Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of the Croatian national parks, named after the river Krka that runs through it.

Understand
The park is located along the middle-lower course of the Krka River in central Dalmatia, in Šibenik-Knin county, downstream Miljevci area, and just a few kilometers northeast of the city of Šibenik. It was formed to protect the Krka River and is intended primarily for scientific, cultural, educational, recreational, and tourism activities.

History
Krka National Park is the seventh national park in Croatia and was proclaimed a national park in 1985.

Flora
The Krka National Park belongs to the Southern European (Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean) region. Due to its special position and the mosaic distribution of various types of habitats, it is characterized by exceptionally rich and varied flora and fauna.

860 species and subspecies of plants have been identified within the Krka National Park, including several endemic Illyrian-Adriatic species.

Fauna
Eighteen species of fish inhabit the Krka River, among which ten are endemic, making the Krka a natural landmark of the highest category. Brown trout and Dalmatian Barbelgudgeon are a couple of fish that can be found in the ecosystem. Patches of reeds, lakes formed along part of the river and swamped meadows abound in amphibians and birds, while thickets and stone quarries are home to reptiles.

The abundance of various species of birds (222), the structure of the bird communities and the great significance of the Krka for spring and autumn migrations make it among the ornithologically most valuable regions of Europe. There are numerous carnivorous birds in the area, notable ones are: Osprey, Short-toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Lanner Falcon and the Peregrine Falcon. Other birds of interest are Eurasian Eagle-owl, European Bee-eater and Griffon Vulture.

Among the mammals, there are 18 species of bats, which are generally endangered or near extinction in the rest of Europe, Long-fingered Bat, the Daubenton's Bat, and the threatened European Otter.

Climate
The climate of Krka national Park consists of warm to hot summers, and mild to cool winters. The climate is quite variable with the hottest month being July and the coldest being January. Spring and autumn are quite mild.

On foot
The core of the park, Skradinski buk in particular, is easy to be explored on foot.

By boat

 * Tripper boats to Visovac, Roški slap, Krka monastery and the Trošenj fortress (see ).
 * Boats Stinice - Visovac - Remetić (see ).
 * Boats Stinice - Visovac - Remetić (see ).

By bus

 * Shuttle bus between Lozovac entrance (see above) and Skradinski buk (see below).

See




Do

 * Hike the trails
 * Cycle the cycling trails, but bear in mind that cycling is not permitted on the walking trails
 * Cycle the cycling trails, but bear in mind that cycling is not permitted on the walking trails

Boat trips
Apr-Oct only:

Buy
Souvenir shops at the both sides of Skradinski buk and at the entrance at Lozovac.

Drink
There is no nightlife in the park.

Sleep
There is no accommodation inside the park, but there are plenty of options for accommodation in the town of Skradin and village of Lozovac, and there is also a hotel close to the Roški slap.

Stay safe
It's prohibited to wander and swim in the river outside the clearly designated area. Casual swimming is dangerous and also destroys fragile travertine (calcium carbonate) structures along the river, its waterfalls and rapids.

Go next

 * Šibenik
 * Knin

And nearby towns:
 * Skradin - see the local tourist office for further information
 * Drniš