8 Amazing Things About National Park Krka
Any itinerary for Croatia must include a stop at National Park Krka because of its breathtaking scenery and amazing natural beauty. The park’s stunning waterfalls, which are located along the Krka river, have helped draw so many tourists that the popular Skradinski buk waterfall now has a 10,000-visitor cap.
Krka is consequently Croatia’s second-most-visited national park, behind the lovely Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although a lot of visitors primarily visit Krka to swim in the magnificent Skradsinki buk falls, there are a few less frequented areas of the park that are nonetheless worth visiting. There are many things to do in National park Krka, like boat trips, famous Krka waterfalls, short boat rides, and many accommodation options with an outdoor swimming pool.
1. National Park Krka
Despite being one of Croatia’s newest national parks, Krka National Park is named after the Krka River and is popular for its waterfalls & monasteries. There was a push to designate the Krka River as a national park, but it was not until the Troenj and Neven early Croatian fortifications and the ibenik Bridge were declared a national park by the Croatian Parliament.
Originally covering 55 square miles (142 square kilometres), the park’s boundaries were revised by the Croatian Parliament to cover more than 43 miles (70 kilometres) along the upper as well as the middle course of the Krka River, through the Adriatic Sea near Sibenik, and up to the mountains in the country’s northeast.
Families can enjoy the many hiking routes, boat cruises, biking lanes, and educational seminars at Krka National Park. Away from the throngs of people, visitors may unwind in the quiet countryside while taking in the expansive vistas of waterfalls, rivers, & gorges.
If you explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, or both, you’ll find beautiful inland scenery in addition to Croatia’s famed shoreline.
2. Overview of the National park Krka
The water’s tint is bizarre, and wildflowers add colour when they are in bloom. Cities around the Dalmatian Coast can easily access the park, and if you only have a day, you can visit from Split, Zadar, or Sibenik. However, the park is so lovely that, if your schedule permits, you’ll want to stay here longer!
One of the top national parks in Europe is Krka National Park, which is situated in central Dalmatia close to the ancient city of ibenik. Krka National Park, which is about 42 square miles in size, has a number of waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful scenery. It is among the best.
Krka National Park is home to more than 850 different plant species. Many flowers are in bloom during the season, including Dalmatian pellitories, Adriatic violets, and chimney and stone bellflowers.
Look up to see whether you can spot raptors such as Bonelli’s eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey.
There are various fish that are native to the area, and several of the bat species there are endangered. In the park, you might also witness reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, there are historical landmarks in the park, as well as ancient stronghold ruins nearby.
3. Reaching National Park Krka
You can follow the following ways to reach the National Park Krka.
1. Arrangement Tour
From Split, there are several opportunities to embark on a planned excursion with a knowledgeable tour guide. You won’t have to deal with the trouble of taking the bus or having to drive yourself thanks to this.
Private, customisable excursions of the Krka waterfalls can be arranged from Split at extremely reasonable rates for single travellers, families, or small groups travelling in well-kept automobiles.
Although these trips have set beginning and ending hours, they are flexible, pleasant, and unquestionably the best method to see National Park Krka without any difficulties, less crowded, and convenient.
2. Using Public Transit
First, you can travel to Sibenik by bus from the bus terminal in Split. After reaching Sibenik, you would switch to a local bus to continue your journey to Skradin.
You may be able to locate a direct bus during the busiest times, saving you from having to change buses in Sibenik. Unfortunately, public transportation is the least preferred choice for tourists because it can take too much time and buses frequently run late.
3. Private Car
The approximate driving distance between Split and Krka is 90km. There is plainly visible signage along the road leading to the park. Although it is scenic and nice, you will have to pay tolls. The A1 and, subsequently, the D33 are the finest routes to take.
It’s crucial to remember that the park has a few entrances that are distinct from one another. If you prefer to drive yourself, tickets are available at the gate, although queue wait times may be longer during the busiest seasons of the year.
Parking
Parking places are most plentiful at the Lozovac entrance. It’s fairly uncommon to have to pay for the illegal parking lot due to the high volume of tourists.
In order to avoid worrying about transportation and parking, it is advisable to visit Krka National Park in planned small groups.
Krka is a must-visit location in Croatia since it is only one hour’s drive to Split & all other important Dalmatian destinations, has a national park, and is surrounded by a pristine environment.
4. Most suitable season to explore Krka National Park
Naturally, the summertime is when Krka National Park experiences its most pleasant weather. The best months to visit Krka are May/June and September/October because the park is very busy in July and August.
If you choose May or October, the park is less crowded, and you won’t have to pay the exorbitant entrance cost paid during peak season. It’s crucial to be aware that swimming just at Skardinski Buk Falls within Krka National Park is only allowed from 1 June to 30 September.
Probably visit during the winter, which can also be a terrific time to travel if you don’t intend to swim. Since it rains more frequently throughout these months than it does during the hotter summer, the falls will be more intense.
5. Activities to do in National Park Krka
1. The Skradinski Buk
The Skradinski Buk The magnificent Skradinski buk falls are often considered the major draw and one of the greatest things to do when visiting Krka National Park. The total drop from this group of 17 waterfalls, which span 800 metres, is 45 metres. It is also feasible to swim in the calm, soothing waters at the base of the last waterfall.
We advise making Skradinski buk your first stop in the park to fully enjoy its splendour. However, if you get there early, you might be fortunate sufficient to have these fall to yourselves for a while. You were able to swim without interruption before the park became overrun with guests because we got there early!
By getting to the Lozovac entrance soon before it opens, you can avoid the crowds. You can choose between taking a free shuttle bus, which only runs from April and October, or walking 875 metres downhill after purchasing your ticket (if you haven’t done so already online).
We advise walking down, as the shuttle usually operates when it is completely filled, because you’ll probably arrive at the bottom first! You can drive down to the trail’s beginning if you are travelling between November and March since these months are less popular than the park.
After you descend, one of the park’s walking paths will take you on a 1,900-meter circle through some forest that descends to the lovely Skradinski buk waterfall.
If a shuttle bus is running, you can either wait for it or walk back up the path to the parking lot once the loop has been completed. The trail back to the parking lot is hilly, making it significantly more difficult; therefore, we advise waiting for a shuttle bus.
If you wish to swim in Skradinski buk, don’t forget your swimming gear, but be aware that the water is chilly. In order to traverse the numerous rocks in the water. Therefore, if you have any, it is advisable to wear swimming shoes. Swimming shoes can be purchased in the Krka National Park in Skradinski buk for about 75 Kuna.
2. Manojlovacki Slap
Manojlovacki Slap seems to be the tallest waterfall at Krka National Park & a somewhat off-the-beaten-path activity here. It has a total drop of about 60 metres. The falls’ largest single drop, measuring 32 metres, hurls water into the canyon below.
Manojlovacki slap is adjacent to the Burnum park entrance and around 45 kilometres by car from the Lozovac gate. Many people really overlook this location because of its distance from the more well-known Krka waterfalls.
You are compelled to travel on your own because the park does not provide transportation to Manojlovacki slap. Yet if you’ve rented a car, we believe it’s certainly worth taking the extra time to see this remote but stunning waterfall.
It might be wise to check ahead of time to see if the waterfall will be dry during one of the hotter seasons of the year. The waterfall was in full flow when we went in September, so it’s still likely that it will be flowing during the warmer months of the year.
3. Krka Monastery
The Krka Monastery is located next to the Krka river, about 4 kilometres from the settlement of Kistanje. With a history that dates back to 1345, the monastery is considered one of the most important Serbian Orthodox sites.
Guides are required because the monastery is still in operation, and visitors are only permitted to the Orthodox church as well as the Roman catacombs that are located beneath it. Additionally, one can stroll around the gardens all the way to the Krka River.
The Krka monastery is reachable year-round by road or during the periods of April through October by boat from Roki slap.
4. Visovac
The island, which sits in the midst of the Krka river, is where a monastery was initially built. From a vantage point near the statue of Croatian King Petar Svai, Visovac is best seen. Visovac doesn’t actually require an entrance; all you need to do is take a moment to admire its beauty from the viewpoint.
Anyone interested in visiting the island can do so by taking a 5-minute river cruise either from Stinice or Remetic. It is also feasible to travel from Skradinski buk, although doing so has the drawback of preventing you from appreciating Visovac and its environs from a higher vantage point.
5. Amphitheater at Burnum
One of the less frequented locations in Krka National Park and an additional activity to undertake here are the remnants of the Roman military camp Burnum. The location is still being excavated and is thought to include an amphitheatre that could accommodate about 8,000 spectators.
If you’re in the neighbourhood or have a particular interest in Roman history, you should take a brief look at the Burnum amphitheatre, which is close to Manojlovacki slap.
6. Roki Smack
The main falls as well as what locals refer to as the “necklace” make up the two sections of the waterfalls at Roki Slap. The main falls, in our opinion, are rather ordinary compared to Skradinski buk & Manojlovacki’s slap.
Around the cascades, there is a reasonably lovely circular walk. Although we believe your time would be better spent somewhere else in the park.
Visit Oziana Peina Cave or hike up a challenging trek for a better glimpse of the necklace. Despite the area’s beautiful scenery, we didn’t think it was as noteworthy as other park areas, especially given that more people visit Roki slap than Manojlovacki slap.
7. Best Trails & Hikes
There are many hiking paths and vistas in Krka National Park that you can explore with your family, friends, or yourself. However, some of the routes do have steep hills to climb, so be sure to choose wisely based on the guideposts. For your time trekking the variety of routes in the park, it’s essential to put on sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Select plan the trails that are best for you using the park guidebook that is available at the entrance.
1. Skradin Bridge
The blue Skradin Bridge, which serves as the southern boundary of Krka National Park, was first built in 1953. The Skradin Bridge welcome area marks the start of the 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometre) gravel, and consequently, you might need to watch where you step. There are pathways for biking and walking there.
2. Skradinski Buk Trail
Skradinski Buk Trail The trailhead is located near the wooden Bridge that spans the waterfalls, or you can enter through the ethnic village. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the white waves smashing nearby from the waterfall along the 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometre) route.
3. Manojlovac Trail
The shortest trail in Krka Park, the Manojlovac Trail, goes to the park’s tallest waterfall, Mano. There are numerous naturally occurring travertine stone barriers that divide the 196-foot (60-meter) cascade. The separated imperial observation spots are open to visitors.
They are divided by a short elevation and decline in the stairs. However, the Manojlovac route is not accessible to those who have mobility problems, are pushing strollers, or use wheelchairs.
4. The trail to Krka Monastery
The 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometre) long Krka Monastery Trail can be accessed straight from the monastery’s courtyard. Hackberry trees that flank the trail offer welcoming shade for a leisurely trek. However, because the trail follows a gravel road, wear suitable walking shoes.
5. Roman Road Route
This well-known trekking route, which is 2,066 feet long, was once used by ancient Romans and Illyrian tribes. Given that it links to ancient watermills, the trail was significant to the inhabitants.
8. Visit Skradinski Buk Village
If you love learning about regional history & culture, take a look at the presentations while making your way to Skradinski buk. The ethnic village provides a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural legacy.
Before the era of industrialisation, you may witness water mills from the 17th and 18th centuries here, where you can also see how wheat is ground into flour.
Along with traditional arts and crafts like fabric weaving, washing & softening textiles, a blacksmith, and everyday commodities like tools and home goods, the town also exhibits traditional arts and crafts. A barn and the miller’s house are among the structures you can see.
9. Roski Slap
The sixth waterfall just on Krka River, Roki Slap, is the most well-known attraction in Krka National Park after Skradinski Buk. You can travel there by car or take a boat tour.
Even though the impressive waterfall is not as picturesque as Skradinski buk, but is nevertheless a magnificent sight. It plunges roughly 74 feet. Here, down from the falls, you can go swimming in the lake.
The necklace cascades just at the top and maybe circled easily and flatly; they are just as beautiful as the waterfall itself.
Additionally, you can ascend the more than 500 steps to the Oziana Peina Cave, where signs of early human habitation have been discovered.
10. Visovoac Island
Small and picturesque Visovac Island is located in the Krka River. The best view is from above. Just before the road descends to Stinice, the pier from which boats leave for the island, there is a viewpoint close to the memorial to Croatian King Petar Svai from which you can see Visovac Island in all its glory.
The overlook offers spectacular views of the river and its verdant banks in addition to the island. By boat, you can travel to Visovac Island. The Church of the Lady of Visovac and the Franciscan convent of Our Lady of Mercy are both on the island. Visit the tiny museum; among its treasures is an illustrated copy.
11. Check out the Krka Monastery
The Krka Monastery is an Orthodox monastery that honours Archangel Michael. A few kilometres from Kistanje, the monastery is situated on a beach of the Krka River. Icons and frescoes are used to embellish the interior generously.
Next to the monastery lies a church with Byzantine architecture. Underneath the cathedral are catacombs from the Roman Empire. The area is incredibly peaceful, and the Krka River views are lovely.
From Kistanje, you can travel by car, or between April through October, you can take a boat excursion to Roski Slap.
12. Visit further waterfalls at National Park Krka
There are five further waterfalls in Krka National Park, although the majority of visitors only witness Skradinski buk & Roski slap. Manojlovac Slap is the tallest waterfall at Krka, falling 65 feet. It is one of the park’s most stunning waterfalls and the third greatest in terms of size. The Krka River’s first waterfall is called Biluia Buk.
13. Visit the Architectural Ruins at Burnum
The ancient Roman military camp at Burnum is preserved as a part of Krka National Park. The location is situated in Ivosevci, a small town close to Knin. The four entrances of the military amphitheatre are still visible. It was designed to hold more than 6,000 spectators. If you like history and historical buildings, the location is worthwhile visiting.
14. Explore Skradin
If you have time, see the charming tiny town of Skradin in addition to the attractions in the park. Take a look at the Church of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary’s Baroque façade and take a picture of the bell tower, which is actually the church’s bell tower but is separate from it. For spectacular views of the town’s roofs, hike to Skradin Fort and stroll the charming Marina.
6. Places to Camp
Krka National Park doesn’t have any camping. Camp Krka, a 10,000 square metre campground shaded by pine trees and located close to Krka National Park’s entrance, is home to several mobile homes & tents.
There are restrooms available at two different places on the property, along with a playground for kids and a bowling alley. Additionally, day trips to Krka National Park are possible with the help of tours. The following additional camping spots are nearby:
1. Marina Camp
Forty camping sites, five-day rooms, two restrooms, a pool, and a restaurant are all available at Marina. The region has plenty of shade and is covered in pine trees, making it ideal for outdoor activities like paintball.
2. Skradinske Delicije Camp
The Skradinskke Delicije Camp is close to the Krka National Park’s main entrance. Thirty-five shaded campground spaces with access to water, electricity, & drainage are available. The location welcomes pets and offers a restaurant on the premises. A grocery store and beach are also close by.
3. Camp Robeko
This campground, which is 15 kilometres from Krka Park, has 20 camping sites encircled by a vineyard and a garden. There is a dining area, an outdoor pool, as well as laundry in addition to the tranquil surroundings.
4. Skradin-Skorici Camping
The modest family camp Skradin-Skorici is located in the Skorici settlement and approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) from the Skradin & Krka National Park’s main entrance. It contains a garden and an outdoor pool.
7. Hotels in the Area
Although Krka National Park does not have any official hotels, there are several possibilities in adjacent towns like Sibenik, Skradin, or Lozovac. The top hotels in the area are listed below:
1. Sibenik D-Resort
This opulent resort, which is situated in the historic city of Sibenik on the Adriatic coast, is renowned for its wonderful art installations, gorgeous lodgings, pool, and on-site spa. Additionally, it has a number of bars and restaurants providing both international and Mediterranean food and excellent views of the Marina.
2. Rooms & Apartments at Medulic Palace
This hotel is a terrific option for people wishing to be in the centre of it all because of its prime position in the middle of Sibenik Old Town. You’ll have a decent selection of dining options and breathtaking views of the wonderful cobblestone streets in the ancient town.
The Vrata Krke Hotel is ideally situated in Lozovac, close to the Krka National Park’s main entrance. It’s an excellent option for people who want to explore that part of the grounds because it’s close towards the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. It has a restaurant on-site, bike trails, as well as a wedding hall.
3. Guidelines for Your Visit Krka National Park
For the most convenient level of accessibility to Krka National Park, it is advised to rent a car. The largest section of the park can only be explored by car because several locations are only reachable by road.
Skradinski Buk is the most popular portion of the park & can become rather crowded, so get there early. By arriving early, you can explore the area alone before tour groups arrive at the park.
To beat the crowds and earn reduced entry charges, avoid visiting the park from June through September, which is peak season.
From April to October, you can enter the park via boat from Skradin or by shuttle bus from Lozovac. Both are included in the park entrance charge and will bring you close to the Skradinski Buk waterfall.
8. Final Words
This is our guide to National Park Krka. Families can enjoy the many hiking routes, boat cruises, biking lanes, and educational seminars at Krka National Park. Away from the throngs of people, visitors may unwind in the quiet countryside while taking in the expansive vistas of waterfalls, rivers, & gorges.
