Krka National Park
The Krka National Park protects the course of the Krka River over 109 km² with its 7 spectacular travertine waterfall stages. Less dramatic than Plitvice, but more accessible, cheaper, and less crowded. Until 2021, you could even swim in the waterfalls — unfortunately, this is now prohibited, but the park remains a natural jewel.
The park is only 15 km from Šibenik and is easily reachable from Zadar (1 hour) or Split (1.5 hours) as a day trip.
Highlights in Krka National Park
★★★ Skradinski Buk
The star of the park — a breathtaking cascade of 17 steps over 800 meters in length with a height difference of 45.7 meters. The last step flows into a turquoise pool, which was world-famous as a "natural swimming pool" until 2021.
A 1.9 km circular trail leads on wooden walkways and gravel paths through the cascades. You literally walk over the water, past historic watermills (one of which is a museum), through dense riparian forest, and always with views of new cascades and pools. The spray refreshes on hot days.
The circular trail is well-paved, suitable for children (about 1–1.5 hours). At the end, there is a restaurant and souvenir shops.
★★ Visovac Monastery Island
In the middle of Visovac Lake — an extension of the Krka River — lies a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery from the 15th century. The monks maintain a lovingly tended garden, and the church houses valuable paintings and one of the oldest editions of Aesop's Fables in Croatia.
The island is only accessible by excursion boat (from Skradinski Buk or Remete). The boat ride through the steep-walled gorge is an experience in itself.
Included in the park ticket, but boat ride extra: 15–20€ (depending on route). Summer departures hourly, April/October reduced.
★ Roški Slap
The second-largest cascade in the park — less visited and wilder than Skradinski Buk. 650 meters of cascades with a height difference of 22.5 meters. From here, 517 stone steps (nickname: "Croatian Great Wall") lead up to the Oziđana pećina viewpoint with views over the entire canyon.
Accessible via Lozovac/Burnum entrance or by boat from Skradin.
★ Burnum — Roman Amphitheater
At the northern edge of the park: the remains of a Roman military camp with the arches of an amphitheater. Little visited, impressively solitary in the karst landscape. Occasionally, concerts are held in the ruins in summer.
Included in the park ticket. Accessible via the northern entrance (Burnum/Puljane).
Entrances & Prices
Entrance Skradin (Recommendation)
The most beautiful access: In Skradin, you park (free at the edge of town) and take a free excursion boat (included in the ticket) that takes you in 25 minutes through a breathtaking river gorge directly to Skradinski Buk. The boat ride alone is an experience.
Boats run every 30–60 minutes in summer (first boat around 8:00, last return around 18:00). Skradin itself is a charming town with good restaurants at the harbor — ideal for lunch after visiting the park.
Entrance Lozovac
More practical if you come by car: Large parking lot (5€/day), then shuttle bus (free, 5 min.) to Skradinski Buk. Less atmospheric than Skradin, but more efficient.
Other Entrances
Roški Slap, Burnum/Puljane, and Kistanje — these entrances lead to the northern, less visited parts of the park.
Entrance Fees 2026
| Period | Adults | Children 7–14 |
| January–March, November–December | 10€ | 7€ |
| April–May, October | 20€ | 12€ |
| June–September | 30€ | 18€ |
Children under 7 free. Ticket valid for one calendar day. Online booking recommended at npkrka.hr.
Opening Hours
The park is open year-round. Summer (June–September): 8:00–19:00 hrs. Spring/Fall: 9:00–17:00 hrs. Winter: 10:00–15:00 hrs. Last entry 2 hours before closing.
💡 Tipp
Combo tip: Morning at Krka National Park via Skradin, afternoon at Šibenik Cathedral — fits perfectly into one day. Or vice versa: Morning in Šibenik (fewer tourists), afternoon at Krka.