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Sutjeska National Park
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Landmark
Sutjeska National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1962 in the southeastern part of the country. It is home to the nation's highest peak, Maglić, which rises to 2,386 meters on the border with Montenegro. A crown jewel of the park is the Perućica primeval forest, one of the last two remaining old-growth forests in Europe, featuring beech and spruce trees over 300 years old. Deep within this forest lies the Skakavac waterfall, which plunges 75 meters into a lush canyon. Historically, the park is renowned as the site of the Battle of the Sutjeska in 1943, a pivotal WWII conflict commemorated by a massive monument designed by Miodrag Živković. The landscape is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, glacial lakes such as Donje Bare, and diverse wildlife including brown bears and wolves. Sutjeska is a premier destination for hiking and mountaineering, offering a rare glimpse into a truly wild and preserved European ecosystem. The park's significance combines unique geological features with profound cultural and historical heritage.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Amfiteatar brigada · The Battle of Sutjeska Memorial Monument · Battle of Sutjeska Memorial Complex
- Nearby: Foča (19 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 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 89 | 87 | 86 | 74 | 86 | 101 | 65 | 55 | 84 | 92 | 108 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Sutjeska National Park is open to visitors year-round. You can hike, see the Perućica primeval forest, and climb Mount Maglić - the park features pristine nature.
Typical hours
The park is accessible around the clock, but the visitor centre typically opens from 8 am to 4 pm. Off-season hours may vary.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. Particularly impressive are shots of the dense forests and clear mountain streams, especially in morning light.
Time needed
For a day trip with a hike to Maglić or the primeval forest, allow 6-8 hours. Shorter hikes of 2-3 hours are also possible.
Combine with
Pair the national park with a visit to the nearby Dobrun Monastery. The town of Foča also has historical sights and accommodation options.
Getting there
The park is reachable by car via the M18 road, which runs through the park area. From Sarajevo, driving time is about 2.5 hours.
Insider tip
A tip: Bring plenty of water and supplies, as eating options in the park are limited. Sturdy footwear is essential for hikes.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1962 as the country's first NP
- Home to Maglić, the highest peak at 2,386m
- Contains Perućica, a 1,434-hectare primeval forest
- Skakavac waterfall features a 75-meter drop
- Site of the famous Battle of Sutjeska in 1943
- Protected habitat for brown bears and wolves
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
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sutjeska National Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Sutjeska National Park?
Bosnia's oldest national park, home to Mount Maglić and the Perućica primeval forest.
Is it allowed to enter Perućica forest alone?
No, entry is only permitted accompanied by a licensed ranger.
What is the monument in the Valley of Heroes (Tjentište)?
A monumental concrete memorial for the fallen partisans of the Battle of the Sutjeska.
How to climb Maglić?
Via challenging hiking trails; Trnovacko Lake in Montenegro is a popular starting point.
Are there accommodations in the park?
Yes, in Tjentište there is a hotel, campsites and mountain huts.
Sutjeska National Park: where is it located?
Sutjeska National Park is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sutjeska National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Amfiteatar brigada, The Battle of Sutjeska Memorial Monument, Battle of Sutjeska Memorial Complex.
Sutjeska National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sutjeska National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Sutjeska National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1962 in the southeastern part of the country.
Nearby cities
Perućica Agricultural Area
Mountain region focusing on livestock farming and traditional cheese production.
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Gacko
Gacko is located in southeastern Bosnia in a vast karst plain.
Lake Piva
A massive, turquoise artificial lake in the Piva Canyon, perfect for boating and scenic hiking.
Kalinovik
Kalinovik is located in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on a high plateau.
Tara Canyon
The deepest canyon in Europe, reaching depths of up to 1300 meters, featuring the iconic Đurđevića Bridge.
Foča-Ustikolina
Foča-Ustikolina is a municipality in the Bosnian Podrinje Canton in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Istočno Trnovo
Istočno Trnovo is a municipality in the southern part of Republika Srpska.
Durmitor National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 18 glacial lakes and the 2523-meter Bobotov Kuk peak.
Čajniče
Čajniče is a city in the eastern part of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trnovo
Trnovo is located southeast of Sarajevo in a mountainous region between the Igman and Treskavica mountains.
Trnovo (Federation)
Trnovo is a small municipality in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, bordering the Sarajevo Canton.
History & landmarks
Nature
Maglić
Maglić is the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reaching an elevation of 2,386 meters on the border with Montenegro within the Sutj…
Zelengora Glacial Lakes
Zelengora is famous for its 'eyes of the mountain' – eight beautiful glacial lakes.
Tara
The Tara river forms the border with Montenegro in its lower course and flows through the deepest canyon in Europe before joining the Piv…
Čemerno
A mountain range and high mountain pass in eastern Bosnia, serving as a hydrological divide between the Adriatic and Black Sea watersheds.
Vlasulja
Vlasulja is the highest peak of the Volujak mountains on the border with Montenegro.
Piva River
The Piva River is known for its emerald-green water.
Ljuta River
The Ljuta is a short but wild mountain river that joins the Neretva near Konjic.
Valovito Lake
The Valovito Lake is a small mountain lake in the Durmitor mountain range.
More places
Tjentište Memorial
The memorial in the Valley of Heroes commemorates the Battle of the Sutjeska in 1943.
Bijela Gora
Bijela Gora is a mountain range on the border between Bosnia and Montenegro.
Sokol Fortress
Sokol Fortress was a significant fortification near Šipovo.
Zelengora
Zelengora is known as the most beautiful mountain in the country, famous for its vast grassy plateaus and crystal clear glacial lakes cal…
Volujak
Volujak is a mountain range on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Lelija
Lelija is a mountain massif near Kalinovik, bordering Zelengora.
Gacko Old Town
Gacko was an important regional center.
Piva Hydroelectric Plant
This power plant uses the water of the Piva River.