A Krka National Park visit is necessary if you visit Croatia, especially Dalmatia. It’s an incredible natural marvel, and combining cultural sites with natural ones is always best for the best experience. So, if you’d like to know more, please read our Guide.
© Ivo Biočina, Croatian Tourist Board
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About Krka National Park in Croatia
Krka National Park is located about 10 km from Sibenik in the Dalmatian region. The Park is named after the Krka River and covers an area of over 142 square km, including two-thirds of the river. The Park’s main attraction is its stunning waterfalls, such as the renowned Skradinski Buk Falls, one of Croatia’s most famous sights.
Other highlights of the Park include the Roski Slap waterfall and the small island of Visovac. A boat trip through the Park is an excellent way to explore and experience much of its beauty. This boat trip is included in the entrance ticket price, making it an exceptional value for visitors.
Features of Krka National Park
The Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, with over 800 species of plant life identified. Unsurprisingly, many animals live in and around the waters of the Krka River, home to different amphibian and reptile creatures. You will also be able to see many other bird species (over 200) and possibly some of the 18 different species of bats that call the Park home!
©Krka National Park
What to see and do in Krka National Park
Let’s first share this invaluable review of Krka National Park that we received in the comments section of this page—we’re sure it will be helpful to many of you! (Scroll in the comment to see more. Note that the comment mentions swimming, but as of 2021, this is no longer allowed in the Park.).
Skradinski Buk waterfalls
The Skradinski Buk waterfalls are a collection of 17 waterfalls that range in height by over 45 meters. It used to be possible to swim by these waterfalls – a truly wonderful experience – but since 2021, it has been forbidden to preserve the Park’s waters. Parke, a tiny island of Visovac in the Krka River, was settled by Franciscan monks in 1445. They originally built a monastery that year (later demolished and rebuilt in the 18th century) and a church in 1576. The monastery contains several well-preserved artifacts and a library.
Roski Slap
The Roski Slap (Croatian for waterfall) is another famous sight within Krka National Park. It is a series of 12 waterfalls 450 meters long, the largest of which is just over 22 meters high and 60 meters wide.
Visovac Monastery on Visovac Island
Visovac Island is an essential natural and cultural landmark in Croatia. The Franciscans have been building the monastery and the church of the Mother of Mercy there since the 15th century. The monastery houses a significant archaeological collection, historical church vestments and vessels, and a rich library with numerous valuable books and incunabula. The center of worship on Visovac is the painting of Our Lady, which the Franciscans brought with them when they left Bosnia. The island of Visovac is called Our Lady’s Island because of the centuries of worship.
How you can visit it
You can go self-organized by car and then make a hiking or biking tour there. However, undoubtedly, the best way to see the Park’s sights is on a park excursion—many of these leave from Skradin. Not only will you be able to see the Park’s beauty up close (and in a Parklaxed manner), but these excursions include a chance to stop off and wander on footpaths along the water, as well as presentations, talks, and other items of interest. See the best tours here:
Top ways to experience Krka National Park
Krka Waterfalls Day Tour with Boat Ride from Split and Trogir
Join the day tour from Split or Trogir to Krka National Park and explore its stunning beauty at your own pace. You’ll get 5 hours in the Park at two locations, with transportation, a guide, and necessary info provided. Opt for a local family agrotourism lunch or wine tasting (on request).
Split to Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise, and Swimming
Join a group tour from Split to Krka National Park. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and learn about Croatian history from your Guide. Explore the Park with your Guide, see the biggest waterfall, Skradinski Buk, and enjoy a boat ride with stunning views.
Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split
This tour offers a hassle-free way to visit Krka National Park from Split. It includes round-trip transport, a boat ride, free time to hike and swim near the falls, and lunch at a park restaurant (at your own cost). The tour ends with a wine tasting at a winery. Refreshments are included, but park entry is at your own expense.
Where to stay if you want to visit Krka National Park?
FAQs
Can you swim there?
Yes, but visitors are prohibited from bathing outside marked areas in Krka National Park. The activities are also prohibited: recreational fishing, hunting, disturbing wildlife, picking or damaging plants, breaking travertine, camping outside designated areas or disposing of waste, walking dogs without a leash, and walking off marked trails. It is essential to note that driving on restricted roads or taking commercial photographs without approval is strictly prohibited. In strict and particular reserves, walking outside marked trails and visitor areas is prohibited unless permitted for research. Please adhere to these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Where can I find additional info?
Krka National Park’s official website is www.np-krka.hr.
Can I store some luggage there?
If you have luggage you’d like to store when visiting the Park; the Skradin Tourist BPark suggests this luggage storage option.
How do you visit the Krka National Park from Split?
The best way to get from Split to Krka National Park is by bus, which takes one hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train, which costs €35 – €50 and takes one hour 45 minutes. Finally, can you drive from Split to Krka National Park? Yes, the driving distance is 109 km.
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Photo credits:
Feature photo by Ivo Biočina, Croatian Tourist Board