Pretty Town of Jajce- 6 Unmissable Sights in Bosnia’s Waterfall Wonderland

29.07.2024.

The picturesque town of Jajce is such a hidden gem that you should be on your next itinerary in Bosnia and Herzegovina. What makes Jajce so appealing to visit are the waterfalls in the heart of the town. Jajce is more than its waterfalls offering the historical charm and natural trails nearby.

In this small town, the marvelous Pliva waterfalls create a perfect blend of the two rivers. Located in central Bosnia, Jajce is an ideal day trip from Sarajevo, though I recommend staying overnight.

The medieval fortress of Jajce speaks only a glimpse of the long history and unveils incredible stories of the Bosnian gem. Being so small, it’s unmissable to stroll along the wonderful Pliva Lakes in its surroundings.

Maybe it’s not the exquisite treasure like popular Plitvice, but Jajce holds the most glorious waterfall of Bosnia. If you want to explore the fantastic Bosnian set of mountains, the scenic beauty of Vlašić is only 2h away by car.

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Why you should visit Jajce

Jajce offers the cuteness of the historical streets surrounded by the tranquility of the scenic lakes. With the waterfalls that give Jajce an exquisite visit, you will have a relaxing time strolling around.

Under the underrated streets of Jajce, you’ll be taken back in time. Blending the Bosnian and Ottoman architecture, Jajce pours the thousands of nuances through its spell.

Deserving the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Jajce silently offers incredible charm. The ancient history of Jajce speaks of the times when the town was par of the Bosnian kingdom. You can testify to this significance in several museums such as the AVNOJ Museum dedicated to the old Yugoslavia.

The most alluring reason to visit Jajce are the marvelous Pliva waterfall and the picturesque lakes with historic watermills.

A bit of history

The impressive history of Jajce takes roots in the 14th century thanks to Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić, its founder. Being the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia, Jajce experienced the most prosperity in its beginnings.

The fortress already existed before the first written evidence of Jajce in 1396.

The city flourished during the rule of Stjepan Tomašević in 1461, the last Bosnian kingdom. During Turkish rule from 1528, the Kingdom ceased to exist.

Destroyed in a great fire in 1658, Jajce took a new shape only in the 1980s.

Jajce Pliva Waterfall

A wonderful explosion of a few large and small cascades frames the entrance to the town. With the beautiful Jajce in the background, the picturesque waterfall is the highlight of Jajce.

An even better view stretches on the path inside the forest after the main road offering an incredible picture postcard. The whole Jajce shines in its medieval beauty framed by the wonderful waterfall.

Though you have to pay a small fee you can view it in its excellence from above. When I visited a few years ago, I don’t remember there was a fee.

This 22-metre-high waterfall existed even before the foundation of Jajce. Blending the Pliva and Vrbas rivers, the wonderful explosion of refreshment is exposed here.

Pliva Lakes & Watermills Mlinčići

Pliva River scatters into the two wonderful lakes just outside the town. In this picturesque valley surrounded by the mountains, Great and Small Pliva Lakes lie next to the lovely watermills.

Within 5 km from Jajce, you can enjoy the natural oasis of the Pliva lakes in its alluring tranquility. The smaller lake would take about a 40-minute walk from the town.

Being free of charge, Pliva Lakes offers a stunning immersion in the heavenly retreat. It’s a popular place for locals during the summer, starting in the village of Zaskoplje.

The series of wooden watermills intertwining with the lovely bridges stretch about 20 minutes further from the Lakes. Built in 1562, the 20 small mills reflect the history of cereal production.

The fortress of Jajce

Medieval fortress perches at the throne of Jajce and its lovely cobblestone streets. Taking roots in the 13th century, the Jajce Fortress was home to the Bosnian Kingdom for 40 years.

With the panoramic views of the rolling hills, this royal fortress is the highlight of Jajce. There’s a small fee to enter the fortress, though there’s not much to see inside. The fortress lies at the egg-shaped hill giving the name to the town („jaje“ means egg in the Bosnian language).

Mary’s Church & Jajce Catacombs

Lying beyond Jajce Fortress are the Catacombs that represent an underground church. Its history starts during the 14th century and Ottoman rule after it was finally a burial place of Hrvoje Vukčić. Being a prominent Bosnian duke, he began carving the catacombs.

There’s a small fee to enter the catacombs but it’s not worth it.

Next to the Catacombs takes place St Mary’s Church, which holds a significant historical meaning. It was a place where the last Bosnian king, Stjepan Tomašević, was crowned.

During the Ottoman era, the church became a mosque, and several fires occurred throughout the years.

Esma Sultana Mosque

Esma Sultana Mosque shines in its white simplicity on the charming walled streets of Jajce. What makes this mosque unique is that it holds a woman’s name, likely to be the only such mosque in Europe. Esma Sultanija who built the mosque in 1750 was the wife of the prominent Bosnian governor.

The emerald minaret takes an exquisite place in its construction giving honour to the Ottoman time. As the mosque was destroyed in the civil war during the 1990s, it was finally rebuilt in 2010.

Museums of Jajce

A couple of interesting museums design the awesome cultural offer of Jajce. Ethno museum is set in an old school house and depicts the local artefacts and costumes from the region.

The AVNOJ Museum commemorates the historical beginning of the former Yugoslavia. In Jajce, an event known as AVNOJ took place when Yugoslavia was founded.

How to get to Jajce

If you don’t have a car, public transport makes Jajce easily reachable. There’s a direct bus service from Sarajevo (about 3h ride), Mostar (also 3h), or Banja Luka.

Flixbus would be the best option, but you can check all the buses at Balkan Viator.

Taking a day tour from Sarajevo is a cozy choice giving you a possibility to visit nearby places like Travnik.

Staying overnight is a lovely chance to enjoy Jajce and hike to Pliva lakes in its full serenity.

Where to stay in Jajce

Among several hotels in Jajce, I would emphasize Hotel Premium with its excellent location and cozy rooms.

Hotel Plivsko Jezero with the picturesque location on the lake is an awesome choice if you want to burst into nature.

Choosing a private apartment would be an awesome choice considering the value for money and coziness.

Final thoughts

Jajce is like a cherry on the top of your Bosnia’s itinerary where you can enjoy its picturesque lakes and waterfalls. The medieval charm of Jajce makes it so wonderful to stroll around and absorb the historical meaning. Jajce will take you into another world where time stops while blending the history around you.

Exploring Jajce as a day trip will let you perfectly unwind in its natural settings while admiring the famous waterfalls.

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