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Sava River
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The Sava River is one of the longest rivers in Southeastern Europe, forming the entire northern border of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia. It originates in Slovenia at the confluence of the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka and flows into the Danube in Belgrade. For Bosnia, the river holds immense economic and ecological significance, as it irrigates the fertile Posavina Valley and serves as a vital international waterway. The Sava ports in Brčko, Šamac, and Brod are central logistics hubs for the region's inland trade. Along its course, extensive floodplains and wetlands host high biodiversity and provide essential habitats for waterfowl. Historically, the Sava has always been a significant border between various empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy. Today, the sustainable use and protection of the river are coordinated by the International Sava River Basin Commission to improve water quality and flood management.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Pauk · Selo · Ivići
- Nearby: Orašje (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 88 | 89 | 65 | 60 | 67 | 61 | 56 | 55 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The river is freely accessible along many banks and bridges. You can visit viewpoints and promenades at any time without entry restrictions.
Typical hours
As an open water body, there are no fixed opening hours. Access is typically round-the-clock, though riverside paths may close during floods.
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime from public paths and bridges. For remarkable shots, aim for sunrise or sunset along the river's sweeping bends.
Time needed
A short walk along one section takes about 30-45 minutes. To explore multiple riverside settlements, set aside 2-3 hours.
Combine with
Combine the river with a visit to the old town of Bosanski Brod or the fortress of Gradiška. The adjacent floodplains also offer pleasant walks.
Getting there
The river is best reached by car or bike via many side roads. From larger towns like Brčko or Bijeljina, marked paths lead to the banks.
Insider tip
A tip: Bring binoculars to spot waterbirds. Early mornings the banks are often quiet and wildlife appears undisturbed.
Geography
Facts
- The total length of the Sava River is approximately 945 kilometers.
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it forms a border line of about 300 kilometers.
- The Sava is the largest right-bank tributary of the Danube by discharge.
- The Port of Brčko is the country's only international river port.
- The Sava river basin covers an area of approximately 97,713 square kilometers.
- The Sava joins the Danube in Belgrade at an elevation of 68 meters.
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 Sava River (4)
Brezovica
Beach section on the Sava River.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Sava?
Yes, in designated spots swimming is possible in summer, but the current can be strong.
Are there cruises on the river?
Occasionally private boat tours are offered in cities like Brčko or Orašje.
Is the Sava navigable?
Yes, it is navigable for cargo ships deep into the inland.
What fish species live in the Sava?
Catfish, zander, pike, and carp are common species.
Are there hiking trails along the river?
In cities, there are often paved promenades, while rural areas have natural paths.
Sava River: where is it located?
Sava River is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sava River: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pauk, Selo, Ivići.
Sava River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Sava River: why is it worth visiting?
The Sava River is one of the longest rivers in Southeastern Europe, forming the entire northern border of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia.
Nearby cities
Orašje
Border town on the banks of the Sava river, known for its hospitality.
Donji Žabar
Donji Žabar is located in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Semberija-Posavina plain.
Pelagićevo
Pelagićevo is located in the Posavina region in the north of the country.
Odžak
Odžak is located in the north of the country in the Posavina region, near the border with Croatia.
Gornja Skakava
Gornja Skakava is a settlement with a long history.
Brčko
An important economic center and the seat of the Brčko District.
Modriča
Modriča is located in the north of Republika Srpska in the Posavina region.
Vukosavlje
Vukosavlje is located in the north of Republika Srpska in the fertile Sava plain.
Vinkovci
Vinkovci is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.
Đakovo
Đakovo is known for its monumental cathedral and the state Lipizzaner stud farm.
Srebrenik
Srebrenik is located in the northeast of the country and is famous for its medieval fortress perched on a steep rock.
Gračanica
Gračanica is located in the northeast of the country in the Spreča valley.
Vukovar
Vukovar is located at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube rivers and is an important symbol of the Croatian War of Independence.
Slavonski Brod
This industrial city is located on the Sava River at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Petrovo
Petrovo is located in the north of Republika Srpska at the foot of the Ozren Mountain.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Same Deutz-Fahr Županja
This factory in Županja is one of the world's most important production sites for DEUTZ-FAHR brand combine harvesters.
Tower of Gradačac
This 18-meter-high tower is the symbol of the city of Gradačac.
Bimal Brčko Factory
Bimal Brčko is the only factory for the production of edible oil in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dilj Gora
Dilj Gora is a forested low mountain range in Slavonia.
Gračanica Industrial Zone
The industrial zone in Gračanica is a hub for metal processing and plastic production companies.
Borovo Footwear Factory
Borovo in Vukovar is the most famous footwear manufacturer in Croatia.
Vučedol Archaeological Site
A major archaeological site on the Danube river, representing the Vučedol culture (c.
Brod Oil Refinery
The oil refinery in Brod, located on the border with Croatia, is the only facility for processing crude oil in Bosnia and Herzegovina.