The Krka National Park, though small at only 142 sq km, is one of the most important natural habitats in Europe, home to a staggering 222 bird species, 18 different types of bat and more than 800 species of plant life.
It’s most famously home to the spectacular Skradinski Buk waterfall, where 17 cascades plunge 45m into an emerald-green basin – great for swimming. Footpaths and wooden bridges meander around the waterfalls, and lead upriver to the Roski slap waterfall (known as the ‘necklaces’ for the strange water patterns created). It’s lovely walking – look out for otters, golden eagles and peregrine falcons along the way.
A park shuttle boat connects the two waterfalls, and also stops at the tiny island in the middle of a lake capped by the 15th-century Franciscan Visovac Monastery. There’s also a 19th-century watermill with ethnographic museum.
Recommendations
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Skradinski Buk
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
Experience
This picturesque collection of 17 cascading waterfalls is one of the highlights of the Krka National Park. Wander the 2km walking track, or put on your bathers and swim in the river waters. Go early if you can – it gets crowded in summer.
Good for age: 4+
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
There are five entrances to the park: Skradin (the main entrance), Lozovac, Roski slap, Burnum and Kistanje.
From Skradin, which is located 80km northwest of Split, a national park boat runs every hour up to Skradinski buk (price included in the cost of the park entrance ticket).
You can also visit independently by car or join an organised tour group, departing from Split (by bus) or from Sibenik (by bus or boat). Maps are available on the park website.
There are several kiosks and small cafés within the national park serving cold drinks and snacks. Or for something more refined, in Skradin, Zlatne Skoljke is a top-notch restaurant serving exquisite seafood and fine wine overlooking the sailing marina.
Note – to visit the Visovac Monastery, you’ll need to be decently dressed; covered shoulders for women and long trousers for men.
When to do it
The falls are at their most impressive after heavy rain in spring or autumn. Summer is best if you like swimming; winter is enchanting when there’s often snow on the ground.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Visit the beautiful Krka National Park on a day tour from Split by air-conditioned bus. Upon arrival at the park, walk the wooden path through the park and discover a green oasis with endemic species of birds, fish, and butterflies.
Visit a beautiful ethno-village where you can see traditional costumes and crafts, the little house dedicated to Nikola Tesla, as well as the old watermills.
See the Jaruga hydroelectric power plant below the Skradinski buk, the second oldest hydroelectric power plant in the world and the first in Europe.
After spending time in the park with your guide, embark on a relaxing boat ride to Skradin. Take a walk through the little town, climb a fortress and enjoy panoramic views, grab a cocktail or lunch in one of the bars and restaurants or take a swim on a beach nearby, where Krka River meets the sea.
Visit a small village and get to know one of the local winemakers. Sample fine Dalmatian wine, homemade olive oil, cheese and bread.
Discover Krka National Park on a bus tour from Split. Hear the most important facts about the national park from your guide, visit the small ethno-village, enjoy the natural surroundings, and head to the largest waterfall in the park, Skradinski Buk.
Continue to the Jaruga hydroelectric power plant, the second oldest hydroelectric power plant in the world, and the first in Europe.
Enjoy your free time inside the national park, capture some nice moments, and create memories.
After spending time in the park with your guide, enjoy a panoramic boat ride to Skradin, one of the oldest towns on Croatia's coast. Take a walk through its city core, pay a visit to the little fortress with some stunning views, grab lunch, or enjoy swimming at the beach where the river meets the sea.
Take a day outside of the city and enjoy the beauty of Krka NP at your own pace.
Simple, Smart and Precise.
From Split or Trogir in an air-conditioned coach with an tour guide with all the tips and tricks that you need for a relaxing day outdoors around lakes and waterfalls.
We will buy you the tickets (Entrance Lozovac) so you don`t wait in the line and then at the start of the pathway our guide will give you info and directions to enjoy in the best way possible.
A total of 5h in the park on two locations. Explore for 2,5h at the first location - Skradinski Buk . Our guide is then waiting for you at the arranged time next to the boat pier.
Amazing boat ride down the Krka river canyon bring us to the area of the town of Skradin, still inside of the NP where you will have 2,5h to relax, enjoy the surrounding scenery or go to swim.
On request, we can take you to a local family agrotourism just 10min away for a nice lunch or some wine tasting.
It`s on you to decide!
We meet in Split/Trogir and take a 1,5h drive to Entrance Lozovac, this is the best place to start the 2km walk around the Skradinski Buk waterfall (A relaxing walk downhill as the views are building up).
After 2,5h at Skradinski Buk, we continue our journey with a boat ride down the river canyon to our second location inside the NP, the lovely little town of Skradin where you will have an opportunity to cool down with a nice swim inside of the Krka River.
And last but not least, only a 10min drive from our swimming spot we have a little village called Plastovo. Let`s go for some wine tasting (included), learn about its production, and if you decide taste some of the local specialties. In total 5h inside of the NP at two locations with exceptional views, a boat ride, swimming inside of the Krka River, and an extra visit to local family food and wine tavern (agrotourism).
Join us on the Krka waterfalls tour from Split where you will experience one of Croatia’s best national parks - Krka National Park! Admire an amazing waterfall, swim in the river and wander the cobblestone streets of an idyllic Dalmatian town.