Rakitnica River Canyon

Rakitnica is the main tributary of the first section of the Neretva river known as Upper Neretva. The Rakitnica river formed a 26 km long canyon, of its 32 km length, that stretches between Bjelašnica and Visočica to southeast from Sarajevo. 

Rakitnica River Canyon is one of the deepest and most profound gorges in Europe. It is a natural wonderland. The entire length of the canyon is lined with endemic types of flora and fauna. Bears, wolves, wild boar, pine martens, wild goats all take refuge in this difficult to access canyon. As many as 32 endemic plants, flowers, and trees can be found in this tiny region of the Dinaric Alps. The crystal clear water, fed by the high mountains above, is potable for the whole length of the canyon region. 

From canyon, there is a hiking trail along the ridge of the Rakitnica canyon, which drops 800m below, all the way to famous village of Lukomir. The village is the only remaining traditional semi-nomadic, Bosniak, mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The village of Lukomir, with its unique stone homes with cherry-wood roof tiles, is the highest and most isolated mountain village in the country. Indeed, access to the village is impossible from the first snows in December until late April and sometimes even later, except by skis or on foot. A newly constructed lodge is now complete to receive guests and hikers.