Published Mar 13, 2024
While Croatia is renowned for its stunning islands, gorgeous beaches, and delectable cuisine, there is something more you should add to your Croatian to-do list. The country is also home to the most breathtaking waterfalls in Europe. As Croatia’s abundant rivers carve their paths to the Adriatic Sea, they cut through limestone mountain ranges, creating deep gorges and cascading waterfalls. It’s safe to say many of these waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking in Europe.
So, are you ready to discover why Croatia's waterfalls and nature are just as captivating as its famed islands and culinary delights? Keep on reading to find out useful information about the country’s finest waterfalls and start planning your trip. Head inland for a day to explore the country’s sensational national parks. As well as awe-inspiring waterfalls, you’ll enjoy a serene setting of lakes, rivers, forests, and canyons. Croatia is a land of many things, one of which is spectacular waterfalls, both famous cascades like those at Plitvice Lakes and others less well-known.
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The Complete List of Croatia Waterfalls
Skradinski Buk Waterfall
The Skradinski buk waterfall in Krka National Park is Europe's longest tufa barrier, boasting a circular walking trail of 1900 meters. Restored watermills and remnants of the 1895 Krka hydroelectric plant add to its historical charm. Visitor facilities include free toilets, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Excursion boats offer trips to Visovac Island and Roški slap. Entrance tickets allow access to all park areas on the same day, excluding swimming. With 17 waterfalls spanning 400 meters, Skradinski buk is celebrated as one of Europe's most magnificent waterfall systems. Read More
Sopot Waterfall - Strana
The Sopot Waterfall, near Strana village in Istria, Croatia, is the region's second tallest at 30 meters. Accessible via the Čiritež – Buzet road, visitors follow guide marks labeled as Sopot Climbing. A short 10-minute walk downhill from the parking area leads to the waterfall. Cascading through a stone-carved hole, it's a breathtaking sight reminiscent of paradise. Though inactive outside rainy periods, it's a popular climbing spot. Read More
Butori Ponor Waterfalls
The Butori Ponor Waterfalls in Šterna, central Istria, feature a picturesque waterfall and gorge formed by the crystal-clear river Ardila. Nestled in a rural setting, this hidden gem offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the surrounding valley.Read More
Zarečki Krov Waterfall
Zarečki Krov, near Pazin in Istria, Croatia, is a hidden gem featuring a cave-like structure with a ten-meter waterfall fed by the Pazinčica River. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil lake and captivating views year-round, offering a serene escape amidst central Istria's natural beauty. Read More
Kotli Waterfall
The Kotli Waterfall, 16 meters tall, is a popular tourist spot in Croatia's Istria region on the Mirna River, formed millions of years ago. With two sections flowing into a shallow pool, it's stunning in spring. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, with a trail offering panoramic views. Read More
Sopot Waterfall - Floricici
The Sopot Waterfall in Floricici, Istria, cascades from a 30-meter cliff into a turquoise lake but dries up in summer. Best visited in autumn or spring, visitors can swim at its base or enjoy nearby activities like hiking or wine tasting. Read More
Visoki Buk Waterfall
Visoki Buk, a stunning waterfall near Bilišane in northern Dalmatia, Croatia, is a must-see attraction. The river Zrmanja flows through a picturesque gorge with cascades, dropping around 9 meters to form Visoki Buk. For an easy visit, consider a kayak tour of the gorge. Read More
Miljacka Slap Waterfall
The Miljacka slap waterfall, located 21.5 km from the river source, is the fifth along the Krka's course. Standing at 23.8 m tall and 50-60 m wide, it's a striking sight where the Zrmanja River converges with the Krka, forming the rare Miljacka spring. Surrounded by cliffs, ridges, and lush vegetation, it hosts diverse moss species and subterranean animals. Adjacent is the HPP Miljacka, once Europe's most powerful hydroelectric plant. Read More
Mrežnica Waterfall
Situated near the secluded village of Primislje, Mrežnica Waterfall is one of Croatia's finest, ideal for a refreshing swim. Along the Mrežnica River, renowned for its 90 waterfalls, the site is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil ambiance. Some cascades are straightforward, while others consist of multiple shallow falls. The river's barriers, adorned with vegetation, punctuate the landscape, forming cascades and slowing the flow to create flowing lakes, primarily composed of travertine or tufa, adding to Croatia's karst rivers' allure. Read More
Rastoke Waterfalls
Rastoke, also known as Slunj Slapovi, near Croatia's Plitvice Lakes, boasts 23 picturesque waterfalls and rapids where the Slunjčica and Korana rivers merge. Unlike Plitvice, Rastoke charms with its quaint village vibe, wooden houses lining the streams, and riverside restaurants with decks over the water. Read More
Krčić Waterfall
Inland from Split and Zadar, Krčić Waterfall plunges 72 feet into the Krčić River, fed by streams from the Dinara mountain range. Historically used for watermills, it's a major attraction near Knin town, marking both the source and end of the Krčić River. Visitors can park nearby and follow a short path to view the falls, although caution is needed due to slippery conditions. Read More
Veliki Prštavac Waterfall - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Veliki Prstavac, the second highest cascade in Plitvice National Park, is adjacent to Lake Galovac in Lika Slenj, Croatia. With a single-drop descent of approximately 28 meters, it captivates visitors with its natural grandeur. Accessible via Entrance 2 of Plitvice Lakes, visitors can embark on a boat journey to the southern extremity of Lake Kozjak or opt for a scenic hike along the designated pathway, taking around 45 minutes to reach Veliki Prštavac. Read More
Milka Trnina Waterfall - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Milka Trnina Waterfalls, located between Milanovac and Gavanovac Lake, pay tribute to opera soprano Milka Trnina. They create a captivating series of cascades winding through lush foliage and towering trees, with rare yew trees thriving nearby. Read More
Galovački Buk Waterfall
dronepicr, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Galovački Buk, a stunning 16-meter-tall waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park, originates from Milino Lake and Galovac, flowing into Lake Gradinsko. Though it was larger before, debris accumulation has reduced its size over time. Read More
Sastavci Waterfalls - Plitvice Lakes National Park
Marie Thérèse Hébert & Jean Robert Thibault from Québec, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Sastavci Waterfalls, also called Sastavci Slap, are a picturesque wonder near Novakovica Lake. The Korana River cascades 26 meters, with the majestic 78-meter Great Waterfall in the backdrop. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Entrance I, admiring the frothy, 85-foot waterfall originating from Novakovica Lake. Read More
Great Waterfall - Veliki Slap - Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Great Waterfall, also known as Veliki Slap, is Croatia's highest waterfall at 78 meters, located in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Fed by the Plitvica Potok River, it's a captivating highlight of the Lower Lakes section. Unlike other falls in the park, Veliki Slap is formed by the Plitvica Potok, extending 3 km west. Accessible from Entrance 1, visitors can start with Route C for a comprehensive view of Upper and Lower Lakes. The park welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective of its beauty. Read More
Slap Gubavica
The Gubavica Waterfall, reaching 48 meters in the Cetina River, is a captivating natural marvel situated an hour southeast of Split in Croatia. Set in the deep canyon of the Zadvarje karst plateau, it provides opportunities for rafting, kayaking, cliff jumping, rock climbing, and hiking. It's especially alluring in the rainy season when water flows swiftly through the canyon. Read More
Jankovića Buk
Jankovića Buk, the final waterfall on the Zrmanja River, is about 3 meters tall. Once home to water mills, now ruins, it's known locally. Situated where freshwater meets seawater, it's inland from Zadar and reachable by a scenic walk from Obrovac, marking the river's end before the coast. Read More
Krupe Slapovi - Krupa Waterfall
Slapovi Krupe, a picturesque waterfall near Krupa Monastery in Dalmatia, Croatia, is nestled within a stunning canyon along the Krupa River, a tributary of the Zrmanja River. Visitors reach it via a trail near Kuda’s Bridge, with access either after a 60-minute drive from Zadar followed by a brief hike or using the parking lot in Golubić on the north side of the river. Read More
Berberov Buk - Zrmanja Waterfalls
Berberov Buk, also known as Vodopad Zrmanja, features a unique tufa ledge formed by limestone-rich karst water. Situated in Muškovci within Park prirode Velebit, it stands out along the Zrmanja River. With tourist facilities like parking, dining, and trails, it's a popular destination for nature lovers. Read More
Roški Slap Waterfall
Roški slap waterfall is reachable by road or by boat from nearby Skradinski buk waterfall. Visitors can explore its beauty and attractions throughout the year. Boat trips to Krka monastery and Visovac Island are offered daily from April to October. Entrance and boat excursion tickets can be bought at the entrance area of Roški slap waterfall. Read More
Contribution
Are you passionate about Croatia's stunning natural beauty? Do you have a deep love for its mesmerizing waterfalls? If so, we invite you to contribute to our growing list of waterfalls in Croatia!
We believe that every waterfall, big or small, deserves recognition for its unique charm and allure. That's why we're reaching out to you, our fellow adventurers, to help us enrich our list and map with new suggestions and resources.
Whether you've stumbled upon a hidden gem tucked away in the Croatian wilderness or captured breathtaking photos of a well-known cascade from a unique angle, we want to hear from you! Share your favorite waterfall spots, along with any additional information or resources you think would enhance our collection.
Your contributions will not only make our list and map more comprehensive but will also inspire others to explore Croatia's natural wonders. Let's work together to celebrate the beauty of Croatia's waterfalls and create an invaluable resource for nature lovers everywhere!
Visit this page to send your suggestions, photos, and resources, and let's make our list of Croatian waterfalls truly spectacular.
Map of the Waterfalls in Croatia
Discover Croatia's stunning waterfalls with our interactive map! This map offers a comprehensive view of these natural wonders and allows users to search using various filters. Whether you're interested in specific events tied to a particular waterfall, notable individuals associated with them, keywords related to the waterfalls, entities connected to them, or simply their locations across Croatia, our map has you covered.
By selecting specific dates, you can explore if any significant events occurred at a particular waterfall during that time. Likewise, searching for people will reveal if any notable individuals have a connection to a specific waterfall. Keywords provide a quick way to find waterfalls based on specific features or characteristics, while entities help identify any organizations, landmarks, or other elements linked to the waterfalls. And of course, searching by location allows you to pinpoint where each waterfall is situated within Croatia.
With this interactive map, uncover the natural beauty of Croatia's mesmerizing waterfalls and embark on a virtual journey like never before!