Visiting Kravica Waterfalls in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
It was 10 in the morning and close to 30 degrees already… so the walk from the car park was harder than it should have been…
But as soon as the waterfalls came into view, I realised just how beautiful Bosnia is..
Welcome to Kravica Waterfalls!
If Bosnia & Herzegovina is part of your Balkans travel plans, then Kravica waterfalls is a must on your itinerary.
The beautiful nature spot is a Bosnian surprise which awaits tourists heading between Dubrovnik and Mostar.
This blog details how you can visit the hidden gem while exploring Bosnia.
Oh, and you can swim at Kravice falls!
A picture perfect setting.
How to visit Kravica Waterfalls.
Kravica Falls is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically in the karstic heartland of Herzegovina. It's 10 kilometres south of Ljubuški and 40 kilometres south of Mostar.
Adding a day trip to Kravica Falls and Mostar is a must on a longer Dubrovnik itinerary.
From Dubrovnik.
It is approximately 130 kilometres from Dubrovnik to Kravica Falls, and travelling by car is your best option.
You are looking at between 2 - 2.5 hours total journey time.
You will have to cross the Croatian/Bosnian border, which can vary in time, so you should allow extra time in busy months.
If you are travelling by official tour, your driver will collect all of your passports and sort the crossing out for the group.
Crossing the Bosnian Border from Croatia.
Luckily there were no queues.
From Mostar.
Mostar is located just over 40km from Kravica Waterfalls, and you are looking at around a one hour drive. Rental cars are a very reasonable option in Bosnia.
We visited Kravice falls on the way to Mostar from our starting point of Dubrovnik on an awesome tour.
There is an option to take the bus, which requires changing in the town of Ljubuški, that is approx. 8km away from Kracvica.
This is a more complicated method with its risks, therefore a car or tour are your best bets.
If you are staying in Sarajevo and want to explore some of the most beautiful spots in the country, then the Bosnian capital is around 130 km from Kravica.
If you do arrive at the Kravica site by car, then you will come to a large car parking area at the entrance.
It costs 6KM (£2.61) to park for as long as you need.
Kravica is picture perfect.
The best tours to visit Kravica Waterfalls.
Here are some awesome tours for you to consider booking to enjoy Kravice falls.
From Dubrovnik: Day Trip to Mostar and Kravice Falls.
This is the trip which I thoroughly enjoyed on my trip to Bosnia.
We got around 90 minutes of free time at Kravica, and three hours in Mostar.
You should book this tour as it takes the logistics of organising transport between the highlights out of your hands. You can just sit back in comfort and listen to Ivo’s stories about the recent history of Bosnia.
This history lesson made my walk around Mostar more rewarding, as I had an understanding about some of the hardships which the locals have had to endure in recent decades.
I had an amazing day!
Sarajevo: Mostar, Konjic, Blagaj Tekke, Pocitelj & Waterfall.
Kravica falls is part of a day exploring Bosnia & Herzegovina, one of the Balkans most beautiful countries.
This tour is only suitable if you are based in Sarajevo.
A traditional Bosnian meal is included in this all day adventure.
From Mostar: Explore The Countryside Of Herzegovina.
If your starting point is Mostar, then this tour will take you on a a full day tour of the beautiful Bosnian countryside, including Kravica waterfalls.
This one is for nature lovers!
The waterfalls are magnificent.
Entrance information for Kravica Waterfalls.
Admission costs.
20 KM (£8.71).
Your entrance fee covers access to Kravica Nature Park for the whole day, and you can come and go as you please.
Please note, when I visited, there was no option to pay with a card.
Opening Hours.
This park area typically operates with these hours:
Summer months: 7:00am to 10:00pm.
Winter months (off-season): 7:00am. to 7:00pm.
You can enter for free outside of these areas, as access to the waterfalls is available to anyone.
Souvenir stall close to the entrance.
The best time to visit Kravica Waterfalls?
Due to the climate of the Balkan region, Kravica falls experience very hot summers, and freezing winters.
Therefore, you can have a completely different experience depending on which month you visit.
If you also factor in the growing popularity of the nature site, then it is a good idea to plan accordingly.
Unless you really enjoy a cold water challenge, then swimming is out of the question before the summer months for most people.
But then it gets far too crowded in July and August, which can somewhat ruin your experience.
June & September are the golden months to enjoy Kravica with fewer tourists!
You will also get cheaper flights to the Croatia destinations then, if that’s your starting point for this day trip.
A summer trip will ensure that you enjoy the best experience of the stunning turquoise waters from the Trebižat River.
The waterfalls can be enjoyed by any type of traveller.
A beautiful walk in the Bosnian nature.
After you have arrived and parked up, there is a short walk down to the main falls.
This took around 10 mins and descended most of the way.
I can vividly remember hearing the snapping sounds of grasshoppers loudly echoing around the forest.
When you first start your walk you can see above all of the trees, which was an awesome introduction to beautiful Bosnia!
There are handrails all the way, or alternatively, there is a small train which can take you down, if you aren’t fit and able to walk. This is a better option for the ascent back up, when the Bosnian temperatures have increased.
This is an extra charge but only a small amount.
My suggestion is to walk down and take the train back up.
The starting point of the hike to the waterfalls.
Getting closer.
As I got closer to the falls, my senses started to experience the magnificence of the natural beauty.
The 28 metres high waterfall started to peek through the gaps in the forest, and I could hear the sound of powerful waterfalls smashing against the water.
I found the access to this waterfall to be much easier, and faster than Krka Waterfalls in Croatia.
First sighting of the waterfalls.
An awesome viewpoint.
There is no doubt that the waterfalls are stunning from all angles, but there are some viewpoints which offer a great view from different levels of the waterfall’s height.
I captured some awesome photos from these spots, however, later in the day, they do get busy.
Enjoying a great viewing point.
Swimming at Kravica Waterfalls.
Having visited other waterfalls in the Balkans where you can’t swim during my travels, such as Krka waterfalls in Croatia, I was very happy when our tour guide ‘Ivo’ informed us that swimming is allowed at Kravica.
However, he did warn us that the water was freezing, and he wasn’t wrong!
Even though I visited in June, when the temperatures were soaring, it was still a challenge to jump in the ice cold water.
Ivo was saying that the temperature consistently stays between 15-20 degrees as it is so close to a spring of the Krebizat River.
I felt very refreshed after swimming, and managed to get right close to some of the falls, for some awesome views.
This area was less crowded also!
If you're planning on going for a swim, be aware that the current can be strong near the waterfalls. It's best to swim in the calmer areas further downstream if you aren’t a strong swimmer!
The restaurant area with much needed shade.
Other things to do at Kravica waterfalls.
Grab some food and refreshments.
In summertime there are several restaurants serving hot food and cold beers (or hot drinks).
I found the menu to have a variety of options, including standard meals such as chicken burgers, beef burgers, and sandwiches.
These ranged from 4KM (£1.75) to 10 KM (£4).
Then there was a traditional Bosnian selection, mainly meats, such as Cevapi (local special), pork, veal, and some chicken.
These ranged from 8KM (£3.50) to 12 KM (£5).
I found Bosnia and Albania to be very similar for cuisine, and both countries are very reasonable!
As it was so hot, I was relieved to find one of the cafes selling ice cream, so I grabbed one, but be warned, you have to eat it fast, as the sun is baking!
I noticed signs for WiFi in one of the restaurants, but didn’t test it, as my local sim card worked perfectly in all of the Balkan countries I visited, including the rural areas.
Enjoy water sports.
When I visited in June, I saw people paddle boarding and kayaking, however, I am unsure you can actually rent them.
There are boat trips available though.
Small rowing boats:
These can be rented for around €5 per person for a 20-minute ride. They're a great option for a leisurely exploration of the area around the waterfalls.
Larger tour boats:
These run in peak season (typically July and August) when a temporary bridge is installed across the river above the falls. These take you downriver towards a smaller waterfall called Little Kravice before returning, and last around 40 minutes for €10 per person.
Another beautiful angle.
More waterfalls.
If you are on a longer visit to Kravica, you can head to the smaller waterfalls, ‘Mala Kravice’.
The smaller waterfalls are only around a third of the height of Kravica at around 10 metres high, and can be reached by a scenic walk along a well-maintained path following the Trebižat River.
The walk is just over 1 kilometre, and takes around 15-20 minutes.
Mala Kravice offers a charming alternative if you are seeking a less crowded experience of Bosnia’s beautiful nature.
There are no amenities or changing rooms located at Mala Kravice.
Many people sunbath by the water.
Where to stay near Kravica Waterfalls.
Ljubuški is the best place to base yourself if you want to stay close to Kravica Waterfalls.
Here are three popular options for accommodation:
ZeN Luxury Suite - a good accommodation option in Ljubuški for those seeking a peaceful retreat with modern amenities close to Kravice Waterfalls.
Motel Most - a great choice for travellers in Ljubuški seeking a riverside location with a restaurant, family-friendly amenities, and on-site bike rentals for exploring the area.
Hotel Bigeste - a convenient choice for Ljubuški visitors offering comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to the city centre and nearby attractions like Kravice Waterfalls.
The water is freezing, but very refreshing!
Should you visit Mostar?
Absolutely yes!
Mostar is one of my favourite cities in the world.
Its unique charm captured my heart!
I enjoyed its UNESCO centre, which includes the famous ‘Stari Most’ bridge, which was once destroyed in the war, before being completely reconstructed.
However, I also loved leaving the beaten track and heading to see the beautiful street art on Alexander Street, which is in the spot where the war first started, all of those decades ago.
You can still see bullet holes in the buildings.
Here are my six recommendations to enjoy an action packed day in Mostar:
Stari Most Bridge: Witness the heart-stopping bridge diving competition (seasonal) or simply admire the architectural marvel.
Old Town: Explore the cobbled streets lined with mosques, churches, and traditional shops.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: Ascend the minaret for breathtaking panoramic views.
Turkish Bazaar: Hunt for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
Karadurgent Palace: Discover the city's rich history within this Ottoman-era residence.
Alexander Street Art: Pay homage to the city's resilience with this powerful piece.
One last look.
Love waterfalls. How about Krka National Park in Croatia?
If you enjoy beautiful waterfalls during your travels, then Croatia is home to some awesome ones.
I visited Krka National Park from Zadar, and found it to be one of my favourite days in Croatia.
There is also Plitvice Lakes, and Rastoke Waterfalls to add to your travel itinerary.
With Bosnia & Herzegovina bordering Croatia, you can rent a car, and combine both countries for an epic Balkans trip!
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