In the middle of the last century was recognized the need for legal protection of river Krka, because of its unique natural values that should be preserved. The initiative to designate the river Krka a national park was launched in 1971. Due to the extreme geomorphologic, hydrological and landscape values of the landscape, this area was proclaimed a national park in 1985.

The basic phenomenon of this national park and common thing in surface flows of Dinaric rock mass is travertine. However, travertine rarely creates waterfalls such as those on the river Krka. The lime scale deposited from water which is collected on tufa-forming communities (moss, algae, etc.), creates different geomorphologic forms. With its seven travertine waterfalls: Bilušića buk, Brljan, Manojlovački slap, Rošnjak, Miljacka slap, Roški slap and Skradinski buk, river Krka is a natural and karst phenomenon. The flow of the river Krka is situated on the crossing of the areas of the Mediterranean and deciduous sub-Mediterranean vegetation. Natural forest vegetation is today significantly altered due to the influence of man. However, along the river Krka there is an extremely diverse plant life, made up of more than 1,000 species and subspecies, including several endemic species of this region, such as pyramidal bellflower and Illyrian iris. The fauna is very rich and varied, with many endemic, rare and endangered species, which puts the river Krka among the most valuable natural monuments.
Of the 20 fish species even 10 are endemic. There are two endemic lizards – Krka lizard and brown scaly lizard. With 220 species, Krka is extremely important for spring and autumn migration of birds. Because of the number of species it is one of the most valuable ornithological areas of Europe. The specific wealth consists of 18 species of bats, mostly endangered and dying in the entire Europe.
In the NP “Krka” also live four species of mammals, which are on the list of endangered European species: the greater horseshoe bat, wolf, otter and wild cat.

The area of the river Krka has many cultural and historical monuments, which are traces of human creativity, from prehistoric times to today.
Among the religious buildings most valuable are the Franciscan church of Our Lady of Visovac and the monastery of the Mother of Mercy on Visovac and Krka Monastery (St. Archangel). Island Visovac is one of the most important natural and cultural values of the Republic of Croatia. Krka Monastery is one of the most important spiritual centre of the Orthodox Dalmatian Eparchy based in Šibenik. It is located in Carigradska draga, in the middle of the Krka canyon, and was built on the foundations of older eremitical monastery. Beneath the church are Roman catacombs, built in the Byzantine style, which are open to visitors. Upstream of the Krka Monastery are the remains of Roman military camp Burnum. It was built at the turn of the old in a new era, and there are visible remains of arches that belonged to the camp command and the remains of an amphitheatre with a wealth of archaeological material exhibited in the archaeological collection at Eco campus Puljane. At the amphitheatre every year is held the event “Burnumske ide” which reconstructs the history of this region from Roman times.
In this area you can see the remains of the ancient Roman waterworks Scardona and five medieval fortresses from the 14th century: Ključice, Kamička, Bogočin, Nečven and Trošenja.
Preserved water mills from the 19th century are ethnographic monuments of rural architecture.

The most visited parts of the NP “Krka” are Skradinski buk and Roški slap. Skradinski buk, the longest and the most visited cascade on the river Krka, is one of the most famous natural beauties of Croatia. It consists of travertine cascades, islands and lakes. It can be seen all year round thanks to the network of paths and bridges that provide a pleasant and safe walking. Here are also the remains of hydropower plant Krka, which began its work in 1895, two days after Tesla’s hydropower plant at the Niagara Falls. Educational trail Stinice – Roški slap – Oziđana pećina (cave) length of 8.5 km is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Croatia. Oziđana pećina (cave), part of the educational hiking trails Stinice – Roški slap – Oziđana pećina (cave), is a place of exceptional archaeological, natural, cultural and historical value. Human presence in the cave was constant from 5000-1500 B.C. In the cave is arranged archaeological collection in situ.
Just a few hundred meters from the archaeological site of Burnum, Manojlovački slap (waterfall) is located, third, the highest, according to many the most beautiful waterfall of the river Krka. The waterfall consists of a series of travertine barriers, a total height of 59.6 m. The biggest barrier is high is 32.2 m. For visitors are most attractive boat trips. The offer of the National Park “Krka” consists also of the attractive boat excursion to Visovac, Roški slap, Krka monastery and medieval fortifications Trošenj and Nečven.

NP “Krka“ is very easily accessible, by the highway A1 Zagreb-Split-Dubrovnik or the Adriatic main road. The highway leads to ‘Šibenik’. Lozovac, the main entrance to the National Park, is only 5-6 ride away from the mentioned hub. The road to the National Park via Šibenik by the Adriatic main road is marked with the road sign Drniš/NP Krka. The main entrance of the NP “Krka“ is about 15 kilometres away from Šibenik. On all entrances, except for the entrance Skradin, a free of charge parking is ensured. The Park can be reached by public transportation, by bus from Šibenik to the entrance Lozovac and Skradin.

Address
Public Institution „National Park Krka“
Trg Ivana Pavla II. br. 5
22000 Šibenik

Telephone
+385 22 201 777

Web: www.np-krka.hr
Mail: info@npk.hr