Krka National Park is classified among the list of unadulterated and fine ecosystems in the world that are still in existence. Delicately protected as a national reserve, the seven pristine Krka waterfalls boasts of an overflowing number of people with the desire to experience its magnificence to the point of having limitations imposed on the number of people who can access the site at a go. The exquisite waterfalls comprise of the twelve waterfall series that is the Roski Slap, the longest waterfall that is the Skradinski buk , the tallest and adorable waterfall that is the Manojlovac slap, the thrilling bilusika slap, Miljacka slap, Rosnjak slap and Brljan slap. Another gem of the Krka Park is the Visovac Island which forms the foundation of a 15th-century Catholic monastery with a library and historical artifacts.
Organized visits to Krka Waterfalls
With efficient and reliable tours and travel system, visitors can enjoy a Krka waterfalls tour from Split. It is easily accessible from Split hence making it a great destination for a day tour. One can opt for a scenic boat ride or a drive to the park, but this is all dependent on one’s schedule and timings. Tour agents may be able to advise you on this. If one is looking for a fact-filled tour with a predetermined budget, organized tours are the best option. Some of these tour services also offer discounts depending on your group capacity so it’s worth a try. First-time travelers are also at benefit upon choosing organized tours as they are not familiar with their destinations and online research often gives a subjective view compared to the reality on the ground.
Krka National Park Opening Time
The park is open all year long with a closure of certain entrances on specific periods. The operational hours are usually between 0800 hours and 2000 hours and vary in accordance to the site that is in your travel itinerary. The Skradisnki buk which is the most visited is open throughout the year with an exception of the 25th and 26th of December where the park is closed for visitors. On the 24th and 31st of December, the park is open till noon.
Entrances
Lozovac is the official entrance to the park and is fifteen minutes maximum drive from the ferry dock at Skradin. There are visible signposts showing the direction to the park; thus it’s hard to miss a turn. The entrance has ample parking space for the huge number of shuttle buses, tour vans and personal vehicles that bring visitors to the park. The ticketing booths provide a free shuttle service to the gate to where the foot trail commences. However, trekking is an option for the adventurous lot but be informed that it is quite a distance.
The Skradin Entrance requires a boat trip that is only offered between March and October to the park and further to the Krka waterfall free of charge. There are set timings for this boat rides so it is important to know which one fits into ones plan. If one misses out on the boat trips, walking is presumably okay although one has to take note of the parking fees at unofficial parking spaces if the official ones which are often in high demand have already been occupied. Other entrances include the Burnum and Krka Monastery.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees at the various entrances vary depending on the season and the sites one wants to visit. If one has a constrained travel budget, it is advisable to visit Krka during low peak as the tickets to access all the sites are considerably lower compared to high peak months.
Backpack Essentials
The river bottom is very slippery. It’s advisable therefore to carry some water sandals and surf shoes to protect one from slipping and also walk faster in the cold water. Other essentials are swimsuits, towels anti mosquito’s sprays or lotions, sunscreen, energy drinks and snacks, appropriate clothing such as scarfs for women to cover themselves when going into the monastery and hiking shoes.
When to Visit
The Krka Park is open all year so it may be equally okay to visit any time of the year. Visitors need only to be thoughtful of their expenditure plans and expectations. If one looks forward to swimming in the clear green-blue waters, summer is the best recommended period to pack and leave for Croatia. However, one will most likely have more interactions with human beings than with nature as they walk along the trails to the sites due to overcrowding. Visitors looking forward to peaceful and personal excursions are advised to visit the park around autumn and winter.
Security Precautions
Visitors are only allowed to swim within a designated area, so it is advisable to observe the rules of the park. The rules are set in place to curb any interference with the parks most fragile ecosystems.
Accommodation
Hotels are not found in the park, but there are plenty of facilities in Skradin, Knin, Lozovac and other village’s one can spend the night in. For more variety in accommodation, hotels and hostels can be found in Split which is close. Campers can also enjoy a few camping sites at the vicinity of the park.
Wildlife
Waterfalls are not the only wonders of the Krka Park, but the park is also a habitat for breathtaking flora and fauna. This includes snakes, the European Otter, wolves, birds and aquatic animals. An interesting fact is that even though there is a venomous snake, you can hardly view it as it is shy and can only attack upon provocation.
The Krka will offer one the opportunity to experience an unending taste of nature that is so fulfilling and invigorating. If you would like to learn about other great destinations to visit in Central Dalmatia (or Croatia) be sure to check out these 5 amazing day tours from Split.
