Krka at Otočec castle
At Otočec castle the slow lowland Krka splits into two arms: the natural northern one and a southern arm probably dug for the castle's defence. The 2017 PAS sheet calls both full of life and deep enough – up to about 3 m – for an easy dive in shallow, summer-warm water. The gravel bed is mostly covered by dense water plants that in places make it impossible to move underwater, so you can easily spend over an hour exploring the northern arm. The castle and its landscaped grounds make a scenic backdrop.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Dolenjska & Bela krajina (Krka, Kolpa, Kočevje)
- Depth: 0–3 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: channel
- Coordinates: 45.839, 15.23421
- Highlights: lush aquatic plants, two river arms around Otočec castle island, warm water (~22 °C) in summer, gravel bed
- Tips: Leave the motorway at Novo mesto vzhod and follow the old road to the Otočec rest area; a large car park on the left bank of the northern arm allows entry straight from the car park. The southern arm is entered from the right bank (Kamp Otočec side). The river above and below Otočec is too shallow to swim between the arms in full kit. Check the plant growth before entering, bring a compass and dive in dry spells at low water; visibility is usually poor. The river is part of the Natura 2000 site Krka with tributaries. Sheet from 2017.