Krka National Park from Split: what to know first

Krka National Park is named after the Krka River, which runs through a series of canyon gorges and waterfall steps between Knin and Šibenik. The most visited section is Skradinski Buk, a 800-metre series of 17 stepped travertine waterfalls near the town of Skradin. Entry to the park includes a boat from Skradin to the falls (15 minutes each way) and a wooden boardwalk circuit.

Distance and drive from Split

Skradin, the park's main entry town, is 85 km north of Split on the A1 motorway to exit Skradin/Drniš, then 10 km by regional road. Drive time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes in normal conditions. The drive from Trogir (25 km closer to Split) is slightly shorter at about 55 minutes.

There is a second entrance at the town of Lozovac, accessible by car without the boat. Lozovac connects via bus shuttle to the main waterfall area. It is typically less crowded than Skradin in the morning.

The swimming rule change

Krka banned swimming in the park lakes and below the falls in 2021 after sustained pressure from conservation authorities. For most visitors who remember the old Krka, swimming at the base of Skradinski Buk with fish visible under the water. This is the main change to know before you go. Swimming is no longer permitted anywhere inside the protected zone. The boardwalk and viewpoints remain open.

This does not ruin the visit. The falls are impressive whether or not you swim below them. The visual impact of Skradinski Buk is the stacked cascade geometry and the colour of the water, not the swimming access.

Entrance fees 2026

High season (June 1 - September 30): €30 adult, €15 child (7-17), under 7 free.

Shoulder season (April-May, October): €20 adult, €10 child.

Winter (November-March): €10 adult.

The boat from Skradin is included in the ticket. National park tickets can be bought at the gate or online, online purchase is recommended in July and August.

Trogir combination

The strongest day-trip combination from Split is Krka in the morning, Trogir in the afternoon. Here is why: Trogir is a UNESCO-protected historic town on an island connected by bridge to the mainland. It has a Romanesque cathedral (Cathedral of St Lawrence, famous for the Radovan Portal, carved in 1240), a Kamerlengo Fortress, and a café-lined waterfront that makes for a good late lunch stop.

Trogir is 25 km west of Split. You pass through it on the way from Split to Krka (via the old coast road), and you stop there on the return leg. The timing works as: Split 08:00, Krka 09:30 to 12:30, Trogir lunch 13:00 to 14:30, Split 15:30.

Inside the park

The main boardwalk circuit at Skradinski Buk takes 60 to 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The board paths are fully accessible and non-slip. Footwear: trainers or walking sandals, flip flops are acceptable but the wooden planks can be slippery when wet from spray.

The upper part of the park, around Visovac island and the Roški Slap falls, requires a separate boat tour (€15-25 per person) and takes an additional 3 to 4 hours. This section suits guests with a full day at Krka rather than those combining with Trogir.