Vrbas Canyon

Between Jajce and Banja Luka the Vrbas cuts a canyon through limestone for around sixty kilometres, with walls rising several hundred metres and the road running along the water for much of it, which makes the drive itself a reason to take the route. The river is dammed in two places but the free sections are rafted commercially, class two and three in normal water with harder stretches when it is high, and the 2009 world rafting championship was held here, which built the operator base. Tijesno, the narrowest section, is the tightest part of the gorge. Rock climbing routes have been bolted on the canyon walls and via ferrata routes added.

What you actually see

• Tijesno - the narrowest section of the gorge.
• The rafting sections - the free-flowing stretches run commercially.
• The canyon road - the route along the water between the walls.
• Climbing routes - the bolted lines and via ferrata on the cliffs.

When to go

April to September for rafting, with the highest water in spring from snowmelt and the warmest in July and August. The road is open year round. Dam releases affect levels on the free sections.

Honest expectations

Two dams interrupt the canyon and the free sections are shorter than the gorge length suggests. Rafting operators vary in standards and equipment. The road is narrow with heavy traffic in places. Water levels depend on dam operation.

Nearby

Banja Luka lies north; Jajce is south at the head of the canyon.