Gatačko Polje

Gatačko Polje is a karst field in Gacko Municipality that spreads between mountains Bjelašnica and Lebršnik at an elevation between 900 and 1000 meters (3000 to 3300 feet). Underground rivers flow through the terrain and feed springs and streams that provide water year-round for farming and livestock.

This field formed during the late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic eras through major crustal movements in the Dinaric Alps mountain range. These geological processes created the distinctive karst landscape with its depressions and underground water systems.

Shepherds and farmers have shaped this landscape through generations, using it for livestock and crops in ways passed down through families. The rhythms of rural life here follow the seasons and the needs of the animals grazing across the open fields.

The open terrain offers easy access for walking and exploring, though sturdy shoes are recommended because of the porous ground. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the paths are dry and local wildlife is active.

The area hosts a remarkable range of plant species and serves as a crucial stopover point for migrating birds like cranes and lapwings during their seasonal journeys. This combination makes it a refuge for various animal species that are harder to find elsewhere.