Duboka river and Skakavac waterfall are hidden natural treasures of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country rich in rivers, which, with their canyons, waterfalls, and clear water, bear witness to the incredible natural beauty. The Duboka River, although less well-known than large streams such as Una or Drina, it takes your breath away with its authenticity.

Located in the heart of the mountainous region, it connects the municipalities of Kotor Varoš and Kneževo, offering aesthetic value and a space for escaping into nature.

Hiking trail around the river Duboka, Photo: Inga Cvijanovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

Duboka is a smaller mountain river known for its clear, cold water and the canyon cut between high mountain massifs. Its course is marked by untouched nature, where forests, rocks, and brook trout create harmony only 8 kilometers long. Once an important part of the local population’s life, mills used to grind grain on Duboka, but today they are neglected and overgrown.

Duboka river, Photo: Inga Cvijanovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the biggest attractions of Duboka is its Skakavac waterfall, located near the village of Grabovica. No, it is not the same Skakavac waterfall that is located in the Perućica rainforest, but it is known that there are many waterfalls of the same name in Bosnia and Herzegovina… apparently, they really like that name.

Nevertheless, this spectacular waterfall, about 20 meters high, is a real miracle of nature. Its water falls on the rocks from a height, creating a scene that enchants visitors.

It is especially fascinating in winter when it turns into an ice sculpture, and its interior still hides the sounds of flowing water.

Skakavac waterfall, Photo: Svjetlopis, Vladimir Tadić, CC BY-SA 4.0

The company of the river Duboka and the waterfall Skakavac was joined by the waterfall pod Kotlom and many other cascades that make this destination perfect for a day trip. Grabovica can be reached by car from Kotor Varoš, and sports shoes are still recommended for visiting the waterfalls.

Hiking trail around the river Duboka, Photo: Inga Cvijanovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

IT’S ALSO INTERESTING THAT NEAR THE DUBOKA RIVER THERE WAS AN AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN RAILWAY WHICH WAS IN FULL OPERATION UNTIL 1939, AND WAS USED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LOGS.

In addition to the natural spectacle, the Duboka river area also has a tunnel that was dug by hand to connect two villages and bring food and other necessities through it.

Tunnel near the river Duboka, Photo: Inga Cvijanovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to experience nature in its original form, Duboka and Skakavac are the right addresses for you. This place offers the opportunity to connect with nature in a special way and find yourself in a location far from mass tourism, of course with a lot of caution and with the right equipment.