In Central Dalmatia, the beautiful country of Croatia, there is a national park of the Krka River, unique in its beauty. Such a riot of green colors against the background of azure water and waterfalls is just a gift to a person exhausted by the metropolis. If you are relaxing in the area of Sibenik, Split, Trogir, or just passing by, be sure to check out the Krka National Park.
Journey to the national park in the valley of the river Krka on your own or with a guided tour
Croatia is famous for its unusually beautiful nature, and the Krka National Park can be safely called the jewel of the country. There are other river valleys, there are the famous Plitvice Lakes, which are the main competition for Krka, but these are all useless comparisons. You have to see the beauty of Krka with your own eyes, breathe in the purest air, do something extraordinary beautiful pictures and once again marvel at how such a miracle could be created by nature.
The fast-running river spreads out in the middle of a chic forest, and the numerous cascades of waterfalls and rapids that the water overcomes with fervent noise and foam give a special unusualness to this place.
It is most convenient to get to the national park from Sibenik by an ordinary regular bus from the bus station or join an organized excursion.
Getting to Krk on your own is not difficult, because regular buses drove up to the main entrance almost every 15-20 minutes. Another question is that you will also have to get to Sibenik from other cities on your own. In my opinion, if you are not relaxing in Sibenik and not in the neighboring towns (Skradin, Knin, etc.), then it is better to buy an organized excursion to visit the river.
Excursions in Croatia are offered at every step, you don’t have to look for them. On the beach, in the hotel, on the embankments, sometimes even in cafes, they will find you themselves.
I went on an excursion from Trogir with the company of Ibza. The excursion to the river Krka consisted of two parts. First we were brought to Sibenik, they showed us the famous Cathedral, the city and the fortress, and then we headed for the river valley.
On the bus, it is better to sit on the left (behind the driver) in order to have time to photograph a piece of Krka from above.
The bus will drop you off at the parking lot in front of the park's main entrance. In general, the park has two entrances, but it is difficult to get to the second one and it is not clear why. The main entrance is called Lozovac (Lozovac), on the map, look for its designation below.
Map of Krka National Park ( click to view in larger size or download)
The map is clickable
Near the entrance there is a ticket office, a souvenir shop, a cafe, a toilet and a tourist information center (traditionally indicated by a circle with the letter i). At the information center you can get a map of the park, ask questions, and also learn about guided tours of Krka, by boat, by bus.
We go on foot and without a guide, so we are interested in hiking trails through the park. There are only two of them, of different complexity and length.
You can walk along the lower part of the park, or you can go along the upper one, making a big circle. The walk along the lower part took us about 3 hours, physically it is not difficult, since there are not so many climbs up. We did not have the opportunity to go around the big circle, because the time of the tour is limited.
It is impossible to get lost in the park, because you can only walk along specially laid bridges and paths that will lead you to the exit.
Throughout the route, I only had time to sigh admiringly and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Around the seething river, pleasantly noisy waterfalls, and birds sing in the shade of trees. Simply heaven on earth! Approximately in the middle of the way you will see a clearing for rest. Here and there people relax on the grass, eat sandwiches, sunbathe… Here you can also swim. Imagine how great it is to plunge into the river near the beautiful waterfall, which, by the way, is the largest in the park (46 meters). I wish there were such heavenly places for recreation in the Moscow region. Probably, we would immediately become kinder and happier, like Pechkin.
The Republic of Croatia (Croatian Republika Hrvatska) is a state in the south of Central Europe, partly in the west of the Balkan Peninsula, a former union republic within Yugoslavia, which became independent in 1991. The form of government is a parliamentary republic. The name of the country is derived from the ethnonym Croats.
Croatia's top protected natural attractions include eight national parks and eleven nature parks. total area national parks - 994 km², of which 235 km² are on the water surface. The concepts of "national park" and " natural Park» are defined in paragraphs 11 and 13 of the Law on Nature Protection.
Kopački Rit (Croatian: Kopački Rit) is a nature park in Baranja, in eastern Croatia. It is located on the border with Serbia, northwest of the confluence of the Drava into the Danube and northeast of Osijek. The area of the park is 17,700 hectares.
Lonjsko polje (Croatian: Lonjsko polje) is a natural park in Croatia, located in the southern part of the Moslavina region on the left bank of the Sava River below the city of Sisak, where the Lonja River flows into the Sava in several branches. Founded in 1998, has an area of 50,600 hectares.
Medvednica (Croatian Medvednica) - mountain range north of Zagreb, a popular holiday destination for Zagreb residents. The maximum height is 1033 meters above sea level. 63% of the territory is covered with broad-leaved forest, the composition of which varies with altitude.
Žumberak (Goryantsi, Slovene Gorjanci, Croatian Žumberak, Žumberačka gora, Serbian Žumberak) is a mountain range in northeastern Croatia and southeastern Slovenia. highest point array - Sveta Gera (Croatian Sveta Gera or Slovenian Trdinov vrh), 1181 m (1178 m),
Velebit is a mountain range in Croatia. The highest point of the massif is Mount Vaganski Vrh (Vaganski Vrh), 1757 m - one of the highest peaks countries. The ridge stretches from northwest to southeast along Adriatic Sea, separating the coast from the Lika region inland.
Lake Vransko (Croatian Vransko jezero) is a lake in Croatia near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The largest lake in Croatia, located 4 km east of the city of Biograd na Moru and 10 km northwest of the city of Vodice. The western part belongs to the county of Zadar,
Croatia ‹ Nature reserves and parks
Nature reserves and national parks in Croatia
State reserves of Croatia
Even on a European scale, Croatia is small country. All the more surprising is such a large number of state reserves. I must say, this surprises only those who have not seen them, and who do not know to what extent our nature is beautiful and preserved.
On the Adriatic, undoubtedly, the dominant is State reserve Kornati- the most winding island group in the Mediterranean, with about 140 uninhabited islands, islets and rocks. This is a real labyrinth in the sea, known for high sheer cliffs and unusual relief formations. The Kornati archipelago is a favorite place for yachtsmen.
Part of the southern slope of the largest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit (as part of the Nature Park), from the top to the coast, is covered by the State Reserve Paklenica. It takes its name from Velika and Malaya Paklenica, two impressive mountain passes with many unusual karst relief formations and several caves. Due to the exceptional wealth of flora and fauna and numerous endemic species, Velebit has been proclaimed a world biosphere reserve, and its summit part is a state reserve. This park includes nature reserves Rozhanski and Haiduchki kukovi with unusual karst formations and Lukina Cave, one of the deepest in the world, as well as the famous Velebit Botanical Garden.
Close to west coast peninsula of Istria is located State Reserve bryuny, consisting of two large and twelve smaller islands. The Mediterranean vegetation is well represented here, there is a zoo in nature, excavations from the era of ancient culture are interesting.
State Reserve Risniak- a wooded mountain range north of the port of Rijeka. In the places where the Alps and the Dinarides converge, you can meet a brown bear, a lynx, a mountain goat, a deer, a serpent eagle...
State Reserve krka covers the course of the Krka River - our most beautiful karst river, flowing through deep canyons. Of the many cascades, Skradinski buk and Roski cascades stand out, between which, in the lake-like part of the river, is the island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery (XV century).
The most beautiful and most famous Croatian state reserve Plitvice lakes is part of the UNESCO world heritage. It is located not far from the main road linking Zagreb with Dalmatia. The phenomenon represents 16 small lakes interconnected by cascades, which were formed as a result of limestone deposition. Of value are dense beech and spruce forests, sometimes reminiscent of taiga, in which numerous animal species have survived (brown bear); transportation is organized for visitors by special panoramic cars and electric boats.
Southwest of the city Dubrovnik the island is located Mljet, The State Reserve covers its western part with two deep bays, which, because of the very narrow passage to the open sea, are called lakes; lush Mediterranean vegetation, valuable ancient monuments and a Benedictine monastery of the XII century on an island in the middle of a lake - a bay.
Croatian nature parks:
Along with the already mentioned Velebit, this is also:
BIOKOVO is an imposing karst mountain located directly by the sea above the Makarska Riviera, with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and a beautiful panorama. Mountain goats stand out among the animals.
KOPACKI RIT - a large natural marshy area at the confluence of the Drava River with the Danube with an exceptional wealth of various plant and animal species, especially fish and marsh birds. Dense forest, numerous herds of deer and wild boars.
Łonjska Polje - a swampy area next to the Sava River between the town of Sisak and Nova Gradiska, one of the largest surviving swamps in Europe with endless oak forests. Of the animal world of birds, storks are of particular interest, nesting on the roofs of local wooden rural houses,
MEDVEDNICA - a mountain range in close proximity to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, thanks to well-preserved beech and spruce forests and many different natural phenomena (caves, waterfalls, canyons). Medvednica has become the main recreational part of Zagreb.
TELASHCHITSA - the southwestern part of Dugoga island in middle Dalmatia with a wide and deep bay of the same name - popular place yachtsmen. There are several beautiful islands in the bay, and next to the sea there is a small salt Lake, from the side high seas are the highest Croatian sheer cliffs, whose height reaches 180 meters.
The natural attractions of the country are National parks Croatia. 4 most popular: Plitvice Lakes, Kornati, protected Krka and Brijuni Islands. Photos and reviews.
National parks of Croatia are the property of the country. Plitvice Lakes, Krka, the islands of Brijuni and Kornati are real natural treasures on the Croatian shores of the Adriatic.
Holidays in this country will especially appeal to connoisseurs of the bright and untouched Adriatic nature. Here you can visit extraordinarily beautiful and luxurious national parks and nature reserves.
The water of the Plitvice Lakes is exactly the same color as in the photo!
An excursion to Plitvice Lakes can be one of the most exciting!
Plitvice Lakes is the most famous natural attraction in Croatia, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. An amazing phenomenon: 16 lakes of the national park are interconnected by 92 cascades of waterfalls. Falling water fills the space with melodic noise, which merges with bird trills and the rustle of leaves. The great value of the park is the century-old beech and pine forests.
Plitvice Lakes are located far from the main Istrian resorts, so it's worth coming here for a couple of days to see all the wonders of this park.
2. Brioni Islands
The Brioni Islands are uninhabited and very picturesque!
national park"Brioni" is located on the archipelago of the same name near the ancient city of Pula. Ancient Roman patricians and medieval nobility liked to rest here, as evidenced by the remains of ancient villas and the ruins of a Byzantine city.
Amazing animals walk in the park - zebras, antelopes, ostriches. These are the descendants of exotic animals that were presented to Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. All his life he spent half a year on the island of Big Briun, and also received the heads of other states, famous actors and artists.
3. Krka National Park
Lakes and waterfalls of the Krka nature reserve
The Krka Nature Reserve lies in the bed of the river of the same name and is famous for its numerous lakes and sonorous waterfalls. Various Mediterranean trees, bushes and herbs meet here, 18 species of fish live in the lakes. Most beautiful waterfall, Skradinski Buk, rises to 45 m. Its crystal waters cascade and turn into azure lakes.
An unforgettable experience will give a walk along the wooden bridges that are installed above the water. It is also worth visiting the Franciscan monastery of the XV century. with an ancient library.
4. Kornati archipelago
One of the beaches of the Kornati archipelago
Alien Kornati is no less interesting than other national parks in Croatia
The Kornati National Park of Croatia is an archipelago of 140 tiny uninhabited islands where nature reigns in all its pristine beauty.
Fragrant pines and silvery olives grow in the reserve, white rocks rise directly from the sea, huge fish swim near the surface of the water, birds sing in the forests, martens and squirrels run. On some islets, the ruins of incredibly ancient Illyrian settlements have been preserved, and the Byzantine fortress of Tureta is located on the island of Kornat. Bernard Shaw wrote that the gods created these islands from the stars and the breath of the sea.
National parks of Croatia on the map
For the convenience of perceiving information, and, perhaps, planning your future trip, we have put the most beautiful national parks of Croatia on the map.
Sights of Croatia. The most important and interesting sights of Croatian cities: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
Any Game of Thrones Unesco
- A well-known fact: Croatia - well, very beautiful country. And this applies not only to the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea. This bizarre extended blot on the map truly owns all the treasures of Europe that the unfortunate neighbors did not get: and Mountain peaks, and the cleanest rivers, and fragrant pine forests, and lakes-hills-valleys-list-you can-even-long-what. If we add to this the fact that Croatia is one of the cleanest countries in the Mediterranean, where super-eco vegetables (in particular, olives) grow and the air is saturated with the aroma of pine needles, it becomes clear that local national parks simply could not remain unexplored and unnoticed.
Perhaps the most popular national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. Excursions are offered here from all over the country, and not in vain. Nature on Plitvice is blooming every day, opening up with new facets and colors - both in winter and in summer.
Tourists living on the Istrian peninsula should not miss the opportunity to visit the National Park of the Brijuni Islands. Tailed peacocks, peacefully strolling near Broz Tito's villa, are only part of the local beauty.
Slightly less popular with beachgoers (but world famous among climbers, cyclists, etc.) are the national parks Risnjak and Northern Velebit. If the first is famous for his alpine meadows, which are adjacent to dense forests, Velebit attracts with impregnable rocks and stunning trekking routes laid between them. To the south, the Paklenica National Park is located surrounded by fantastic nature. Fans of caving tourism tend to come here, because it is in this park that you can visit amazing karst caves or look into the abyss of dizzying canyons.
Finally, the list would be incomplete without the Krka National Park (not to be confused with the island of Krk, this park is located on the mainland), which is located in the vicinity of Sibenik. He, like Plitvice Lakes, is famous for its reservoirs, namely: the purest river Krka and lakes. In Krka, as a rule, everyone arrives by water: on a tourist boat, which will slowly sail past the most picturesque landscapes, it will go around a tiny island with a Franciscan monastery in order to unload its “land rats” for swimming at the end of the excursion. As an exception, not at sea, but in the river of the same name with the park.
