swim outside these areas. Jumping into the water from bridges or waterfalls is also prohibited. You can take your dog into the park with you, but you have to keep on a lead at all times. You cannot take your dog on the Visovac Island with you.
What not to do in the park
As this is a national park, there are certain rules that must be observed. When walking or cycling in the park, you must stay on designated paths. You must not pick, destroy, cut or dig up any plants or mushrooms. It is also prohibited to light fires or dispose of any type of waste in the park. Underwater sports are not permitted in the park either. You may take pictures for personal use; however, you cannot use drones above the park.
How to get around
You can explore Krka National Park on foot, by bike, or by boat. At the Krka Eco Campus in the village of Puljane, you can rent an electric bike and explore the park along more than 380 cycling trails. There are also several kilometers of hiking trails available. Several boat excursions are also available (for an additional fee), such as to the Skradinski Buk waterfall or to the island of Visovac.
Where to stay
Holiday home Krnić
Just 15 kilometres from Skradin, you will find the Krnić family home in the village of Konjevrate. This charming holiday home has an outdoor pool and sun deck, and can accommodate up to five people. Pets are also welcome. Children will love the slide and swings next to the pool.
Holiday home Iva
This modern villa has a private pool and a large garden, and its fenced plot provides plenty of space and privacy. There is also a sun deck, an outdoor seating area and a covered terrace. The villa can accommodate up to seven guests, and pets are welcome too. For entertainment, there is a games console and table tennis.
Whitestone Villa
Just a 20-minute drive away from Skradin, close to the village of Dubrava near Šibenik, you will find the comfortable and spacious Whitestone Villa. This villa, which has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, will pamper you with a heated outdoor pool, a spacious garden and a sundeck. The villa also has a pool table, table football and darts.
