Nestled in the heart of Croatia lies a natural wonderland that is sure to capture the hearts of nature lovers and adventure seekers alike – Krka National Park. With its stunning waterfalls, lush vegetation, and diverse ecosystems, the park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Croatia’s natural landscape.
What is Krka National Park?
Krka National Park is a natural oasis located in the heart of Croatia. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and experience the wonder of its waterfalls, lakes, and rivers.
One of the main attractions of Krka National Park is its waterfalls. The park is home to seven waterfalls, each with its unique charm and beauty. The most famous of these waterfalls is Skradinski Buk, which is the largest and most visited waterfall in the park.
It is important to mention that the Krka National Park is huge. It stretches along the Krka River for a distance of 72.5 kilometers (45 miles), from the town of Knin in the north to the city of Sibenik in the south. Therefore, there are many different entrances and points of interest.
Travelling through Croatia? Don’t miss Cetina River Spring, the most surreal place in Croatia!
Entrances of Krka National Park
Krka National Park has four main entrances:
Skradin Entrance: Located on the southern side of the park, this entrance is the main entrance for visitors who want to visit the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Visitors can reach the waterfall by taking a boat tour or walking along the park’s trails. Being so popular, this is also the busiest of the entrances at Krka National Park.
Lozovac Entrance: Located just a few km away from Srkadin Entrance (but on the opposite side of the river), this entrance is an alternative access point to visit the Skradinski Buk waterfall. To reach the waterfall, visitors can take a shuttle bus (free of charge) or walk along a scenic trail through the forest.
Roški Slap Entrance: Located on the northern side of the park, this entrance provides visitors with access to the Roški Slap waterfall. To reach the waterfall, visitors can walk along a trail through the forest. The entrance also has a visitor center and restaurant.
Burnum Entrance: Located on the northern side of the park, this entrance provides visitors with access to the Burnum archaeological site. The site is an ancient Roman military camp and amphitheater, and visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the site’s history. Here is also where you will access the stunning Manojlovac Waterfall.
In addition to these four main entrances, there are several smaller access points throughout the park. Here is our map with the the main entrances and points of interest.
🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the top left icon to get more info about this map. Use the star icon next to the title to save it in your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, then go to “your places“, tap on “maps” and you will see this map on your list.
Which entrance is best?
Krka National Park is quite expansive, and there is no such thing as a “better” entrance. Instead, you should choose the entrance that is most convenient for the specific point of interest you want to visit.
For example, if you want to see the Skradinski Buk waterfall, which is the main attraction in the park, you can choose between the Lozovac and Skradin entrances. The Lozovac entrance offers a more scenic route, but requires a 4km walk through flat terrain. In contrast, the Skradin entrance is closer, but can be more crowded and less scenic. For any other waterfall or attraction, you will find a related entrance.
Tickets: Krka National Park Entrance Fee
The cost of visiting Krka National Park varies (a lot!) depending on the time of year. As you will see, it isn’t particularly cheap, especially if you visit the park during summer time.
| Jan/Feb/Mar | Nov/Dec | Apr/May/Oct | Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All sites | 6.64 € 50.00 kn | 7.00 € 52.74 kn | 20.00 € 150.69 kn | 40.00 € 301.38 kn |
| Roški slap + Kistanje, Burnum, Puljane | 6.64 € 50.00 kn | 7.00 € 52.74 kn | 12.00 € 90.41 kn | 20.00 € 150.69 kn |
| Kistanje, Burnum, Puljane | 5.31 € 40.00 kn | 5.00 € 52.74 kn | 10.00 € 75.35 kn | 15.00 € 113.02 kn |
| Jan/Feb/Mar | Nov/Dec | Apr/May/Oct | Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All sites | 3.98 € 30.00 kn | 4.00 € 30.14 kn | 15.00 € 113.02 kn | 28.00 € 210.97 kn |
| Roški slap + Kistanje, Burnum, Puljane | 3.98 € 30.00 kn | 4.00 € 30.14 kn | 8.00 € 60.28 kn | 12.00 € 90.41 kn |
| Kistanje, Burnum, Puljane | 3.98 € 30.00 kn | 4.00 € 30.14 kn | 7.00 € 52.74 kn | 10.00 € 75.35 kn |
Entrance is free of charge for children under the age of 7, while discounted fees are available for organised groups. Tickets can be bought at any of the main entrance gates,
It is also important to mention that some activities and attractions in Krka National Park are not available to visitors during the winter months of January, February, March, November, and December. These include boat excursions, bus transport between Lozovac and Skradinski Buk, boat transport between Skradin and Skradinski Buk, and visits to popular sites such as Visovac, Visovac House Kuželj, Oziđana pećina cave, and Krka Monastery.
When available, boat excursions cost anything between 5 and 20€, depending on the route. Check out prices on the official website of the park.
PLEASE NOTE: The ticket for Krka National Park is valid for one day only. This means that visitors can enter and exit the park as many times as they like during the day of their visit, but they cannot use the same ticket to enter the park on another day.
Opening times
Krka can be visited year-round, however the National Park’s opening times varies throughout the year. Here are the updated working times for the park as of 2023:
| Opening hours | |
|---|---|
| January | 9:00 – 16:00 |
| February | 9:00 – 16:00 |
| March | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| April | 8:00 – 18:00 |
| May | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| June | 8:00 – 20:00 |
| July | 8:00 – 20:00 |
| August | 8:00 – 20:00 |
| September | 8:00 – 19:00 |
| 1 – 15 October | 8:00 – 18:00 |
| 16 – 31 October | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| November | 9:00 – 16:00 |
| December | 9:00 – 16:00 |
SPECIAL DATES: The park is closed for visitors on December 25th and 26th. On January 1st, only Lozovac entrance is open for visitors. On December 24th and 31st, the Park is open until 12:00.
Best things to do at Krka National Park
Krka National Park has something for everyone! If you’re looking for a spot to unwind, then Skradinski Buk waterfall is the place to be. If you’re seeking a more secluded spot, Roski Slap waterfall is perfect. You can admire the waterfalls and even take a boat trip along the Krka River.
For those who are up for a bit more adventure, the northern part of the park features destinations like Manojlovacki waterfall, which is the highest waterfall in the park. The hike is definitely worth it for the stunning views! And if you’re into history, the area also has archeological sites like Burnum, which offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Here is an in-depth look to all of these places:
Skradinski Buk Waterfall (Krka NP)- Full Guide
For the vast majority of visitors, Skradinski Buk is synonymous with Krka National Park. In fact, Skradinski Buk is the most iconic and renowned natural feature within the park.
Skradinski Buk is the largest and most famous waterfall in Krka National Park, and it is located in the southern part of the park. The waterfall is formed by a series of cascades and pools, creating a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world.
Here you can explore Skradinski Buk by walking along a series of wooden boardwalks and trails that wind through the area, making a loop trip up and around the waterfall. Along the way, visitors can admire the waterfall’s stunning beauty and enjoy views of the surrounding lush vegetation. The park has also preserved several historic mills that used to operate in the area, allowing visitors to learn about the traditional way of life in the region.
Skradinski Buk is also home to several restaurants and souvenir shops, where visitors can buy some snacks or get gifts and souvenirs. Honestly, everything (even water) is insanely overpriced at Skradinski Buk, so it’s better to bring your own drinks and snacks for the visit.
How to reach Skradinski Buk?
If you want to visit Skradinski Buk, you have two options for entering the park: the Lozovac entrance and the Skradin entrance.
- From the Lozovac entrance, you can take a shuttle bus which takes you all the way to Skradinski Buk. The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. Expect to pay 30 HRK (around 4 USD) per person.
- The other option is entering the park through the Skradin entrance. To get there, you can park your car in the town of Skradin and either walk or take a boat to the Skradinski Buk area. The boat ride takes approximately 25 minutes, and the price is around 120 HRK (around 16 USD) per person for a round-trip ticket.
Once at the park, you can walk around the waterfalls thanks to numerous wooden bridges and pathways. Here is a map of all the trails:
Can you swim at Skradinski Buk?
One of the unique features of Skradinski Buk is its natural swimming pools, which are perfect for taking a refreshing dip on a hot day. The pools are fed by the waterfall’s cascading waters and offer visitors a chance to cool off and relax in a stunning natural setting.
However, swimming is now prohibited in the area.
In recent years, the park authorities have implemented measures to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem, including a ban on swimming in certain areas. While this is undoubtedly a necessary step to preserve the park’s natural beauty, it may be disappointing if you were hoping to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall’s natural pools.
Is it worth visiting Skradinski Buk?
Yes! Skradinski Buk at Krka National Park is a must-visit destination when in Croatia.
However, its popularity can be a downside during peak season (August), with long lines and crowds detracting from the natural beauty and peacefulness. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during low season or spending more time exploring other areas of Krka National Park.
Looking for a less crowded experience in Croatia? Consider visiting Peruča Lake, Dalmatia’s best kept secret!
Roski Slap Waterfall
Roski Slap is another stunning waterfall located in Krka National Park, on the Krka River between Skradinski Buk and the Krka River’s source. It is made up of a series of cascades and pools, creating a tranquil and scenic environment that attracts visitors from around the world.
In addition to its natural beauty, Roski Slap is also home to several historic mills that have been preserved and turned into museums. These mills were once used to grind grain and produce textiles, and visitors can learn about the traditional way of life in the region by exploring them.
One of the unique features of Roski Slap is the nearby island of Visovac, which is home to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery.
Franciscan Monastery (Visovac Island)
The Franciscan Monastery of Visovac is a 15th-century monastery located on the island of Visovac in the middle of the Krka River, near Roski Slap waterfall in Krka National Park. The monastery has a rich history and is one of the most important cultural and religious landmarks in the region.
The monastery was founded in 1445 by the Franciscan order, and has since played an important role in the region’s religious and cultural life. The monks who lived at the monastery over the centuries were known for their artistic and intellectual pursuits, and the monastery’s library and museum contain numerous important historical and cultural artifacts.
One of the most popular ways to visit the Franciscan Monastery of Visovac is by taking a boat tour from Roski Slap waterfall. The boat ride takes visitors across the Krka River to the island, offering stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. Once on the island, visitors can explore the monastery and its grounds and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.
Manojlovački Waterfall at Krka National Park
Manojlovacki waterfall (also known as Manojlovac waterfall) is one of the lesser known waterfalls in Krka National Park, located on the northern part of the Krka National Park. It is the highest waterfall in the park, with a height of approximately 60 meters (197 feet).
The waterfall is named after a local shepherd named Manojlo, who used to bring his sheep to graze in the area. Manojlovacki waterfall is formed by a series of cascades and pools, which visitors can explore by walking along a trail that leads to the base of the waterfall.
While Manojlovacki waterfall may not be as well-known as Skradinski Buk or Roski Slap, it is still a beautiful and impressive natural wonder that is worth visiting for its stunning views and peaceful surroundings. Here you can also take a dip in the pools at the base of the waterfall, which offer a refreshing break from the summer heat.
Check out our full guide to Manojlovac Waterfall!
Bilušića Buk Waterfall
Bilušića Buk waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in Krka National Park, Croatia. It is one of the smaller waterfalls in the park, but still offers visitors a chance to experience the park’s beauty and tranquility.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation, and it’s very easy to reach thanks to the proximity to the parking lot. The water flows gently over the rocks, creating a calming sound that adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
Where to stay near Krka National Park
- ON A BUDGET: Low-budget backpackers will be happy to know that the area of the Krka NP features all sorts of accommodations, including basic flats like Apartments Darinka for as low as 30€/night for a double room. The most intrepid wanderers might also want to check out Kamp Kanjon Krupa.
- MID-RANGE: The best options in this range are Mandić Rooms (from 45€/night for 2 people), Apartments Dolores (from €70/night for two people, in Sibenik), and Apartment Ante (from €80/night for two people).
- LUXURY: If you travel in a group you must check out Rural house Mudrinic “Ivini dvori”. Although the price of 400€/night might seem intimidating at first, this stunning villa sleeps up to 8 people. Take a look! For couples, a similar villa is Apartments Brkić, costing 100€/night for two people.
Our experience visiting Krka National Park
Our visit to Krka National Park during peak season in the summer of 2022 left us with a firsthand experience of the hustle and bustle of such a popular location. We visited Skradinski Buk first, choosing to walk along the 4km trail from the Skradin entrance. This is also where we purchased the tickets to access the Krka National Park.
The walk towards Skradinski Buk was incredibly pleasant, with stunning views along the entire way. Once we reached the waterfall, we found a large number of shops selling anything from souvenirs, ice-creams, drinks and snacks. As already mentioned, everything was very overpriced and we would not suggest you to eat or buy anything there, unless you really need to.
After crossing the bridge, we explored the stunning Skradinski Buk waterfall, wandering around the upper levels to discover the historic mills and smaller waterfalls that dot the area. The natural beauty of the place is truly breathtaking, but be prepared to queue with other visitors during peak season as there is only one pathway available for walking.
After visiting Skradinski Buk we headed back to Skradin entrance by boat. The boat is really worth checking out, as it offers a unique perspective on the Krka river.
After soaking up the sun at Skradinski Buk, we decided to head north towards Manojlovacki waterfall – and boy, were we in for a treat! This was hands down the highlight of our Krka National Park adventure, and we spent hours chasing waterfalls and just taking in all the breathtaking scenery around us.
As if that wasn’t enough, we also made a pitstop at Bilušića Buk just before sunset, which was the perfect way to end our day trip. But let me tell you, this park is HUGE, so you really need to plan ahead and be strategic about what you want to see and do.
Definitely start your day early and make the most of your time (and your ticket!) – trust us, it’s worth it!