A Croatian park with stunning waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk. Home to diverse wildlife and the Krka River, it spans 73 kilometers of natural beauty.
Krka National Park in Croatia captivates with its natural wonders. The park encompasses the Krka River, where you can witness the multi-tiered Skradinski Buk waterfall, explore the historic Visovac Island monastery, and observe diverse plant and animal species. Located a short drive from Split, you can swim in designated areas, hike nature trails, and take boat tours through the lush landscape.
Location and Access
Krka National Park is situated about 10 km inland from Šibenik in Dalmatia, Croatia. You can easily reach the park from nearby cities like Split, Zadar, and Šibenik. Driving from Split takes about 1 hour to Skradin, one of the main park entrances. Public buses also connect these cities to Skradin. From there, you'll take a boat ride (included in your entrance ticket) to reach Skradinski Buk, the park's most famous waterfall.
Skradinski Buk Waterfall
Skradinski Buk is the largest and most visited waterfall in Krka National Park. This natural pool forms from a series of 17 waterfalls cascading over limestone formations. The falls extend over 45 meters in height and 200-300 meters in width. You can explore the area around the falls on a wooden walkway, which provides close-up views of the rushing water and surrounding vegetation. While swimming was previously allowed in the pool beneath the falls, this activity has been discontinued to protect the ecosystem.
Visovac Island and Monastery
In the middle of Visovac Lake, you'll find the small island of Visovac, home to a Franciscan monastery dating back to 1445. The island consists of a cluster of buildings surrounded by trees, set against the lake's blue waters. You can take a boat tour to visit the island and explore the monastery, which houses a small museum with historical artifacts and a library of rare books.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Krka National Park has several well-maintained hiking trails that wind through its varied landscapes. The educational trail at Skradinski Buk stretches about 1,900 meters and takes you past old water mills, ethnography exhibits, and viewpoints overlooking the falls. For a longer hike, try the 8.5 km trail from Stinice to Roški Slap. As you walk, you might spot some of the park's 800+ plant species and numerous bird species.
Practical Information
The park is open year-round, but opening hours and ticket prices vary by season. In peak summer months (July and August), adult tickets cost 200 HRK (about €27). Prices are lower in shoulder and off-seasons. Your ticket includes boat transport from Skradin to Skradinski Buk. It's advisable to book tickets online in advance during busy periods to avoid queues. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially if you plan to hike. While swimming is no longer permitted at Skradinski Buk, you can still swim in designated areas at Roški Slap during summer months.
