Croatia isn’t just about beaches packed with Czech tourists; it’s also home to stunning natural scenery and charming stone-built towns. One of the most famous natural attractions is Krka National Park and its waterfalls. Given its location, it’s almost always on the way to Croatia or near your final destination, so I’ve been there several times myself. If you’re passing by, I’d recommend stopping off.
Where to stay near Krka National Park
Most people choose Šibenik as their base for visiting Krka, and that makes sense. It’s a beautiful coastal town with its own historic centre, restaurants and beaches, and it’s only about a 15-minute drive from here to the park. If you want to be even closer, head for Skradin, a picturesque little town right by one of the park’s entrances. From Skradin, boats run directly to Skradinski Buk, the main waterfalls, and it’s an experience in itself.
In Šibenik, I’d recommend staying as close to the old town as possible. The narrow, cobbled streets, St James’s Cathedral within easy reach, and in the evening you can sit by the sea with a glass of good wine. If you’re travelling by car, bear in mind that parking in the centre is limited, but most hotels offer their own car park or can advise you on the nearest one.
Accommodation tips near Krka National Park
- Heritage Hotel Life Palace – A stunning boutique hotel right in the old town of Šibenik, housed in a 15th-century building. A top-notch location.
- D-Resort Šibenik – A modern, designer resort just a short distance from the town centre, with its own beach and swimming pool. Ideal if you want to combine a visit to Krk with a relaxing beach holiday.
- Hotel Skradinski Buk – A simple, nice hotel right in Skradin. In the morning, you hop on a boat and you’re at the waterfalls. The most affordable option.
Tickets and trips to Krka National Park
Entry to the park is by time slot, and these tend to sell out during the high season. Trips from Split or Zadar also tend to fill up quickly in the summer. It’s best to book in advance.
You can also buy tickets at the information/tourist centre in Skradin or Lozovac, or if you walk all the way to the park entrance. Admission prices vary considerably depending on the season – in the high season (June to September) it is 40 euros, in the low season (April, May and October) it is 20 euros, and in winter (November to March) it is just 7 euros.
The ticket price also includes a boat trip from Skradin to Skradinski Buk (but only from April to October). If you’re travelling by bus from Lozovac to Skradinski Buk, this is also included in the price (April to October), as is the bus on the Laškovica – Roški slap – Bogatići – Stinice – Roški slap route (though this is only available from June to September).
- Krka National Park: a full-day trip from Split – Transport from Split directly to the park and back. You don’t have to worry about transport or parking.
People usually visit the Skradinski Buk waterfall, but the entrance fee you pay is valid for the whole park (you have to pay an entrance fee everywhere, not just at the waterfall). The park’s entry points are Skradin, Lozovac, Roški slap, Burnum, Stinice and Visovac.
How to get to Krka National Park
By car, it’s about 950 kilometres from Prague and just over 800 from Brno. If you’re flying to Croatia, the nearest airports are Zadar and Split. There are also regular bus services here from Zadar, Split, Šibenik and other Croatian towns. You can also book a group tour from Split, Zadar, Trogir or Makarska.
The entrance to Krka National Park is from the nearest towns, Skradin and Lozovac.
From the town of Skradin
Skradin is a small harbour town situated where the River Krka flows into the sea. Pleasure yachts dock here, as they are not permitted to sail any further up the river. There is a large car park right next to the harbour, from where boats depart for Krka. There is also a visitor centre where you can buy tickets.
The boat journey from the harbour takes about 20–30 minutes; on foot, it’s just over an hour along the river with lovely views. The boat runs free of charge from April to October – or rather, the fare is included in the ticket price – so you don’t need to walk just to save money, even if it’s just for the views.
For a bite to eat, I can recommend Konoba Dalmatino or the brilliant aROMA ice-cream parlour. There are loads of lovely restaurants and little shops in Skradin. After all, it’s a popular harbour and, thanks to its proximity to Krk, it’s quite a touristy spot.
From the town of Lozovac
Lozovac is considerably closer to the Skradinski Buk waterfall. It’s about a kilometre and a half on foot along an easy path. If you’re travelling by car, you can choose to go by boat (on foot) from Skradin or on foot from Lozovac; both places are about a 12-minute drive apart.
History of the park
Krka National Park was officially established in 1985 to protect the natural wealth and cultural heritage of the area around the River Krka. The river has always been an important source of water and energy for the surrounding area, which is why the area around it has been inhabited since prehistoric times. On the riverbanks stand ancient monasteries, fortresses and the remains of Roman settlements, which bear witness to the region’s rich history.
What to see in Krka National Park
The national park covers an area of approximately 109 km² and includes many interesting sites, although the best-known and most popular attraction is the Skradinski Buk waterfall.
Skradinski Buk Waterfalls
Skradinski Buk is the largest and best-known waterfall in the park. This cascading waterfall consists of 17 individual tiers, stretching over a distance of 800 metres.
Swimming in Krka National Park is only permitted in certain places, but one of them is right beneath the Skradinski buk waterfall.
Roški Slap Waterfall
About 36 km from Skradinski Buk lies another impressive waterfall in the park, Roški slap. There is an old mill above the waterfall.
Book your ticket for Roški slap in advance; during the high season, the daily quota can easily sell out a day or two beforehand.
Visovac Island and its monastery
The island of Visovac lies in the middle of the River Krka and is home to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery. This picturesque little island is one of Croatia’s spiritual centres.
The Nečven and Trošenj Fortresses
Today, both forts lie in ruins; they once controlled an important commercial and military crossing over the River Krka. The forts are situated on opposite banks.
Oziđana Cave
Archaeological site. The cave was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period, and today you can see an exhibition here about the lives of the area’s first inhabitants.
The most beautiful views in Krka
If you’re coming here mainly for hiking, try to plan a route that takes in some of the lovely views:
- Krnići Gornji – a viewpoint overlooking the confluence of the Krka and Čikola rivers lies on the road from Šibenik towards Pakovo Selo. In the centre of the confluence lies the islet of Kalički Busen.
- Čikola – as you travel along the left bank of the River Krka towards Visovac or the Roški slap waterfall, you’ll pass through the Čikola River canyon. Here there is a viewpoint overlooking the karst canyon and its steep limestone cliffs. The canyon is 14 km long and up to 170 metres deep in places.
- Visovac – a viewpoint overlooking the island of Visovac, surrounded by poplars. There is a statue of Petar Svačić, the last Croatian national king. A winding road leads from the viewpoint down to the Stinice jetty, from where boats depart for Visovac.
- Brljan – the Brljan viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the River Krka, including Lake Brljan. It is situated on a winding road on the Bukovica side and also offers a view of Burnum, a Roman military camp.
Where is Krka?
Krka National Park in Croatia is situated in Central Dalmatia, in Šibenik-Knin County, roughly halfway between the cities of Zadar and Split (around 80 km from each). The nearest major town is the port city of Šibenik, some 15 km away.
