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There is no doubt that the Adriatic Sea along Croatia’s coastline is a stunning stretch of water. The crystal clear water ranges in color from cobalt blue to turquoise, varying in intensity depending on sunlight and depth.
However, Croatia’s appealing aqueous beauty isn’t exclusive to the shore. Flowing rivers and teal lakes off the coast of Croatia have a series of tumbling waterfalls that rival the splendor of the ocean. These grandiose Croatia waterfalls are exactly what lured us to visit Krka National Park on a day trip.
About Krka National Park, Croatia
The Krka Waterfalls, created by the phenomenon of naturally-made travertine barriers, are a mesmerizing sight. A day trip to Krka National Park, however, often takes a backseat to the more famous Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
We had visited Plitvice Lakes in Winter on our way from Split to Zagreb – and on a subsequent trip to Croatia in Autumn, so visiting Krka National Park for the day was at the top of our list of things to see while we were in staying Zadar. That said, Krka is easy to get to from several Croatian cities and we have since returned to Krka Waterfalls on a day trip from Split!
Krka National Park – rated one of the best national parks in Croatia – encompasses 42 square miles around the Krka River. In addition to the waterfalls at Krka, the park features archaeological ruins, churches, islands and caves, all reachable by organized Krka Tours. The main attraction at Krka NP is Skradinski buk, the largest waterfall on the Krka River.
Visiting Krka Waterfalls, Croatia on a Day Trip
From Zadar, we opted to explore on our own self-guided Krka National Park tour. Our discovery of the park began the moment we stepped through the Krka main gate – as we could hear the rush of water before we came face-to-face with Skradinski buk. Thanks to the previous days’ rain, thundering water was pouring over these magnificent, multi-leveled Croatian waterfalls. Under a cloudless, blue Dalmatian sky, the rays of light magnified the mist that dampened our cheeks.
Krka National Park Walking Path
A path – part wooden plank, part concrete, part dirt trail – loops around and over the clear Krka waters, allowing us to see the river from nearly every angle. We started our tour of Krka NP by crossing the bridge on the right of Skradinski buk.
After climbing a short series of steps, we reached a Krka Waterfall viewing platform that provided a new perspective. The quick moving water created rapids of white and a rainbow appeared in the billowing mist. Water, illuminated in the sunlight, flowed over smooth rocks and was a stream of glittering seafoam green as it spilled over a rocky ledge.
Krka NP Historical Sights
Before we continued over the Krka Falls on the wooden footpath, we did a quick tour of the area. A small church remains from long before the area was designated a national park of Croatia.
Museums highlight the culture of the civilizations that once occupied the area, including displays of traditional clothing and tools. A Krka restaurant with a prime riverside location looked inviting, but we passed by and began our walk over the top of Krka Falls.
Crossing the Top of Krka Waterfalls
The water at Krka swiftly moves under the elevated boardwalks that have no railing. We meandered through trees and past small patches land, completely enveloped in lush vegetation. The Krka water clarity was impeccable; we could see rocks and roots in the shallow pools, long reeds being pulled by the strong current and playful fish shimmering about. The constant movement of water was our soundtrack as it poured down the smaller Krka falls toward Skradinski buk.
We could see flowing water in every direction and felt as if we’ve entered a magical water world. By this point, the Krka crowds had arrived and people pushed past us, but we kept our slow, steady pace, soaking it all in. Through breaks in the trees, we could see across the Krka Valley. The scene looked like a painter’s masterpiece, but only blue, green and yellow were on the artist’s palette. On our descent, we took detours to lookout points – again viewing the mighty length of Skradinski buk.
When we completed the last section of the Krka trail back to the bottom of Skradinski buk, we entered what felt like an enchanted forest. Water cascaded over rocks and momentarily collected into pools before spilling over into yet another waterfall. The scene when we visited the Krka waterfalls was completely surreal; we almost expected to see glowing fairies zip through the air!
Swimming at Krka National Park, Croatia
We completed the rest of the trail, but weren’t quite ready to leave. Instead, we found a rock in the sun at the edge of the thundering Krka waterfalls. Swimming in Krka was allowed along the base of Skradinski buk, but the cooler temperatures and swift water kept most people on dry land. Only a few brave souls ventured in for a dip, but none lasted long. Update: Swimming at Krka Waterfalls is no longer permitted!
How To Visit Krka National Park
Visiting Krka National Park Waterfalls can be organized with a tour group, private guide or on your own. Krka National Park has five separate entrances, two of which put Skradinski buk in easy reach: Skradin and Lozovac.
If accessing Krka via Skradin (where there is a bus stop and parking lot), visitors will need to take the Skradin to Krka Ferry to the main entrance. There is an official Krka National Park ticket office next to the ferry in Skradin. The Krka ferry departs hourly and is included with the price of admission.
Read our tips for Things To Do in Skradin before (or after) you visit Krka Waterfalls
Pro Tip: Try to get a Krka ferry seat with a view! During the 30 minute ride to the Krka Waterfalls, we stood along the side with the wind on our faces, delighting in nature under the golden autumn sun. Swans glided at the edge of the rolling green hills and we caught sight of a few fishermen tucked between the reeds.
Krka National Park Entrance Fee
The Krka Waterfalls price depends on time of year, sections of Krka park you want to visit and guest’s age. The cost of the Krka National Park entry fee varies greatly by season.
If you book a Krka Tour or private guide, the Krka waterfalls entrance fee may be included. However, be sure to confirm all details before booking your day trip to Krka tour. You can also check the current Krka National Park Ticket Prices ahead of your trip to Croatia.
How To Get To The Krka Waterfalls
Krka National Park can be accessed by tour group, private guide, personal car and public bus. Located just off the Dalmatian Coast, makes it within easy reach from many top cities in Croatia.
Although there are multiple entrances to Krka Waterfalls, if you are arriving by bus or rental car, we recommend entering Krka from Skradin. That way you can take the (included) boat ride to the main Krka entrance and enjoy the beautiful town of Skradin as well!
Driving To Krka National Park
Self-driving allows for the most freedom in planning your day trip to Krka Waterfalls. Get driving directions on Google Maps to the Skradin Krka ticket office. If you need to hire a car, read our tips for cheap car rentals and then begin searching for deals!
Public Transportation or Krka Tours
Visitors can also travel to Krka Park on a day trip on their own. Public transportation is available from many nearby cities, making for an easy Day Trip from Zadar, Sibenik and Split.
However, there are numerous Organized Krka Tours that include a knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Below we detail the options and information for DIY Krka trips with public transport and top-rated Krka tours from Popular Destinations in Croatia.
Zadar, Croatia to Krka National Park
When we decided to travel from Zadar to Krka Waterfalls, we debated between taking the Zadar-Krka bus or joining a tour from Zadar. While a Krka tour from Zadar would have been the easiest option, it didn’t fit into our budget at the time.
To get from Zadar to Krka, we took a bus directly to Skradin. Our online research indicated that the route wouldn’t be possible during our mid-October visit – instead we would have to go to Sibenik and then catch a different bus to Skradin or Lozovar. However, when we inquired at the Zadar Bus Station, we were able to buy direct tickets to Skradin.
Public Transport from Zadar to Krka Waterfalls: Check Zadar-Krka bus timetables on BusCroatia, but we recommend confirming route times at the bus stations on either end.
Zadar to Krka National Park Tour: A highly-rated Zadar to Krka tour can be booked in advance.
{If you are staying in Zadar, be sure to use our Self-Guided Walking Tour}
Pro Tip: If you’d like to visit more nature parks in Croatia, there is another national park near Zadar: Kornati Islands.
Split to Krka National Park
When we returned to Croatia and wanted to visit Krka Waterfalls from Split, we decided to go with this tour. And it was an amazing day! That said, it is still possible to visit Krka from Split with public transport.
Public Transport from Split to Krka: To plan your own Split to Krka day trip via public transportation, check Split-Krka bus timetables, and again, we recommend confirming times at the bus station.
Krka Tour from Split: There are several other options for a Krka National Park tour from Split, Trogir or even Makarska. A popular (and highly-rated) tour that includes both the waterfalls and food and wine tasting can be booked in advance.
{Before you visit Split, read our Split Sightseeing Guide and 3-Day Split Itinerary}
Dubrovnik to Krka National Park
There is no direct public transportation option between Dubrovnik and Krka Waterfalls (and it really is too far for a Krka Day Trip).
Dubrovnik to Krka NP Private Guide: It is best to book a private guide for the trip from Dubrovnik to Krka if that’s your only option. It will take about 3.5 hours each way. Communicate in advance with the tour guide so that you can set your expectations for your Dubrovnik Day Trip.
{Also check out our complete guide to Top Dubrovnik Sights}
Zagreb to Krka National Park
We also believe it’s too long of a day to visit Krka from Zagreb with public transport, but if you’re already traveling from Zagreb to Dalmatia, it could work as a stop-over on your way.
Public Transport from Zagreb to Krka Waterfalls: There is limited direct public transport from Zagreb to Krka – and the ride will take more than 4 hours each way.
Zagreb to Krka Day Tour: If attempting to visit Krka National Park on a Day Trip from Zagreb, it is best to hire a private guide to make the trip.
{See our list of Terrific Things To Do in Zagreb}
Sibenik to Krka National Park
Sibenik is the closest large Croatian city to Krka Waterfalls, so it’s actually quite simple to visit Krka NP from Sibenik.
Public Transport from Sibenik to Krka Waterfalls: The Sibenik-Krka bus is an easy way to get to the park and we still recommend using the Skradin entrance. The Skradin-Sibenik bus route takes just 30 minutes.
Sibenik to Krka Day Tour: While it is fairly easy to get to Krka from Sibenik, there are private Krka tours, too – like this one!
{Get top tips in our guide of Things To Do in Sibenik}
Before You Go on a Krka Waterfalls Day Trip
- Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
- We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Croatia. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera).
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize and secure all of your everyday travel items!
- Get (and stay) organized for your Croatia vacation by using our Trip Planning Printables.
- If you haven’t already obtained trip insurance for your Vacation to Europe, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Plan That Perfect Trip To Croatia!
Looking to add some Croatian Island Hoping into your vacation? Excellent choice! Read our complete guides to Hvar, Korcula and Vis!
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