jajce tourism

The Ultimate Jajce Travel Guide: Must-See Sites, Waterfalls, And More

• by Nermin Mesic
• September 22, 2023

Planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina ? You might be wondering where to begin, especially in the historic town of Jajce . In our Ultimate Jajce Travel Guide, we’ll unveil must-see sites including waterfalls , ancient fortresses , and stunning natural landscapes that define this gem.

Get ready to discover hidden treasures as we embark on a thrilling exploration of Jajce!

Key Takeaways

• Discover the mesmerizing Pliva Waterfall in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina , a popular tourist attraction with stunning natural landscapes and serene Pliva Lakes .
• Explore the historic Jajce Fortress , an iconic medieval fortification surrounded by town walls that offers panoramic views of Jajce .
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Jajce by visiting sites such as the Jajce Catacombs, Mithraic Temple, St. Mary’s Church, and St. Luke’s Tower .
• Experience local cuisine at charming restaurants in Jajce and indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the region’s culinary heritage.

Jajce Waterfalls and Natural Sites

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Pliva Waterfall , explore the tranquil Pliva Lakes , and marvel at the historic Pliva Watermills in Jajce.

Pliva Waterfall

Pliva Waterfall, situated in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina , cascades over a large tufa or travertine barrier that stands 22 meters tall along the Pliva River . This spectacular waterfall delights visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, including the serene Pliva Lakes.

A trip to the region is not complete without exploring nearby watermills and immersing oneself in nature. As one of Jajce’s most popular tourist attraction s, Pliva Waterfall captivates sightseers with its majestic beauty and tranquil surroundings.

Pliva Lakes

Nestled in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, the unspoiled treasure of Pliva Lakes unfolds. They comprise two breathtaking bodies of water – the Great and Small Pliva Lakes. Both these lakes showcase pristine waters that mirror vast, picturesque landscapes, offering visitors an escape from reality into a realm untouched by commercial tourism.

The lakes serve as a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts with their numerous leisure activities. Fishing aficionados often find themselves casting lines in hopes of reeling in indigenous fish species.

For those seeking to cool off during warm summer months, swimming is quite popular here. These serene waters also cater to water sports lovers who wish to engage in thrilling activities such as kayaking or canoeing.

What sets Pliva Lakes apart from others are small trickling falls connecting them, adding a harmonious symphony of cascading water sounds to the scenic atmosphere.

Pliva Watermills

The Pliva Watermills , located in the scenic town of Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offer an unforgettable visual treat for visitors. They stand proudly near the enchanting Pliva Lakes and along the serene course of the Pliva River.

Intricately carved from stone , these watermills are a testament to timeless architectural brilliance. Paired with the captivating beauty of the nearby Jajce waterfall, they create a picturesque landscape that is bound to leave any traveler spellbound.

The area holds high historical significance since many old kings chose this stunning location as their preferred site to build one of the world’s most beautiful towns. Exploring this charming locale promises an enriching experience filled with alluring natural sights and fascinating glimpses into cultural heritage.

Historic and Cultural Sites

Visit the impressive Jajce Fortress , explore the medieval catacombs, admire the Mithraic Temple, and don’t miss out on St. Mary’s Church and St. Luke’s Tower.

Jajce Fortress

Jajce Fortress is a significant historic landmark and cultural site in Jajce. This medieval fortification , surrounded by town walls , played a crucial role during the Middle Ages. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Jajce.

Local guides are available to provide insightful information about the fortress and other historical sites in the area. Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Jajce Fortress while immersing yourself in its fascinating past.

Jajce Catacombs

The Jajce Catacombs are a fascinating historic site that should not be missed during your visit to Jajce. These underground tunnels are located in the south-western part of the Walled city and offer a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural heritage.

As you explore these ancient ruins, you’ll be amazed by the subterranean structures and architectural marvels that have been preserved over time . The catacombs are an important archaeological site and serve as a reminder of Jajce’s past .

With their historical significance and unique atmosphere, the Jajce Catacombs are truly a must-see attraction for any history enthusiast or curious traveler.

Mithraic Temple

The Mithraic Temple in Jajce is an ancient Roman site of religious worship . Dedicated to the Indo-European god Mithras, this temple dates back to the 3rd or 4th century when it was venerated throughout the Roman Empire.

Also known as the Jajce Mithraeum or Jajački Mithraeum, this significant archaeological discovery was made during a dig in 1931. The temple offers fascinating insights into ancient religious practices and adds to the historical significance of Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

St. Mary’s Church & St. Luke’s Tower

St. Mary’s Church and St. Luke’s Tower are two historic and cultural sites that shouldn’t be missed in Jajce. The tower, dating back to medieval times, stands as an iconic structure in the town.

It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is one of the top tourist attractions. Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Church holds religious relics associated with Luke the Evangelist, brought by Maria herself.

The church and tower together represent a significant part of Jajce’s architectural history and cultural heritage, making them must-visit landmarks for anyone exploring Bosnia.

Museums and Historical Buildings

The Jajce Ethnographic Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage, displaying traditional costumes, crafts, and household items.

Jajce Ethnographic Museum

The Jajce Ethnographic Museum is a small museum located in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina . It is a must-see site for anyone exploring the town. The museum showcases local customs and history , with a particular focus on how a traditional house would have been set up .

Inside, you can find exhibits filled with artifacts that offer insights into the cultural heritage of the region. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the local traditions and learn about the fascinating history of Jajce.

The House of Avnoj

The House of Avnoj is a historical museum located near the waterfall in Jajce . It was part of the second AVNOJ Museum , which was one of the most significant and visited historical museum sites in Yugoslavia.

The museum exhibits various artifacts and displays that showcase the cultural heritage of Bosnia. As a popular tourist attraction, it serves as a visitor center for those interested in learning about Jajce’s history and culture through its extensive collection.

Exploring Jajce

Ascend Jajce Fortress, take a walking tour of the Old Town, and savor the local cuisine at charming restaurants.

Ascending Jajce Fortress

The Ascending Jajce Fortress is a must-see site in Jajce, Bosnia. Here are some key facts about this historical attraction:

• The fortress is a medieval fortress with impressive defensive walls .
• It surrounds the core of the town and provides panoramic views of Jajce .
• Taking a local guide is recommended to learn about the history and significance of the fortress.
• The fortress is one of the main tourist attractions in Jajce , drawing visitors from around the world.
• Jajce also has fortifications and gates throughout the town , including a castle with walls leading to various entrance gates .

Walking Tour of the Old Town

Explore the historic features of Jajce with a walking tour of the Old Town.

• Visit the iconic watermill and witness its natural beauty.
• Discover the impressive fortress that holds historical significance.
• Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Pliva Waterfall.
• Marvel at the scenic lakes, bridges, and water mills that dot the Old Town.
• Take advantage of professional drivers and licensed guides available for your tour.
• Expand your cultural exploration with visits to Pliva Lakes, Medieval Catacombs , and an old castle in Travnik .

Discovering Local Cuisine and Restaurants

Jajce offers a variety of local cuisine options for visitors to explore Bosnia. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or unique recipes, Jajce has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Here are some dining options to consider while visiting this charming town:

• Try the regional specialties at local eateries, where you can indulge in authentic food made with local flavors.
• Enjoy a gastronomic delight at one of the many restaurants that showcase the culinary experiences of Jajce.
• Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the unique recipes and flavors that make Jajce’s cuisine so special.
• Visit dining establishments that serve up traditional dishes, giving you a taste of the rich culinary heritage of the region.
• Experience dining in historical buildings where you can not only enjoy delicious food but also soak in the ambiance of Jajce’s past.
• Take part in food exploration by trying different dishes and exploring various restaurants throughout your stay.

Additional Information

Find out how to get to Jajce, where to stay, and get useful tips for visiting this historic town in Bosnia. Plan your trip now and experience the beauty of Jajce!

How to Get to Jajce

To get to Jajce, you have several transportation options available. Here are some ways to reach the town:

• By Air : The nearest airport to Jajce is Sarajevo International Airport . From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to drive approximately 132 kilometers to Jajce.
• By Train : Jajce is well-connected by train , and you can easily reach the town from Sarajevo or other major cities in Bosnia. Once you arrive at Jajce railway station, you can take a short taxi ride or walk to your desired destination.
• By Bus : Traveling by bus is a popular choice for reaching Jajce. There are regular bus services operating from Sarajevo and other nearby towns . The journey is scenic and offers a great opportunity to admire the beautiful Bosnian countryside.
• By Car : If you prefer driving, you can reach Jajce by car using the main highways in Bosnia. The E73 and E661 roads connect Jajce with other major cities like Sarajevo and Banja Luka.
• By Tour : Another option is to join a guided tour that includes transportation to Jajce. This allows you to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of navigating the roads.

Where to Stay in Jajce

If you’re planning a trip to Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are several great options for accommodation. From charming guesthouses to modern hotels , Jajce has something for every traveler’s taste and budget.

If you’re looking for a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, consider staying near the Pliva Lakes or the Pliva Waterfall. These beautiful natural sites offer tranquility and breathtaking scenery.

For those who prefer to be closer to the town center, there are hotels located within walking distance of attractions like the Jajce Fortress or St. Mary’s Church & St. Luke’s Tower.

With its variety of lodging choices , Jajce ensures that visitors can find accommodations that suit their preferences and make their stay in this historic town comfortable and enjoyable.

When it comes to finding hotels in Jajce, there are plenty of options available near popular attractions . Whether you want to stay close to the Pliva Watermills or have easy access to Esma Sultana Mosque, there are accommodation choices suitable for all interests .

Tips for Visiting Jajce

• Explore the historic Jajce Fortress, which offers stunning panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.
• Take a walking tour of the charming Old Town to admire the well – preserved medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to try local cuisine at the various restaurants in Jajce, which showcase traditional Bosnian flavors.
• Pack comfortable shoes for ascending the Jajce Fortress and exploring the steep streets of the Old Town.
• Plan your visit during summer to witness the full beauty of the Pliva Waterfall and enjoy outdoor activities around Pliva Lakes.
• Consider staying in one of the accommodations available in Jajce, ranging from cozy guesthouses to hotels with picturesque views.
• When traveling to Jajce, keep in mind that it is located in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, accessible by road or public transportation.
• Before visiting Jajce, brush up on some knowledge about its medieval history and Bosnian culture to fully appreciate its significance.

Plan your ultimate adventure in Jajce, a historic town that boasts breathtaking waterfalls , fascinating cultural sites , and stunning natural beauty . With our comprehensive travel guide, you’ll discover must-see attractions like the Pliva Waterfall and the Jajce Fortress.

Get ready to explore this hidden gem in Bosnia and Herzegovina and create unforgettable memories. Start planning your trip to Jajce today!

1. What are the must-see sites in Jajce?

Must-see sites in Jajce include the stunning Pliva Waterfall, the historic Jajce Fortress, and the beautiful Lake Pliva.

2. How can I get to Jajce?

You can reach Jajce by road or train from major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closest airport is located in Banja Luka, which is about 70 kilometers away.

3. Are there any other waterfalls besides Pliva Waterfall?

Yes, apart from Pliva Waterfall, two other notable waterfalls are located nearby – the romantic Sastavci Waterfall and the majestic Mlinčići Waterfalls.

4. When is the best time to visit Jajce for sightseeing?

The best time to visit Jajce for sightseeing is during spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and nature is at its most vibrant.

5. What kind of activities can I do around Lake Pliva?

Around Lake Pliva, you can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along its shores while soaking up the scenic beauty of nature.

Wander-Lush

A Quick Guide to Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Cascade City

The best things to do in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina . This quick guide includes tips for visiting Jajce waterfall and Pliva Lakes , the 13th-century Jajce Fortress, and other highlights.

Most cities have a square, or maybe a fountain, at their centre. But not Jajce. This small city in central Bosnia and Herzegovina is defined by the 17-metre high natural cascade in that falls right in the middle of town.

Jajce waterfall is a rather grand statement for what is otherwise a fairly compact and laid-back place. There’s more to Jajce than first meets the eye: The city’s long history as a medieval fortification and the last stronghold of the Bosnian Kingdom makes it worthy of a visit, not to mention its proximity to Pliva Lakes and other pockets of nature.

We spent a few nights in Jajce on our way from Banja Luka to Sarajevo. Located roughly at the halfway point, it’s an ideal place to break the journey between Bosnia and Herzegovina’s two largest cities.

This post covers Jajce waterfall and other things to do in Jajce, plus my recommendations for where to stay and what to eat.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Why visit Jajce?

Jajce (pronounced yah-yeet-zeh ) is a small town with more than its fair share of history.

Here are some of the things that make Jajce one of the best places to visit in Bosnia .

• Jajce citadel was the last stronghold of the Bosnian Kingdom before it fell to the Ottoman Empire. The 13th-century fortress was the seat of Bosnia’s kings (which is why you can see a royal coat of arms above the entryway) and the kingdom’s official capital from 1461 onward.
• Bosnia’s last king, Stjepan Tomasevic, was crowned at St. Mary’s Church in Jajce by Pontifical delegates.
• King Tomasevic was later executed and buried in Jajce, an event which marked the fall of the Bosnian Kingdom and precipitated the mass conversion of Bosnian Christians to Islam. The Church of Bosnia has since been relegated to history.
• Jajce was chosen as a venue for the Second Yugoslavia Assembly, an anti-fascist resistance movement that occurred in Yugoslavia during WWII. The Yugoslav state was officially signed into existence in a meeting room in Jajce.
• Jajce is right on the doorstep of some of BiH’s most impressive nature—including Pliva Lakes and Perucica, one of Europe’s last primordial forests.

When to visit Jajce

Like the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, summer in Jajce is high season. This is when the town is at its busiest, especially on weekends when families pop up to Jajce from Sarajevo to cool off at Pliva Lakes and Jajce waterfall. Summer temperatures peak at 30 degrees Celsius in July/August; but even then, evenings are still cool.

The best time to visit Jajce is in spring or autumn, when you can avoid the crowds but still catch the best of the weather. Jajce is less seasonal than some other places we visited in the region; we found everything open during shoulder season, including all major tourist attractions and most restaurants. We visited Jajce in spring, in mid-March, and found the combination of mild weather and thin crowds ideal.

At the end of 2018, Jajce introduced a dual pricing system for its main tourist sites, perhaps to encourage more people to visit outside of season. You can save a few Marks on admission fees if you visit in shoulder or low season (more information under each section). Accommodation prices are also significantly cheaper outside of summer.

Visiting Jajce waterfall & town as a day trip

Jajce is just about the perfect size to explore in a day . The bus from Sarajevo takes between 2.5 and 3 hours depending on traffic, so it’s preferable to visit with a private car or as part of an organised tour. To make it worth your while, choose an itinerary that combines Jajce with a visit to the nearby town of Travnik and/or Pliva Lakes.

Try this full-day tour of Jajce and Travnik departing Sarajevo, or this 3-day private tour that combines the best of northern and southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Jajce, Travnik and Mostar .

Where to stay in Jajce

While it’s definitely possible to see Jajce on a day trip, if you’re planning an independent visit to Jajce using public transport, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in town.

We stayed at Apartman Pliva, a self-contained apartment in the middle of the walled old town. Prices are very reasonable, and the apartment sleeps four or more adults, making it perfect for families, groups, or anyone who likes to have their own space. The owners (and father and son) speak English and are very helpful. The apartment is also fitted out with a full kitchen and a (very retro-looking) washing machine.

Check rates and availability for Apartman Pliva.

Things to do in Jajce

Here are my tips for visiting Jajce Waterfall, plus more things to do in Jajce and the surrounding area.

Jajce waterfall

Jajce waterfall, officially Pliva Waterfall, is the city’s defining feature and the first thing most visitors see (and hear) when arriving in Jajce by bus. Formed by the intersection of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers, the roaring cascade sends a soft spray over an official viewing platform and gives the whole town of Jajce a peaceful backing track.

The multi-tiered waterfall is aided by concrete barriers and channels. It once stood 30 metres high and fed the first ever hydroelectricity plant built on the Balkan Peninsular; but after an earthquake hit the region in the 1990s, part of the river basin was flooded and the waterfall shrunk to its current height of 17 metres.

In August, Jajce draws massive crowds for cliff jumping events, when professional divers conquer the waterfall.

Jajce waterfall visitor’s information

• Opening hours (viewing platform): Daily, 9am-7pm (May to October) & 9am-4pm (November to April)
• Admission cost (low season, 1 October – 30 April): 4 KM
• Admission cost (high season, 1 May – 30 September): 8 KM (high season ticket also includes entry to the Ethno Museum & Mithraeum)
• Recommended time to spend: 30-40 minutes

Where to get the best views of Jajce waterfall

Skip the viewing platform: The best views of Jajce waterfall can be found on the opposite side of the valley. When you’re standing on top of the falls, you’ll notice a little hut set in the forest directly opposite. This is where you want to go to get a full view of the waterfall with Jajce and the fortress set behind.

To get there, cross over the green chain bridge and walk east along the road shoulder. After about 100m, you’ll see a steep trail head open up on your left. Follow the trail to the bottom to reach the covered lookout. The best views of the waterfall are from the grassy area just to the left of the gazebo.

Pliva Lakes & watermills

A few kilometres west of Jajce, the Pliva river widens to form two picturesque lakes. Pliva Lakes and Pliva watermills – a set of old hydro-power mills used to grind flour—can be visited in an afternoon if you’re travelling by taxi, or as a day trip from Jajce if you’re walking from town.

Here are my full instructions for getting to Pliva Lakes from Jajce, plus more photos of the Pliva watermills .

Jajce Fortress

Set above the town at Jajce’s highest point, atop the egg-shaped hill that gives the town its name, Jajce Fortress is part of a medieval complex that was constructed in the 13th century. The 15th-century royal castle that once stood here was the seat of the Bosnian Kingdom for 40 years from 1421 until it fell to the Ottoman Empire.

The fortress’s defensive walls, bastions and two towers are in pretty good nick. Visitors enter the complex via a portal that bears the royal insignia carved in sandstone. The complex is small compared to similar fortresses in Belgrade and Novi Sad ; inside, it’s mostly small hills and two reconstructed buildings. Climbing the interior walls reveals excellent views of Jajce and the mountains beyond. It’s not to be missed.

Jajce Fortress visitor’s information

• Opening hours: Daily, 9am-7pm (May to October) & 9am-4pm (November to April)
• Admission cost (low season, 1 October – 30 April): 2 KM
• Admission cost (high season, 1 May – 30 September): 5 KM

Jajce Catacombs

Just beyond Jajce Fortress on the hill overlooking the city is the entrance to Jajce Catacombs. This set of small underground chambers hewn from granite served as a clandestine church and crypt during the 14th century, when Jajce came under Ottoman rule. If you look hard enough, it’s possible to distinguish carvings in the rock walls (amidst the graffiti). In the lower chamber, there’s a sizeable stone-relief crucifix carved over a small alter.

This doesn’t top my list of things to do in Jajce, but it’s worth a look if you’re in the area.

Jajce Catacombs visitor’s information

• Opening hours:  Monday to Sunday, 10am-5pm
• Admission cost (high season, 1 May – 30 September): 4 KM
• Recommended time to spend: 10-15 minutes

Esma Sultanija Mosque

This glittering white mosque with emerald-coloured detailing on its minaret is the most beautiful religious building in Jajce and the town’s most valuable piece of Ottoman-era architecture. It’s also thought to be the only mosque in Europe that bears a woman’s name. The mosque was constructed in 1750 with Esma Sultanija, the wife of a prominent Bosnian vizier, as its benefactor.

Like most other mosques and Catholic churches in Jajce, the Esma Sultanija was completely destroyed in the war. (Interestingly, two of Jajce’s other mosques were spared because of their precarious hill-side locations.) When it was rebuilt, a memorial wall and plaque dedicated to the 328 victims of the 1992 military offensive was erected out front. A memorial for Christian victims is located directly across the road.

There are several other mosques in Jajce with interesting aesthetic features and histories. Dizdar’s Mosque, or the Women’s Mosque, is located on the way to Jajce Fortress. Built in 1812, the design is notable for its absence of a minaret.

St. Mary’s ruins & St. Luke’s belfry

Directly below Jajce Fortress, the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church played an important role in Bosnian history. In 1461, the last king, Stjepan Tomasevic, was crowned inside the church, marking the beginning of the end for the Kingdom of Bosnia. Decades of damage from fire and earthquakes has left the church in ruins.

Attached to St. Mary’s is St. Luke’s belfry. Jajce’s Franciscan monks were the patrons of this Gothic-style tower, which is thought to be the only surviving medieval bell tower in the continental Balkans. It’s also rumoured to be the place where Bosnia’s last king is buried.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to enter inside the church ruins, nor can visitors climb the bell tower. You can however poke your head through the stone windows or climb the stairs in front of the church for a better perspective.

Jajce Ethno Museum

This petite museum split over two levels is housed inside an old Austro-Hungarian-era schoolhouse. Downstairs, a permanent exhibition deals with local history through a display of artefacts, primarily costumes and weaving apparatus. A small collection of Yugoslavian radios is displayed in the next room, and upstairs, there’s a collection of geological displays.

Most didactics haven’t been translated to English but the museum is still worth a look, especially if you’re a fan of textiles. You can see the whole museum in about 20 minutes.

Ethno Museum visitor’s information

• Opening hours:  Daily, 9am-5pm (May to October) & 8am-4pm (November to April)
• Admission cost (high season, 1 May – 30 September): 2 KM
• Recommended time to spend: 20-30 minutes

Where to eat in Jajce

• Kod Asima is probably the most popular restaurant in town. It’s location inside the stone city gate is very cool—the outdoor terrace is literally on top of the gate. The menu is traditional Bosnian fare done well. We liked the cevapi and the lonac stew.
• For something cheaper, there are a couple of good barbecue joints opposite the Esma Sultana Mosque. We enjoyed both the chicken and the cevapi at Kristal .
• At Pliva Lakes, we ate at the Motel Plaza restaurant. The terrace looks directly onto the lake. The food is a bit pricier, but excellent quality.

How to get to Jajce

Jajce is well connected, with daily bus services from Sarajevo (approx. 3 hours travel time), Mostar (approx. 3 hours travel time), Banja Luka (1.5 hours travel time), and most other major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and also Croatia. Use Balkan Viator to check up-to-date bus departure times and fares.

Jajce bus station is centrally located on the opposite side of the river, roughly 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of town.

Where to next?

Check out my other posts from Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• 12 fantastic day trips from Sarajevo
• What to do in Sarajevo’s Old Town
• Things to do in Mostar
• Visiting historic Pocitelj, BiH’s ‘open air museum’
• Things to do in Banja Luka
• How to get to Visegrad and Northern Serbia on a day trip from Sarajevo

Have you been to this part of BiH to see Jajce waterfall? What are your favourite things to do in Jajce?

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9 Awesome Things to Do in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Last Updated: January 10, 2024

If you are wondering if Jajce is worth visiting, wonder no more! There are many surprisingly awesome things to do in Jajce and you should definitely put it on your Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary.

If you are wondering if Jajce is worth visiting, wonder no more! There are surprisingly many great things to do in Jajce, and you should definitely include Jajce in your Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary.

As small as Jajce is, it really surprised me. On many levels.

Jajce, with its fusion of natural beauty and historical charm, is a place that captures your heart from the very first moment. This beautiful little town located in central Bosnia Canton is best known for the mesmerising Pliva waterfall, where two rivers merge, creating a captivating natural wonder.

But Jajce has much more to offer! The Pliva waterfall isn’t the only Jajce attraction. This hidden gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina was once home to Bosnian kings and queens and even a thriving capital of the Bosnian Kingdom.

Many travellers opt for a day trip from Sarajevo or Banja Luka or skip the city altogether. However, I strongly recommend booking a night or two to see all the wonderful attractions of Jajce. Both historical and natural.

Jajce has a lot of stories to tell, I recommend you visit and listen to them!

Table of Contents

Is Jajce Worth Visiting?

Jajce is a charming ancient town well worth a visit. With its blend of natural beauty, historical significance and warm local hospitality, Jajce offers a truly enriching travel experience, especially for travellers who want to learn more about Bosnia and get a full picture of this beautiful country.

The oldest monument found in Jajce, the Mithraeum, dates back to the 2nd century AD and a large mediaeval fortress overlooking the town was once the seat of the Bosnian kings.

But the real draw of the city is its surroundings and the beautiful walks you can take. Waterfalls, lakes, romantic bridges and historic water mills… You can find all this in and around this small town with only 7 thousand inhabitants. That’s why you should stay a few days in Jajce to explore it all and maybe even recharge within its beautiful surroundings.

Short History of Jajce

Jajce, a town with ancient origins set in the Pliva and Vrbas valleys, evolved as a defensive and commercial centre and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia. Jajce was first mentioned in writing in the 14th century, although archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited even earlier.

It became the capital in the 14th century, where Stjepan Tomašević was crowned in 1461. At that time, the city flourished and served as the political, economic and cultural centre of the kingdom.

However, in 1528 Jajce fell under Turkish rule, the king was executed and over time, as the city changed hands between Austria-Hungary and eventually the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, it slowly lost its importance and deteriorated. The city was destroyed in a great fire in 1658 and only recovered in the 1980s.

Jajce was also of great importance for the founding of Yugoslavia. In 1943, during World War II, the Anti-Fascist Council of the People’s Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) assembled in Jajce. This meeting laid the foundation for the creation of a united Yugoslavia, which then became a socialist state under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito.

Today, after undergoing reconstruction of its cultural heritage, Jajce is a popular day trip destination mostly among domestic and regional travellers.

Where to Stay in Jajce

There are quite a few accommodation options if you decide to stay in Jajce. Although there are a couple of hotels like Hotel Premium , I recommend staying in one of the guesthouses or apartments where you will find plenty in Jajce. You will get more value for the money and often have a chance to get to know the local family, which is a bonus!

I stayed at the MIMA apartment , which was just a nice and very comfortable room in the owner’s house I would stay there again! I received incredible hospitality and the value for money was unbeatable.

If you want to rent a whole apartment you can consider a place like Apartman Reyan or Helly’s apartment. 

For a nice getaway near the lake, Aparthouse Bilic might be what you need. A bit of a walk from Jajce town but peacefully located in the countryside. 

And if you are feeling fancy or need something a bit bigger you can consider King’s Cave deluxe or even Villa by the lake beach !

Things to do in Jajce

As you can see, Jajce is a very significant town that holds a lot of history all encapsulated within its gorgeous surroundings. So if you don’t know what the best attractions in Jajce are yet, here’s a list of all the great things to do in Jajce.

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Jajce Pliva Waterfall

One of Jajce’s most iconic features is the 22-metre-high waterfall. It is the only waterfall in the world located directly in the centre of the town.

On a sunny day, it is a postcard-perfect picture of the shimmering fall of water with a beautiful town acting as a backdrop.

There is an official viewing platform for which you have to pay a small fee, but I would not bother. You can admire the waterfall in all its glory from the top viewpoint completely free, of charge and if you walk a bit to the other side of the large bridge leading to the town, you’ll get a pretty good view, too.

The Walled City of Jajce

I was very much charmed by the walled old town of Jajce. Within the ancient walls you will find winding, cobbled streets, historic buildings, a variety of cute houses and mesmerising views.

The Old Town (Stari Grad) of Jajce is the mediaeval fortified heart of the town, perched on a rather steep hill and fully inhabited. It offers a mixture of old and new, which come together to form a perfect architectural whole.

And the Citadelle

One of the biggest attractions in Jajce is the Citadel, the focal point of the city.

The Citadel, a mediaeval fortress that dominates the Jajce skyline, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Originally built in the 14th century, the fortress played a key role in protecting the town and its inhabitants.

Although there is not much to see within the fortress, I recommend paying a small fee (8BAM) to see it from the inside. Inside you will find two large bastions, a gun-powder tower and walkable walls. The fortress looks grand, beautiful and strangely peaceful.

It also offers spectacular views and I actually spend an hour there enjoying the view, taking photos and even sitting on the grass taking in the surroundings.

Wondering if Bosnia and Herzegovina is safe to travel? Read my complete guide to  Bosnia Travel Safety ! And if you’d like to know how much money you should budget for your Bosnia trip, I have you covered too!

Are you heading to Sarajevo and wondering where to stay? Here is my full guide to all the areas and best accommodation in Sarajevo and one specifically dedicated to the best hostels !

Be sure you visit Mostar and even stay for a few days! there are  heaps of things to do in Mostar  including some  awesome day trips !

Temple of Mithras

The Temple of Mithras is an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the Persian invisible sun god Mithra. It is believed to date back to the 2nd century AD. This archaeological site offers a fascinating insight into the Roman presence in the region.

It is one of the best-preserved Mithraeum sites in Europe.

It is located in the centre of the town, behind the Crvena Jabuka supermarket.

Unfortunately when I visited it was closed but it is protected by a glass construction so I was able to have a glimpse. Always worth it!

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From your chosen start date, your insurance automatically extends every 28 days until you pick an end date. Just like a subscription. And you can cancel at any time. 

Museum of AVNOJ

This interesting museum is housed in a historic building and commemorates the second AVNOJ Session.

But what was the AVNOJ?

AVNOJ, short for Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia, was founded during the World War II by the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Its main purpose was to coordinate the military efforts of Josip Broz Tito’s partisans and oversee the administrative tasks of the local “liberation committees” This is basically how communist Yugoslavia began and the museum displays artefacts, documents, newspapers and photos that shed light on this period.

It was a very interesting museum to see, especially coming from a post-communist country myself. Seeing an assembly room with photos of Stalin on the wall and propaganda slogans made me chuckle. But the truth is that it’s a very important and very complex part of the history of this region.

Be prepared to use your Google Translate image option as there are no descriptions or explanations in English. Nevertheless, for a small fee of only 5BAM it is worth visiting the attraction in Jajce.

Pliva Lakes and Water Mills / Best things to do in Jajce

The smaller lake is about a 40-minute walk from the town (a very nice, easy stroll). Here the lake forms a series of cascades and waterfalls spanned by charming wooden bridges, somewhat reminiscent of the bridges over the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. At the entrance to the bridge you’ll also find a nice little café. I highly recommend you make it at least to this point.

If you are not interested in history or museums, there are plenty of other things to do around Jajce. Take a walk to the beautiful Pliva lakes, for instance!

These are stunning twin lakes, Veliko Plivsko (large) and Malo Plivsko (small), which were created as the Pliva River widened on its way to Jajce.

If you don’t mind walking a bit further (maybe another 20 minutes), you’ll come to a large Plitvice lake with historical Water Mills (Mlinčići).

These nineteen water mills covered with rustic shingles were built in 1562 and were used to grind corn and wheat brought by villagers from the surrounding area. Each mill was privately owned and reserved exclusively for the use of immediate and extended family members. Today, these once-busy mills have been transformed from their original function to tourist attractions.

The hike to Lake Pliva and the watermills was a highlight of my Jajce trip and it’s worth spending a few days in Jajce for that alone. If you’re driving, you can definitely make it in a couple of hours, but if you’re travelling by public transport, the only way to get to Pliva Lakes from Jajce is on foot or by taxi. You could also rent a bike, but I didn’t see any bike rentals in the city.

St. Mary’s Church and Jajce Catacombs

Within the city walls you’ll inevitably come across the ruins of St Mary’s Church and St Luke’s Bell Tower.

At present it’s not possible to visit inside but you can have a very decent peak inside.

It has undergone various redesigns, so it’s difficult to determine its exact age and original appearance. However, it’s believed that the church was initially constructed in the 12th century and then, after falling into disrepair, was restored again and rebuilt in the late 14th century.

In the 15th century, the last Bosnian king, Stjepan Tomasevic, was crowned in this church and the bell tower of St Luke was constructed to, supposedly to keep the relics of St Luke the Evangelist,

Then after The Ottoman conquest of Bosnia, St Mary’s Church was transformed into a mosque and renamed in honour of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Unfortunately, the building suffered from multiple fires throughout its history. The most destructive fire took place in 1658. Subsequently, the fire in 1832 destroyed the structure, reducing it to the walls.

Next to the church, you will find the catacombs, an underground chapel with a crypt, from the 15th century.

It holds historical significance as the burial place of Hrvoje Vukčić, a prominent Bosnian duke who established the city. Around the year 1400, Hrvoje Vukčić commissioned the construction of an underground chapel with a crypt. The crypt was intended to serve as the final resting place for Hrvoje Vukčić’s family as well.

There is a 5BAM fee to enter the catacombs but if I had a choice I would not go again. It is pretty small, not very well-lit and a bit run-down in sight. But you can definitely explore if you are curious.

How many days in Jajce

Jajce is a popular day trip destination among locals but I recommend spending at least a couple of days in Jajce. You can see all Jajce town attractions in one day but it is worth dedicating an additional day for a hike to Pliva Lakes and watermills.

How to get to Jajce

Jajce located in central Bosnia is very easily accessible by bus. There is a direct bus to Jajce from Sarajevo and Mostar but also from Banja Luka and even Zagreb. 

It takes 3.5 hours on a bus to get to Sarajevo.  

I hope this post convinced you to visit Jajce! 

If you want to experience an authentic Bosnia and Herzegovina, its lush nature, and hospitality and learn about its history – Jajce is a must-visit!

Let me know if you went and what your thoughts are!

Until then, happy travels!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Your Balkans Cheatsheet

If you are travelling around the Balkans by bus, Flixbus covers a  lot of the routes but they often cooperate with local operators. It is convenient to book on the Flixbus website if you want to pay for your journey upfront.

If you prefer to pay directly with the local operator, be prepared to pay in cash . To check the timetable BusTicket4.me is the most reliable. But I still recommend only using it for checking the times and purchasing the ticket at the bus station.

In the majority of Balkan countries, you will pay a 1€ (or equivalent in local currency) fee for luggage.

The bus is the best way to travel between Balkan countries but there are a couple of stunning train routes you cannot miss like Sarajevo to Mostar or Belgrade to Bar!

If you are considering renting a car you can browse all rental companies via Expedia!

Always, always triple-check the information you were given, especially when it comes to inter-city travel. Only because one person, in one place says there are no busses, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Triple check.

Only Slovenia and Croatia are within the Schengen Area so individual visa rules will apply. In 2024 we will also see Romania and Bulgaria joining Schengen Area.

Only Slovenia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Croatia use Euros. All other countries use their own currency. In some touristy spots, you will be able to use Euros but dont take it for granted. You will pay for a coffee pot from a souvenir stand in Mostar in Euros, but the supermarket will ask for Bosnian Marks. 

2 thoughts on “9 Awesome Things to Do in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina”

Very interesting read, I went to Bosnia before, but didn’t have time to check this place out. Definitely going to make a visit eventually as I want to see the AVNOJ museum.

Thank you! Jajce is one of the hidden gems of Bosnia and Herzegovina, you should definitely visit if you get a chance 🙂

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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Jajce: The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on: 31st January 2023, 10:13 am

Out of all of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s historic small towns, Jajce is probably the most essential. Not only does it have a well-preserved Old Town and fortress, but it uniquely features a large waterfall in its center. Further west, meanwhile, is a beautiful collection of historic watermills. In the following Jajce guide, we’ll be covering all of the town’s must-see sites.

But first, a bit of history: Jajce has been occupied since at least the Roman era, which is evidenced by the surviving Temple of Mithras. We know little, however, about what happened in the region between Roman and medieval times.

The history of Jajce as we know it largely dates to the 14th century when it served as capital of the Kingdom of Bosnia. In fact, the last Bosnian king, Stephen Tomašević, was crowned here in 1461.

After a brief Ottoman invasion in 1463, King Matthias Corvinus, joint ruler of both Hungary and Croatia, took control of Jajce the following year.

The town fended off the Ottomans for much longer than the rest of Bosnia, including nearby Travnik , as it wasn’t permanently taken by the Turks until 1527.

Today, the town of Jajce represents a mix of medieval Bosnian and Ottoman architecture and is a delight to explore. While everything in the following Jajce guide can be seen in a day, spending at least a night in town is highly recommended (learn more below ).

Jajce Guide Contents

• The Watermills
• Around Jajce
• Jajce Fortress

The Pliva Waterfall

• Accommodation & Transport Info

The Jajce Watermills (Mlinčići)

One of Jajce’s most unique features is its historic watermills, which are situated about 5.5 km west of the town center. After spending a night in town, it would be a good idea to start your day here, reaching them either on foot or by taxi.

While I chose the former option, a taxi shouldn’t go for more than 10 KM one-way. But if you don’t mind the long walk, it is indeed a scenic one. 

The main road sees little traffic, and upon reaching the small lake, you’ll find a wooden walkway that provides excellent views.

The mills are situated along the Pliva Lakes, a pair of long lakes connected to the river of the same name. In particular, you’ll find them at the exact spot where the larger Plivsko Lake flows into the smaller Malo Plivsko Lake.

Ever since the Middle Ages, locals have harnessed the power of the flowing water to grind wheat into flour. These huts likely date back to the Austro-Hungarian period and were still in use up until World War II.

The surviving mills we see today no longer serve their original function but are being preserved as an official National Monument of the country.

We now see a couple dozen huts places alongside each other, but some of them were moved here from other areas. While the best view is from a distance on the other side of the cascading water, visitors can also get up close to the huts via wooden walkways.

Interestingly, each mill is numbered and they all have knockers on their doors. They almost appear like miniature houses for dwarfs or hobbits!

The area is also a popular gathering spot for families during the summer. Just next to the mills, you’ll find a spacious public park, while you’ll also come across food kiosks and designated swimming areas.

Exploring Jajce

Jajce is home to a charming Old Town which surrounds the main fortress at the top of the central hill. It’s one of the largest and best-preserved Old Towns in the country. 

And arriving from the bus station, it’s only a short walk before you reach the historic city gates.

But first, before exploring the town center, I recommend heading straight for the Temple of Mithras to the west. By beginning there and making your way east, you’ll be able to see the attractions of this Jajce guide in a more or less chronological order.

The Mithraic Temple

Before the adoption of Christianity, Mithraism was a major part of Roman society. And the Romans set up temples of Mithra, the Persian sun god (and also Indian Vedic god), all throughout their empire. 

This impressive carving in Jajce dates back to some time between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. 

In antiquity, such temples were known as Mithraeums. But the rituals performed here were largely kept secret even during Roman times, as Mithraism was something of an ancient mystery school.

Here in Jajce, we can see a typical scene of Mithra slaying a bull. According to some interpretations, it represents the mastery of order over chaos.

But rather than mere symbolism, it’s likely that actual animal sacrifices took place in this space as well.

Despite how large and well-preserved the main carving is, I was disappointed to find that Jajce’s Temple of Mithras is now unstaffed and has been completely enclosed in a large glass case.

In addition to typical issues with glare, the glass has apparently not been cleaned in many months. This was a major letdown, as the Temple of Mithras is easily one of the most interesting and culturally significant monuments in Jajce.

For those interested in the history of Mithraism in Bosnia & Herzegovina, be sure to visit the National Museum in Sarajevo which displays other Mithraic pieces found throughout the country, including a significant carving from Konjic.

The Catacombs

Heading eastward, the next destination is within the lower levels of the original fortress established before the Ottoman takeover. 

The catacombs were dug out during the reign of Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić (r. 1380-1416), one of the most prominent feudal lords who simultaneously served as Duke of Bosnia and Duke of Split. Jajce was his seat of power and he developed the town considerably.

These catacombs served as his mausoleum as well as that of the whole Hrvatinić family.

Walking down the steps to enter the catacombs, you’ll first encounter an outer stone portico that was added as recently as the late 19th century.

To the right, notice a strange, unfinished carving of what appears to be a man holding a large spear.

Entering the main area, notice how the catacombs’ layout closely resembles that of a church. In addition to the crosses, you’ll find a narthex, nave and an altar.

Just across from the Catacombs entrance, don’t miss one of the surviving old bastions. 

While, as mentioned, this area was technically part of the original fortress, the official ticketed section of Jajce Fortress is located at the very top of the town. The catacombs themselves require a separate entry fee of 4 KM.

St. Mary's Church & St. Luke's Tower

Just a short walk further east, you’ll encounter the ruins of St. Mary’s Church. A church once existed at this spot since at least the 12th century, after which it was converted to the Romanesque style in the 1400s.

It was here that the very last Bosnian king, Stephen Tomašević, was crowned in 1461 by the Pope’s emissaries.

Once the Ottomans took over in the 16th century, the church was converted to a mosque. But it suffered from multiple fires over the years, with the last major one taking place in 1832.

Since then, the building has remained in shambles. But not St. Luke’s Tower, which has stood tall the whole time. Incredibly, it’s the only surviving medieval bell tower in this region.

Jajce Ethnographic Museum

Just about every town in Bosnia has a historical and ethnographic museum. But Jajce’s is unremarkable in comparison with others. Aside from a few relics from the Ottoman era, there’s little to see here.

It’s arguably more impressive from the outside. The structures along this road date back to the Austro-Hungarian period, having been used for things like administration and public education.

Esma Sultana Mosque

Reaching the end of the road, you’ll find the Esma Sultana Mosque, named after the wife of a Bosnian governor from the 18th century. But what we see now is entirely a reconstruction.

During the civil war of the 1990s, Jajce was taken by the forces of Republika Srpska, who destroyed most of the town’s mosques. Since being retaken by Bosnia & Herzegovina in 1995, many mosques have been rebuilt, including this one which finally reopened in 2010.

From this point on, it would make sense to start heading straight up to the main fortress (learn more below). But first, let’s briefly cover some of the other minor attractions to seek out around town.

The House of Avnoj

Located near the waterfall and bus station, this building was constructed in the 1930s. It’s known for hosting the AVNOJ (Antifascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia) in 1943, which helped see the country transition from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia to a socialist state.

Though far from being the most essential attraction in this Jajce guide, the museum provides an interesting historical perspective on what each Yugoslav member state was dealing with during World War II. It costs 4KM to enter.

More Around Town

In addition to the main fortress and waterfall, which we’ll cover below, there’s still more to seek out in Jajce. Wandering around town, you’ll encounter all sorts of interesting old buildings and more ancient city gates.

One historically important but overlooked landmark is the 19th-century Franciscan Friary. It now hosts what’s believed to be the bones of Bosnia’s last king, Stephen Tomašević. As mentioned above, he was crowned in the Franciscan St. Mary’s Church.

While the monastery is supposed to contain a museum which displays his skeleton in addition to numerous other historical relics, all the doors were sadly locked at the time of my visit.

Ascending Jajce Fortress

On your way up to the fortress, you’ll encounter numerous historic buildings, such as the Dizdar Mosque, established in 1813. This tiny mosque is unique because it lacks typical features like a dome and a minaret.

Elsewhere is an even older mosque from the 17th century, known as the Sinan-Bey Mosque, also known as the Okić Mosque.

On the way up, you’ll also pass through the Clock Tower. But the structure hardly resembles one, and it’s even missing its clock!

Reaching the uppermost part of the fortress (4 KM), notice the Bosnian royal crest inscribed on the outer door. As mentioned earlier, the fortress was first established in the mid-14th century during the rule of Duke Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić. 

It was then gradually expanded over the following centuries.

Following Hrvatinić’s death, Jajce would officially become the Bosnian capital. And this top portion of the fortress once functioned as a private royal palace.

Before the Ottoman takeover, the fortress, which existed at the edge of the Ottoman Empire, was extremely important strategically. Furthermore, it would also serve to defend Bosnia against the Hungarians, though Hungary would successfully conquer the region in 1464.

Once the Ottomans finally took over in 1527, there were no major threats nearby, and thus the fortress largely lost its strategic importance. Be that as it may, one can still get a feel for the fortress’s original imposing size.

Today, there’s not a whole lot that remains, though the walls and a couple other structures are in good condition. The real highlight of visiting Jajce Fortress is its impressive views of the town below. 

Walking all along the fortress walls, you can look down and see just about every attraction mentioned in this Jajce guide. 

The 21 m-high Pliva Waterfall, located at the spot where the Vrbas and Pliva rivers meet, has become a symbol of the town. Locals brag that Jajce is the only city in the world with a waterfall in its center, though they clearly haven’t heard of Furong !

As beautiful as the waterfall is, frankly speaking, paying 8 KM just to access the viewing platform is not worth it.

The huge viewing platform was built at an awkward distance from the falls. By standing at the very front, you’ll be too close to photograph the whole thing. But by stepping back a bit, you can’t avoid having the guard railings in the shot.

While there’s a higher platform over to the side, it’s still hard to take in the full scene from there.

Furthermore, you may have noticed posters all around town featuring a scenic view of the waterfall with the landmarks of Jajce in the background. But you can’t get that view from here.

While I tried to find that vantage point, I ultimately failed, and assumed that somebody took all those shots with a drone!

After visiting the viewing platform, I enjoyed a free view from the top, which can be accessed via a park nearby. I also tried walking along a bridge by the bus station for better views, but it was all obscured by trees.

It turns out, however, that the view in the posters can indeed be seen without a drone. What you need to do is head north along the Vrbas River and walk east across the bridge taking you to the other side. 

Then, continue south along a trail, which you can see marked in the Maps.me app. This is something I’ll have to try on a future trip to Jajce.

Additional Info

Buses from Sarajevo bound for Jajce leave every couple of hours. While Jajce could technically be visited as a day trip from Sarajevo , your day would be much too rushed, with around 7 hours in total spent on the bus!

This wouldn’t leave you with enough time to see everything in the Jajce guide above, such as the watermills.

If you only have the option to do day trips from the capital, I’d recommend Travnik instead, which can be reached from Sarajevo in around 90 minutes each way.

With that being said, if you’re willing to splurge on a day tour, this highly-rated tour can take you to both Travnik and Jajce in the same day with a private driver.

For those doing longer trips across the Balkans, you could try a route like Sarajevo- Visoko -Travnik-Jajce-Banja Luka, spending a night or so in each town. All of these cities are located along the same Centrotrans Eurolines route.

Check  here  for updated timetables.

And then from Banja Luka, you can easily find transport into either Croatia or Serbia. Of course, if you’re entering Bosnia from Croatia or Serbia, you could do the route in the opposite direction.

Accommodation in small towns in Bosnia are, for whatever reason, much pricier than in the larger cities. Looking for a private place in the center, I went through all the options on both Booking and Airbnb before settling on Apartman Pliva .

At around $30 a night, it was more than I usually like to pay for accommodation in this region, but I only stayed one night. The apartment comes with a private kitchen and separate bedroom, with enough space to fit a small family.

Communication was smooth and the location was perfect, being situated right inside the city gates and an easy walk from the bus station.

The main problem was, however, that I could clearly hear footsteps from the apartment above late at night and very early in the morning, and I didn’t sleep well at all.

Generally speaking, to reach all the locations in this Jajce guide, staying anywhere within or near the old city gates will be fine.

The Top Things to Do and See in Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Jajce is a small city in Bosnia & Herzegovina , central not only geographically but also culturally. Throughout Bosnia’s long history, Jajce has been the home of medieval kings, Ottoman governors, and a range of different ethnic groups, as well as being one of President Tito’s earliest Communist strongholds. Jajce has been so far undiscovered by tourists, although UNESCO has recently been investing in renovating the city’s historical areas. Check out our guide for the best things to do and see when in Jajce.

Pliva falls.

One of Jajce’s most unique features is this waterfall which is unusually situated right in the centre of the town. The falls are more than 20 meters high, and are at the point where two rivers meet and converge. The water is almost perfectly clear, and is a glittering bright turquoise color. There are a number of excellent viewing points, the best one being the official viewing platform where visitors are close enough to feel the spray of the water. The falls are currently at their highest recorded point, after an earthquake in the 1990s caused the area to flood and consequently increased the size of the waterfalls. Thanks to their central location, the Pliva waterfalls are a difficult attraction to miss when in Jajce.

Jajce Fortress

Jajce Catacombs

Part of medieval Jajce’s early development included the construction of an underground church and catacombs. The catacombs were commissioned by a 14th century king, who wanted a resting place for himself and his family. They are small, but set across two levels, and are still in excellent condition today. Many original stone carvings can still be made out by visitors, and guided tours are available. The catacombs have an eerie and mysterious atmosphere, so are not recommended for the faint-hearted; but an underground visit is a great way to understand Jajce’s history and explore its medieval legacy.

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Pliva Lakes

A short drive away from Jajce itself are the Pliva Lakes, an area of stunning natural beauty. The lakes offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming. In fact, the lakes are such a perfect location for water-based activities that they have hosted international kayaking and canoeing competitions, and are popular for training purposes. The lakes are surrounded by lush green hills, which are also perfect for hiking. Near to the lakes are some old watermills, which were built in the Middle Ages and were key to local industry. A visit to the lakes is a great family activity, or is ideal simply for those looking for a relaxing day by the water.

Stroll around the Old Town

Although Jajce is technically a city, it is not a big place and has a population of just a little more than 30,000. The town is quite small, and is a manageable enough size to wander around and appreciate the historic sites. The Old Town area is the most historic, with plenty of medieval buildings, as well as some exemplary Ottoman architecture. Religious buildings to spot include St Mary’s Church, built in the 12th century and the location of the coronations of medieval kings, and the Mithraic Temple, an ancient construction dating from the 4th century that is now protected by UNESCO .

1. AVNOJ Museum

Building, Museum

AVNOJ Museum

The Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia, or more conveniently known as AVNOJ, was the Communist council that organized a resistance movement against the fascist forces that occupied Bosnia & Herzegovina during the Second World War. The second time they met was in this building in Jajce, and was where Tito, later the leader of Yugoslavia, essentially formed his first communist government of Yugoslavia. The council building is now a museum dedicated to this significant event, with a reconstruction of the council chamber and a number of items from the period, such as portraits of Stalin and Yugoslavian flags. Another excellent opportunity to learn about the rich and extensive history of Jajce.

Opening hours: 10am-1pm daily

Address: AVNOJ Museum, Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Top Things to See and Do in Brcko, Bosnia

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Jajce – what to visit?

Jajce is usually a passage station. If you are traveling to Krajina, Bihać or Banja Luka . Or an association on waterfalls. Jajce has to offer you many things.

It can boast that it is the only city in the world that has a true gift of nature in the center, a waterfall. There is more than a national monument.

We will present you some of the reasons why you should consider spending one weekend in Jajce and familiarize yourself with the history of this place that is back down decades.

Jajce is a place that offers an abundance of greenery and peace. Although it is becoming more and more popular for international tourists, there are many places where you can enjoy the greenery of the forest and water. The landscape itself is quite interesting and nothing is far away. From the city center you can also walk to the lakes or find a point where you will enjoy the panorama.

Surrounded by water. Green hour with blue sky. River, old fountains, lakes. It is especially desirable to go to Pliva Lakes. If you prefer a more active life, you can rent a boat or pedal and sail with clear water. In the summer time the lakes are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

On the banks of the Pliva Lakes there is a complex of small mills with tithes of small streams running below them. Nearby is also a decorated pair with benches, summer bar, greenery, fresh air, ducks. Just sitting and enjoying this scene will be enough for a whole day.

Jajce is a royal town, a motive for walking in its old part, where the remains of the Bosnian kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, preserved architecture, walls and cobblestones are intertwined. There are 29 national monuments in Jajce. You can also visit the museum and make great photos.

Jajce slowly becomes a place recognizable by summer jumps to the lake. In fact, this also becomes an international sensation. Record a date and be part of a spectacle. For tourists from all over the world this is already the story they want to see live.

In case you think these reasons are little motivated or too superficial, then that is for sure the reason you go and visit this city.

Note: Credit for video go to Facebook page:  mybosniaandherzegovina

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What to See in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Jajce is one of the most interesting yet underrated places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a real gem of the Balkans . The picturesque location and numerous historical monuments should put Jajce on every Balkans itinerary yet the town isn’t widely visited by international tourists who, I believe, miss a lot. I’ve been twice to Jajce and I would gladly visit Jajce again and explore more of the town and surroundings.

If you plan a trip to Bosnia and are looking for destinations beyond Sarajevo or Mostar , check Jajce! You might be surprised what an interesting place this is.

In this article, you will find all about visiting Jajce: what to see in Jajce, how to get there, and what to see nearby.

Jajce essentials

• Where to stay in Jajce: Hotel Stari grad (8.7/10)
• Best day trip from Sarajevo to Jajce: Three pearls of Central Bosnia – Travnik, Jajce Waterfalls and Jajce Mills
• Get insured for your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Where is Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Jajce is a small town of a bit over 7 thousand inhabitants, located in the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo , the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is around 160 km away from Jajce by road.

Why visit Jajce

The town has a long and interesting history and you can see it in the numerous Jajce attractions. The area was inhabited already in ancient times but the peak of prosperity came in medieval times when Jajce was the capital of the independent Kingdom of Bosnia.

Besides numerous historical Jajce monuments, the town is also known for its natural spots. The Jajce waterfall is a picturesque highlight of the town but the Pliva lake just outside of the town is worth visiting too.

Due to its importance and both, historical and natural sights, Jajce is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Since Jajce is located on the way from Sarajevo to Banja Luka or Bihac , the town can be easily visited (with no detours necessary) and makes a perfect stop in your Bosnia itinerary. You can also stop here on the way from Zagreb to Sarajevo.

How to get to Jajce

If you travel by car, Jajce is located right on one of the main roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina, M16.

If you use public transport, your options are a bit limited but still getting to Jajce isn’t impossible. There are direct buses to Jajce from Travnik , Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Bihac or Mostar. It’s best to check connections directly at the bus station when you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina as online sources don’t usually show all the buses.

You can also visit Jajce on the tour, departing from Sarajevo. I think it’s a really smart option (especially when public transport is so limited) as you will also visit Travnik on the same day. Here are recommended, highly-rated tours:

• From Sarajevo: Day Tour to Jajce and Travnik
• Jajce, Travnik and Pliva watermills – Day Tour from Sarajevo
• Three pearls of Central Bosnia – Travnik, Jajce Waterfalls and Jajce Mills

How to get around Jajce

Jajce is a small town and you can easily walk everywhere and see all the attractions with no problems. If you plan to visit Pliva Lakes (which I definitely recommend), it’s best to take a taxi or rent a bike (some accommodations offer those). Otherwise, it’s a 5 km walk one way from the center of Jajce.

Where to stay in Jajce

If you decide to stay overnight in Jajce, there are a few accommodation options to choose from. Here are the recommended ones:

• Hotel Stari grad (8.7/10 on Booking)
• Villa Jajce (9.4/10 on Booking)
• Apartmani Waterfall / Vodopad (9.5/10 on Booking)
• and many more

What to see in Jajce

Even if Jajce is a relatively small place, the town is packed with exciting places to visit. There are pretty many Jajce attractions so you should plan at least one day in Jajce to see them all.

The highlight of the place is definitely Jajce waterfall. If you arrive in the town by bus, it is located literally around the corner from the bus station.

You might not see it at first but you will definitely hear the roar of water falling down some 23 meters where the Pliva and Vrbas rivers meet. The Jajce waterfall is often called “the Bosnian Niagara Falls” and well, it is a bit exaggerated but nevertheless the Pliva waterfall (as the place is officially called) surely is impressive.

For a small fee, you can get close to the waterfall and feel the true power and force of nature.

You can get a decent panorama of Jajce waterfall from the place just above the waterfall, on the way from the bus station to the old town but the absolutely best view (and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Jajce) is from across the Vrbas river.

To get there, you need to follow the main road a bit and then you will find the path inside the forest where eventually you will get to the small clearing with a spectacular view of the Jajce waterfall and town in the background. Just be careful as there is no walking path along the road and the traffic might get busy.

Once you are done visiting Jajce waterfall you can continue further, into the old town. Since Jajce is one of the oldest places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can expect many remnants of the golden old times.

As soon as you cross the Pliva river, you will see the old city walls right away, with one of the towers leading inside the old town on your right. The town was fairly damaged during the 20th-century wars (especially in the 1990s) and today the old town has a rather casual look, where old Ottoman houses are mixed with the modern-ish architecture from Yugoslavia times.

But still, wandering around cobbled streets (that often turn into stone steps) can give you a feel of the town and its long history.

Within the walled town, there are a few places you surely shouldn’t miss.

Right in the middle of the Old Town, there are ruins of St. Mary’s Church with St. Luke’s belfry. The church, dating back to the 12th century, used to be one of the most important sacral places in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is believed that the relics of St. Luke the Evangelist were kept here, this is also where the last king of the Kingdom of Bosnia, Stjepan Tomasevic, was crowned. After the area was under Ottoman rule, the church was turned into a mosque.

Today, only a very few remnants of the temple remained. Currently, it is not possible to enter inside the ruins but you can peek through the window.

Not far from St. Mary’s Church, you will find the catacombs from the 15th century. Most likely it was the place of the final rest of the local magnate Hrvoj Vukčic Hrvatinic and his wife Jelena Nelipićeva. When you enter the undergrounds you can see two unfinished carvings showing the couple.

The catacombs aren’t very impressive, to be honest. The place is a bit run-down, modern graffiti covers most of the place and spoil the overall look.

There are two levels in the catacombs, in the lower one you will find the altar with carvings of the cross as well as symbols of the Sun and Moon – this is probably the most exciting part of the Jajce catacombs.

To enter the place you need to pay a small fee, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it or not (I didn’t mind going).

The biggest highlight of Jajce is the impressive fortress, built in the highest part of the old town, towering above the city. Apparently, the hill the fortress is built on has the shape of an egg, hence the name of the city “Jajce” (“jaje” means “egg” in the Bosnian language).

The fortress was most likely built in the 13th century and was the seat of the rulers of the Kingdom of Bosnia before the area went under Ottoman, then Hungarian, and then again Ottoman rule. The fortress is really impressive, with almost 5.000 square meters of area, but today there is not much to see inside.

The main reason to climb all the way up and pay a small fee to enter the fortress is to see a wonderful panorama of Jajce and surrounding mountains. You can see both, the older architecture of the town (like the Sinan-Bey Mosque from the 17th century, with the wooden minaret) and modern neighborhoods. And, like in most places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cemeteries with characteristic white tombs.

On the way down from the fortress you can walk on parts of the city walls that will lead you to Banja Luka gate and the main street of the Old Town, named after Hrvoj Vukčic Hrvatinic. That’s where you will find numerous shops, cafes, eateries, and Esma Sultana Mosque.

It was built in the 18th century and is rather unique since it’s named after a woman – Esma Sultana, the wife of the vizier of Bosnia at that time. It is believed that this is the only European mosque that has a woman’s name.

If you would like to visit museums, you can find some interesting ones in Jajce. The two most recommended ones are Ethno Museum and AVNOJ Museum.

The first one, located in the former schoolhouse from the time of Austria-Hungary, focuses on the local history and shows a collection of artifacts from the region.

In 1943 the second session of the Antifascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia was held in Jajce and it eventually led to the creation Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. That’s what the AVNOJ Museum is about. It should be especially worth checking for those who are interested in the 20th-century history of Yugoslavia and Tito.

Another, less-known attraction of Jajce, is the Mithraeum. The Temple of Mithras, dedicated to the Persian invisible sun god, dates back to the 4th century BC and was rediscovered in 1931. It is located a bit outside of the Old Town but if you have the time it’s definitely worth stopping by.

My favorite place to visit in Jajce was Lakes Pliva and Mlinčići. The place is located some 5 km away from central Jajce but it’s definitely worth the detour. I liked it so much that during my recent trip to Bosnia I’ve been there twice, within a few days.

Mlinčići is a complex of old wooden watermills, some of them as old as the mid-16th century. There are 26 watermills there and they are so small they look like a movie set. It’s really impossible not to fall in love with the place.

You can wander around the watermills on wooden paths right above the water and peek inside some of the buildings to see the old devices inside. Apparently, two of the mills are still working now.

When I visited the place in mid-September there was no one around and the place seemed even more out of this world.

The Mlinčići are located between Large and Small Pliva Lakes, where the lake water is changing levels. Once you are there it’s worth wandering around the surroundings too as it’s such a lovely recreational area.

In the part of the lake closer to Jajce, you can also stop at the “Love Bridge” that has a wooden path above the lake which reminded me a lot of Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park in Croatia

Where to go next

Once you are done visiting Jajce, you can continue your journey in three directions:

• north, towards Banja Luka and the border with Croatia; on the way you should stop at the viewpoint over the horseshoe bend of the Vrbas river and at the Krupa Waterfalls, the road itself is pretty scenic too
• west, towards Bihac, Una National Park and Croatia
• south, to Sarajevo or Mostar , with the stop in Travnik

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

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• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Jajce – Open Air Museum

Open-air museum and the royal city are labels that Jajce rightfully wears. The beauty of the town in Central Bosnia leaves no one indifferent. Jajce is located at the mouth of Pliva and Vrbas rivers and is known for its lakes, waterfalls, watermills…

Jajce was the capital of the Bosnian kings, and and the last Bosnian king Stjepan Tomasevic was there until 1463. Numerous important historical events took place in this city, and among those the second Session of the Anti-Fascist Council of People’s Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ).

All this is reason enough for Jajce to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. From year to year, this city has seen an increase in the number of tourists, and according to announcements, this year should be record-breaking.

An unavoidable destination

– The tourist season is still going on and it will end on November 29, when the AVNOJ Days event is held and we cannot yet talk about the exact number of tourists who visited Jajce this year. What we can say based on data from previous years; most of the visitors are from B&H and our Diaspora. In addition, there are numerous visits of elementary and secondary school students from our country. Every year, more and more schools in B&H position Jajce as an indispensable destination for school excursions – says Aida Softic-Joldic from the Agency for Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage and the Development of Tourist Potentials of the City of Jajce.

She says that three years ago the Agency made a program by which they visit sll the schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina and represent Jajce as a place where students can get acquainted with the history of this city, as well as entire Bosnia and Herzegovina.

– Our agency is working hard on promotion outside B&H, and is a regular exhibitor at all tourism fairs throughout Europe. Those are fairs in Istanbul, Berlin and other cities of Germany, but also in cities throughout the region – she says.

29 national monuments are proof that Jajce really has a rich history and deserves valuable attention of tourists. According to the data of the Agency for Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage and the Development of the Tourist potentials of the City of Jajce, waterfall in Jajce, which is one of the 12 most beautiful in the world, but also the only one located in the city center is the most popular.

There is also a fortress, the largest in Bosnia. The great conqueror, Sultan Muhammad El Fatih, was unable to win it even after concerning the whole of Bosnia. It is assumed that it was built in the 13th century. In the southwest is the entrance with the royal coat of arms, and the fortress was built by Hrvoje Vukcic Hrvatinic, who is also the founder of Jajce. It was the seat of kings whose coats of arms were carved on the fortress. The walls are tall and the fortress is built on the hill in the shape of an egg, and rivers Pliva and Vrbas are also its protection.

Temple of God Mithras – Indo-Iranian deity: the Mitras cult was widespread among the Romans, thus testifying to the ancient culture in Jajce. The Romans built it in the 4th century, and it was “discovered” in 1931. There is also an architectural relief of the sacrifice of the bull in the temple.

On November 29, 1943, the second session of AVNOJ was held in Jajce and the foundations of the SFRY were laid. The birth of Yugoslavia in Jajce is a socialist counterpart of the royal capital of the Middle Ages, and this event is also set in the AVNOJ Museum of the Second Session.

Medvjed kula (The Bear Tower) was built in a Romanesque style and therefore belongs to the oldest buildings of the Bosnian Middle Ages. There are two beliefs regarding the etymology of its name. One says it is called a bear for the bulkiness and thickness of the walls, which is up to six meters. Second, more popular, says it was called like this because bears used to be plased inside, and those who were imprisoned and convicted were thrown to them.

St. Luke’s Tower is actually a bell tower of the Gothic church of St. Mary. It was built in the 15th century and has a form of construction of three types: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. The date of the establishment of the church has not been determined, but is presumed to have originated in the place of an older Romanesque church from the beginning of 15th century. The church was guarding relics of St. Luke the Evangelist, which were brought to Jajce as a dowry by the last Bosnian Queen Mara Jelena.

A tragic story

Catacombs are a unique underground grave chapel that was built by the founder of Jajce Hrvoje Vukcic Hrvatinic for himself and his family. If we supress the creeps and enter the coldness of the tomb, we will see an altar with an apse surrounded by a Gothic arc. Based on the unfinished drawings of Hrvoje’s coat of arms near the entrance, it was established that the chapel was built in 1410.

Esma Soltaniyeh who was married to Bosnian Vizier Mehmed Pasha Muhsinovic built a mosque in 1753. A beautiful and tragic story is related to the construction of the mosque. Soltaniyeh was sick and she was told that she would be healed if she built a mosque in a place where the two rivers connect into one. Soltaniyeh did it, and she payed the mosque with an earring she took from her ear. She had not lived to see the end of the works, but the elegance and beauty of the building surely kept memory of her and her tragic fate.

Five kilometers from the city are Veliko and Malo Plivsko Lake, formed by the transformation of the flow of Pliva, which is also used as a significant hydroelectric resource. Pliva lakes are of great importance for the development of sports, recreation, sport fishing, tourism and fish farming.

Due to the specific density of water, Veliko Plivsko Lake is ideal for kayaking and canoes, as well as kayaking competitions. A special attraction is the complex of waterfalls, built on the sandy thresholds between Veliko and Malo Lake, popularly called “Mlinčići”, dating back to the Middle Ages. Twenty watermills give a great contribution to the ambience of the historic city of Jajce and are an expression of local carpentry skills and traditional way of building. All mills were built of wood, resting on pillars, which are, due to the fall of the terrain, of unequal heights. The mills are covered with multi-walled roofs with shingle.

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Jajce Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - June, September - October

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Waterfall Wonder in Jajce"

Jajce tourism.

Jajce is a beautiful town situated in the north-central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. With its medieval fortress, grand waterfall, and many other outdoor activities, Jajce is the perfect destination for a vacation.

The location of Jajce is one of its main attractions, situated between the towns of Banja Luka and Travnik. It is surrounded by lush forests and hills, making it the ideal spot for nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views from the town’s medieval fortress, which was built in the 15th century. One of the main highlights of Jajce is its grand waterfall, which is located at the edge of the town. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and take in the beauty of nature. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Additionally, visitors can explore the town’s historic churches and monasteries, as well as the many museums, galleries, and cafes. When visiting Jajce, travelers should keep in mind that it is a small town and the best way to get around is by foot or bicycle. Additionally, food and accommodation can be pricey, so it is best to plan ahead. Overall, Jajce is a stunning destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating cultural heritage, and plenty of outdoor activities, it is the perfect destination for any traveler.

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THE 10 BEST Jajce Sights & Historical Landmarks

Jajce landmarks.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mlinčići

2. Fortress of Jajce

Recommended sightseeing experiences (24).

3. Catacomb of Jajce

4. Temple of Mithras

5. Hadadan Mosque

6. Omer-begova House

7. Esma Sultana Mosque

8. Ibrahim-begova Džamija

9. Krslakova Stara Kuca

10. Hadži-Muharem Mosque

11. Sinan-Begova ili Okića Džamija

12. Crkva Sv. Marije Jajce

13. Dizdareva Džamija

What travelers are saying.

• Fortress of Jajce
• Catacomb of Jajce
• Temple of Mithras
• Hadadan Mosque

Jajce Fortress

Bosnia & Hercegovina

Jajce's fortress ruins have a powerful aspect when seen from afar, but inside is mostly bald grass. The ramparts offer sweeping views of the valleys and crags that surround Jajce's urban sprawl, though views of the fortress are generally more memorable than views from it. The castle's most photographed feature is the partially conserved Kotromaniċ stone crest beside the entrance portal, and you don't have to enter to see that.

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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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1 . Catacombs

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2 . Jajce Waterfall

3 . Pliva Lakes

4 . Krupa Waterfalls

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6 . Viziers' Graves

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Feel the combination of the east and the west, get to know the diverse culture and fascinating history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stroll down the path of the last primeval forest, go down the deepest canyon in Europe. Enjoy the beauty of unspoiled natural parks, in the rivers of emerald tones, and the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

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Photographer & nature lover, my name is dženad džino, i was born in 1978 in mostar..

I live in Jablanica and growing up here I was drawn to nature and mountaineering, since the very childhood. Naturally, a passion for photography became a part of my life. My photos have won awards at both domestic and regional competitions. I received the Golden Plaque of the city of Jablanica in the field of tourism for the promotion of the city.[ ... ]

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