Donje and Gornje Bare
Description
Donje Bare and Gornje Bare are two mountain lakes on the northeastern side of Zelengora, within Sutjeska National Park. Donje Bare lie at an altitude of about 1,475–1,490 meters and measure about 200 × 140 meters, with a maximum depth of four meters. Gornje Bare are at an altitude of about 1,550 meters, are smaller — about 150 × 80 meters — and only two meters deep. Nearby is the Borić viewpoint with panoramic views of Maglić, Volujak, the Sutjeska canyon and the Perućica rainforest. All three sites are managed by Sutjeska National Park.
Donje Bare can be reached by a gravel road from Tjentište (20 km); off-road vehicles are recommended. Gornje Bare and Borić can only be reached on foot — Borić is about 40 minutes from Donje Bare, and Gornje Bare about an hour's walk. At Donje Bare there is the NP Sutjeska mountain lodge and the possibility of trout fishing with a permit. In summer, you can swim in both lakes.
The character of the two lakes
Donje Bare and Gornje Bare are sister lakes, but completely different in character. Donje Bare are surrounded on three sides by deciduous forest, while a meadow opens up on the fourth, and next to the mountain lodge there is also a spring that flows into the lake — the water does not flow out, but sinks underground.
The lake feels gentle, almost homely. Gornje Bare, on the other hand, are tucked into the foot of a rocky hill that shelters them like a wall on one side, while on the other side rolling pastures with small spruce trees spread out. That wild, harsh setting gives Gornje Bare the character of a mountain lake in the fullest sense — and attracts visitors looking for untouched nature.
Borić viewpoint and the wider tour
The Borić viewpoint is named after the pines that grow around it, and it is located above the very edge of the Sutjeska canyon. On a clear day, it offers views of Maglić, Volujak, Vučevo, the Sutjeska canyon and the Perućica rainforest all at once — few viewpoints in BiH offer such a wide panorama.
Many hikers choose to visit Donje Bare, Gornje Bare and Borić in one day: it is a full-day route that passes through forest, pastures and rugged terrain, while the elevation gain and distance remain within the limits of pleasant hiking for fit amateurs.
