Krka National Park: A Complete Guide
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From Roški Slap to Skradinski Buk - everything to see and do in Krka
Krka National Park, named after the Krka River winding through the heart of Croatia’s Dalmatia region, is the second most visited national park in Croatia, and for good reason! It’s a captivating haven of untouched wilderness and cascading waterfalls, and a must for any Croatian itinerary.
The park is most famous for Skradinski Buk, an impressive network of waterfalls, but there is so much more to it than just that.
Read on for a complete guide on how best to enjoy your trip to Krka National Park.
In a Rush? Check out my Quick Guide:
Where to Stay:
Guesthouse Miranda (Budget)
Hotel Skradinski Buk (Mid-Range)
Boutique Rooms Mirabilis (Boutique)
Krka Fairytale Little Castle (Quirky)
Activities to Book:
Krka National Park Entry Ticket
Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting
Krka, Boat Cruise & Swimming
Private Krka Waterfalls & Trogir Tour
Must-See Spots:
– Skradinski Buk
– Visovak Island
– Roski Slap
– Krka Monastery
Hire a Car here
Stay Connected with a Croatian eSim
Stay Protected with Travel Insurance
6 Things to See and Do in Krka National Park
Here’s my list of top things to do in Krka National Park. If you have limited time, then make these your priority! You can complete this list in a one-day trip, or extend it to two.
1. Skradinski Buk
Skradinski Buk is the crown jewel of Krka National Park, boasting one of the most enchanting and extensive waterfall systems in Europe. Its tiered cascades and emerald pools are absolutely stunning to see and there are multiple viewpoints from where to view it and take pictures (the most popular being the bridge).
Beyond its aesthetic allure, Skradinski Buk plays a vital ecological role, fostering diverse flora and fauna within the park’s ecosystem.
NB: While once you could swim in the pool at the base of Skradinski Buk, since 2021 swimming has been forbidden in order to help protect the ecosystem of the waterfall.
Click here to book your entry tickets to the park!
2. Visovak Island
Visovac Island is a peaceful hideaway within Krka National Park. It houses a well-preserved 15th-century Franciscan monastery with artifacts, a library, and beautiful gardens that showcase a diverse range of plant species.
The best way to visit is by boat excursion from Skardinski Buk or Roski Slap, but remember to plan in advance because the boat tours have different schedules and prices.
3. Roski Slap
On the complete other side of the National Park from Skradinski Buk lies Krka’s second most popular waterfall system: Roški Slap. It’s a series of 12 connected waterfalls with the largest being just over 22 meters. The best way to get up close and personal with it is by boat excursion.
4. Krka Monastery
The Krka Monastery is a significant religious site located near a bay overlooking the Krka River. Established in the 14th century, the monastery holds a rich history, with its architecture reflecting both Byzantine and Mediterranean influences. It features valuable religious artifacts, including icons and manuscripts, and even ancient Roman catacombs nearby. It can be reached both by boat excursion and by road.
5. Educational Walking Trails
When visiting the park, most people rush to do the boat excursions, but what I found just as nice were the educational walking trails set up around the waterfalls. These gorgeous 22 wooden-planked trails wind their way around natural pools and lead to 5 stunning lookout points. Along the trails, you’ll find panels detailing the flora and fauna of the park. There were also many quiet spots where you could pause and reflect on nature.
6. Ethno Village and Museum
Up until the late ‘70s, six out of the seven waterfalls had functioning watermills, which were essential to communities in the area. Today, you can walk around several of the Skradinski Buk watermills, which have been restored and turned into a museum. Here you’ll find scaled models and original tools on display, and panels talking about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
How to Get Around Krka National Park
The park covers an area of 109 km2 with over 47km of walking trails, 388km of cycling routes, and 10 different entrances. That’s a LOT of ground to cover!
The easiest way to get around the park would be by car, as there are public roads going through it, and you can explore at your own pace. If you can’t rent your own car, consider joining a tour, which is not only a great and informative way to see the park, but stress-free too, as you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
If you’re on foot or by bike, know that some of the major sights are separated by natural barriers, and one of the few ways to access them is by boat excursions. Remember to plan all your excursions in advance, as the boats leave on a schedule and there might be limited space available!
If traveling on foot, one of the easiest ways to see the park is to take the boat from Skradin into Skradinski Buk, explore the area around there, and then walk to the Lozovac pier to take the boat excursions to the other sites. That’s what I did!
Day Trips and How to Get to Krka National Park
Krka National Park is a popular day-trip destination and is quite easily accessible from the cities of Sibenik, Split, and Zadar. Most people base themselves in one city and go and return, or you can use Krka as a stopping point in between two destinations on your Croatian itinerary, like I did when I took a bus from Split to Krka National Park, spent the day there, and then took a bus onwards to Zadar. Many also opt to go by tour, which simplifies things as the logistics are taken care of.
Split to Krka National Park
Getting to Krka from Split is quite straightforward. Buses depart from the main Split Bus Station, with a higher frequency of buses operating during the summer months. The journey takes approximately 1h15-30m and the scenery along the way is breathtaking! Be aware when buying your ticket that the bus goes to Skradin and from there you take the 20-minute ferry into Skradinski buk (it does not operate in deep winter).
If driving yourself the journey takes around one hour with tolls, or you can take a less direct (but more scenic) route without tolls that takes approximately 30 minutes more.
Book a day tour from Split to Krka here!
Zadar to Krka NP
Zadar is a little closer than Split so it’s even more straightforward to get to. The drive takes a little under an hour by car and around an hour by bus from the Zadar Bus Terminal. Again, there are many more buses available in summer and they stop in Skradin, from where you can take the ferry.
NB: Getting to Krka is pretty straightforward, but leaving by bus was a little more difficult as the bus stop in Skradin looked kind of abandoned and had no signs. I followed the gps coordinates on my ticket with my maps app to know where the bus stop was.
This day-trip from Zadar comes with tickets to the national park included.
Šibenik is the closest main city to Krka National Park and therefore has frequent daily buses that run year round. Unlike the buses from Zadar or Split, these ones are operated as a city/suburban routes and they go to two different park entrances: Skradin and Lozovac. If traveling by car the journey is a very easy 20 minutes. Alternatively, book a day-trip here!
Useful Info
Below I give a guideline to ticket prices and opening hours, but always check the official website here for the most up-to-date information, as it is subject to change.
Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year you are visiting, with the most expensive being during the summer months (June-September = €40) and less than half that price in the dead of winter (January-March = €7). Shoulder Season is also much more reasonably priced (October, April-May = €20).
Children under 7 go free, and children under 18, as well as students and groups, have reduced prices.
Buy tickets to the park here.
NB: There are additional prices for the boat excursions.
Krka National Park is open year-round except for the 25th and 26th of December.
November – February: 9:00 – 16:00
March: 9:00 – 17:00
April 8:00 – 18:00
May: 8:00 – 19:00
June – August: 8:00 – 20:00
September: 8:00 – 19:00
1 – 15 October: 8:00 – 18:00
16 – 31 October: 9:00 – 17:00
Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities in the park itself, but there is a restaurant near the bus stop called Restoran Visovac that cares for your luggage in exchange for buying a coffee or a meal. They were incredibly nice. I left my bag there all day, and they told me not to worry but to enjoy the park and that I could get a beverage when I came to pick it up, which is exactly what I did while I waited for my bus!
FAQs About Krka National Park
Below are some frequently asked questions about Krka. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here and I’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.
What is Krka National Park known for?
Krka National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. It’s one of Croatia’s natural treasures and is famous for its cascading waterfalls, especially the most famous one: Skradinski Buk. Other points of interest are Roski Slap, Krka Monastery, and Visovak Island.
Can I swim in the waterfalls and lakes at Krka National Park?
Swimming in the park is no longer permitted as of 2021 in order to protect the ecosystem of the waterfalls and the park.
What are the best hiking trails in Krka National Park?
The park offers several well-marked hiking trails, including routes to Roski Slap, Visovac Island, and Skradinski Buk. Visitors can choose trails based on their preferences and fitness level. Check out details of the various hikes here.
Is camping allowed in Krka National Park?
No, camping is not permitted within the park. There are nearby campgrounds and accommodations in the surrounding towns.
Can I bring food and drinks into the park?
Yes, you can bring food and drinks into the park. There are picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal amid the natural surroundings. There are also food stands available in dedicated sections of the park in case you get hungry.
What wildlife can I expect to see in the park?
Krka National Park is home to various bird species, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. You might spot herons, kingfishers, dragonflies, and other wildlife during your visit. There are educational panels along the trails showcasing the flora and fauna.
Are there restrictions on drone use in the park?
Drone use is regulated in the park, and permits may be required for commercial filming or photography. Check with park authorities for specific guidelines.
How much time do I need in Krka National Park?
One day is enough to visit the park, but if you want to make sure you see it without the crowds, it may be better to spend a night nearby to wake up early and go as soon as it opens. If you enjoy hiking and nature, you may want to spend an extra day or two there. It all depends on your Croatian itinerary.
What is the best time to visit Krka National Park?
The best time to visit is during shoulder season because there are way fewer people and the ticket is a fraction of the price. I visited in May and was quite happy with my choice.
Which is better: Krka or Plitvice Lakes?
They’re different! Honestly, I loved them both, and if you have the time in your itinerary, you should try and visit them both. However, if you only have time to see one, I would recommend the one that is closer to you geographically. If you’re based in the south of Croatia, maybe pick Krka; if you’re closer to the north, go for Plitvice Lakes.