Gostilje Waterfall

The Gostilje waterfall drops around twenty metres over a rock step in the village of the same name on the southern edge of the Zlatibor plateau, then continues in a chain of smaller cascades and pools down the valley, with a wooden boardwalk and steps following it. It is a short and easy walk from the parking area, which is why it has become one of the busiest natural sites in western Serbia; the pools are used for swimming in summer, though the water is cold. Restaurants and stalls have grown up at the entrance. The village around it keeps some traditional plateau architecture, and Sirogojno and Stopića cave are close enough that all three are usually done together.

The landscape

• The main fall - a twenty-metre drop over the rock step.
• The cascade chain - smaller falls and pools continuing downstream.
• The boardwalk - steps and walkways following the water.
• Village setting - plateau houses and gardens around the site.

When to go

April to October, with the strongest flow in spring after snowmelt. Late summer reduces it. Weekends and August are extremely busy; early mornings are far better. Winter freezes it, which is striking but access is icy.

Before you go

It is crowded in season, with queues on the narrow boardwalk and full parking. Flow drops noticeably in dry summers. Steps are wet and slippery. The commercial development at the entrance is heavy for the size of the site.

Nearby

Stopića cave lies north; Sirogojno is between them.

Key facts