Sutjeska National Park

Sutjeska is a national park in Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering 17,250 hectares of mountain land with thick forests, glacier-fed lakes, and the peaks of Maglić, Volujak, and Zelengora. The park protects old-growth wilderness and shows different altitude zones, from deep valleys to summits above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

The park was founded in 1962 as the first national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, after the Perućica forest reserve had already received protection in 1952. These decisions saved old forests from logging and preserved an area with traces dating back to Roman times.

The memorial complex in Tjentište draws visitors who come to see traces of wartime events in an outdoor setting. The Latin-derived name Tjentište points to a Roman caravan station that once served travelers crossing the mountains.

The central hub at Tjentište sits 96 kilometers (60 miles) from Sarajevo and 143 kilometers (89 miles) from Dubrovnik along main roads, making it reachable for travelers passing between the two cities. High elevations bring cooler temperatures even in summer, so warm clothing is advisable.

The Perućica rainforest holds the 75-meter (246-foot) Skakavac waterfall and belongs to the last primeval forests in Europe never cleared by humans. Trees here reach ages of several centuries, and fallen timber stays on the ground to nurture new life.