National Park Krka

Located in the Šibenik-Knin County, Krka National Park is a natural phenomenon and a must-visit point for anyone who wants to get to know the exceptional natural and cultural sights of this climate.

The national park itself covers 100 km2 and includes the most beautiful course of the Krka River and the lower course of the Čikola River. Its purpose is primarily scientific, cultural, educational and recreational, and due to the many visitors, tourism activities have also developed.

The Krka River is about 72 km long and is the 22nd longest river in Croatia. It springs at the foot of Mount Dinara. With seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 224 m, Krka is a natural and karst phenomenon.

The area around the Krka River includes a number of important archaeological sites from all periods, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Caves located along the river were suitable places for shelter or living in prehistoric times, while in the Middle Ages fortified settlements were built on the prominent beams of its canyon.

From the source of the Krka River to its mouth, on the left and right side of the canyon, there are medieval fortifications, some of which were the core of the settlement. Together the forts form a unique fortification system.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural-historical values, the "Krka" National Park is also distinguished by its rich sacred heritage, which attracts many pilgrims. Apart from the two most important spiritual centers, the monastery on Visovac and the monastery of Krka, along the course of the river Krka there are small churches and numerous votive chapels built by individuals or Franciscans from Visovac.

Using the power of water, which was abundant, and turning it into useful work was the primary goal of man living on the banks of the river or in its immediate vicinity. Along the entire course of the Krka River, there were, and some still are, numerous mills that bear witness to how the local population used natural values for their needs.

The mills on the Krka river typologically belong to water-powered mills, which are also called water mills. Water mills belong to the system of pre-industrial plants. In the life of the inhabitants of Dalmatia, and in the Middle Ages and in the wider area, they had an exceptional significance, so they were often the cause of conflicts. They not only meant life, but also brought great income. Although they often changed owners, they basically remained the same, almost without any technical innovations.

At the end of the 19th century, the water power of the Krka River began to be used for the first industrial plants - hydroelectric plants, which today are a valuable monument of industrial architecture.

Visit this unique national park of ours and enjoy its indescribable beauty!