Dozens of feet wide and high waterfalls cascading into a clear green pool teeming with hundreds of small fish. That sounds like a little paradise, doesn’t it? The diversity of stunning waterfalls makes Krka National Park a must-see during your trip to Croatia. Many people only visit the southern part of the park, which is a real shame because Krka has so much more to offer than that! Below, you’ll find everything about the most beautiful waterfalls in the park, along with plenty of practical tips for your visit.
Krka National Park
The waterfalls of Krka National Park are part of the Krka River that flows through Dalmatia. The park boasts 7 waterfalls, each of them unique in their own way. You can visit Krka National Park throughout the year, but spring and summer are the best times. The chances of good weather are high, and the river is still brimming with water. We were there in September, and as you can see in the photos, it’s still beautiful, but in spring, the waterfalls are even more spectacular.
What to see in Krka National Park?
If you’re visiting the park by car, you should definitely explore the following waterfalls.
Skradinski Buk Waterfall
Skradinski Buk Waterfall (also known as Krka Waterfall) is the largest and most famous waterfall in Krka National Park, the one you always see in photos. This waterfall is over 100 meters (328 feet) wide, and the water cascades over 17 smaller waterfalls. Unfortunately, as of 2021, swimming is no longer allowed here. The reason is that it has become too crowded, which is causing damage to the natural lakebed.
Skradinski Buk Waterfall has two different entrances. The entrance ticket you purchase here is valid for all waterfalls in Krka National Park on that day. You can also buy your tickets online in advance through the official website.
Lozovac Entrance: This is the main entrance located near the village of Lozovac. There’s a large parking area at the entrance where you can park your car for free. From April to October, shuttle buses depart from the entrance to take you to Skradinski Buk Waterfall and back. This ride takes approximately 10 minutes and is included in the entrance ticket. From the drop-off point, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall, and along the way, you’ll be treated to beautiful bridges and pools of clear green water on both sides. During the winter months, there are no buses, and you can drive into the park with your own car.
Skradin Entrance: This entrance is located in the village of Skradin, and from here, you’ll be taken to the waterfalls by boat. The boat departs every hour, and the crossing takes 25 minutes. The boat ride is included in your entrance ticket, which you can purchase here. The boat drops you off inside the park, and from there, it’s a five-minute walk to Skradinski Buk Waterfall. At the Skradin Entrance, there is a parking fee, and from November to April, no boats are operating.
Roski Slap
After visiting Skradinski Buk Waterfall, hop back into your car and drive for 30 minutes to the Roski Slap waterfalls. Roski Slap is much less known than Skradinski Buk Waterfall, so it’s generally quieter here. Park your car and walk up for a beautiful view of the river or relax by the water below.
Tip: On the way from Skradinski Buk Waterfall to Roski Slap, you’ll come across a viewpoint with a stunning view of Visovac Island. Visovac is a tiny island situated in the middle of the river, home to the Visovac Monastery. Here’s the exact location of the viewpoint.
Manojlovac Waterfall
Now, let’s talk about our favorite! From Roski Slap, it’s a 30-minute drive to Manojlovac Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Krka National Park. While Skradinski Buk has a well-paved path and many tourists, at this waterfall, you’ll experience more adventure. This waterfall is hidden in nature, and you’ll need to make a bit of effort to reach it. It’s approximately a 30 to 45-minute walk to the waterfall. You’ll start on a hiking trail, but at some point, the path ends, and you’ll need to do some climbing and scrambling. In some places, you’ll even need to hold onto a rope while descending. Because of this, the spot is much less crowded, and you can even swim here if you’d like. If you’re less adventurous, you can also view this waterfall from this easily accessible viewpoint. When using navigation to reach the waterfall, you won’t arrive at the parking area, so it’s better to use this location. You can find more information on how to get there here.
How to Visit Krka National Park?
By far, the best way to visit Krka National Park is by car. This is because the various waterfalls in the park are quite far apart. With a car, you’ll have the freedom to plan your day exactly as you like, making it ideal. If you don’t have a car, you can choose to visit Krka from Split or Trogir on a guided tour. From Split or Trogir, you’ll depart by bus to Krka, where you’ll visit Skradinski Buk Waterfall, Roski Slap, Visovac Island, and the town of Sibenik. The guide will provide insights into the unique environment, nature, and history.
Additional Tips for Your Visit to Krka National Park
- Wear closed and sturdy shoes.
- If you’re visiting Krka NP between May and September, go early in the morning. There is a maximum number of visitors allowed in the park at the same time. Going early will help you avoid any issues with overcrowding. Krka is open from May to September at 08:00 and from October to April at 09:00.
- When driving to the northern part of Krka National Park, you may lose mobile signal. Therefore, it’s a good idea to download the maps.me app in advance, including the map of Croatia for hiking routes. Also, download the map in Google Maps for car navigation, as maps.me doesn’t always work well for road navigation, and Google Maps doesn’t include hiking routes. This can be particularly useful for the hike to Manojlovac Waterfall.
- Before your visit to Krka, stop by a bakery to buy some delicious sandwiches for lunch. While there are restaurants at Skradinski Buk, they can be quite expensive. There’s a Mlinar bakery in the village of Skradin where you can get a tasty lunch. This bakery may not appear on Google Maps, but this is the exact location.
- In the village of Skradin, you’ll also find the restaurant Konoba Dalmatino, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner. It’s a charming spot on a small square, and they offer delicious risottos and pastas on their menu.
From Where to Visit Krka National Park?
You can visit Krka as a day trip from Split or Zadar, but if you’re on a road trip through Croatia, we recommend staying in the Krka area. Krka is located between Split and the Plitvice Lakes, and you’ll need a full day to see everything. Staying near Krka allows you to enter the park early in the morning, avoiding the crowds. Plus, after a long and tiring day, it’s great to relax by the pool instead of driving back to Split or Zadar.
Our Favorite Places to Stay near Krka NP
We stayed at The Residence, a small-scale hotel with a beautiful pool. It’s perfect for taking a refreshing swim after your visit to Krka NP! The owners, Barbara and Marko, are incredibly nice. The Residence is a 20-minute drive from the entrance of Krka National Park. Another lovely place to stay near Krka NP is Agrotourism Kalpic. This romantic farmhouse is run by a very hospitable family. They grow their own vegetables and fruits, and you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning. To top it off, there’s a swimming pool and a jacuzzi. You’ll truly experience the farm life here and find complete relaxation. If you prefer a budget-friendly apartment, Apartments Kantunal in the village of Skradin is a great choice. The entrance to Krka NP is just a 10-minute drive away, and the apartments are modern and cozy.
  The Residence |
  Agrotourism Kalpic |
  Apartments Kantunal |
