Jablanica

Jablanica is a town in Herzegovina on the lake which bears its name, and along the Neretva River. It is known for the railway bridge over the Neretva that was destroyed by partisans during the Second World War, and for its necropolises in the Risovac settlement which are one of the three recognized s in the country.

Understand
While Jablanica itself does not offer overwhelmingly many sights and activities for travellers and tourists, the surrounding mountains offer some great hikes, views and adventures.

History
The Jablanica area has the scene of human activity since the bronze age, and flourished during the Roman era and Middle Ages, as evidenced by 42 sites with 683 necropolises with stećak tombs. The region acquired its wealth from caravans between Dubrovnik and Bosnia, crossing through the Vbras valley. The first census in 1477 recorded 3 villages in and around Jablanica (Žuglići, Ostrožac and Čehari), and the second census in 1488/89 reported a total of 67 homes with a mixed Christian and Muslim population. During the Ottoman period, the region of Jablanica received little attention, with Konjic receiving funding for hans and roads instead. Urbanization began in the Austro-Hungarian period with the construction of bridges, tunnels, houses and apartments, and a railway station.

Today, Jablanica is an oasis of rest and a popular holiday destination for locals and foreigners on the way from Konjic to Mostar. The town is powered by Neretvan hydroelectricity, and stone masonry remains an important economic activity.

Orientation
Jablanica and its surrounding villages are located in the Vrbas valley.

Get in




The easiest way to get into Jablanica is either by bus or train from Konjic, Mostar or Sarajevo.

Also hitchhiking is possible.

Despite forming an at places narrow canyon, the Neretva Valley is mostly flat so it is also possible to reach Jablanica from Konjic or Mostar by bicycle. However, there are no provisions for cyclists, and the main road is too dangerous due to Bosnian traffic.

Get around
Jablanica is fairly small, and all locations of touristic value can be reached by foot.

See
Jablanica is best known for the railway bridge sabotaged by the partisan resistance during the Second World War in an effort to defend against the invading Nazi forces. The bridge and the nearby museum are the most important tourist attractions.

Hiking

 * Blidinje Mountain Natural Park (SW): –––
 * Hiking from Risovac back to Jablanica is a medium-difficulty 1-2-days hike. It is best done in this direction, because it is easy to get a lift to Risovac, and from there the altitude is descreasing. There are several ways to start or to end the trek. E.g. in case you cannot find a lift to Risovac, you might just want to hike straight into the mountains about 3 km after having left Jablanica on the road towards Risovac.
 * In Risovac, you can have a sightseeing stop at the, and along the trail the impressive rock arch Hajdučka vrata can be visited.
 * Several huts are available in the mountains for overnight stay:
 * – A serviced hut
 * – A decent but tiny self-serving metal hut with 8-10 places to sleep, clean and lots of amenities attached (BBQ, picnic tables, view point, drinking water nearby), mostly frequented by locals, but hard to reach from the mountain side through the "Evil Steam Trail"
 * – Great self-serving wilderness stone hut with many amenities, including drinking water nearby
 * – Not functional hut, falling apart


 * Prenj Mountain (SE):
 * Several huts serviced and self-serviced exist in these mountains. Entry points to this mountain range for hiking are:
 * (best from Konjic)
 * (best from Konjic)
 * (best from Konjic)

As always, don't forget to use reliable offline maps when hiking, and stay on the trails—especially around Konjic many landmines might still exist.

Sleep
In case you are not happy staying in Jablanica and got a sleeping bag with you, you can try reaching either Velikim Kukom Hut or Zlijeb Hut—see.



Go next

 * Konjic is on the Neretva River, 43 km southwest of Sarajevo. Particularly notable for the once secret bunker that is now open as a museum.
 * Mostar