Krka National Park – waterfalls on the river of seven steps
On its way to the sea the Krka river has formed seven travertine barriers over which the water tumbles in cascades. The best known is Skradinski buk: about 800 metres long, with 17 steps and a drop of almost 46 metres. Wooden boardwalks lead through the roar, along with Visovac monastery island, Roški slap and Roman ruins. Alongside Plitvice, Krka is Croatia's most famous national park – and much quicker to reach from the coast.
At a glance
Region
North Dalmatia
From Šibenik / Split
approx. 15 km / approx. 90 km
Area
approx. 109 km²
Admission
seasonal: around €40 in high summer (cheaper in the afternoon), about half in spring/autumn, much less in winter
Best time to visit
April, May, October
Duration
2–3 hours for Skradinski buk, a full day for everything
Skradinski buk
The lowest and longest waterfall is the heart of the park. A circular boardwalk route of about two hours leads over and beneath the cascades, past old watermills housing a small ethnographic exhibition. Important: swimming at Skradinski buk has not been allowed since 2021. From April to October the boat from Skradin and the bus from the Lozovac entrance are included in the ticket.
Visovac, Roški slap and the upper river
Visovac islet with a Franciscan monastery in the middle of the river; reachable only on a boat excursion (extra charge)
Roški slap cascades with small waterfalls ("necklaces") and old mills, quieter than Skradinski buk
Krka Monastery Serbian Orthodox monastery upstream, by boat excursion
Burnum remains of a Roman military camp with an amphitheatre
Manojlovac the Krka's highest waterfall, with a viewpoint
Tickets and timing
Prices vary strongly by season: from June to September adults pay around €40 for a day ticket (cheaper after 3pm), about half in April, May and October and just a few euros in winter – the park has offered promotional prices of €7 in recent years. Online tickets save queuing. Boat excursions to Visovac and Roški slap cost extra. Our tip: come early in the morning or late in the afternoon; at midday groups shuffle along the boardwalks.
Honest verdict
Krka is smaller and quicker to see than Plitvice but just as crowded in high summer. The swimming ban has changed its character – today it is a place for looking and walking. For a relaxed visit, come in spring when the waterfalls are strongest, or in October. Arriving by boat from Skradin is the most beautiful way in.
Tourist office
Krka National Park
Address
Skradin (Hauptverwaltung) – Eingänge u. a. Lozovac, Skradin, Roški slap
No, swimming at Skradinski buk has been banned since 2021.
How much does Krka National Park cost?
Depending on the season: around €40 for adults in high summer (cheaper in the afternoon), about half in spring and autumn, much less in winter. Current prices at npkrka.hr.
Which entrance is best?
Skradin, with the boat ride to Skradinski buk, is the loveliest; Lozovac has a large car park and shuttle bus.
