Bileća Lake

Bileća Lake is the largest artificial reservoir in Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the rugged karst landscape of eastern Herzegovina near the town of Bileća. It was created in 1968 following the construction of the 123-meter-high Grančarevo Dam on the Trebišnjica River, which serves as a major hydroelectric power source for the region. The lake covers a surface area of approximately 33 square kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of 104 meters at its lowest points. Beneath its surface lie the remains of several villages that were evacuated and submerged during the flooding of the valley, including old churches and cemeteries. Geologically, the area is defined by limestone formations, leading to a complex hydrological system characterized by numerous underground channels and sinkholes. Today, the lake is primarily used for power generation, but it has also gained popularity among recreational fishermen seeking large catfish and carp. The stark contrast between the deep blue waters and the surrounding arid, rocky hills makes it a prominent visual landmark in the Herzegovinian interior.

Nearby cities

Lukavica

Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.

East Sarajevo

East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.

Briješće

Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.

Ilidža

Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.

Konjic

Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Foča

Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.

Bileća

Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.

Kravica Waterfall

A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.

Ljubuški

Ljubuški is located in the heart of Herzegovina and is famous for the Kravica waterfalls.

Široki Brijeg

Široki Brijeg is the administrative center of the West Herzegovina Canton.

Vogošća

Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.

Tihovići

Tihovići is a small settlement near the capital Sarajevo.

Čapljina

Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.

Stolac

Stolac is located in southern Herzegovina on the Bregava River.

Pale

Pale is located east of Sarajevo at the foot of the Jahorina Mountains.

History & landmarks

Počitelj

Historic Ottoman-style village built into a limestone cliff overlooking the Neretva river.

Zavala Monastery

An ancient Orthodox monastery partially built into the rock above the Popovo Polje plain.

Nature

Trebišnjica River

The Trebišnjica is one of the longest sinking rivers in the world, defining the karst landscape of Herzegovina.

Vjetrenica Cave

The world's most biodiverse cave hosts over 200 animal species, including the famous olm.

More places

Sarajevo City Hall

Built in the Pseudo-Moorish style, the Vijećnica is one of the most magnificent buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.

Arslanagić Bridge

The Arslanagić Bridge in Trebinje is a masterpiece of Ottoman bridge architecture, moved stone by stone to its current location.

Hercegovačka Gračanica

This Serbian Orthodox church is located on Crkvina Hill above Trebinje.

Klobuk Fortress

Klobuk Fortress near Trebinje was a significant fortification in medieval Hum.

Popovo Polje

One of the largest karst fields in the world, located in southern Herzegovina.

Hrastov Do Necropolis

Hrastov Do is a significant site for medieval Stećci.