Neretva

Upper Rakitnica Canyon village near the Neretva headwaters in the Dinaric Alps.

The village of Neretva sits in the upper Rakitnica Canyon area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, tucked into the rugged limestone landscape of the central Dinaric Alps. It takes its name from the Neretva River, which rises nearby in the mountains above Zelengora.

The surrounding terrain is dramatic: deep canyon walls, cold clear water, and dense forest. The area is sparsely populated and sees little through-traffic, which makes it appealing for those looking to get off the tourist trail. Walking and hiking in the Rakitnica Canyon are the main draws — the canyon itself is one of the more striking gorge systems in the country, with walls dropping 600–800 metres in places.

The upper Neretva headwaters in this area carry Class I purity water, among the coldest river water in the region, often just 7–8 degrees Celsius even in summer. Access is limited. The roads into this part of the Rakitnica Canyon area are rough and the village is remote. Come prepared with supplies and expect basic conditions.

Guide

Things to Do

Neretva village is a base for exploring the upper Rakitnica Canyon and the headwaters of the Neretva River. The terrain is wild limestone gorge country — deep narrow canyons, dense forest, and cold clear water. Hiking along the canyon rim or down to the river is the main activity; there are no developed tourist facilities, just the landscape.

Access requires some preparation. The roads are rough, supplies should come with you, and accommodation is limited to what locals can arrange. The reward is one of the quieter corners of the Dinaric Alps, where the river carves through gorges 600–800 metres deep and you are unlikely to encounter another tourist.