Plan your visit
Plan your Zrmanja Trip
Prepare for your visit to the canyon. Find out what to pack, where to drive, and how to allocate your time safely.
Getting there
Driving a rental car is the easiest way to reach the remote viewpoints.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive from Zadar via the D27 road towards Obrovac, then follow local signs to Muškovci (for Berberov Buk) or Kaštel Žegarski (for kayak tours). | 45-50 mins | Fuel costs (no parking fee at Muškovci) | The easiest way to explore the area and multiple canyon viewpoints on your own schedule. |
| Tour: Book a guided kayak, canoe, or boat tour, which often includes an optional round-trip van transfer from your accommodation in Zadar. | Half-day or full-day | €55-€79 (plus ~€30 for optional transfer) | The most convenient option for active visitors wanting to paddle the rapids safely with provided equipment. |
| Bus: Take a local bus from Zadar to Obrovac or Jasenice, then hire a local taxi to the viewpoints or river banks. | 1-1.5 hours | €6-€10 | Not recommended as bus schedules are very limited (especially on Sundays) and return taxis are hard to find. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The site is accessible year-round. Late spring (April and May) offers high water levels suitable for rafting. Summer (June through September) is best for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the rimstone pools.
What to bring
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Wear water shoes to protect your feet.
Submerged rocks and tufa ledges at the swimming pools are very slippery.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for independent drivers and active paddlers.
Explore the free canyon viewpoints and swim at Berberov Buk on your own schedule.
- Drive from Zadar
Take the D27 road toward Obrovac.
- Pariževačka Glavica
Stop at the canyon viewpoint before the midday heat.
- Berberov Buk
Walk the 1 km trail along the banks for photo angles.
- Swim and Lunch
Swim in the rimstone pools and eat at a riverside restaurant in Muškovci.
Join a guided kayak tour down the Zrmanja gorge.
- Arrive in Kaštel Žegarski
Meet your guide and get your safety briefing and gear.
- Start Paddling
Navigate the class II/III rapids down the river.
- Visoki Buk
Pass by the 11-meter high waterfall deep within the gorge.
- Finish in Muškovci
Return your gear, change into dry clothes, and head home.
What to bring
Pack a swimsuit, a towel, and water shoes for the rocky riverbeds. Bring at least 0.5L of drinking water and a packed lunch or snacks. If you book a river tour, use a waterproof phone case or dry bag.
Safety is critical. Do not jump from the top of the highest waterfalls due to dangerous submerged rocks. Stay well back from the edge at canyon viewpoints, as there are no safety fences.
Easiest way to do it
Zadar: Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar
5 h 4.8 (191)
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Live entertainment
From$62per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get to Zrmanja waterfalls from Zadar?
Drive from Zadar via the D27 road towards Obrovac. The drive takes 45 to 50 minutes. Local signs direct you to Muškovci for the main waterfall or Kaštel Žegarski for kayak tours.
Can you swim in the Zrmanja river?
Yes. There are serene swimming areas at Berberov Buk in Muškovci. Natural rimstone pools form below the main falls, which are perfect for cooling off in the summer.
When is the best time to go rafting on the Zrmanja river?
Late spring, specifically April and May, is best for rafting. Rafting requires a water flow of at least 13.5 m³/s, which typically occurs during the spring and autumn months.