Sutjeska National Park

Sutjeska National Park, in the rugged southeast, is Bosnia and Herzegovina's oldest and grandest national park, a spectacular mountain wilderness. It shelters one of the last two primeval forests in Europe, Perucica, an untouched jungle of ancient beech and fir trees where the Skakavac waterfall plunges dramatically. Above rise some of the country's highest peaks, including Maglic on the Montenegrin border, along with glacial lakes and rich wildlife including bears and wolves. It is a paradise for hikers seeking genuine, unspoilt mountain nature.

History

The Perućica forest, one of the last two primeval forests in Europe, was protected in 1952 as a natural reserve for science and education, and in 1962 the national park was established around it, the first and largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park includes the country's highest peak, Maglić, on the border with Montenegro (Wikipedia, Sutjeska National Park).

The landscape

• The Perucica primeval forest - one of Europe's last virgin forests.
• Maglic - the country's highest peak and its trails.
• The glacial lakes - the mountain tarns amid the peaks.
• The Skakavac waterfall - the cascade in the ancient forest.

When to go

June to September, the mountain summer, for the best hiking weather, accessible trails and clear conditions, as snow lingers into late spring and returns in autumn; the ancient forest and peaks are at their greenest and most spectacular in summer. Guides are advised for the tougher routes and the protected forest.

Practical notes

It is remote and mountainous, with limited facilities, so it suits hikers and nature lovers prepared for a wild, undeveloped park rather than easy sightseeing; the primeval Perucica forest can usually only be entered with a guide to protect it. Wildlife like bears is present but elusive. For genuine, untamed mountain wilderness and one of Europe's last virgin forests, though, Sutjeska is magnificent and deeply rewarding.

Nearby

The Tara River canyon and the Montenegrin mountains are across the border.

Key facts