Rakitnica river springs from the slopes of Bjelašnica mountain, near the village Rakitnica (at approx.1,500 m a.s.l., 35 km away from Sarajevo), and flows into the river Neretva on the mountain triangle of Bjelašnica – Visočica – Prenj, just near the Boračko lake. River and village got its name by the Willow osier (Rakita) tree which coveres the upper stream.

It created 26 km long and at some points 800 m deep canyon, what makes it one of the deepest in Europe and certainly one of the most beautiful.

This typical mountain river has cut deep between the mountains of Bjelašnica from the right and Viočica from the left side, making series of bizzare canyons, rapids, waterfalls and quiet pools in a uniqe tourist attraction.

Because of its unique beauty and inaccessability Rakitnica is a great challenge for, mountanieers, climbers, anglers and as well many many fans of pure natural enviroment. During its 30-kilometer flow no populated routs are met, so it makes water drinkabla all the way.

It is rich with trout and Salmothymus (endemic). The most favorable part of the river for fishing is from the road bridge near the vilage Tušila up till pedestrian bridge on the track for Bobovica.

The most attractive part of the flow of this river is located between the bridge on the roads Lukomir-Bobovica up to Lučica (Bajrina koliba). It bound the around 4-5 km of flow, with 300 m fall, with numerous cascades and waterfalls.

At the time of low water levels, it is possible to walk the part from bridge at village Tušila to the delta of river Neretva (desirable to use small rubber boats).

During the time of high rainfalls and snow meltings, in narrow canyons, the water level rises up for 20 m. During the spring rains, especially attractive are waterfalls that rush down from high cliffs and the slopes of Visčica.

From the canyon, there is a hiking trail along the ridge of the Rakitnica canyon which drops 800 m below, all the way to the famous village of Lukomir. The village is the only remaining traditional semi-nomadic Bosniak mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At almost 1,500 m, the village of Lukomir, with its unique stone homes with cherry-wood roof tiles, is the highest and most isolated mountain village in the country. Indeed, access to the village is impossible from the first snows in December until late April and sometimes even later, except by skis or on foot. A newly constructed lodge is now complete to receive guests and hikers.

Access to this challenging river is possible with several sides.

• It is possible to reach it with car, over the good road over Babin dol at Bjelasnica through the road to Gorazde, which you leave toward the mountain hut Željo ''and'' down to the village Šabići, and further to the bridge over Rakitnica near the village Tušila.

  • Slightly weaker way, it is possible from Babin dol, from the road to the observatory, to turn and get into the village Lukomir by car, and then a pedestrian path from there for 3 to 4 hours walk to reach the Rakitnica at the Lučica.

  • From the Konjic it is possible to get the car to the village of Blace, and then, walking trail for 1 hour to approach to a very interesting part of the flow over Rakitnica above Džehennema and Oštre. A similar approach is possible from the village Dubočani.

  • Beautiful and attractive approach to this mountain river is possible during the summer by car over Glavatičevo from across the slopes of the mountain Visocica to the mountain creek River. Over this shallow river Rakitnica can be approached for half an hour of walk.