The Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia are best visited in the spring. That’s when these natural wonders are at their most beautiful. This is because the water flow is at its peak, and after all, the whole point is to admire the cascading waterfalls. The waterfalls are close to Mostar, making them the perfect spot for a day trip from the city. The downside, unfortunately, is that getting there requires a car or an organized tour. But it’s definitely worth the trip, whether you go on your own or with a group.

During my last visit to Mostar, I simply booked a tour of the most interesting places in the area. It may not have been the highlight of my dreams, since I had already visited Blagaj and Pocitelj before. But it’s always worth returning to beautiful places. For me, the Kravica Waterfalls were supposed to be the highlight of that day’s trip.

Arriving this year, I was lucky, because spring in Bosnia and Herzegovina turned out to be very rainy, and the Trebižat River was carrying an extraordinary amount of water. That’s why the waterfalls looked so spectacular. The photos I’d seen before arriving here were just a taste, a small glimpse of what I finally saw with my own eyes.

Arriving at the Kravice waterfalls, I was lucky, this year, spring in Bosnia and Herzegovina turned out to be very rainy, and the Trebižat river was carrying an extraordinary amount of water. That’s why the waterfalls looked so spectacular. The photos I had seen before coming here, were just a teaser, a small glimpse of what I finally see with my own eyes.

Kravica Waterfalls – the power and beauty of nature

My visit to the waterfalls began quite innocently. Walking from the parking lot, you can see the waterfall somewhere down below. A white patch against the backdrop of a green, spring forest. Somewhere down there, masses of water are falling from 25 meters and crashing against the rocks and the surface of a small lake. From a distance, I hear only a gentle murmur. But the lower I go, the louder it gets. Reaching the upper level of the river, I see a pool.

I head downhill, toward the thunder that’s growing louder and louder. It’s sweltering, but covering the last few meters of the descent is pure pleasure. Here, somewhere halfway down, a gentle breeze suddenly picks up. A breeze carrying tiny droplets of water—formed when the water, crashing down from a height of 25 meters, splashes and creates a mist. The perfect way to cool off on a scorching day. I stand there for a moment with a few other tourists, enjoying this natural air conditioning. From this spot, the spectacle that nature has staged here becomes increasingly visible.

And finally, there it is! I’m finally at the level of the lake into which the Trebižat River flows. What a place, what a spectacle! An amphitheater 120 meters wide stretches out before me, a true display of nature’s power! Hundreds of liters of water crash against the lake’s surface every second, creating a thunderous roar. A refreshing mist hangs in the air, bringing life despite the sweltering heat.

It’s interesting that in photos from the internet, there used to be a path leading a short distance from the waterfall’s wall. You could take close-up photos from there. Today, the water level is so high that the wooden footbridge running across the lake has been flooded and is now deep underwater. There is so much water that the lower parts of the cafes standing here have also been submerged. Only the upper parts of some benches protrude from the water. If anyone wants to take a closer look at the waterfall, they can certainly do so, but instead of observing it from the footbridge, they have to buy a boat ride from the men waiting here—and of course, there are plenty of takers. Unfortunately, I’m not taking advantage of the attraction because I didn’t bring a raincoat, and believe me, right next to the waterfalls, it’s very, very wet.

Instead of a boat ride near the curtain of falling water, I opt for a visit to a nearby pub. I order a beer and, sipping the amber liquid, gaze at the Kravica Waterfalls. Sitting on a bar stool next to the railing, I see the bubbles in my beer rising to the top, and on the other side, a cascade of water flowing down. A magical moment…

At Kravice Waterfall I am still before the season, so there are no people bathing here. Apparently, there are masses of them here during the season, but their absence makes me happy. I like more intimate places, without screaming children, calling families…. Just nature and me. And other enthusiasts who try not to get in each other’s way. It was the same at Kravice waterfalls now. We were all equally fascinated by the place. Only later did it occur to me that, after all, in the photos the waterfall consisted of dozens of small streams flying down. During my visit, there was even a curtain of water falling down. The power of nature.

I visited the waterfalls again a year later, when my family and I were touring the Balkans, admiring the region’s biggest attractions. This time, I didn’t have to rush. But since it was August, there were tons of tourists. On the other hand, the summer month has the advantage that you could strip down and jump into the water for a swim. The water is very, very cold, and if you feel like it, you can of course swim right up to the waterfall itself. Be careful, though, because whirlpools form right where the water is falling, and the current can be strong.
If you don’t feel like swimming yourself, you can take a boat out or simply walk across the footbridge leading across this small lake at the foot of the waterfall.

Getting to Kravice Waterfalls

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the waterfalls. You’ll have to either drive yourself or book a tour in Mostar or another major city where you’re staying. Another option is to take public transportation to one of the nearby towns (e.g., Medjugorje) and take a taxi from there—this is only worth it if you’re traveling in a group. Unfortunately, for a single person, the most cost-effective option is to book the aforementioned tour (around 20–25 euros).

A day trip is feasible if you’re in nearby Dubrovnik, Split, or Makarska. The distance from these locations to Kravica Waterfalls is about 100 km, and the waterfall is very close to the border crossing.

Price and opening hours

Ticket prices are fixed and amount to 20 KM or 10 euros dor regular ticket, reduced price for students is10 KM (its 5 euros).
Opening hours depend on the length of the day and in the high season, that is, during our vacations, the gates of the waterfalls open at 7 and close at 10 p.m. I am talking about the months of June-September. In winter it is open until 5pm.
Next to the entrance there is a huge parking lot.

• The price is 3 KM per hour of parking for a passenger car or 6 KM for the whole day.
• Buses -10 KM per hour with the option of purchasing a daily parking ticket of 30 KM,
• Motorcycles – 3 KM per hour