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The Best Waterfalls To Visit On The Balkans

ARTFOTODESIGN (CC0), Pixabay

When it comes to outdoor activities on the Balkans our nature has a lot to offer – hiking, camping, paragliding, winter sports and water sports are available all year round. What’s more, locals and tourists looking for some outdoor adventures can choose between traveling through various valleys, cave systems, canyons and mountains. And without making light of the diverse Balkan relief, I can honestly say that taking in the beauty of our natural waterfalls is something all youngsters, adults and seniors will enjoy.

Fortunately, the Balkan countries offer countless waterfalls and they’re all open to visitors all year round – even the ones located in national parks. Most of them are best suited for spring or summertime tips when the waterscapes are most vivid and colorful. However, if you’re brave enough to go mountaineering in the winter, the frozen fairytale-like sceneries will absolutely take your breath away. So, without further do, here are the best waterfalls to visit on the Balkans.

Krka Waterfalls (Croatia)

The river Krka marks one of the Balkan Peninsula’s borders and offers splendid views at every turn within the grounds of the Krka National Park. There are a total of 3 sets of waterfalls inside the park and to say that Skradinski Buk, the largest one, would leave you breathless… well, that would be the understatement of the year.

Tupavica Waterfalls (Serbia)

Stara Planina (“old mountain”) spans across more than 11k km2 in Bulgaria and Serbia. One of the not-so-hidden treasures on its Serbian territory is the Tupavica waterfall. From late spring to early fall the area is stunning, but when winter falls and the waters freeze Tupavica offers one of a kind Balkan experience for the bravest visitors – ice climbing on its frozen “walls”.

Kravica Waterfalls (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Located on the Trebižat river, the Kravica waterfall flows over karstic and limestone rock formations with a 25 meter long fall and an enviable 120 meter width. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for good reasons – the picturesque sceneries attract people from all over for hiking, picnics, swimming, camping or just a few hours spent in ooh-ing and ah-ing at the ah-mazing views. The waterfall is best witnessed during spring and early summer when its surroundings turn lush green.

Niagara Waterfalls (Montenegro)

Nope, this isn’t the worldwide famous waterfall on the Niagara river in North America, although it was actually named after it. The Montenegrin Niagara located just outside the capital city of Podgorica is one of the most fascinating natural formations found in the country. Even though it’s significantly smaller than the American one, there’s a certain beauty to it. What’s more, if you decide to go there, you can also enjoy some traditional Montenegrin dishes in the nearby restaurant, which is also named Niagara.

Bajlovica Sige Waterfalls (Montenegro)

And here’s yet another gorgeous waterfall on the territory of this Slav country – the Bajlovica Sige. It’s located in the canyon of the Tara river, which is actually the second deepest canyon on our planet right after the Grand Canyon in the US. The waters drop from a height of nearly 30 meters and if you’re into rafting, you’ll get the best angles the waterfall can be seen from. The Durmitor National Park formed around the canyon is one of the official UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers a plethora of activities for tourists and mountaineers all year round.

Raysko Praskalo Waterfalls (Bulgaria)

The Raysko Praskalo (“heavenly sprinkler”) is the highest waterfall you’ll ever find on the Balkan Peninsula. Although it’s not as vast as some of the afore-mentioned waterfalls, this one drops from a whopping height of 124.5 meters. It’s situated in the Central Balkan National Park and if you want to see it at its peak of flow, you should go there during the summer season.

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