Just a short drive from the charming streets of Mostar, lies one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most photographed natural wonders — the Kravica Waterfall.
The Kravica waterfall is roughly 25 meters high and separated into 20 falls, with the lake below being about 120 meters in radius. On the surface, it delivers: lush greenery, misty spray, and the kind of landscape that screams “take a picture.”
But if you’re wondering whether it lives up to the hype, you’re not alone. I visited Kravica as part of a larger road trip through Bosnia’s most beautiful waterfalls, and let’s just say… expectations met reality. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before deciding whether to go yourself.
Practical info
Entrance to the park is 20KM/adult (€10) and 10KM/children
Parking is 3km for a normal car
The park is open from 7am to 10pm in summer and from 7am to 7pm in winter (make sure to check each month’s opening times before visiting here
Mini train
There’s a mini train that operates within the nature park, which is perfect for families with children or anyone who wants to see more of the park without extensive walking.
The train ride lasts about 5 minutes and makes several stops throughout the park, including at the waterfall itself. It cost 2km.
Where is Kravica Waterfall located?
Kravica Waterfall is located in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (want to know more about the regions in Bonsia? See here), about 45 kilometers from the historic city of Mostar, near the town of Ljubuški. It’s easily accessible by car via the M6 road or with a guided tour.
How do you get to the Kravica waterfall?
Getting to Kravica waterfall requires some planning…
The most convenient approach is by car, which gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and visit other nearby attractions like Blagaj
By Car: The drive from Mostar takes approximately 45 minutes, while visitors coming from Sarajevo should expect about a 3-hour journey. The route is well-marked with clear signs from the M6 (Čapljina–Ljubuški road)
By Tour: Many travelers opt for organized tour. These tours often include visits to multiple attractions like Blagaj, Počitelj, and sometimes even Mostar.
Public Transport: While technically possible, I strongly advise against using public transport. The journey involves multiple bus transfers from Mostar to Ljubuški, then to the nature park, taking about 2 hours with unreliable schedules. Given the remote location and poor cell service, you risk getting stranded (but nothing’s ever impossible ;))
Can you swim in Kravica waterfall?
Yes, swimming in Kravice waterfall is allowed. The main waterfalls creates a beautiful natural pool at its base, offering a cool swimming experience.
However, there are several important things to know before taking the plunge. The water remains quite cold year-round. I visited in late october and i didn’t see a single person in the waters (including myself haha)
The pool is officially open for swimming from June to September, when weather conditions are most favorable. The park provides convenient facilities including changing rooms, showers, and toilets right at the base of the waterfall.
Safety Considerations: While most areas of the lake are calm and perfect for swimming, you must avoid the area directly beneath the waterfall. The current there is extremely strong.
If the cold water doesn’t appeal to you, consider renting a canoe or kayak for around €8, or join a boat tour (though there’s not much to “tour”)
How long to spend in the park?
You can see the main waterfall and take some photos in about 2 hours. This includes the 15-20 minute hike down to the base (it’s a 130-metre descent and acend) and some time to admire the falls from various viewing platforms.
If you join a tour you won’t spend too long here – which in my opinion is fine.
However if you have your own car, you can spend a full day here. Hike the various trails, enjoy a swim and have a (touristic) meal at one of the three restaurants with waterfall views.
When to visit
I visited in late october 2024, which was a plus for me as there was barely any visitors.
However Spring is probably the best time to visit the Kravice waterfalls as the weather is better during the season, and there’s more life in the area.
Camping
If you want to stay at Kravica Waterfall, it’s possible to book their campsite. Overnight stays cost €15 and is collected in cash in the evening. Want to heart first-hand from someone who stayed at the site? Check out this article
Is Kravica Waterfall worth visiting?
In my honest opinion… no. I am however hard to impress. I went on an extensive waterfall hunt all over Bosnia, and Kravica is by far the most expensive and overrated waterfall during my trip. Though it is stunning and the most accessible waterfall, it was a little underwhelming visit for me.
