Lakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
From alpine gems at over 1,900 meters to emerald reservoirs in the deep canyons of Herzegovina — the lakes of BiH are among the most beautiful and least discovered water destinations in Europe. Glacial, karst, tufa, and artificial, each with a different face and a different story.
65 km² – Surface area of natural lakes
Hundreds of lakes spread from high mountains to lowland plains — each unique in its origin and ecosystem.
Highest lake in BiH – 1,970 m
Lake Crvenjak on Čvrsnica — an alpine gem that winter closes for almost half the year, reached only by the most determined hikers.
42+ Artificial reservoirs
Man-made lakes are today among the most visited tourist destinations — accessible and rich in activities.
150+ Bird species on the lakes
Bardača and Hutovo Blato are among the most important ornithological reserves in the Balkans — a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Pliva Lakes
Two gems in the heart of Bosnia, right beside the town of Jajce. Crystal clear water, old wooden watermills from the Middle Ages, and the famous Pliva Waterfall — a perfect blend of nature and history in one place.
The Pliva Lakes were formed by the deposition of tufa, and between them stand old wooden watermills dating back to the Middle Ages — a unique cultural and natural complex.
Prokoško Lake
A mountain fairytale at 1,636 meters above sea level — misty mornings, shepherds' huts, and crystal clear water surrounded by the peaks of Vranica. This is one of the most photogenic places in all of BiH.
One of the few habitats of the olm (Proteus anguinus) outside underground waters — an endemic amphibian that can live up to 100 years.
Blidinje Lake
The largest mountain lake in BiH, nestled between the towering mountains of Čvrsnica and Vran. This vast, almost mystical lake is surrounded by meadows, medieval tombstones, and evergreen forests — a true Herzegovinian mountain paradise.
Despite its vast surface area, Blidinje Lake is one of the shallowest in Europe — with an average depth of just 1 meter. In winter it is almost always frozen, and the water drains away through karst sinkholes.
Lake Boračko
A hidden gem nestled in the embrace of Prenj — a glacial lake surrounded by steep forested slopes, ideal for camping and swimming against one of the most dramatic mountain backdrops in BiH.
The lake basin was formed by glacial erosion in the Boračka Valley. It is flanked to the west by Crna Gora (1,343 m) and to the east by Tranjina (1,055 m) — as if the lake is pressed between two mountain walls.
Ramsko Lake
An emerald green reservoir in the heart of Herceg-Bosna whose color leaves you breathless. Surrounded by karst hills and summer cottages, it becomes one of the most visited spots in BiH during summer.
At the bottom of Ramsko Lake lie the remains of villages submerged in 1968 during the construction of the dam — an old church and houses are visible when water levels are low.
Jablanica lake
Everyone who has driven to the coast has stopped alongside this lake for the famous Jablanica lamb. This mighty reservoir along the M-17 motorway offers a fairytale view of the green mountains.
The Jablanica hydroelectric plant from 1955 was one of the largest power stations in the former Yugoslavia. The Bridge on the Neretva — a symbol of resistance from the Second World War — is located several kilometers downstream.
