Bosnia, located on the Balkan Peninsula, is a Southeastern European country. If it was not for 12 miles of coastland it would be a landlocked country. It shares the largest common border with the country of Croatia. Although more known for it historical significance, the country affords visitors with wonderful outdoor opportunities.
Read below and discover the natural wonders of Bosnia:
Kravice
Kravice is a well-known waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located on the Trebižat River. It is situated 10 kilometers south of Ljubuški and 40 kilometers south of Mostar. It measures about 25 meters in height and the radius of the waterfall base measures 120 meters. During the summer season, Kravice is a famous swimming area, being visited by different tourists, mostly from Medjugorje, Dubrovnik, and Mostar.
Beside the Kravice Falls is a small café with a picnic area, camping grounds, and a rope swing for added recreation. During spring time, it is also ideal to visit the place to witness the falls at its fullest, and the entire landscape turns bright green in color. Grilled dishes are offered during high seasons, with fish and their specialties. Tourists can also visit an old mill, a sailing ship, and a small grotto that showcases stalactites all magnificent and admirable.
Vrelo Bosne
Vrelo Bosne, on the other hand, is the “Spring of the Bosna River”, and considered as one of the most famous attractions in the region. It offers a significant watercourse as it flows through the entirety of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is situated near Sarajevo and can be reached by foot or by car.
Every visitor can experience the fresh breeze from mount Igman, while in Vrelo Bosne. There is also dense vegetation within the surroundings, with a feel of an untouched nature. Tourists are also attracted by the magnificent black and white ducks and swans that dominate the water surfaces of Vrelo Bosne. Today, it is considered as one of the most important destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty and spirit of enchanted nature.
Sutjeska National Park
The Sutjeska National Park is one of Bosnia’s oldest parks, which was established after the World War II, commemorating the victory of the Partisan over the Germans. Large stone monuments are found throughout the 17,500-hectare park. Sutjeska is also a home to one of Europe’s last 2 primeval forests, called Perucica. The forest is protected by widespread black pine stem and 60-meter-high beech trees.
The park also hosts the Skakavac waterfall, which can be seen from a certain point. The Skakavac waterfall measures over 75 meters in height and is dwarfed by a massive blanket of green trees, covering the valley. Within the park’s core is the Sutjeska River, which divides Zelengora Mountain from the Maglic and Volujak Mountains.
Maglic Mountain is Bosnia’s highest peak at 2,386 meters. Both the beginners and experienced hikers will find the Maglic Mountain challenging, yet fulfilling. The Zelengora Mountain is likewise ideal for walking and hiking, along with newly renovated huts. Wolf and bear sightings are common within the entire park.
Pliva
Within the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Pliva River, which is a small body of water, but has a strong significance due to its cultural, historical, and natural heritage. It has served as the country’s ultimate stronghold of the entire Bosnian Kingdom with Jajce, now a town, but was once the permanent seat of the last Bosnian king. Jajce region is very rich in natural heritage. The Pliva River measures 33 kilometers long, flowing from west to east. Its total watershed area is 768 km².
The Pliva valley, on the other hand, is situated in Bosnia’s northern part. The valley is well-known for its rich forests, tranquil mountains, abundant wildlife, and amazing bodies of water. It is dominated by the Janj River and the Pliva River, with two unique lakes on the latter, namely the Okruglo Lake and the Malo Plivsko Lake. Approximately, both Pliva and Janj rivers have the same size and amount of water.
Vrelo Bune
The Vrelo Bune offers a unique, architectural view, situated on the Buna river spring in Blagaj. Reaching a 200-meter cliff, tourists are offered with a magnificent view of both the rural and urban structures. The Blagaj Trekke is also found within the area, which is a Sufi monastery with a perfect combination of Ottoman and Mediterranean designs and architecture. The structure was built around the 1520’s with “musafirhana” as its guest house, which was rebuilt in 1851.
Aside from the Trekke, tourists can also check out the Blagaj’s bridges, namely the Leho Bridge and the Karbađoz-beg Bridge. Both bridges feature Ottoman architecture. Worthy visits also include the residential quarters like the Velagic residential complex, Kolakovic house, and the Kosic tower.