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Drina

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River
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Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Weather…

The Drina River is the longest tributary of the Sava, extending 346 kilometers and forming a significant part of the natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Formed by the confluence of the Tara and Piva rivers at Šćepan Polje, it carves its way through the rugged terrain of the Dinaric Alps. The river is celebrated for its deep gorges, with the Drina Canyon being among the deepest in Europe, reaching depths of up to 1,000 meters. Culturally, it is world-renowned through Ivo Andrić's Nobel Prize-winning novel 'The Bridge on the Drina', centered around the historic Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad. In modern times, the Drina has been harnessed for hydroelectric power, featuring three major dams at Višegrad, Bajina Bašta, and Zvornik that have created extensive reservoirs. Despite these industrial developments, the river remains a hotspot for adventure tourism, particularly rafting and fishing for the rare Danube salmon. Its upper course maintains a wild, turquoise-colored flow that attracts nature lovers from across the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-204914172020151050
Rain mm6162706798108766574697069

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The prominent river is conveniently accessible from several major riverside towns like Višegrad and Foča, which lie directly along the regional highways. Tourists often explore the water via boat tours from the readily available town docks.
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Best season
The period from late spring through early autumn is universally considered the absolute best time for engaging in rafting and kayaking. During the spring melt, the water levels are thrillingly high, while late summer is much calmer.
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Terrain & paths
The environment transitions strictly from dramatic, deep, almost vertical rocky canyons to gentler, wide pebbly banks near the populated settlements. Moving along the immediate shoreline can occasionally be quite muddy and slippery.
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What to bring
If you plan to participate in any aquatic activities, bringing quick-drying clothing and secure water shoes is vital. Even if you are just sightseeing from the beautiful shore, effective sun protection and a solid windbreaker are recommended.
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Parking
Finding suitable parking is usually completely effortless in the various towns located directly along the river, often right next to the boat docks. During peak summer weekends, these centralized spots can easily fill up with tourists.
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Safety
The river water here is notoriously cold year-round and conceals incredibly strong, unpredictable undercurrents that pose a real danger. Life jackets are absolutely mandatory for any boating or rafting excursions in the canyon.
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Time needed
A standard stop to simply admire the scenery from a bridge or shore takes less than an hour, making it an easy addition. Conversely, embarking on a comprehensive rafting adventure through the scenic canyons will easily occupy a full day.

Geography

Coordinates
43.78250, 19.28890

Facts

  • The total length of the Drina River is 346 kilometers.
  • The river begins at the confluence of the Tara and Piva at Šćepan Polje.
  • The Drina Canyon reaches a maximum depth of approximately 1,000 meters.
  • The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad was completed in 1577.
  • The Bajina Bašta hydroelectric plant is the second largest in Serbia/BiH border.
  • The Drina empties into the Sava River near the village of Sremska Rača.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mehmed Paša Sokolović BridgeMehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge<1 km · WExplore →
Višegrad Hydroelectric Power PlantVišegrad Hydroelectric Power Plant2 km · SExplore →
Dabar MonasteryDabar Monastery11 km · SExplore →
Zaovine LakeZaovine Lake13 km · NEExplore →
Tara National ParkTara National Park14 km · NExplore →
Mokra GoraMokra Gora18 km · EExplore →
ZborišteZborište18 km · NEExplore →
Rača MonasteryRača Monastery19 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Drina (7)

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge

Bridge over the Drina in Višegrad, built in the 16th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spomenik Mehmed-paši Sokoloviću

Monument honoring Ottoman grand vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović in Višegrad.

Ruševine hotela Bikavac

Ruins of a former hotel on a hill above Višegrad.

Ivo Andric Memorial Classroom🏛 museum

Memorial room of writer Ivo Andrić's former classroom in Višegrad.

Pozorište

Theatre building in Višegrad, venue for cultural performances.

Andrićgrad

Village built by Emir Kusturica as a film set and tourist attraction in Višegrad.

Visegrad

Town on the Drina river in Bosnia and Herzegovina, famous for its bridge.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Through which countries does the Drina flow?
It forms a large part of the natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
What color is the water?
The Drina is known for its intense, turquoise-blue color.
What is the Drina Regatta?
A large annual festival where thousands of people navigate the river on rafts.
Are there canyons on the Drina?
Yes, it flows through one of the deepest canyons in the world after the Grand Canyon.
What city is on the bank?
Višegrad, with its famous UNESCO bridge, is located right on the Drina's course.
Drina: where is it located?
Drina is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Drina: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, Spomenik Mehmed-paši Sokoloviću, Ruševine hotela Bikavac.
Drina: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Drina: why is it worth visiting?
The Drina River is the longest tributary of the Sava, extending 346 kilometers and forming a significant part of the natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

East Sarajevo — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
East Sarajevo
East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Lukavica — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Lukavica
Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
Briješće — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Ilidža — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Ilidža
Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.
Lukavac — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Lukavac
Lukavac is an industrial city near Tuzla, known for its chemical industry and Lake Modrac, one of the largest artificial lakes in the cou…
Visoko — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Visoko
Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.
Konjic — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Foča — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Živinice — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Živinice
Živinice is a city in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near Tuzla.
Kakanj (settlement) — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kakanj (settlement)
Kakanj is an industrial city in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.
Kakanj — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kakanj
Kakanj is an industrial city in central Bosnia, located along the Sarajevo-Zenica highway.
Sapna — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Sapna
Discover Sapna, a small town in northeastern Bosnia nestled in a picturesque valley, known for its tranquil nature and historical signifi…
Kiseljak — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kiseljak
Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.
Milići — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Milići
Milići is located in the east of Republika Srpska in the Birač region.
Tihovići — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Tihovići
Tihovići is a small settlement near the capital Sarajevo.

More places

Old Town Visoki — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Old Town Visoki
Visoki was a royal castle and the capital of the medieval Bosnian state.
Sarajevo City Hall — Drina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
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.