We only have time for one of the day trips on our upcoming trip and Im really glad that I read this and have opted for Plitvice. Given the current situation, we saw the parks completely free from crowds. If you can make it work with your itinerary in Croatia, I do highly recommend visiting both. This is a good option to choose if you want to avoid the hassle of having to keep track of the local buses and finding the park entrances. ). *. The Krka falls is also part of a beautiful river network and consist of of a waterfall called Roski fall. We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.co.uk and affiliated sites. If you dislike crowds, I highly suggest to avoiding high season at Plitvice Lakes. While plenty of people take day trips to Plitvice, and thats completely understandable if you have limited time in Croatia, we absolutely believe Plitvice is worth at least a one-night stay if you can spare one. A minimum of 3-4 hours is how much time youll need to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is great for anyone looking to spend the night (or a few days) exploring the national park and its surroundings. This makes it easily accessible as a day trip from either Split or Zadar as you can expect it to take about one hour to reach the park. Bus from Plitvice to National park Krka, timetable and ticket price Having been there ourselves, wed have to agree we would have loved to have spent even longer there! In addition to show-stopping waterfalls, Krka National Park is also home to ethno villages, caves, and five medieval fortresses. So, which park full of amazing Croatian waterfalls should you visit? While its more expensive, youll have guaranteed transportation and theres no hassle. Absolutely top-notch customer service, great communication, beautiful hotels, and excellent restaur", "We had a fantastic 9 day trip to Croatia. Recommended option Bus Take the bus from Plitvika Jezera to Skradinsko Polje 2h 50m 42 - 56 2 alternative options Train WINNER: Plitvice we prefer longer walks and we happily spent a full 4.5 hours hiking along Plitvices upper and lower lakes. and the bus ride was . Want travel tips straight to your inbox? When comparing Krka National Park vs Plitvice Lakes, one of the major differences between the two is size. This information is supplied without liability, Copyright 2023 All rights reserved BUSCROATIA, This website uses cookies. Heres how to decide between Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park. WINNER: This ones a draw because you wont be able to swim at Krka for much longer. Aside from walking trails and admiring lakes and waterfalls, a few other surprises are waiting for you at each national park. Croatia has an excellent bus system that connects Plitvice National Park to a large number of destinations within the country. They look like log cabins. If you do choose to visit in the summertime, try and get to Plitvice Lakes as soon as it opens at 7:00 AM so that you can enjoy the scenery before the day-trippers arrive. . A guided tour is one of the best ways to see the park if you want everything taken care of for you so that you can simply enjoy the beautiful scenery. Lets start with what you came here for, shall we? ), Related: 9 Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hi Carolina! WINNER: Both are possible as day trips from Split and Zadar, but Krka is much closer. Choosing between visiting Krka or Plitvice Lakes can seem like a tough decision because, on the surface, the two Croatian national parks seem to offer a lot of the same things. Learn more. Visiting Plitvice Lakes by car is the most convenient, as it allows you to be flexible with the amount of time you plan to spend exploring the trails and waterfalls. A common question people have is whether they should visit Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park. This is to curb the number of visitors that descend upon the park at any given time and to help preserve its incredible nature and scenery. While its longest trail is a whopping 8-hour 18km trek! There are three bus stops(stations) at Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, it takes around three hours to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes. By the National park Plitvice lakes there is no bus station but there are a number of bus stops on the main road passing by the national park. Subscribe to our blog now >>, Krka National Park Day Trip From Split Your Questions Answered, This was the tour we booked for Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park Day Trip From Split: Your Questions Answered, 3 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary For First Time Visitors, Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik: Things To Do & How To Get There. Ive been using SafetyWing for all of my travels and cant recommend them enough. While Plitvice Lakes has a more expensive entrance fee than Krka, its actually not that much more expensive. And in the winter months of November through March, entry fees start at 30 HRK rather than 80 HRK at the northern park. Were passionate about getting off the beaten path, promoting responsible tourism, supporting local economies and sharing our knowledge with other travellers! Plitvice Lakes National Park: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy Krka is home to the worlds second-oldest hydroelectric powerplant (second to Niagara Falls), which you can learn about while there. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park: Which Should You Choose? Of course, there are also discounts available to students with a valid ID and to children under the age of 18. In addition to the ethno villages, Krka National Park also boasts five ancient fortresses. Plitvice Lakes National Park is much larger than Krka National Park. You can buy tickets there, get info about bus schedules as well as get shelter from the weather. Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world twice. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan (By Train or Tour!). Two are located near Entrance 1 and one is near Entrance 2. With seven waterfalls cascading into emerald lakes nestled among a fantastically verdant forest, Krka National Park is like something out of a dream. Krka is quite large and packs a lot inside of it and there are lots of trails and even some boat routes to enjoy. Click here to check their availability, Hotel Plitvice This cosy hotel is located directly next to the park and is the perfect option if you dont have your own transport. However, choosing which Croatian waterfalls to visit can be a challenge. If youre hoping to hike close to the lakes for hours at a time, Plitvice is the clear winner in the Krka vs Plitvice showdown. For those staying in other areas of Croatia, there are many buses connecting Krka National Park to other major destinations throughout the country. If youre hoping to embark on an epic hiking adventure, Krka National Park will leave you disappointed. Hmmtruthfully, I think strollers will be tough in either destination. Wow. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. These popular day trips will give you a quick taste of what Plitvice has to offer! Plitvice Lakes Or Krka National Park: Which Waterfalls To Visit In Croatia To help you decide between Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park, weve divided this blog up into different sections to show you the difference between the two and which one is most worth visiting. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. Krka National Park parking is located in the town of Skradin. Plitvice Lakes National Park. Final Thoughts: Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park, staying the night in a traditional house in Rastoke, Where to Stay in Zagreb (Including the Best Hotels in Zagreb), Adult Ticket (June through September): 39.80, Adult Ticket (April, May, and October): 23.50, Adult Ticket (November through March): 10.00, Adult Ticket (June through September): 40.00, Adult Ticket (April, May, and October): 20.00, Adult Ticket (November through March): 7.00. Keep in mind that there are a few stairs involved, so it may not be best for those who have serious mobility problems. A serene natural wonder, Krka National Park is one of Croatias best-known attractions. The lakes are brighter and bluer and most of the waterfalls are bigger and much more dramatic. When shes not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan. Recommended Bus Take the bus from ibenik to Plitvika Jezera 3h 33m 27 - 36 Taxi, line 9602 Catamaran, ferry, bus 33 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, A Dazzling One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary, One Day in Split: A Splendid Split Itinerary. This entrance is equipped with similar amenities to Entrance 1 and offers a parking lot, ticket booth, gift shops, restrooms, and a cafe. Can you still swim in Krka National Park? You could decades ago, but alas, no more; they are now just for admiring. Krka to Plitvice Lakes National Park - 4 ways to travel via train, and bus Krka National Park is much closer to the coast, and therefore more accessible for day trips. Getting from Plitvice Lakes (HR) to Skradin (Krka NP) (HR) by bus is easy and fairly cheap compared to other travel options. How To Plan A Trip To Europe For The First Time. Find more Plitvice Lakes tours on Get Your Guide >>, Or check out Krka National Park tours here >>, We hope youve found our comparison of Plitvice vs Krka National Park helpful! As two of the best-known national parks in Croatia, both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park feature gorgeous waterfalls, amazing photo opportunities, and some incredible natural views. No matter whether youre visiting Krka, Plitvice, or both, here are a few more of our top travel tips to help you plan your trip. You definitely chose the right one in my book! On the busiest travel dates between Plitvice Lakes (HR) and Skradin (Krka NP) (HR), Best of Central Europe: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia Best of Croatia & Slovenia: Zagreb, Ljubljana, Istria, & Best of Croatia: Dubrovnik to Zagreb - 14 Days, How to Get from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Krka National Park. The Lakes are about a two-hour drive from Zagreb and about an hour-and-a-half drive from Zadar. 15 Cool Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia If swimming is a priority for you, Krka is hands down the winner in the Krka vs Plitvice contest. How much time do you need at Plitvice Lakes? Visiting Krka National Park in Croatia: The Ultimate Guide! That said, because of how big Plitvice is in comparison to Krka, weve read that its a little easier to escape the crowds once youre away from the entrances and most popular waterfalls. Croatia Travel Budget: Is Croatia Expensive? Like Plitvice Lakes, you can easily spend an entire day exploring Krka National Park with its ample hiking trails and gorgeous natural scenery. Our tour guide told us this was because people were jumping from the top of the waterfall and getting hurt. However, you also wont be missing out too much if you wanted to just make it a short day trip, as well. As always, be sure to shop around so that you get the best price possible. Take a look at a few of our photos to see what we mean. For the month of October, prices are reduced to 180 HRK or about 24. Plitvice, on the other hand, has a short route of 3km, which takes roughly three hours without crowds. There definitely is no way to go wrong. Entrance 2 is the south entrance of Plitvice Lakes and is situated near the Upper Lakes section. If you want to make your visit to Krka Park extra memorable, you might want to consider taking a scenic boat ride from the town of Skradin. Spain or Portugal: Which Iberian Escape is Right For You? While day trips to Plitvice are sold in Zadar, Split, and other areas on the upper half of Croatias coast, it is very far inlandabout 3.5 hours each way from Split, to be exact. If youd like to avoid worrying about rental cars, parking, or driving in Croatia, then a guided tour is your best bet. Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park: Which Should You Choose? Since Krka is smaller, its definitely easier to do as a day trip. Getting to Plitvice waterfalls is simple and the park can be reached by car or by bus from most major cities in Croatia. We always use Get Your Guide for our tours as their cancellation policy is the best weve seen and weve always had good experiences with them and their partners. If you have a couple of days to dedicate to the trip and are more interested in the hiking and photography opportunities, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the Croatia waterfall park for you. The area surrounding Plitvice is rural, and swimming holes, horseback riding, and more are available. The swimming is a pretty great benefit to Krka, thoughat Plitvice it took a lot of self-control not to touch the water! Enchanting Emilia-Romagna, Italy: Itinerary for 7 Food-Filled Days, 19 Best Day Trips from Barcelona (+ How to Get There! Traveling from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Skradin by bus is an affordable travel option, but can take up to three hours. There are 3 ways to get from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Krka National Park by bus, train or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. So, which park full of amazing Croatian waterfalls should you visit? There are 4 ways to get from Krka to Plitvice Lakes National Park by bus, taxi, ferry, train or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Yes, Plitvice Lakes offers parking at Entrance 1 (Rastovaa) and Entrance 2 (Hladovina). During the summer months of July and August, and to some extent, June, the park can get . Recommended Bus Take the bus from Skradin to Plitvika Jezera 3h 12m 45 - 55 Cheapest Bus via Skradinsko Polje Two are located near Entrance 1 and one is nearEntrance 2. This will ensure you will have guaranteed entrance to the park on the day you plan to visit. Glad to hear it, Gina! Next on the important things to know before deciding if Plitvice or Krka National Park is a better choice for you is the affordability of the park and a visit to Plitvice can come with a pretty hefty price tag depending on the season that you visit in. Plitvice Lakes is definitely not a place you want to go if you have small children in a stroller or if you are in a wheelchair. Bus stop on a cloudy and rainy day. The park is closer to most major cities along the Dalmatian coast and is smaller than Plitvice Lakes, making it great for a day trip. Krka National Park is situated on the Krka River in the ibenik-Knin region, about halfway along the Croatian coast. Skradinski Buk is the largest waterfall at Krka National Park and is the widest waterfall in all of Croatia. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located inland in northern-central Croatia. However, if you can include both national parks in your Croatia itinerary, then wed recommend doing that because both Krka and Plitvice Lakes are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. And here are a few photos of some of the lakes at Plitvice, which as you can see, have out-of-this-world incredible colours! Plitvice Lakes National Park has two entrances Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. You can do it as a day trip from Zagreb,or you can easily stop there as youre going from Zagreb to the coast, because its right on the way. This 8-day Croatia itinerary covers both of these national parks as well as the capital city of Zagreb, the scenic coastal cities of Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, and the Dalmatian islands of Hvar, and Pakleni. It has a beautiful little restaurant serving wine, prosciutto and cheese set amongst the trickling falls. Plitvice had free bathrooms, better signage, more waterfalls close to the parking, was about 1/3 as crowded, better walking paths, better food, free parking. There are also buses that run from Split to Krka, so it is reachable via public transit, however, it is likely that it will take a little bit longer than if you were to drive yourself. Your ticket for Krka National Park also includes a scenic boat ride; this time across the Krka River to and from the town of Skradin, which is also one of the parks entrances. Each park is equally spectacular, but they are also very different. However, if youre heading to the parks as day trips from Split or Zadar, then youll also need to take into account the difference in tour prices or petrol money as Krka will probably end up being cheaper for you. On the busiest travel dates between Plitvice Lakes (HR) and Skradin (Krka NP) (HR), there is more than 4 departures. The number of daily departures might vary depending on the travel date. Never leave home without insurance! Both boast beautiful, crystal clear lakes and stunning waterfalls that look about as inviting as could be. In season, there are plenty of departures in both directions. Dont forget to grab my island hopping guidebook! Plitvice Lakes is home to bears, wolves, lynx, birds, and other flora and fauna. By Rick Steves. Plitvice Lakes National Park is big, bigger than Krka National Park and needs more time devoted to it in fact, you can even spend multiple days exploring it. Plitvice is also possible to visit in just one day from Split (we did this ourselves). Despite their size difference, Krka does have a slight advantage over Plitvice Lakes and that is its location. This fairytale village was built over a beautiful network of cascading waterfalls and is located just 25 kilometers away from Plitvice Lakes. 16 Croatian wineries you must visit. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. Its so cute and a great place to get a B&B and have dinner after a day in the park. While Plitvice Lakes is dog-friendly (and dogs can enter free of charge) not all of the walkways are ideal for walking your pet. If you would like more information about private transfer services, get in touch with your local travel specialist. It is strictly prohibited to swim at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Is there anything else you wanna know or ask? There are two man accommodation options to choose from that are walking distance to Entrance 2 Hotel Jezero and Hotel Plitvice. As it was quiet when we arrived in the morning, we had walked the main loop twice by lunchtime. Recommended option Bus, shuttle 5h 57m Take the bus from Gabrovec K to Avtobusna postaja Novo mesto No way to go wrong. Plitvice Lakes National Park is big, bigger than Krka National Park and needs more time devoted to it in fact, you can even spend multiple days exploring it. 29. Krka vs Plitvice: Which Croatian Waterfalls Are Best? Pin it now, read it again later! It is also the official Flixbus Bus Stop for the national park. Whether you have a car or not, visiting Krka National Park is easy. Photo Essay: Plitvice Lakes National Park - Blond Wayfarer, 18 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In The World - Soul Drifters Travel Blog, How to Eat Pizza in Italy: 13 Practical Tips (+ Toppings Guide! Plitvice Lakes National Park to Krka National Park - kimkim If youre visiting in the high season months of June through September, then be ready for your entrance to cost up to 200 HRK per person thats roughly 26. The closest town to the park is ibenik, which is just over a fifteen-minute drive away. We were there mid-September just last year and it definitely still felt like summer in all ways. The fastest bus has a travel time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Krka allows you to swim in front of its largest waterfall, which is part of the reason for its popularity. Oh cool! She did not miss a beat before and during our amazing vacation. Pretty? The mill and washing machine are both working and powered by the water of the riverthey are quite impressive! And this was at a gentle pace with regular photo stops and to gaze out from the various viewpoints. Thanks for the advice Kate on Krka vs Plitivice, this has really helped make my mind up and on our next visit we will be visiting Krka, mainly due to the traveling time as we are only there for 7 nights and want fit as much as we can in. As huge nature lovers, we decided to visit both and now were here to tell you all about which is better: Plitvice or Krka. Not quite what youre looking for? All of her tours and transportation vendors were professional, punctua", "Nikola helped us to curate a fantastic trip to Croatia. If you can spend longer at Plitvice Lakes and stay in the park for a couple of days, then here are some places to stay that come highly recommended by other travellers: Alternatively, wed suggest staying in Split, so you can do both parks as separate day trips. The picturesque city of Zadar is a little closer and takes around 90 minutes to get to Plitvice from Zadar. Swimming beneath one of the best waterfalls in Croatia has come to a halt in an effort to preserve the parks biodiversity and conserve resources. Your blogs are impressive and so interesting. Wanderers of the World, 2016-2023. Plitvice National Park can also be visited with a group tour, such as this guided day tour from Split. You might also be surprised to hear that the lakes at Plitvice make up only 1% of the entire national park. If you are short on time and coming from Split, then Krka National Park is the one I would choose to visit simply because it is the easiest and most feasible national park to reach in a day trip. The earliest departure time is at 07:45 and the latest arrival time is at 20:10. Croatia is known for many things: its stunning coastline, picture-perfect islands, and of course its lush national parks filled with turquoise waterfalls you see photos of all over Pinterest. reviews, 4165 Fun Fact: The incredibly clean water of Croatias Plitvice Lakes serves as a reservoir of drinking water for the surrounding area. As you make your way through Entrance 1, a breathtaking view of the Lower Lakes awaits at the end of the path to the lookout platform (this is the iconic view youll see on many postcards and images of Plitvice National Park!). We are staying in Zadar in September. Plitvice Home Things to Do in Plitvice Lakes Bus Station at Plitvice Lakes National Park. If youre pressed for time, Krka is still a great park to visit because of the aforementioned 1900-metre Skradinski Buk loop which will take about a leisurely two hours or so, especially if you stop for a swim by the main waterfall something you certainly cannot do at Plitvice Lakes but is completely allowed at Krka National Park! I went to Plitvice but not Krka and I was pretty disappointed to miss Krka. Here you can read the, excursion to Plitvice lakes you can find here. Towel If youre visiting Krka and swimming, keep in mind that towels wont be available. Read More Must Visit Croatian Wineries in 2023Continue. A true hidden gem, Rastoke waterfalls are completely free to visit and make for the perfect place to grab lunch after a day of hiking through Plitvice Lakes. Bus Tours. Because of its size and popularity (its actually considered to be the second-most visited attraction in Croatia after Dubrovnik, attracting more than 1 million visitors most years), it is also best to arrive at the park as early as possible. Plitvice Lakes or Krka: Which Waterfalls to Visit? Krka is more overgrown than Plitvice, so for some of the time, youll feel like youre going for a casual woodland walk (albeit with views of pretty waterfalls along the way). Plitvice Lakes National Park to Krka National Park So glad to once again know that all is going well. All rights reserved. Either bring your own or prepare to be wet for awhile! Krka also has a small village, complete with a working blacksmith and loom, demonstrating how the communities that were settled on the river lived before the Industrial Revolution. Olivia is an American with Croatian roots who is passionate about traveling and experiencing new cultures. Operated by Eurostar, RATP Metro, Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express and others, the London to Plitvice Lakes National Park service departs from London St Pancras Intl . They have clean facilities, good common areas for meeting other travellers and they even organise a shuttle service to the park entrance. You can do this independently, or there are numerous tours for you to choose from as well. There are three bus stops (stations) at Plitvice Lakes National Park. To catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures, youll need to head to the trails that are further away from the main tourist section. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. When you purchase tickets for the park, which you must do in advance as they tend to sell out, especially in high season, you will have the option to select a different time slot to enter the park. But what if you have really limited time, and can only dedicate one day to a national park? How to Get to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice Lakes Frequently Asked Questions . Traveling from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Skradin by bus is an affordable travel option, but can take up to three hours. For example, entry for the months of April, May and October is 100 HRK as opposed to 180 HRK at Plitvice. While both parks are definitely worth visiting, the average Croatia itinerary will only allow enough time to visit a single park. This is a 1900-metre circular boardwalk that winds you through some of the most beautiful waterfalls and the main swimming area of the park. Pack in a full overview of Croatia's natural beauty on this guided hiking tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cant say enough about Sarah. Buses are relatively affordable and are also air-conditioned, making them a great budget choice for traveling between destinations. It's about 2 hours from Zagreb, 1.5 hours from Zadar, and 2.5 hours from Split by car. Those who are not road-tripping through Croatia but are exploring the northern coast of the Adriatic or Kvarner Bay area will find Plitvice Lakes to be a wonderful day trip. We have now visited Plitvice Lakes National Park twice, spending multiple days there on each trip, and we still feel like we have more to explore there. Required fields are marked *, By using this form, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. We just got back from Croatia and spent a day at both KRKA and Plitvice. If you arrive from Split or from Zadar, you will get off at the bus stop which is on the left-hand side or if arriving from Zagreb, your bus stop is on the left see the above photo. From the moment we arrived, Sarah had everything organized and en", "Sarah was BEYOND amazing. You also need to figure in the cost of parking, which varies depending on the season youre visiting in, and the cost of food in the park. So should you visit Plitvice or Krka National Park on your trip to Croatia? Find Transport to Plitvice Lakes National Park - Rome2rio Depending on how long you plan to stay, you can also purchase multi-day tickets. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Plitvika Jezera to Skradinsko Polje 2h 45m 58 - 71 Cheapest Night bus If youre visiting the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, then taking a day trip to Krka National Park to get a change of scenery from the Adriatic is always a good idea. Please always do thorough research before booking or planning any vacation. Bus Station at Plitvice Lakes National Park, check bus stop locations on the interactive map, Entrance and Entrance Fees to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Parking at National Park Plitvicka Jezera. But if you truly only have time to visit one, I hope this helped you choose. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. For this reason, it is highly encouraged you purchase your tickets online prior to arriving to Plitvice Lakes. While Plitvice can get crowded, its also enormousespecially around the Upper Lakes, you can find isolated places to take photos (getting an early start or sticking around until after the tour groups leave can help with this, as well). What most people dont know is that it is Krka Park covers a large area, and driving will allow you to see absolutely everything.
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