Krka National Park: The Complete Guide

View Map

Krka National Park

Address

Lozovac, Croatia

Get directions

Phone +385 22 201 777

Web Visit website

Named for the Krka River and known for its waterfalls and monasteries, Krka National Park has a rich history despite being one of the youngest national parks in Croatia. A movement to make the Krka River a national park started in 1971, but it wasn't until 1985 that the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia proclaimed the area spanning from the early Croatian fortresses of Trošenj and Nečven to the Šibenik Bridge as a national park. The park initially covered 55 square miles (142 square kilometers), however, in 1997 the Croatian Parliament revised the park boundaries to stretch for more than 43 miles (70 kilometers) along the upper and middle course of the Krka River through Adriatic near Sibenik interior to the mountains of the Croatian epicenter.

Krka National Park features a variety of hiking trails, boat excursions, biking paths, and educational workshops for families to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the remote landscape away from big crowds and take in sweeping views of waterfalls, rivers, and gorges.

Things to Do

Tourists travel to Krka National Park for a host of reasons ranging from enjoying the hiking trails to seeing the gorgeous waterfalls and monasteries situated within the park. The top site to visit during a trip to Krka National Park is surely the Krka Monastery—the most significant Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia. A local guide is available from mid-June to mid-October to show you around and discuss the unique architecture and history of the monastery which was founded in 1345. A boat trip to the monastery is also available from Roski Slap waterfall also situated in the park.

While you're near Roski Slap head to the Eastern side where travelers can visit water mills that were used to grind wheat. Then you can take another boat ride to visit the next waterfall in the park, Skradinski Buk. The series of falls stretch for more than 2,600 feet (800 meters) and feature cascading waters that land in the emerald green river below full of tropical fish. Visitors can also enjoy visiting the nearby mill cottages which were converted into souvenir shops, craft workshops, and small restaurants.

Best Hikes & Trails

Krka National Park features plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints to experience with families, friends, or on your own. Many of the trails are modest but some do include steep hills to climb so choose carefully based on guideposts. It’s imperative to wear comfortable shoes, carry a bottle of water, and apply sunscreen for your time hiking the array of trails in the park. Use the park guidebook provided at the entrance to differentiate and plan the trails which are most suitable for you.

• Skradin Bridge: The blue Skradin Bridge was first constructed in 1953 and marks the southwestern boundary of Krka National Park. The 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) trail begins at the reception at the Skradin Bridge and is made of gravel and dirt, so you may need to be careful of your footing. It features both walking and cycling trails.
• Skradinski Buk Trail: The Skradinski Buk Trail is located near Skradinski Buk waterfall, which is the longest, most famed waterfall in the park. The start of the trail is positioned at the wooden bridge over the falls or can you go through the ethno-village. The trail is 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) long and visitors can take in beautiful views of the white waves crashing nearby from the waterfall.
• Manojlovac Trail: The short Manojlovac Trail leads to the tallest waterfall at Krka Park, Manojlovac fall. The 196-foot (60-meter) waterfall is separated by a series of natural travertine stone barriers. Visitors can enjoy the imperial viewing points, which are divided by stairs with a slight incline and decline. However, people with mobility issues or who are using strollers or wheelchairs will not be able to walk the Manojlovac trail.
• Krka Monastery Trail: The Krka Monastery Trail is a 1.3-mile-long (2.1-kilometer) circular path that is reachable directly from the courtyard of the monastery. The pathway is lined with hackberry trees, which provide comfortable shade for a relaxing hike. The trail is on a gravel road, however, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Roman Path Trail: This famed hiking path runs for 2,066 feet (630 meters) and is the historical path of the Illyrian tribes and ancient Romans. The pathway was important to locals as it leads to preindustrial watermills. The trail starts as gravel and has a slight incline at the trailhead.

Where to Camp

There aren't any campgrounds inside Krka National Park, however, there are many options very close by. Situated near the entrance of Krka National Park is Camp Krka, a 2.47-acre (10,000 square meters) campground covered in pine trees that houses a number of mobile homes and tents. There are sanitary facilities at two on-site locations, as well as a children’s playground and bowling alley. Additionally, excursions are offered for day trips to Krka National Park. Additional camping areas in the area include the following:

• Camp Marina: Marina offers 40 camping units, five-day rooms, two sanitary facilities, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. The area is covered with pine trees and a good amount of shade to enjoy outdoor activities such as paintball and cycling the area.
• Camp Skradinske Delicije: Skradinskke Delicije Camp is also situated close to the main entrance of Krka National Park. The campsite features 35 shaded pitches offering water, electricity, and drainage connections. The site is pet-friendly and has an on-site restaurant with a supermarket and beach nearby.
• Camp Robeko: Located 15 kilometers from Krka Park, this campsite offers 20 camping pitches surrounded by a vineyard and garden. In addition to the relaxing surrounding, there is on-site laundry, an outdoor pool, and a dining room available for use.
• Camping Skradin- Skorici: In the village of Skorici is the small family camp Skradin-Skorici, a suitable camping option 0.62 miles (1 kilometer) from the center of Skradin and Krka National Park. It has an outdoor pool, access to a garden with wine and olives on offer, and free transport to boats that transfer visitors to various Krka waterfalls.

Where to Stay Nearby

There are no official hotels located in Krka National Park, but there are plenty of options in nearby cities like Sibenik, Skradin or Lozovac. Here are some of the best local hotels:

• D-Resort Sibenik: Located in the historic city Sibenik on the Adriatic coast, this luxury resort is known for its fantastic art installations, stunning accommodations, pool, and on-site spa. It also features great views of the marina, several bars, and restaurants serving international and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Medulic Palace Rooms & Apartments: With a central location in the heart of Sibenik Old Town, this hotel is a great choice for those looking to be in the center of it all. You'll have a nice choice of restaurants and stunning views of the old town’s beautiful cobblestone roads.
• Vrata Krke Hotel: This hotel has the perfect location in Lozovac near the main entrance to Krka National Park. It's close to the Skradinski Buk waterfalls, making it a great choice for those looking to explore that area of the grounds. It features cycling paths, an on-site restaurant, and even a wedding hall.

How to Get There

The town of Skradin is one of the main access ways to the park and is situated near one of the two main entrances. Visitors can enter the park by taking a picturesque ferry ride from Skradin down the Krka River. The other main entryway is from Lozovac, which is located 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometers) south of Skradin. The Lozovac entrance offers an abundance of parking spots, so it's the better choice for those driving. The park is located in Croatia’s southern expanse of Dalmatia, in between Zadar and Split.

The park is accessible by road for those self-driving or those interested in a private transfer option. Several bus options are available for those traveling from Split, Zadar, or Sibenik. Unfortunately, it is not possible to travel to Krka National Park by train, however for those interested in flying, the nearest airport is Split International Airport located 26 miles(42 kilometers) away.

Tips for Your Visit

• It is recommended to rent a car for the easiest level of access to Krka National Park. Several spots are only accessible via road, so a car is necessary to explore the largest area of the park.
• Arrive early to Skradinski Buk as it is the most famed area of the park and can get quite crowded. Getting there early ensures that you can enjoy the area on your own before tour groups reach the park.
• Avoid traveling to the park during peak season of June through September in order to beat the crowds and get cheaper prices on entry fees.
•  A boat tour is available in the park but it is not included in the ticket price.
• From April through October, you can ride a boat from Skradin or take a shuttle bus from Lozovac to enter the park. Both will take you close to Skradinski Buk waterfall and both are included in the entry fee to the park.