Krka National Park is one of Croatia's most impressive natural areas. Known for its waterfalls, green lakes and wooden hiking trails, this impressive park is a paradise for nature lovers. It is therefore a real must-see during a tour of Croatia! In this blog, we take you to the most beautiful places in the park, give practical tips for your visit and answer frequently asked questions. So you will be prepared!
General information on Croatia
Are you planning a holiday to Croatia? Then check out our tips for the best itinerary, the best travel period and transport to and within Croatia.
What makes Krka National Park so special?
Together with the Plitvice Lakes Krka is one of Croatia's best-known national parks. It is best known for the iconic Skradinski Buk waterfall and the wooden hiking trails over clear blue. We found it a beautiful park and recommend everyone to add it to your travel list. Keep in mind that the park is big: seeing everything in one day is actually impossible. But with good planning, you can admire the main highlights. We therefore share our tips below!
How to get to Krka National Park?
The Krka waterfalls are easiest to reach by car or motorhome, as the sights in the park are quite far apart. With private transport, you can plan your own route and stop wherever you like along the way.
Tip: Don't have your own transport? Then consider renting a car or motorhome from reliable providers such as Sunnycars.co.uk, Wildcampers.co.uk or Camptoo.co.uk. Read more in our blog by motorhome through Europe.
Since it lies between two popular destinations, namely Zadar and Split, it is equal to an ideal day trip. Don't have a car at your disposal? Then book a tour through platforms such as Getyourguide tours.
Tip: Are you touring Croatia? Then stay a little longer in this area and also add Tulove Grede and Zrmanja Canyon add to your route.
Read also: Taking a campervan to Croatia, this is what you need to know!
Read also: Plitvice National Park, Croatia. Check out our tips!
Practical tips for your visit
Krka is one of Croatia's eight national parks and, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful. As the park is quite large, we share practical information below to help you plan your visit.
1. Entrance fees for Krka National Park
We start with the most difficult question because entrance fees for Krka National Park vary according to the season. It is therefore most useful to take a look at the park's official website.
→ Click here for current prices.
Good to know:
- Your ticket is valid all day, regardless of which entrance you enter the park through.
- Students get a discount (bring your student ID card).
- Do you really want to see everything? Then you can also buy a 3-day pass. This allows you to visit the park for three days spread over a week.
Tip: Don't have your own transport? No problem, from several destinations in Croatia it is possible to take a day tour to Krka National Park to be booked.
2. Opening hours of Krka National Park
You can visit the Krka waterfalls every day of the year, but the park's opening hours also vary depending on the season! Want to visit in high season but avoid the biggest crowds? Then we recommend entering the park as early as possible. Below are the current opening hours:
- June to August: 08:00 - 20:00
- May and September: 08:00 - 19:00
- Other months: 09:00 - 16:00
Note: The park shuttle buses only run from April to October.
Which entrance to Krka National Park do you choose?
Krka National Park has a total of five entrances, including Skradin and Lozovac are the most popular. From both entrances, you can explore the southern part of the park.
Note: Are you travelling by public transport? Then keep in mind that you will be dropped off at the Skradin entrance.
1. The Skradin entrance
It won't surprise you but this entrance is near the village of Skradin. You park your car or camper at the large car park (note: paid parking) and then you can buy your entrance ticket at the ticket office or have it scanned. From there, catch the boat to the Skradinski Buk waterfall. The boat trip takes about 25 minutes and is included in your ticket.
2. The Lozovac-entrance
Here you can park for free. In the summer months, shuttle buses run from the car park to the park, this takes about 10 minutes and is included in the ticket price. From the place where the bus drops you off, it's about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall but here you're already feasting your eyes.
Note: In the winter months, there are no buses and you may enter the park with your own car.
Discover the most beautiful Krka waterfalls and other sights
Krka National Park has many activities and sights. From wooden hiking trails to monasteries and cool viewpoints! Here are the highlights:
1. Explore the Skradinski Buk waterfall
Skradinski Buk is the park's most famous and impressive waterfall. At over 100 metres wide, it is the largest limestone waterfall in Europe. Keep in mind that swimming has not been allowed here since 2021 to protect nature.
2. Visit Roski Slap
In the northern part of Krka National Park (a 30-minute drive from the Lozovac entrance) you'll find Roski slap. Less touristy, but also slightly less impressive. Personally, we found this waterfall a bit disappointing. This is because the waterfall can only be viewed up close via a boat. However, the route to it is beautiful and you pass a viewpoint with a cool view of the island of Visovac.
3. Explore the island of Visovac
In the middle of the Krka River lies the island of Visovac, known for its 15th-century Franciscan monastery. You can reach the island by boat from Skradinski Buk or admire it from a viewpoint along the road from Lozovac to Roski Slap.
4. Manojlovac waterfall (Our favourite)
Our favourite! This 60-metre-high waterfall is the highest in the park and is completely hidden in nature. This waterfall is also located in the north of the park and is about a 30-minute drive from Roski Slap. You won't find any hiking trails here and you won't encounter many other tourists here either.
Tip: Finding the right road to Manojlovac takes some searching. Park your car or camper van at this location and hike to the waterfall in 30-45 minutes. We unfortunately couldn't find the descent down because we had no coverage, but maybe you'll manage! Are you a little less adventurous or can't find your way down either? Then see the waterfall from this viewpoint.
Frequently asked questions about Krka National Park
Can you swim in Krka National Park?
No, swimming at the Skradinski Buk has not been allowed since 2021 to protect the ecosystem.
How much time do you need for a visit?
For the southern part of the park (Skradinski Buk), half a day is enough. Want to see several waterfalls and the island of Visovac? Then we recommend a full-day trip.
What is the best time to visit the park?
Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. It is not as hot then and it is less crowded than in July and August.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the park, if leashed.
What is the difference between Krka and Plitvice?
Plitvice is bigger and has much larger lakes, but also more tourists. Krka is more compact and slightly quieter, with the advantage that some places can be reached by boat. Personally, we recommend adding them both to your travel list!
Do you need to make reservations for Krka National Park?
Yes, we recommend ordering tickets in advance despite the fact that it is also possible to buy tickets on arrival. This way, you are guaranteed access and avoid long queues, especially during high season.
Note: During the summer months, the maximum number of visitors to the Krka waterfalls is 10,000. A ticket gives you the guarantee that you can go in!
Krka National Park is an absolute must-see if you ask us! Whether you go for a day trip or take several days for it this place is definitely worth a visit. We hope this information helps you plan your trip to Croatia. Still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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