A combination of rainforest and river that will delight many! Janj islands are the right place for a trip during spring and summer!

Just 9 kilometers from the town of Šipovo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along the river Janj, which travels 14 kilometers from Šipovo towards Kupres through many villages and canyons, you will come across a wonderful picnic spot within the nature reserve. Around such a beautiful and clean river, the Janj rainforest was created, which, along with the Peručica rainforest, is one of the last in Europe.

Janj, Photo: JankoSam, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Janj rainforest, a beauty that covers 295 hectares, is protected as a strict nature reserve with the highest protection category to preserve its biodiversity fully, and in 2021 it was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in Europe. Of the 295 hectares, 58 are completely closed to any human activities.

Janjske otoke – Janj islands,  river Janj, Photo: Dusan2015, CC BY-SA 4.0

In its splendor, the Janj rainforest hides rows of beech, fir, maple, elm, ash, and spruce trees of different sizes and ages, all of which grew naturally without any human intervention.

The river Janj meanders gracefully through this pristine landscape, forming natural islands within its course while trout and European grayling swim through its crystal clear waters, which further contributes to the ecological richness of this untouched paradise.

Janjske otoke – Janj islands,  river Janj, Photo: Ljubica Kreško Romanić, CC BY-SA 4.0

Exactly those Janj islands have become a place where many come to find peace and enjoy nature within the forest.

In addition to the beautiful bridges and the promenade, charm is provided by the restaurants located near the islands, where, if you have not brought your own, you have the opportunity to taste local cuisine while enjoying the murmur of the water.

Janjske otoke – Janj islands,  river Janj, Photo: Ljubica Kreško Romanić, CC BY-SA 4.0

As you walk along the paths that surround the islands and the course of the Janj River, you will be presented with an enchanting sight of numerous small waterfalls that flow peacefully, and in the middle of this picturesque beauty you may even meet a duck or two gracefully indulging in a leisurely swim or a bath.

Janjske otoke – Janj islands,  river Janj, Janj Photo: Cikajoca, CC BY-SA 4.0

If you decide to visit them, of course, don’t forget to leave anything but your footprints.