Information
Landmark: Pliva LakesCity: Jajce
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Continent: Europe
Pliva Lakes, Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe
Overview
The Pliva Lakes (Plivska jezera) are two beautiful stretches of water just outside Jajce, a historic town tucked into the hills of central Bosnia and Herzegovina.With shimmering blue water and forested shores, the lakes draw visitors for their beauty, wild scenery, and endless ways to play, making them some of the nation’s favorite natural escapes.The Pliva Lakes provide a calm escape, where you can paddle across glassy water, breathe in pine-scented air, and enjoy both quiet moments and the wild beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s outdoors.Just 4 kilometers from the town of Jajce, the Pliva Lakes rest in a quiet valley where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas, their surfaces catching flashes of sunlight between the hills.The Pliva Lakes, part of the Pliva River basin famed for its crystal-clear water and thriving wildlife, sit just a short trip from the town of Jajce, drawing both locals and visitors alike.They consist of two main bodies of water, with Upper Pliva Lake (Gornje Plivno Jezero) stretching widest-about 3.5 square kilometers-and shimmering like glass on a still morning.A natural park wraps around it, creating a peaceful, picture-perfect setting where you might hear only the rustle of leaves.Lower Pliva Lake (Donje Plivno Jezero), a smaller body of water, sits downstream from the Upper Lake, linked by the flowing Pliva River.A network of canals links the two lakes, letting the water glide smoothly from one to the other.The Pliva Lakes shimmer with crystal-clear water that mirrors the rolling green hills and dense forests around them, like glass catching the afternoon light.Thick green plants wrap around the area, turning it into a quiet hideaway for anyone who loves the outdoors.In the lakes, silvery fish dart beneath the surface while herons stalk the shallows, adding to the region’s rich mix of wildlife.This protected stretch of nature keeps the Pliva Lakes’ clear waters and rich wildlife untouched.On still mornings, the glassy surface is perfect for boating, kayaking, or drifting along in a canoe.You can rent a boat and drift lazily across the lakes, the oars dipping into cool, clear water as trees sway along the shore.Both lakes draw plenty of anglers hoping to reel in trout or carp.You can fish here if you’ve got the right permits, and the lakes brim with healthy fish.The water stays clean and clear-perfect for a swim on those hot summer afternoons when the sun beats down.The lakes are so still you can hear the soft lap of water against the shore, making them perfect for a safe, soothing swim.Around them, well-marked trails wind through the hills, inviting walkers and cyclists to explore at their own pace.The Pliva River threads through it all, linking one lake to the next with its gentle flow.The river winds through the area, its clear water tumbling into small cascades that sparkle in the sun and make the lakes even more inviting.Nearby, the Pliva Waterfall crashes down in a bright, misty curtain-a sight you won’t forget.This small, picture-perfect waterfall spills from the Pliva River, drawing tourists who come to see the shimmering lakes.Beyond the scenery, the Pliva Lakes hold a rich history that’s woven into the region’s past.For centuries, the Pliva River has carried life and trade through the region, its banks home to people since Roman times.Just outside the town of Jajce-once the capital of the Bosnian Kingdom and the site of the World War II AVNOJ Assembly-the Pliva Lakes shimmer in the sunlight.They’re easy to reach from town and draw visitors from across Bosnia and far beyond.Around the lake, you’ll find simple amenities-like a small café, shaded picnic tables, and boats you can rent by the hour.It’s a favorite day-trip spot, giving you a quick breath of fresh air in nature while keeping Jajce’s historic streets just a short drive away.Visitors to the lakes often stop by the nearby Pliva Watermill Complex and the roaring Jajce Waterfall.The surrounding area is a protected zone, with ongoing work to preserve the lakes’ clear, glassy waters and untouched beauty.Visitors are asked to care for the environment-pick up their trash, leave the wildflowers untouched, and let the birds nest undisturbed.The Pliva Lakes, in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, offer calm, glassy waters, endless outdoor adventures, and a richness of life you can feel in the air.You can paddle out for a morning of boating or cast a line for fish, wander the wooded trails on foot or by bike, or just sink into the quiet and watch the water ripple-at Pliva Lakes, it’s all waiting for you.Because they’re so close to the historic town of Jajce, they fit easily into any trip, offering a quiet, shaded escape from the bustle of the town’s cobbled streets and centuries-old walls.
