Unique treasures of Herzegovina – Magical canyon “Bijela”

The mythical mountain Prenj forms three rivers of the same name – “Bijela”, which means simply – the white one. The rivers were named after the color created by the rocky terrain of the karst through which they flow, and after the names of the cities in their vicinity. So we have Mostarska, Jablanicka and Konjicka Bijela, each beautiful and special in its own way.  All of them are tributaries of the Neretva, the largest river on the eastern Adriatic coast, the Nile of Herzegovina, with which they create a network of canyons of indescribable beauty. The mountain water of these rivers is crystal clear and transparent, and as we watch it break through the narrow rocky canyons and overflow over the limestone rocks and cliffs, it seems to be truly white. The Canyon of  Mostarska Bijela is the southernmost of the three, and is therefore strongly influenced by the Mediterranean climate, which makes it particularly attractive and interesting. This is a wild canyon hidden from the main roads and there is great possibility that during our trail hiking we will not encounter anyone. This gem of nature is still our well-kept secret. 
Canyon of Mostarska Bijela is located only 20 km of easy drive from the city of  Mostar along the road towards Sarajevo. Our trail starts at the mouth of the river Bijela in Neretva, where these waters created wide fjord-like canyons over millions of years. As we follow Bijela stream, we cross over and start our ascent up through the canyon. We follow an ancient path used by villagers and recreational hunters.

This tour is available from April-December

Grade of Difficulty: Medium moderate (suitable for children over 12 yrs of age)
Total Walking Hours: 5-6

TOUR PRICE:
2-4 persons – 95 eur/person
5-8 persons – 70 eur/person

PLEASE NOTE: Our tours are private tours for independent visitors and for pre-formed groups. We pick you up from your accommodation at any time, and the tour is fully flexible and customizable. The difference with our private tours is that you will get a unique experience and you will feel like a local. Our private tours take the unique concept one notch further by tailoring your touring experience to each and every one of your particular needs and desires. Your needs and comfort are paramount to our success, so rest assured there is no compromise on quality. If you have any questions or concerns about joining one of our trips as a solo traveler please Contact us. A personal touch​ is our trademark: we tailor each tour to your ​specific interests​. Just let us know!

Departure Place: Mostar (or from any other location if requested)
Duration: Full – Day tour ( 8 hours)
What to Bring: Loose and light hiking wear; ensure you have some layers of clothing to add or remove as the temperature varies significantly from start to destination point (in the cave), hiking boots or non-slip sturdy sports shoes – No open toe shoes, water bottle (1 litre min), hiking food.

What is Included:
• Pick up and comfortable drive in a fully equipped air con vehicle to the starting point and return to your place
• A fully guided hiking tour (English speaking certified mountain guide offering a comprehensive account of an amazing variety of endemic flora and fauna through the magnificent wild canyon
• All precautionary measures in regard to weather conditions and first aid equipment
• Please contact us beforehand if you need any additional equipment.

Snapshot of Magical Canyon Mostarska Bijela hiking tour

The path follows the riverbed up the walls of the canyon, to a maximum height of 300 metres. We go through breathtaking forests and meadows, on the right side of the canyon towards the cave. Then we come across a noteworthy cliff wall, a sort of natural amphitheatre, called Kravlje Pecine. A little further and a magic awaits; the entrance of the cave where the Bijela river lies.
The size of this place varies, width from 1.5 to 5 meters in the room where the waterfall is located, the height of the cliffs in the narrowest part of the canyon is from 10 to 30 meters and the depth of the last narrow part of the canyon which resembles a cave is approximately 100 metres, with an open canopy allowing beautiful rays of light to dance on the water surface and white rocks creating the most magical scene. At the end of the cave – a waterfall made even more attractive by the light penetrating from above. You will have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful experience and have a relaxing time in the middle of this untouched natural phenomenon. Here we will be pleasantly refreshed by forgetting the hellish heat left behind in Mostar (as reminder -summer temperatures in this city are often over 40 degrees Celsius). The water is ice cold, crystal clear and pleasant to drink so we will refill our bottled supplies here.

The area is also known for its numerous land turtles, beautiful rare snakes and large turquoise blue-green lizards. Bijela is a wild canyon hidden from the main road which few people ever visit. This makes it a truly special place with exquisite views of majestic Prenj mountain.
Our hike up the canyon ascends a little over 500 meters. It’s refreshing and most of the time leads us through thick beach wood and fairy-tale like Oriental hornbeam forests, so characteristic for the sub-Mediterranean karst mountains. In some sections of the trail we see remains of a settlement long gone, an occasional abandoned old stone house, walls, and orchards.

We will have a break next to the river and mountain hut and depending on the weather, you’ll have an excellent opportunity for a cold dip in Bijela river. Here, deep in the heart of the canyon, we encounter endemic and rare species of pine and flowers. Be prepared for some bush walking, because you are in for a wild treat….. beautiful vertical rock faces towering 1,000 meters above us. Who knows we might even see the chamois, a species of  European goat like – antelope, we have had that luck many times. This hike will take us about 6 hours, 18 km long in total, with a total ascent of 700 meters. We return the same way we came slowly pulling ourselves out of this mystical canyon while grasping that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s nature is just incredibly beautiful and unspoiled.

Please note:

Tour usually starts from Mostar, but could be arranged from Sarajevo or elsewhere, if requested.

Our experience allows us to adapt to the wishes and needs of our clients to make them ours.
The guides are also the drivers. They pick you up at your hotel or apartment and bring you back there again at the end of the tour. We use a fleet air-conditioned SUVs, minivans and comfortable cars.
All our efforts serve one single purpose: to make our clients happy.
Herzeg Day Tours offers pleasant and effective transfer + tour arrangements from your location elsewhere in the region to Mostar and vice versa, with many opportunities to visit attractive locations and photo stops along the way.
All our tours can be arranged according to your preferences and depending on your needs, so feel free to Contact us and we will send you our offer.