Plava Voda is a real attraction of the Old Town of Travnik, even though it is only 350 meters long

In the capital of Bosnian kings and Ottoman viziers, the historic city of Travnik, surrounded by one of the most beautiful and best-preserved fortified buildings in medieval Bosnia and Herzegovina from the 14th century, and the Vlašić mountain, a small river—barely visible on the maps—passes furiously through the Old Town of Travnik, attracting the attention of travelers passing by.

Plava voda, Photo: dbajurin, Depositphotos

Sourcing from the large slit at the foot of Vlašić, the mighty Plava Voda (Blue Water) river found its way through the old neighborhood along the Travnik fortress, covering roughly 350 meters before reaching Lašva River together with the Hendek stream.

Its basin covers about 80 km2 of karst terrain, believed to have been formed by tectonic movements millions of years ago.

Plava voda, Photo: dbajurin, Depositphotos

Used as the water supply for the city, Plava Voda in the past abounded with water mills and wooden poles, which were used to beat the oak bark needed for tanning leather in the numerous tanneries in Travnik. Over the years, it also received a dam for a small hydroelectric power plant, which produced the first electricity for Travnik.

The cultural landscape of Plava Voda was also declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013.

Plava voda, Photo: dbajurin, Depositphotos

Today, the beautiful and joyful area of Plava Voda is surrounded by numerous cafes, one of which dates back to the 19th century.

Lutvina kahva is the most famous place to drink traditionally made Bosnian coffee served with a dash of the long history of Travnik, where many viziers sat discussing the hottest topics of that time. The cafe was even mentioned in the novel by Ivo Andrić.

We also heard that there is currently a hotel being built by the river itself, which will further attract visitors from all over the world.

Plava voda, Photo: Europemaster, CC BY-SA 4.0

If you find yourself passing by or visiting Travnik, make sure to walk along the Plava Voda flow, cross the small unique bridges, and of course, sit down for a perfect cup of coffee as you enjoy the soothing sound of water.