Skakavac Waterfall lies in the Skakavac Nature Preserve north-east of Sarajevo, above the village of Nahorevo in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cascade drops about 98 m and is among the tallest in the country. The trailhead is at Nahorevo, about 12 km from central Sarajevo. Visitors can take a city bus toward Nahorevo (routes are listed by GRAS at gras.ba) and walk the access road from the end of the line, or take a taxi from the city. Those arriving by car can usually find informal roadside parking near the start of the trail, and no permit is normally required for day visits. The walk is about 6-8 km round trip and takes roughly 2.5-4 hours depending on pace and how far the road is driven. The elevation gain is moderate and sustained rather than steep, following a mountain road and then a forest path through beech woodland. The surface alternates between compacted gravel, dirt and rock, and it can become muddy and slippery after rain or in spring thaw. Shade is plentiful in the lower forest section, while the upper approach to the waterfall is more open and cooler because of spray. The main landmark is the waterfall itself, which falls over a rock face into a small gorge, with a viewing area at its foot. Visitors who feel tired can turn around at the lower viewpoints, as the scenery is attractive for much of the route. Water is available from streams along the way, but it should not be treated as safe to drink without filtering, so carrying water and snacks is advisable. There are no refuge huts on the route, although a small seasonal refreshment stop may operate near the trailhead in busy months. In winter the waterfall freezes into a spectacular ice column, but the road becomes icy and the walk is considerably harder. Mobile signal can be patchy in the valley, so an offline map is useful, and the emergency number is 112.
| Distance | About 6-8 km round trip from the trailhead above Nahorevo |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5-4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | City bus toward Nahorevo from the old town area (check GRAS city transport at gras.ba), then walk the access road; taxi from central Sarajevo about 12 km |
| Best season | April-June and September-November; the waterfall freezes in winter |
| Address | Nahorevo village trailhead, 71000 Sarajevo (Skakavac Nature Preserve) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Nahorevo, north-east of Sarajevo
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes with grip
- Water and snacks
- Rain jacket
- Phone with offline map
Location
Nahorevo village trailhead, 71000 Sarajevo (Skakavac Nature Preserve)
43.9050, 18.5200 View on map
Highlights
- 98 m waterfall, among the tallest in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Forest walk through beech woodland in the Skakavac Nature Preserve
- Winter ice column when the cascade freezes
- Cool spray and a gorge viewing area at the foot of the falls
Tips for visiting
- Wear shoes with strong grip; rocks and mud near the falls are slippery.
- Bring a rain jacket, as spray and forest showers can soak clothing.
- Allow extra time in spring when snowmelt makes the falls strongest but trails muddy.
- Avoid the route in icy conditions unless equipped with microspikes.
- Download an offline map because mobile coverage is inconsistent.
When to visit
April to June and September to November are the most pleasant windows, with spring giving the heaviest flow. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Accessibility
The trail is a mountain road and forest path with uneven surfaces and a sustained climb, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs. Strollers are impractical beyond the first stretch of the access road.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Skakavac Waterfall from central Sarajevo?
The Nahorevo trailhead is about 12 km from the centre. It can be reached by city bus toward Nahorevo plus a walk, or by taxi.
How long is the hike?
The round trip is about 6-8 km and typically takes 2.5-4 hours, with a moderate sustained climb along a mountain road and forest path.
Is the waterfall worth visiting in winter?
The cascade often freezes into an ice column, which is scenic. The road and trail are icy then, so the walk is harder and suited to experienced walkers.