Krka National Park follows the Krka River through limestone hills near Šibenik in Croatia. Along the way are waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, streams and jade-coloured pools. The largest fall is Skradinski Buk, and the usual way to reach it is a park boat from the town of Skradin. The basic walking loop takes about an hour on easy, well-marked paths. Look for dragonflies and butterflies beside the small cascades. Entry costs about 40 euros per person, so give the park enough time to make the ticket worthwhile.
The Krka River and its canyon
The Krka River is 73 km long. It starts at the western foot of the Dinaric Range and reaches the sea near Šibenik. The park covers about 42 square miles around it.
The waterfalls are a karst formation. Over thousands of years the river has cut a canyon through the limestone hills, in places up to 200 m deep. Skradinski Buk is the biggest and most impressive of the falls. Limestone terraces and clear pools form around it, and the park also holds two old monasteries, one on its own small islet.
Walking the boardwalks
The main route is a loop of wooden walkways. It passes streams and small falls before reaching the main waterfall, with viewpoints along the way where you can stop and look. The basic walk takes about an hour. Those who stop often at the viewpoints spend a few hours.
The trails are easy to follow and the park is kept clean. Dragonflies and butterflies are common beside the water. Other areas of the park, such as Lozovac, can be explored separately. There are picnic tables, and the entrance and parking area are wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed.
Getting to Skradin and the boat
The usual way in is through the town of Skradin, about 13 km from Šibenik. You can drive, or take a bus from Šibenik bus station to Skradin.
From Skradin, the park runs a boat service to Skradinski Buk. The river trip is a good start to the visit and worth taking if you can. If you arrive by car, you can also use the ticket to visit nearby places such as Roški Slap.
Roški Slap and longer trips
Roški Slap is a separate part of the park, and reaching it takes planning. From Sidrenik it needs two boats, and the second round trip takes about four hours. Decide on this before you arrive, so the time is not lost at the ticket desk.
Signs inside the park are not always clear, so check the route and the boat times before you set off on a longer circuit.
Prices, food and facilities
Entry is about 40 euros per person. Check the current price on the park website, and compare the time you have with the cost. Food, drinks and souvenirs are sold along the route and in the picnic area, but prices are higher than outside the park. Packing a lunch saves money.
The toilets at the entrance charge a fee. Free ones are about halfway round. In summer it gets hot on the walkways, so carry water.
Perguntas frequentes
How much is the entry fee for Krka National Park?
Entry is about 40 euros per person. Prices can change, so check the park website before you go.
How long do you need at Krka National Park?
The basic walking loop takes about an hour. Allow two to three hours if you stop at viewpoints or add a boat trip.
How do you get to Krka from Šibenik?
Drive about 13 km or take a bus from Šibenik bus station to Skradin, the park entrance. From there a park boat runs to Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall.
Can you visit Roški Slap with the same ticket?
Yes, the park ticket can be used for Roški Slap. From Sidrenik it takes two boats, and the second round trip takes about four hours, so plan it in advance.
Are there toilets and food inside the park?
Yes. The toilets at the entrance charge a fee, and there are free ones about halfway round. Food stands and a picnic area are inside, but prices are high, so bring your own snacks.
