Mount Velež

Mount Velež, named after the ancient Slavic god Veles, the protector of shepherds and the underworld, rises above Mostar like a mighty stone wall that divides two climates and two worlds. Stretching 13 kilometers from Mostar to Nevesinje, this limestone massif culminates in the peak of Botin (1,969 m), while its northern slopes hide gems like the glacial Lake Veleš and mysterious ice caves where snow remains even during the hottest summer days. While the mountain's western side offers accessible trails with unforgettable views of the Neretva and Buna valleys, its eastern and northern cliffs present a harsh arena for mountaineers. It is here, on the extremely steep gorges, that the most experienced mountaineers prepare before setting out to conquer the world's highest peaks, making Velež a symbol of supreme skill and the primal strength of the Herzegovinian karst.