Summer is the time when many look for the best ways to refresh themselves, and swimming is one of the best. The proximity of the Adriatic Sea is often the first choice for annual vacations and swimming, but BiH citizens often choose many lakes and rivers that our country abounds in.
It is extremely difficult to choose the best swimming spots because wherever you go, be it mountain, natural or artificial lakes and rivers, you will not regret it. We bring you an overview of some of the most popular swimming places in BiH where you can refresh yourself, swim and rest.
Pannonian Lakes
The Pannonian Lakes in the center of Tuzla are a unique complex in all of Europe. The only salt lakes on the Old Continent are located just a few-minutes-walk from the city center.
This unusual story began in 2003 with the construction of the first lake, which today is also the largest. Five years later, a second salt lake was built, followed immediately by salt waterfalls, which represent a unique outdoor inhalation center. The third lake was opened on September 1, 2012, bringing the capacity of the complex to the current 17,000 visitors.
Boračko Lake
About 20 kilometers from Konjic, at the foot of the Prenj mountain, lies Boračko Lake. Surrounded by the steep and forested hills of Montenegro and Tranjina, this lake is a favorite picnic spot for the citizens of Sarajevo, Konjic, Mostar, and more often from other cities as well.
It is an ideal place for a family and a vacation in a natural environment, and numerous facilities on the lake will make your stay unforgettable. There is a camp on the Lake where you can come with a camper and spend your vacation there, and there are many visitors who spend the whole summer here.
Jablaničko Lake
Downstream from Konjic there is another lake, artificial but still beautiful – Jablaničko. It covers 13 square kilometers from Konjic to Jablanica and attracts swimmers, fishermen and all lovers of water sports. On both lakes you can camp, rent one of the cottages or sleep in one of the local eco-villages. The British portal Beachatlas published a list of the 100 best beaches in the world, and this lake’s beach is among them.
Plivska Lakes
Crystal clear water of an emerald green color and a beautiful natural environment are the specifics that one of the most beautiful lakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina can boast of – Veliko Plivsko Lake, 3,300 meters long and 400 meters wide. Due to the specific density of the water, it is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, as well as kayaking competitions. In 1963, the 7th European and Extraordinary World Championships in Kayaking and Canoeing on Calm Waters were held there. Veliko Plivsko Lake is one of the two habitats of the extremely rare lake trout Zlatovčica. Malo Plivsko Lake is smaller in surface area, it is about one kilometer long and about 430 meters wide, and the maximum depth of the lake is 36 meters.
Lake Balkana
Lake Balkana, located four kilometers from Mrkonjić Grad, is the most attractive picnic spot in the area. It is bordered by pastures and dense oak and conifer forests. It is made of two oval artificial lakes – Veliko and Malo, with a surface area of 56,000 square meters.
They are fed from the mountain streams Cjepalo and Skakavac and from underwater sources under the Great Lake. The only river there is Crna, which flows in a south-north direction and after 17 kilometers flows into Vrbas. In July and August, the water temperature in Malo Lake reaches 20 degrees, so it is suitable for swimming.
Una River
Is it necessary to say something more than one single word – Una. The beauty of Krajina that enchants you. Whichever swimming location you choose on this river, you won’t go wrong. And you can swim wherever you stop by this river.
If you are adventurous and a fan of adrenaline, be sure to try rafting on the Una, which will remain etched in your memory for a long time. You can also sail boats, enjoy beautiful natural areas, and there are also numerous campsites.
Trebižat River
The Trebižat River is 50 kilometers long from its source in Peć-Mlini to its confluence with the Neretva in Struga. It is the only one of the few rivers that changes its name from source to mouth, and Trebižat has as many as nine of them – Culuša – Ričina – Brina – Suvaja – Matica – Vrlika – Tihaljina – Mlade – Trebižat.
This Herzegovinian beauty is magical and there are numerous bathing spots on it, and often they are hidden and only the locals know about them. If you want to swim in this river, first prepare well for research and search for a bathing spot that will delight you in any case.
These are just some of the destinations where you can enjoy hot summer days and it is really difficult to list them all. However, we will leave it to you to do some research and find the right place for refreshment.
