Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of the eight national parks in Croatia. Located in the beautiful region of Dalmatia, the park is a natural phenomenon that covers the flows of the rivers Krka and Čikola, the incredible lakes they form on their way to the sea, as well as seven waterfalls. The waterfalls and travertine are of enormous natural importance not only in Croatia but in entire Europe.

Krka National Park is an area of exceptional natural value, which includes a preserved ecosystem of the Krka River. With its travertine waterfalls, the Krka River is a natural and karst phenomenon. There are seven travertine waterfalls in the park: Bilušića buk, Brljan, Manojlovac slap, Rošnjak, Miljacka slap, Roški slap, and Skradinski Buk. The park covers an area of the lower course of rivers Krka and Čikola and spreads across 109 km². The biggest attraction of the park is the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Krka National Park offers 22 walking trails, 3 boat tours, and 5 viewpoints. Each trail covers a part of the national park, and the trails and boat tours can be combined.

Krka National Park tours

Krka National Park includes the entire course of the Krka River and the lower course of the Čikola River. As the park’s popular attractions are several kilometers away one from another and separated by natural barriers, it is not possible to visit all the localities on the same day. For the full experience of the Park, we recommend a longer visit. But one day visit is quite enough for you to see and explore some of the most popular attractions of Krka National Park.

There are ten different tours that include 47 km of hiking trails (22 trails) and 470 km of bicycle routes.

Skradinski Buk tour (3 hours)

Skradinski Buk is the most popular and most visited attraction of the park. The combined waters of the Krka and Čikola Rivers run over 17 travertine steps, forming this beautiful natural attraction.

The tour of Skradinski Buk covers the 1900 m long circular trail. The trail passes over many wooden paths, stairs and bridges, but it is not very demanding and is suitable for all visitors who are in moderate to good physical shape. Since this is a circular route it is easily done on foot.

The easiest way to take this tour is to get to the Lozovac entrance, take an organized bus (or walk on foot) down to the trail and later take the same way back to the entrance (parking lot and toilets are available at the Lozovac entrance).

To get the most from the tour, there are many educational panels all along the way. The panels provide information on the unique natural heritage of the park, talking about the ecosystem, the flora and fauna of the Krka River and its surroundings. Along the way you will find several resting areas and viewpoints, perfect for taking photographs, catch your breath or simply enjoy the nature and the view.

On the trail, you will see the old watermills on Krka River, the remnants of the Krka hydroelectric plant from 1895, and the village with a toilet, two restaurants, a picnic area, and a souvenir shop.

The Skradinski Buk tour can be combined with boat excursions to the Visovac island or Roški slap waterfall. The tours are available in the summer months and take up to 4 hours more than the original tour.

Roški slap tour (3 hours)

Roški slap is a broad 22 m high waterfall, which includes numerous backwaters, cascades, and travertine islands. Squeezed between the canyons of the Krka and Čikola Rivers, this entire site radiates the beauty and the power of the water.

The Roški slap tour includes a circular educational trail of 1360 m. The starting point of this tour is at the Laškovica visitor center where you can leave your vehicle and continue on foot.

The trail passes over the Necklaces – series of consecutive waterfalls. The trail is completely flat so no need to worry about your physical condition.

On the trail, you will be able to see the restored watermills that demonstrate the old traditional trades of the area and serve as a preserved monument of rural architecture, a souvenir shop with local handmade products and several restaurants.

At the dock at Roški slap, you can take the excursion boat for the Krka monastery and medieval fortresses of Nečven and Trošenj, with a duration of 2-3 hours.

Boat excursions

Krka National Park offers attractive boat excursions towards Visovac Island, Roški slap waterfall, Krka monastery, and the medieval fortresses of Trošenj and Nečven. The excursions departure from Skradinski Buk or Roški slap waterfalls (depending on which one you choose) and can be combined with several walking tours.

Depending on the weather conditions and water levels of the Krka river, boat excursions are normally organized from April to October.

Excursions from the Skradinski Buk waterfall:

Skradinski Buk waterfall – Visovac Island
– duration: 2 hours
– includes: sightseeing of Visovac Island

Skradinski Buk – Visovac Island – Roški slap waterfall
– duration: 4 hours
– includes: sightseeing of Visovac Island, boat ride through the canyon toward Roški slap waterfall, sightseeing of Roški slap

Excursions from the Roški slap waterfall:

Roški slap waterfall – Visovac Island – Roški slap waterfall 
– duration: 2 hours
– includes: sightseeing of Visovac Island, a boat ride through the canyon

Roški slap waterfall – Krka monastery – medieval fortresses Trošenj and Nečven
– duration: 2.5 hours
– includes: sightseeing of Krka monastery, panoramic sightseeing (from the boat) of the medieval fortresses Trošenj and Nečven

All you need to know before visiting the Krka National Park: 

• Prior reservation is not required for individual visitors. You can just buy your ticket at the reception at the entrance.
• Reservation is required for groups (min. 20 people). 
• There are five entrances to the park: Lozovac, Skradin, Roški slap / Laškovica, Burnum / Puljani and Kistanje / Krka Monastery, depending on the route you choose. Most commonly used are Lozovac and Skradin entrances.
• You can purchase the tickets online or at the entrance to the Park.
• The entrance ticket includes a visit to all land sites in the Krka National Park and access to all walking trails.
• Boat transport Skradin – Skradinski buk – Skradin is included in price (for visitors using the Skradin entrance), except in January, February, March, November and December.
• Bus transport Lozovac – Skradinski buk – Lozovac is included in price (for individual visitors using the Lozovac entrance), except in January, February, March, November and December.
• Boat excursions (Skradinski buk, Roški slap) are not included in the price. The price of the selected boat excursion is added to the entrance ticket price.
• The boat excursions have no fixed schedule, but instead are arranged on a daily basis.
• Parking and toilet are available at the entrance.
• Swimming in the park is not allowed from 2021.
• While in the Park, all dogs must be on a leash.

Entrance tickets for Krka National Park:

* Children up to 7 years can enter free of charge.
** Price shown in Euro is an approximate value based on the current Euro exchange rate, but please note that payment is available in local currency only (HRK).
*** Groups must have a minimum of 20 people.

Boat excursion tickets*:

* Excursions are only organized from April to October.
** The price of the selected boat excursion is added to the entrance ticket price.
*** Price shown in Euro is an approximate value based on the current Euro exchange rate, but please note that payment is available in local currency only (HRK).
**** Children up to 4 years don’t pay a boat ticket.

The easiest way to reach Krka National Park is by car. Krka National Park is just off the A1 motorway. There are two exits off the motorway that you can take, depending on which entrance to the park you decide to use. To reach the Lozovac entrance take the Šibenik exit, and to enter the Park at Skradin, take the Skradin exit. Both exits are just a few minutes’ drive from the park.

If you’re arriving by public bus, there are bus stations at both Skradin and Lozovac. Check out the links below for the detailed bus schedules and plan your trip!

Zagreb main bus station
Zadar main bus station
Split main bus station
General Bus search engine

How to get to Krka NP from Zagreb

 You will need approximately 3h30 to reach the Krka National Park from Zagreb. First, get on the A1 motorway and head in the direction of Split. Depending on the entrance to the park of your choosing, get off the motorway at the Skradin or Šibenik exit and continue following the directions on the road.

How to get to Krka NP from Zadar

To reach the park from Zadar, get on the A1 motorway (direction Split/Šibenik). Depending on the entrance to the park of your choosing, take the Skradin or Šibenik exit and continue following the directions on the road. The drive from Zadar to Krka National Park takes about 1 hour.

How to get to Krka NP from Split

To get from Split to Krka National Park by car, you will need approximately 1 hour. Take the A1 motorway in the direction of Šibenik/Zagreb and continue to the Šibenik or Skradin exit (depending on the entrance you are planning to take). Next, follow the directions on the road that will lead you straight to the park.

How to get to Krka NP from Dubrovnik

You will need about 3h30 to get to the Krka National Park from Dubrovnik. First, get on the D8 state road (direction Split). Continue on the D8 until you reach the border. Pass Neum (the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina) and continue towards Split and A1 motorway. Get on the A1 motorway and continue to Šibenik or Skradin exit (depending on the entrance you are planning to take). Next, follow the directions on the road that will lead you straight to the park.

Hotel Panorama⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Panorama is a four-star hotel, located on the A1 motorway, not far from the Šibenik bridge and just a 20-minute drive from the Krka National Park. Due to its location, the hotel provides an easy connection with the park and other localities in the area. It has been completely refurbished and provides an elegant swimming pool with sun loungers, along with a fantastic view of the Šibenik canal and the mouth of the river Krka. Hotel Panorama offers accommodation in 20 standard rooms, 20 superior rooms, and 2 hotel apartments.

Hotel Vrata Krke⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Vrata Krke is a three-star hotel situated near the Lozovac entrance, which makes it the closest one to the Krka National Park. The hotel offers accommodation in single, double, and twin rooms, as well as in the apartment. It is a contemporary hotel enriched with traditional elements such as wood and stone textures which resemble the lovely nature that surrounds it. The offer includes a swimming pool, free parking, a restaurant, and a bar.

Hotel Skradinski Buk⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Skradinski Buk is a three-star hotel located in the historic center of the town of Skradin. Situated close to the Krka National Park, as well as several other national parks, it is a perfect place to rest while on the road. The hotel is completely renovated and comfortably furnished. It offers accommodation in 2 suites, 3 single rooms, 19 double and 5 triple rooms. The hotel offers half board and full board services. All accommodation units are equipped with a bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, air conditioning, telephone, and free WI-FI.

Private accommodation

Another possibility is private accommodation that is available all around the park’s area. It might not offer all the commodities you can find in a hotel, but it does offer rest and a comfortable stay. There are plenty of interesting options you can consider, such as the Krka Fairytale Village, which offers accommodation in two beautiful fairytale houses with a large outdoor grill-kitchen, orchard, an eco-garden, as well as a large children’s playground.

When to visit Krka National Park?

Krka National Park is open for visitors year round and can be toured on foot or by boat. The walking trails are accessible at all times, but boat excursions are only available from April to October. So, if you prefer to explore the Park by boat, plan your visit in spring or summer.

Every season brings a different experience of the Park, just as the scenery changes with it. If you like to rest your eyes upon delightful green scenery then you should definitely visit Krka NP during the summer. But, summer is also the most popular time to visit the Park, with higher prices and a higher number of visitors. On the other hand, in spring you will have your peace and still be able to enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Unfortunately, there are not that many restaurant options within or close to the park area. The park itself offers several buffets and snack bars where you can buy a sandwich and have a drink. It is also possible to bring your own food to the park and have a picnic while enjoying the view and the sound of the water.

If you prefer a real meal, the closest restaurant is Vrata Krke, located at the Lozovac entrance. If you don’t mind driving, you can also choose one of the restaurants that have a view of the waterfalls and provide a good local meal. Within a 30-minute drive from the Lozovac entrance, you can reach the Roški Slap Restaurant or Alte Muhle Kristijan, both located near Roški slap waterfall. Their offer includes the Drniš prosciutto, cheese, fish, local wines, and many other original dishes prepared and served in the traditional way.

If, however, you are planning on visiting other localities in the surroundings, there are plenty of restaurant options in Skradin and Šibenik that might offer a more diverse menu.

Zadar

Zadar is a town with the most unique and most interesting features on the Croatian coast! Known as a place with the most beautiful sunset in the world, it is also home to the Sea Organ (the only one of its kind in the world!) and the Monument to the Sun – an amazing light-show experience. The historic center, situated on a peninsula, is full of cultural heritage and monuments dating to different periods in the past. Under the rule of the Republic of Venice, the city of Zadar was the largest city-fortress in the entire Republic. In 2017 the defensive system of Zadar, dating to that period, was inaugurated into the UNESCO World Heritage list!

Primošten

Primošten is a picturesque coastal town located between Šibenik and Split. The historical center, situated on a small island, is full of beautiful architecture and narrow streets, all built of stone. Although it was linked to the mainland in the 16th century, the historical center of Primošten preserves its authenticity and beauty. Apart from sightseeing, Primošten also offers lovely beaches and a clear blue sea. Because of its location and offer, this charming little town is perfect for a one-day visit or as a stop on the way.

Split

The city of Split is the second-largest city of Croatia and the largest Dalmatian city. The historic center of Split, along with the Diocletian’s Palace, was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the places where The Game of Thrones was filmed! The City of Split has the most famous boardwalk on the Croatian coast – the so-called Riva, which is full of restaurants and cafés. Full of archaeological monuments, old stone houses, and narrow streets, this old town is a real work of art and a must-see for all those who are visiting the region of Dalmatia.