Roški slap waterfall

Roški slap is, after Skradinski buk, the most famous waterfall on the Krka. And while the waterfall itself does not impress too much, especially in the drier part of the year, it is the surroundings that certainly enchant.

This is a somewhat specific part of Krka National Park, because by car you cross a narrow bridge over the Krka river that divides the Roški slap site into two parts, and if you drive on through without stopping, no one will ask you anything, but if you park the car and get out, you will have to pay for a ticket. Tickets are bought at a kiosk near the bridge on the left bank of the river. Right beside it is a car park that is in the shade for a good part of the day.

As already mentioned, the site is divided into two parts: the one upstream of the bridge, where the circular trail along the river and the Oziđana pećina (“Walled Cave”) are located, and the one downstream of the bridge, where, alongside Roški slap, there are the watermills with countless little waterfalls and rapids in the midst of beautiful nature.

Upstream

The upstream part is toured by a circular trail 1.4 km long, and at the farthest point the banks of the river are joined by a wooden pedestrian bridge. From that position you can continue exploring the Krka upstream by tourist boat.

The nature on this part of the river is beautiful, surrounded by the canyon cliffs of specific appearance and shape, and it abounds in countless holes in the rocks and small caves.

To the most famous of these caves, the “Oziđana” (“Walled”) one, wooden steps lead up from the left bank of the river. 517 of them!

If that seems too strenuous to you, the cave can also be reached from the top of the canyon. For that you will need some 7 km of driving. The route leads from the already mentioned car park further uphill to the top of the canyon, and then from the road you turn onto a gravel track that brings you to an improvised car park, very close to the cave (43.90812781581097, 15.982582755811517). Here there is also a viewpoint (130 m high) from which a wonderful view opens up onto the sandbars of the Krka, the famous “pearl necklaces”, whose intensity depends on the current water level.

Oziđana pećina is specific in that it was inhabited as far back as prehistory, and accordingly a small museum and presentation centre has been set up inside it.

Downstream

The downstream part of the Roški slap site is approached from the left bank of the river. The path leads downstream right from the car park. After 200 m you reach an exceptionally attractive complex of watermills.

The setting here is so relaxing that not even rivers of tourists will diminish the experience. Inside the mills there are a couple of exhibition displays, a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Rapids and waterfalls burst out on all sides, and a special attraction are the tables at which you can sit with your feet in the water.

From the mills, the trail continues on to the mooring for tourist boats. Here the boats that come from the direction of Visovac, a little island a couple of kilometres downstream, tie up. From the mooring also depart the boat tours for visiting Roški slap itself, which is some 160 m away. It is clearly visible from this location, but you cannot approach it closely on foot, so if you want to see it up close, it is best to do so by boat.

Conclusion

And while Skradinski buk, alongside Plitvice Lakes, is Croatia’s most famous natural landmark, Roški slap is somehow marginalised, though in our view unjustifiably. Were it by any chance on a separate river, the situation would surely be different. As it is, it is the “younger brother” of Skradinski buk, something you visit if there is time left over. Totally wrong, because this is a first-class location that deserves to be the main star of your excursion!