DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Pliva

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
River
—°10
Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Weather…

The Pliva is a left tributary of the Vrbas River in central Bosnia, celebrated for its extraordinary hydrological beauty. It originates near Šipovo from three powerful springs and flows for approximately 33 kilometers through the landscape. A unique feature of the Pliva is its two lakes, Great and Small Pliva Lake, which were formed by natural tufa (travertine) barriers. At its confluence with the Vrbas in the historic town of Jajce, the river forms a spectacular 22-meter-high waterfall, often listed among the most beautiful in the world. Between the lakes, one can find the famous 'Mlinčići', a collection of about 20 small watermills dating back to the Ottoman period, built on wooden stilts directly over the cascades. The Pliva's water is crystal clear and oxygen-rich, making it one of the premier trout fishing destinations in Europe. The area is a significant tourist attraction, providing excellent conditions for fly fishing and canoeing.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104914182121151160
Rain mm737068718782586386798884

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
The river is most easily accessed in the city center of Jajce, where its spectacular mouth and waterfall are located. Paved pedestrian paths and viewing platforms are well-integrated into the urban layout.
📅
Best season
The water flow is typically most impressive in spring due to snowmelt, creating a thunderous waterfall experience. Summer gives a refreshing escape from the heat, making it a very popular time for city visitors.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
Walking around the spectacular 22-meter waterfall involves navigating paved city streets, staircases, and constructed viewing decks. The terrain is largely urbanized and accessible for most mobility levels.
🎒
What to bring
Standard comfortable city walking shoes are perfectly adequate for visiting the main viewing areas. A light rain jacket or umbrella might be appreciated due to the significant mist generated by the powerful waterfall.
🅿️
Parking
Visitors usually utilize municipal parking lots and street spaces within the city center of Jajce. Finding a spot may require a short walk to the river's mouth, especially during busy summer tourist weekends.
⚠️
Safety
The official viewing platforms are secured with railings, ensuring safe observation of the 22-meter drop. Visitors should stay on designated paths and respect all barriers near the edge of the cascading water.
⏱️
Time needed
Taking in the magnificent waterfall and exploring the immediate riverbanks usually takes about one to two hours. Many people combine this with a broader walking tour of Jajce's historical city center infrastructure.

Geography

Coordinates
44.34000, 17.26000

Facts

  • The waterfall in Jajce is 22 meters high.
  • The river spans a total length of approximately 33 kilometers.
  • Features the 'Mlinčići', a group of historic Ottoman watermills.
  • Pliva lakes are the largest natural lakes in the country.
  • Hosted the World Fly Fishing Championship in 2015.
  • The river originates from three springs at 483 meters altitude.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jajce Fortress and WaterfallJajce Fortress and Waterfall<1 km · EExplore →
Pliva LakesPliva Lakes3 km · WExplore →
JezeroJezero5 km · WExplore →
Šipovo Old TownŠipovo Old Town10 km · SWExplore →
Šipovo-CenterŠipovo-Center13 km · SWExplore →
ŠipovoŠipovo15 km · SWExplore →
Janj IslandsJanj Islands15 km · SWExplore →
Mrkonjić GradMrkonjić Grad16 km · NWExplore →

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 Pliva (10)

Jajce Mithraeum protective housing🏛 museum

Protective shelter over the Mithraeum of Jajce, an ancient cult site.

Ramadan begova džamija

Mosque in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as Ramadan-beg mosque.

Bear Tower

Tower in Jajce, Bosnia, once used as a bear pit.

Velika Tabija

Large fortress in Jajce, Bosnia, with historical significance.

Muzej AVNOJ-a🏛 museum

Museum in Jajce commemorating the 1943 Anti-Fascist Council session.

Burić House

Historic building in Jajce, a former residential house.

Jajce citadel main portal

Main portal of the citadel in Jajce, a historic city gate.

Rimski sarkofazi

Archaeological site with Roman sarcophagi in Jajce, Bosnia.

Saint Mary's Church

Ruins of a church and belltower in Bosnia, located in Jajce.

Dizdar or Women's Mosque

Mosque in Jajce, Bosnia, also known as the women's mosque.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the watermills on the Pliva located?
The historic small wooden mills (Mlinčići) are located between the Great and Small Pliva Lakes.
What is special about the Pliva Waterfall?
It drops 22 meters right in the center of Jajce into the Vrbas River and is a landmark of Bosnia.
Can you fish on the Pliva?
The Pliva is world-famous for fly fishing for brown trout and grayling.
Are there hiking trails along the river?
Yes, there are beautiful walking paths around the lakes and down to the waterfall in Jajce.
Can you swim in the Pliva Lakes?
Yes, the lakes are popular swimming spots in summer with beaches and rowboat rentals.
Pliva: where is it located?
Pliva is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pliva: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jajce Mithraeum protective housing, Ramadan begova džamija, Bear Tower.
Pliva: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pliva: why is it worth visiting?
The Pliva is a left tributary of the Vrbas River in central Bosnia, celebrated for its extraordinary hydrological beauty.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Briješće — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Banja Luka Business District — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Banja Luka Business District
The Banja Luka Business District is the administrative and financial center of the Republika Srpska.
Roca — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Roca
Roca is a small settlement in Central Bosnia.
Ilidža — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Ilidža
Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.
Bugojno — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Bugojno
Bugojno is located in the Vrbas River valley in central Bosnia.
Vlašić — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Vlašić
A prominent mountain massif in Central Bosnia, famous for its Babanovac ski resort and traditional sheep cheese production.
Travnik — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Travnik
Travnik is the former capital of the Ottoman viziers in Bosnia.
Visoko — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Visoko
Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.
Konjic — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Gračanica — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Gračanica
Gračanica is located in the northeast of the country in the Spreča valley.
Mrkonjić Grad — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Mrkonjić Grad
Mrkonjić Grad is located in the southwest of Republika Srpska.
Zavidovići — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Zavidovići
Zavidovići is located at the confluence of the Bosna, Krivaja, and Gostović rivers.
Sanski Most — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Sanski Most
Sanski Most is located in the northwest of the country on the Sana River.
Gradiška — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Gradiška
Gradiška is located on the right bank of the Sava River at the border with Croatia.
Kakanj — Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kakanj
Kakanj is an industrial city in central Bosnia, located along the Sarajevo-Zenica highway.

More places

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