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Hutovo Blato Nature Park
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Hutovo Blato Nature Park is a significant marshland and bird reserve located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Čapljina and the Croatian border. Established in 1995, the park spans approximately 7,411 hectares and consists of a complex network of swamps, lakes, and the Krupa River. It is widely recognized as one of the most vital wintering grounds for migratory birds in the Balkans, with over 240 species documented within its borders. A unique hydrological feature is the Krupa River, which has no traditional source but flows out of Deransko Lake and can reverse its flow depending on the water level of the Neretva River. The Mediterranean climate supports a diverse ecosystem, including over 600 plant species and several endemic fish species. Since 2001, the area has been designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Nearby: Čapljina (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 131 | 129 | 115 | 87 | 77 | 69 | 42 | 43 | 97 | 118 | 152 | 147 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Hutovo Blato Nature Park is a publicly accessible protected area that can be visited with guided tours. The visitor center provides information and starting points for tours.
Typical hours
The visitor center is typically open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with best birdwatching times early morning. Winter access may be limited.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the park, but no flash near bird colonies. A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing shy birds from a distance.
Time needed
A guided boat tour through the wetland takes about 2 to 3 hours. For a self-guided hike on the trails, allow at least 4 hours.
Combine with
Nearby Počitelj town with its Ottoman stone buildings is worth a visit. The sea at Neum is only a 30-minute drive away.
Getting there
The park is about 30 km south of Mostar, reachable via the M17 road. Buses run irregularly; a rental car is recommended.
Insider tip
Book a boat tour for the best birdwatching, ideally early morning. Bring binoculars to experience the biodiversity up close.
Geography
Facts
- The park was officially declared a protected nature park in 1995.
- The total area of the reserve is approximately 7,411 hectares.
- More than 240 different bird species use the area for nesting or resting.
- The Krupa River is 9 kilometers long and connects the wetlands to the Neretva.
- In 2001, the site was added to the Ramsar list of internationally important wetlands.
- The flora of the park includes more than 600 different plant species.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hutovo Blato Nature Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Hutovo Blato Nature Park?
Bird watching, photo safaris by boat, and walking on nature trails are very popular.
When is the best time for bird watching?
Spring and autumn during bird migration offer the greatest variety of species.
Are there boat trips for tourists?
Yes, guided boat trips through the marshlands are offered on-site (photo safari).
Is there a restaurant in the park?
Yes, there is a restaurant in Hotel Karaotok located within the park offering local specialties.
Do I need a permit for fishing?
Yes, fishing is only allowed in designated zones and with a valid daily permit.
Hutovo Blato Nature Park: where is it located?
Hutovo Blato Nature Park is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hutovo Blato Nature Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hutovo Blato Nature Park: why is it worth visiting?
Hutovo Blato Nature Park is a significant marshland and bird reserve located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Čapljina and the Croatian border.
Nearby cities
Mostar
Historic city in Herzegovina, famous for the reconstructed Old Bridge (Stari Most).
Vrelo Bune
One of the strongest karst springs in Europe, where the Buna river emerges from a deep cave.
Čapljina
Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.
Metković
Metkovic is located on the banks of the Neretva River near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bijeli Vir
A peaceful village in the Neretva Valley, known for its untouched nature and proximity to Lake Kuti.
🗺️
Neum
Bosnia's only coastal town on the Adriatic, a charming enclave with Mediterranean flair and crystal-clear water.
Vid
A historical village on the banks of the Norin, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Narona, featuring a globally unique museum.
Prud
An idyllic village at the source of the Norin River, known for its pristine nature and proximity to the ruins of Narona.
Stolac
Stolac is located in southern Herzegovina on the Bregava River.
Kula Norinska
A historic settlement on the Neretva river, famous for its Ottoman-era tower and the natural beauty of the river delta.
Momići
A lively village in the Neretva Delta, famous for its mandarin groves and traditional boat trips on the river channels.
Mlinište
A peaceful village in the Neretva Valley, surrounded by fertile fields and located near the Adriatic coast.
Podrujnica
A quiet village in the Neretva valley, surrounded by orchards and canals, ideal for nature lovers.
Kravica Waterfall
A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.
Komin
A picturesque village on the banks of the Neretva, famous for mandarins and the Maraton lađa boat race.
History & landmarks
Blagaj
A 16th-century Dervish monastery nestled at the base of a 200-meter cliff next to a spring.
Počitelj
A historic fortified village on the banks of the Neretva.
Blagaj Tekke
A historic Dervish monastery, picturesquely situated at the source of the Buna river.
Stari Most
The famous 16th-century Ottoman bridge in Mostar.
Počitelj
Historic Ottoman-style village built into a limestone cliff overlooking the Neretva river.
Žitomislić Monastery
A significant Serbian Orthodox monastery in the Neretva valley, south of Mostar.
Nature
More places
Mogorjelo
Mogorjelo is a significant 4th-century Roman villa rustica.
Radimlja Necropolis
Radimlja is the most famous site of stećci, the characteristic medieval tombstones of the region.
Daorson
Daorson was the capital of the Hellenized Illyrian tribe of the Daorsi.
Saint James Church
The central parish church of Međugorje and a world-famous Catholic pilgrimage site.
Neretva Tangerine Orchards
The Neretva Delta is known as the 'orchard of Croatia'.
Neum Coastline
Neum is Bosnia and Herzegovina's only access to the Adriatic Sea.
Blagaj Fortress
Located above the Buna spring, Blagaj Fortress was once the seat of the Dukes of St.
Pelješac Bridge
This 2404-meter long cable-stayed bridge connects the Pelješac peninsula directly to the Croatian mainland.