Pliva is relatively small river in central parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, however one of the most significant in terms of natural, cultural and historical heritage and value as a natural rarity. For hundreds of years this region was the ultimate stronghold of the Bosnian Kingdom, with town of Jajce as permanent seat of the last kings of Bosnian Kingdom. The entire region of Jajce is rich in natural heritage that cannot be viewed in isolation from the built heritage. In Jajce, these two components are closely intermingled.

THE SOURCE

The source of the Pliva river is the largest source of drinking water in Europe. In addition to its sheer abundance, it is also a real treat for the eyes. Many visitors have been in this spot and none were indifferent. Numerous photographs and news-paper articles are the witness to the awe of the experience.

Near the source, there are some old water mills, where Pliva partially spills into several rapids and waterfalls.

A few kilometers downstream is the Pljeva community, where a special fishing ground for fly-fishing is protected.

Pliva spring

GEOGRAPHY AND HYDROGRAPHY

The Pliva valley is located in the northern part of central Bosnia and Herzegovina and known for its tranquil mountains rich in forests and abundance of nature, wildlife and especially bodies of water. The valley is dominated by two unique rivers, the Pliva and the Janj and two natural lakes on the Pliva river.

HYDROGRAPHY AND SECTIONING

The Pliva river flowing in the West-East direction, it is 33 kilometers long and with average discharge artificially set for biological minimum of 3.0 m³ near town of Jajce at the waterfall site. Total watershed area of the Pliva is 768 km². Its source is some 8 kilometers upstream of town of Šipovo near Pljeva at the foot of the mountain of Smiljevac-Jastrebnjak, where the Pliva spring out from two very strong karstic springwells at 483 meters a.s.l.

The main tributary of the Pliva is the Janj, that flows into the Pliva from the right, in the center of town of Šipovo. At the confluence both rivers, the Janj and the Pliva are approximately the same size, and both have the same amount of water. Some 12 kilometers downstream, at the village of Jezero, the Pliva flows into the larger of three lakes Veliko Plivsko Lake, then into two smaller Malo Plivsko Lake and Okruglo Lake. After the Pliva river pass through the towns of Šipovo and Jezero, through both Plivska lakes, it reaches the town of Jajce where it meets with the Vrbas river. The Pliva river is a left tributary of the Vrbas that, on its way north, flows into the Sava river, therefore the Pliva belong to the Sava river basin.

JANJ

The Janj river, a protected natural reserve, is a gem among rivers. From the very source, over the Janjske Otoke, all the way to its mouth, this river changes its appearance in innumerable ways.From the icy still water, to the foamy white cascades and falls, the Janj is a sight to see.

Janjske Otoke is the most popular local resort. Many visitors, especially during the hot summer seson, find the shady spot and a place to relax to enjoy a barbecue and the refreshing freshness of the river.

PLIVKSA LAKES

At the village of Jezero the Pliva flows into the larger of two lakes, Veliko Plivsko Lake (Bosnian: Veliko = English: Large), then into two smaller Malo Plivsko Lake (Bosnian: Malo = English: Small) and Okruglo Lake (Bosnian: Okruglo = English: Round). Both of the Pliva Lakes lie in a basin of karstic rock, mainly dolomite and limestone, which has given rise to their most distinctive feature, same as nearby Una River in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other, forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm per year.

Pliva area promotional video

PLIVKSA WATERFALLS

At the confluence with Vrbas, Pliva forms a magnificent 22 meters high Pliva Waterfall for which the town of Jajce is famous and along with numerous historic, cultural, architectural and natural monuments represent towns robust and valuable heretige and main attraction.

Pliva Waterfalls

PLIVA MILLS

On the calcerous edge between Large and Small lake, there are 20 water mills. Since the Austro-Hungarian period these have been recgnized as the tourist attraction, and have served as the motive for the official card of the Monarchy.

The place is still attractive and attracts many tourists.

Pliva Mills

JEZERO

The place of Jezero is located in a basin between the towns of Jajce and Šipovo at 430 m above sea-level.

What is unique about Jezero is that it is located at the very mouth of the Pliva river, where it flows into the Great Pliva Lake, surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. In addition to the lakes formed by the Pliva river, there are two lakes nearby: the Great and Small Đol, which are exceptionally popular among local fishermen.

In the town there is a large fish-farm, and a center for processing medicinal herbs and mushrooms. The Sinjakovo mountain stands above the lake, for those who take the time to climb the  mountain are rewarded with a spectacular view of the entire valley and the lakes.

The area provides excellent conditions for paragliding, hiking and mountain-biking.