More than a membership card: the Krka Friends Club has grown into a society of true nature lovers

Public institution "Krka National Park" in 2014, it introduced an annual ticket to its offer  for residents of Šibenik-Knin County, which is valid for an unlimited number of entrances to all land locations in the Park.

The goal of introducing the annual ticket was to enable the local population to stay more often and longer in all localities in the "Krka" National Park.

Three years later, i.e. in 2017, the annual ticket became Krka Friends Club. Since then, it has been available to foreign visitors, true nature lovers, who return to Croatia and the "Krka" National Park several times a year. Today, the Krka Friends Club has close to 2.000 members.

After several years, it can be said that Krka Friends Club is much more than a membership card. Over the years, it has grown into a company of true nature lovers who often and happily spend their free time on Krka.

There are many advantages of membership in the Friends of Krka Club

All members can unlimited number of times to enter "Krka" National Park in a period of one year and there are no restrictions on localities or the number of entrances. In addition to the Krka Friends Club card, it is necessary to present an identity card or other appropriate document at the entrance to the Park.

Let's add another benefit for the local population. Namely, residents of Šibenik-Knin County receive a discount when joining to the Club in the amount of 50% of the membership fee. This means that for HRK 100 a year, they can spend every weekend or every afternoon on the Krka, if they want to. With 388 kilometers of organized cycling routes and 47 kilometers of educational and hiking trails, there are plenty of options for touring.

For all other visitors, both local and foreign, membership in the Krka Friends Club is available at a price of HRK 200 for adults and HRK 90 for children aged seven to eighteen, who will visit the Park accompanied by their parents, and is valid for one year from purchases. Children up to the age of seven have free entry.

Membership in the Club also brings additional benefits

One of the benefits is a 20% discount on certain products in souvenir shops. And there, nature lovers can find some of the numerous editions of the "Krka" National Park, which have covered the natural or cultural values ​​of this area.

As the members are lovers of nature, and therefore environmentally conscious, the "Krka National Park" has prepared another benefit for them. Namely, if they make a turnover of HRK 50 in the souvenir shop, they will receive a cloth bag as a gift. Canvas promo bags are in high demand as they have a larger volume than normal canvas shopping bags and are additionally reinforced - they are often sought after and used for the beach and can be seen in everyday shopping.

It should be emphasized that the ticket, ie membership in the Club of Friends of Krka can be purchased at all receptions and in branches of the National Park "Krka" where tickets are printed. After becoming a member, visitors can immediately visit the Park, i.e. it is not necessary to come beforehand. Friendly employees of the "Krka National Park" public institution will inform visitors about the possibility of joining the Friends of Krka Club, especially if it is a more favorable option considering the preferences of visitors.

Club membership can also be given as a gift

The Krka Friends Club is intended for everyone lovers of nature and natural beauty who want to get to know the "Krka" National Park in detail and who do not see it only as an attraction, but as a green oasis where they can actively spend their time.

Since last year in the "Krka" National Park they also introduced a gift voucher, so membership can be given as a gift.

It's a matter of creativity, because today in a consumerist environment, it is certainly creative and different to give someone a gift like this. And we certainly don't need to talk much about the benefits of this kind of gift, because the pandemic taught us more about it: walking, being outdoors, sun, air, sounds of nature.

Unlimited enjoyment of nature

Membership in the Club enables unlimited enjoyment of nature, and the Park can be best explored by walking along its educational hiking trails. The paths are equipped with educational boards with information about the flora and fauna of the Park and the cultural and historical sights in its area.

Whether visitors prefer active holiday, or an easy family walk, on the trails of the National Park "Krka" you can enjoy the enchanting landscapes shaped by the karst beauties of Krka and Čikola.

The Krka Friends Club is especially important as one of the numerous channels of cooperation with the local community. It is important that, first of all, the local population, and then the citizens of the whole of Croatia, do not perceive the national park as a separate entity, but as an accessible and, with respect to the rules of the protected area, open partner.

Finally, the Public Institution "Krka National Park" invites all lovers of nature and valuable cultural and historical heritage, which can be seen in the Park area, to join the Krka Friends Club and take advantage of this opportunity to get to know the National Park better and all the advantages of staying in a protected area. Every ticket purchased is a contribution to the permanent protection, preservation and improvement of the "Krka" National Park, and visitors the opportunity to actively stay in such an environment.

Photo: Krka National Park / Illustration: HrTurizam.hr