The historic town in central Dalmatia sits beneath the medieval Knin Fortress, once a royal stronghold. Located near the Dinara mountains, it marks an important crossroad between Split and Zadar.
Knin is a city in Croatia's Dalmatian hinterland, with a medieval fortress rising 100 meters above its streets. You can walk the fortress's 2-kilometer defensive walls, watch the 22-meter Krcic waterfall cascade into the Krka River, or examine the ruins of a Roman amphitheater that once held 8,000 spectators.
Getting to Knin
Knin functions as a major transport hub, located 56 kilometers east of Šibenik. You can reach the city by train from Split, Zadar, or Zagreb, with regular connections throughout the day. By car, take the D1 state route from Split, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Climate and When to Visit
Summer temperatures in Knin reach 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Plan your visit for early autumn when temperatures become milder and walking around the fortress is more comfortable. Winter temperatures average 4°C in January, making outdoor activities challenging.
The Fortress
The fortress extends 470 meters in length and rises 100 meters above the city center. You'll find Baroque stone gates with original oak doors reinforced with iron nails along its 2-kilometer defensive walls. Three main sections make up the fortress - northern, middle, and southern - connected by drawbridges.
Natural Areas
The Krcic waterfall drops 22 meters before the Krka River emerges from a cave at its base. The river flows through canyons for 45 miles until it reaches the Adriatic Sea. Walking trails lead to several viewpoints where you can see both the waterfall and the valley below.
Roman Site of Burnum
The Roman site of Burnum lies 18 kilometers from Knin. The remains include Dalmatia's largest amphitheater, dating from 77 AD during Emperor Vespasian's reign. The structure could hold 8,000 spectators. Archaeologists continue to work at the site, uncovering new artifacts and structures.
Days of Zvonimir Festival
The annual Days of Zvonimir festival brings 11th-century life to the fortress. Local participants demonstrate medieval crafts and combat techniques while wearing period-accurate clothing. You can watch historical reenactments and listen to medieval music within the fortress walls.
