Krka National Park
The drive to Krka National Park from Camping Rozac in Trogir takes about an hour. We park at the large parking area of Skradinski Buk where there’s plenty of space for the campervan. The entry fee costs €20 per person which begins with a shuttle bus to the start.
Krka National Park is an area of 109km sq comprising a series of cascades, rivers and lakes. It’s a smaller area to the more well known Plitvice Lakes but has the same theme with boardwalks taking visitors through the beautiful scenic waterways.
Not only are there 22 marked walking routes, but also 470km of cycling trails throughout Krka National Park.
Bus and boardwalk – Krka National Park
We hop on board the shuttle bus after buying our tickets at the information kiosk. Winding down a mountain road brings us out at the main complex, where a beautiful boardwalk route begins.
It’s a fine weather day, but the waters are in full flood, raging over the cascades and crashing through every crevice.
The walks are marked and we set out on the boardwalks with water gushing beneath our feet. This scenic trail winds it’s away along a series of pools, cascades and through mature trees, with wild flowers in bloom and nature in full play.
The boardwalks are busy initially, so we take our time to venture into the historic watermill dating to the 19th century. The crowds disperse whilst we enjoy the stone buildings of the mill, making re-joining the boardwalks a little more enjoyable.
Frogs and the big waterfall
There’s water flowing all around and waterfalls appear between streams and larger areas of water. Then we spot a bright green frog sitting by the waters edge, as well as a small snake. Information boards tell visitors about several species of each in Krka National Park, along with turtles.
It takes us about an hour to walk this scenic trail until we reach the big waterfall of Skradinski Buk. The roar from the crashing water is immense, with spray reaching out across the lake and torrents of water tumbling over the rocks.
The Krka River is in full flood after heavy rain during this month of May. There’s a refreshment stall here and places to sit and watch the water. The grand finale of Krka doesn’t disappoint, as we make our way towards a viewing area overlooking Skradinski Buk, which is the longest waterfall within the National Park.
There’s a roaring sound of water crashing around. To put it mildly, this sound is thunderous, where swirls of deep blue cascades tumble downstream with such immense power.
No boat trip today
It’s a lovely place, surrounded by greenery, wildlife and scenic spaces, to enjoy nature as you please.
There’s normally a boat trip from Skradinski Buk lasting around 4 hours, but unfortunately today it’s closed due to the high water levels.
Krka National Park is a really great place to visit, especially for those who haven’t been to Plitvice Lakes. Usually, visitors can choose to hop on the boat trip at this point, so it’s a shame it’s not operating today. Instead, we join the queue for the return shuttle bus back to the parking area, where a picnic lunch awaits, sitting under the shade of a large tree.
Skradin town
Before driving back to Trogir, we decide to take a look at the nearby town of Skradin. Skradin is situated beside the River Krka, a little further downstream and a short drive away from the entrance to Krka.
We manage to park easily enough and walk into this character town for refreshments. The stone streets are immaculate and lead to a small harbour on the river. Cafe’s and souvenir shops line narrow alleys and cute streets.
It’s here that we rest for a while, sitting under the shade of a pavement cafe watching life in this Croatian town go by.
The tourist season in Croatia is just beginning, the weather is becoming warmer and drier after the Spring rain. Although mid May is quiet there are more people around now with coach trips too, so the atmosphere is becoming more charming somehow.
Overall Krka National Park is well worth visiting and is every bit as nice as Plitvice, even if it’s not as vast. There’s a smaller, more intimate feel here which perhaps suits some people more than the larger Plitvice.
Next time we visit Split, Croatia’s 2nd largest city, where the Summer crowds fill the incredibly beautiful streets with a glorious ambience and the architecture glistens under the warm sun.
