Krka National Park - attractions, locations, and travel guide

The Krka National Park includes several locations of extremely preserved nature alongside the Krka River.

The area has been declared a national park in 1985 and since then has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world.

Some people call it "younger sister of Plitvice Lakes" since there are lots of similarities between these two parks. Both are considered to be the among the most beautiful natural attractions of Croatian tourism.

The main attractions of Krka include waterfalls, river canyon, lakes, swimming places, boat tours, and unique flora and fauna.

Locations of the park are:

1. Skradinski Buk
2. Roški slap waterfall
3. Visovac Island
4. Manastir Krka
5. Burnum
6. Eco campus Puljane

Skradinski Buk is the most visited attraction in the park. It is located 15 kilometres away from Sibenik, and 90 kilometers away from Split.

Table of Contents

1. How to arrive at Skradinski Buk
2. Experience of Skradinski Buk
3. The Church of St. Nicholas
4. Skradinski Buk lakes
5. Skradinski Buk Mills
6. The Imperial Belvedere
7. Visovac
8. Roški Slap waterfall

How to arrive at Skradinski Buk

Two ways of transportation to Skradinski Buk are car and bus. There are two entrances to the park: Skradin and Lozovac. Lozovac features free parking and a bus ride to the entrance of the park, which is included in the ticket price.

Buses to Skradinski Buk depart from most of major Croatian cities like Split, Zadar and nearby Sibenik.

Experience of Skradinski Buk

I decided to visit by car. I left my car in Lozovac. The ticket price was around 5 euros, which was valid only for the winter season.

During the summer season ticket is more expensive. Check the updated prices at National Park Krka's official page, as well as the availability of tourist facilities like boat rides and tour guides.

I didn't want to wait for the bus which would take me down to the park, so I went there on foot. It took me about 20 minutes to arrive at the entrance.
The tour of the park lasted for two hours. The main sights were beautiful Krka waterfalls, old mills, the church of St. Nicholas and preserved nature alongside the river.

The entire park was well marked by indicative signs and accompanying texts. That's what made my trip really easy and enjoyable. However, the park also offers tour guides for groups and individuals.

Skradinski Buk waterfall is the top attraction of the park. The total height difference between the highest and lowest points of the waterfall is about 45 meters.

The Church of St. Nicholas

The interesting fact about the church is its construction. It is mostly built of dripstone.

Skradinski Buk lakes

There are 9 lakes at Skradinski Buk. Among them is the Šupuk's Lake, which was used to power one of the first hydropower plants in the world. The plant was built on Krka in 1895, and its energy was used for lighting Sibenik. That's why Sibeniks is known as one of the first cities in Europe with electrical power.
The lake's surface area is approximately 2000 square meters.

Skradinski Buk Mills

It is said that the first water mills were built on Krka in the 12th century. In the 19th century, the watermill was replaced by steam mills.
All the mills on Krka were closed in the 1970s.

The Imperial Belvedere

The Imperial Belvedere was built in honour of Emperor Franjo Josip, who visited Skradin in 1875.

Visovac

The island Visovac is situated in a lake of the same name, not far from Skradinski Buk. You can reach it either by taking an organised boat tour from Skradinski Buk or by taking a boat line from a place called Stinice.

The island is famous for its Franciscan monastery featuring a library with numerous cultural values.

Roški Slap waterfall

The next destination to visit is Roški Slap. There are two ways of getting to Roški slap: by car and boat line. The car ride from Skradinski Buk to Roski Slap lasts 60 minutes and includes a narrow road. That's why I recommend taking a boat tour from Visovac or Skradinski Buk..

Roški Waterfall is the sixth waterfall of the river Krka. Apart from the waterfall, there are beautiful seabed caves in this Park location. Furthermore, there is a walking trail with wonderful views.

For those who like hiking, there is a hiking trail to the viewpoint featuring a panoramic view of the Krka canyon. Hiking is only feasible with suitable equipment and during good weather conditions.