Manojlovac Waterfall

Manojlovac Waterfall is the tallest waterfall on the Krka River and in Krka National Park, dropping around 60 metres in a series of steps and cascades. It lies far upstream of the park's famous Skradinski Buk, in the quiet northern part of the park near the small village of Ivoševci, and few visitors reach it compared with the crowds on the lower river. The setting is a deep, narrow canyon cut into the karst plateau, where the Krka squeezes through limestone walls, so the waterfall appears quite suddenly after a walk across dry, stony country.

The river here has already travelled through the Dalmatian hinterland, and it is the lime in the water that built the tufa barriers and falls found all along its course. At Manojlovac the water falls over a broad rock face in several tiers, with ferns, moss and small trees clinging to the damp stone. Flow is strongest in spring and after heavy rain, and in a dry late summer the falls can thin out, though the scenery remains impressive. The view from the platforms above the canyon gives a sense of the scale, and from some of the lookouts you can see the upper and lower tiers at once.

A walking path leads to the viewpoints from the area around Ivoševci. The route is a mix of gravel and earth tracks, with steeper sections close to the canyon edge, and sturdy shoes are advisable. Swimming is generally not allowed in the park's waters, so visitors should check the current rules at the entrance, as they apply across Krka National Park.

The waterfall is close to the archaeological site of Burnum, a Roman military camp whose arches and amphitheatre foundations stand on the plateau above the Krka, and the two sites combine well in a half-day visit. Other places in the park, such as the Roški Waterfall, Visovac Island and the Ključica Fortress, belong to different parts of the river and take separate trips.

Manojlovac suits walkers, photographers and anyone who prefers a wilder, quieter view of the Krka to the busy boardwalks of the lower river. It is best reached by car, and it is wise to take water, sun protection and a light jacket, as the canyon is cool and breezy even in summer.