Neretva


Neretva is the largest river in the eastern part of the Adriatic Basin, flowing in Bosnia and Herzegovina . The river plays an important role in the life of the country - it is a source of drinking water, promotes the development of agriculture and is part of many tourist routes. Neretva is associated with the most important event of the Second World War - the Battle of Neretva.

General information

The river originates near the border of Montenegro, in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its length is 225 km, of which only 22 km flows through the territory of Croatia. On Neretva there are several major cities of Bosnia - Mostar , Koniets and Chaplin , as well as Croatia - Metkovic and Ploce. Also, the river has five major tributaries - Buna, Brega, Rakitnica, Rama and Trebizhat .

Neretva is divided into lower and upper currents, each of which has its own characteristics. The lower one flows through the territory of Croatia and forms an extensive delta. The land in these places is fertile, therefore, agriculture is well developed here. The upper current is distinguished by the purest and coldest water, practically the coldest river water in the world. In the summer months, its temperature is 7-8 degrees Celsius. It flows in a narrow and deep gorge, which eventually turns into a broad valley with very fertile soil. These lands are on the territory of Bosnia, so the upper course also affected the development of agriculture.

On Neretva near the town of Yablanitsa there is a large reservoir formed by a dam of a local power station.

Unique ecosystem

The ecosystem of Neretva consists of three sections. The first flows from the south to the northwest and enters the Danube river basin and covers about 1390 square kilometers. Near the town of Konya, the river expands and flows in the valley, thus ensuring fertility in these places. The second section of the ecosystem is the confluence of the rivers Neretva and Rama, between Konya and Yablanitsa. At this point the river takes the southern direction. It flows down steep mountain slopes, the depth of which reaches 1200 meters. The height of some rapids reaches 600-800 meters, which forms picturesque waterfalls. Between Yablanitsa and Mostar there are three small power stations.

The third section of the Neretva was called "Bosnian California". This area of ​​the river, 30 kilometers in length, forms alluvial deltas. And only then the river flows into the Adriatic Sea. Thus, the waters of the Neretva flow into the most picturesque and completely different places of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The bridge on Neretva

The river flows through the legendary ancient city of Mostar . It got its name in honor of the bridge, around which it was built with the purpose of its protection. Bridge Mostar is connected not only with a lot of historical events, but also involved in modern tragic episodes. During the Bosnian bridges in the 90's it was blown up, and after just over ten years it was restored as a symbol of peaceful life. Today Mostar Bridge is a visiting card of Bosnia.

Lake Yablanitsa

Lake Yablanitsa , a local landmark, is located near the town of Konjic. It was formed after the construction of a large gravity dam of hydroelectric power station on the Neretva River near the village of Yablanitsa, in the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina . This happened in 1953.

The lake has an elongated shape, so many call it "wrong." The pond is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists. On the shore of the lake there is a beautiful beach, and the rest itself can be very diverse - from simple swimming to water rides and romantic walks by boat.