Author: Enisa Alagić

Just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Sarajevo lies Skakavac, one of the largest waterfalls in the Balkans. Tucked away deep within the forests of Sarajevo Ozren, this hidden natural gem is truly perfect for family outings. Its easy accessibility, close proximity to the capital, and well-marked trails make it an ideal spot for hiking with little ones, especially during the pleasant spring and summer months.

Along the walking path, you’ll also find numerous inviting rest stops, perfect for a picnic. So, remember to pack plenty of food, water, and some fun outdoor toys! Skakavac is a protected area, officially designated as a Nature Monument. And the best part? This wonderful excursion costs you nothing more than gas for your car and a few sandwiches. Parking and entry to this beautiful protected area are completely free.

Getting to Skakavac: Our Family’s Route

Our family adventure kicked off with a drive from central Sarajevo towards Uževice. This is where you’ll find the well-known “Draganova Kafana” and the parking area at the very end of the asphalt road. We reached this spot by car, passing through the charming village of Nahorevo.

From this point, the main hiking trail to Skakavac begins, ideal for adults and those who are up for a bit more of a challenge. This path is just over 3 kilometers long in one direction. For the kids and anyone who prefers a shorter walk, we drove them directly to the Ravne locality, which is essentially the entrance ramp to the protected zone. You can also park your car there for free.

After a quick briefing on trail etiquette, we all set off from the “ramp,” following a wide gravel path towards the waterfall (about 2 km). Along the way, we enjoyed informative boards detailing the local flora and fauna, with a special focus on endemic species. These stops were perfect for quick breaks and engaging the kids with nature facts.

Our guide and the true backbone of this adventure was Redžep Grabus – Redžo, an experienced mountaineer, alpinist, and retired teacher. Without his expertise and advice, navigating this first nature outing with eight children would have been far more challenging.

One of the most exciting moments for the kids was spotting a salamander hidden in the leaves beside the path, easily identifiable by its large yellow spots. These fascinating creatures, often steeped in legends, always spark a child’s imagination. We’re sure they’ll remember the salamander stories we shared along the way for a long time. You can read more on our blog by clicking here: https://shumarak.ba/2025/06/09/dazdevnjak-tajanstveni-stanovnik-sume/

After a half-hour walk, we reached a delightful resting spot. It featured gazebos, a swing, benches for relaxation, and a fresh spring with drinkable water. This very plateau was once home to a mountain lodge before the war. Right beside it flows the Skakavac stream, which, further through the forest, forms the beautiful waterfall of the same name. We didn’t linger there, though. Instead, we turned left into the tall coniferous forest, heading towards the viewpoint.

The Thrilling Descent to the Waterfall

The path to the viewpoint is mostly flat, with some sections paved with wooden planks and equipped with a rope handrail, making it safe for both kids and adults. After just a 10-minute leisurely stroll, we arrived at the viewpoint, which offered a magnificent view of the waterfall. The waterfall suddenly emerges from the lush greenery, cascading over steep rocks. This stunning sight makes it an ideal spot for a break and some fantastic photos. You could even end your tour right here!

However, if you stop there, you’ll miss the most thrilling part: descending the steep trail all the way to the waterfall’s base. Along this path, you’ll pass a small cave, and the winding, serpentine-like trail is secured with a handrail. Sections are made up of improvised steps, planks, stones, and tree roots. This path quickly drops about 100 meters in elevation, requiring extra parental attention. Younger children should absolutely be held by the hand.

This part of the journey is more demanding, especially for children under three years old, unless they’re in a hiking carrier. If it rained the day before, the path can be slippery, so using this route is not recommended in wet conditions.

If you choose to visit this location in spring, you’ll encounter wild garlic (srijemoš) along the way, its distinct aroma filling the entire path. You’re welcome to pick it, dry it, and use it later as a spice.

After a challenging 15-minute descent, a magnificent reward awaited us: the 98-meter-high waterfall. The breeze, carrying refreshing droplets onto the children’s faces, made the moment truly magical. During summer heat, this is an ideal spot for natural cooling. Although the waterfall isn’t always abundant with water, its sheer height makes it special, especially in winter when it occasionally freezes over.

Return Journey and a Well-Deserved Picnic

We didn’t stay long at the base of the waterfall, as it’s steep with limited flat, safe space for play and exploration. After a quick rest and some energy snacks, we decided to return the same way. The other option is a circular route that continues from there on a flat path to Uževice. Although the younger kids initially seemed tired, climbing the switchbacks was surprisingly easier and quicker than we expected. Of course, the motivating effect of the group certainly helped!

After our successful climb, a picnic on the plateau above the waterfall was absolutely well-deserved. The kids had plenty of room to play there. They especially loved exploring the stream, but always under the watchful eyes of their parents. We cooled off with the cold spring water and enjoyed the food we’d brought.

Our outing, including the walk, lasted about six hours, but if you’re pressed for time, the tour can be shortened to four hours or less. This trip can also be combined with a picnic at the resting area and a visit to the viewpoint without descending all the way to the waterfall’s base. We’ve done that several times during the summer.

It’s important to note that if you don’t have a car, you can also reach Nahorevo by public transport (minibus). From the bus station in Nahorevo, you can then get to Uževice.

What Else to See Nearby?

For those seeking an extra dose of adventure near Skakavac Waterfall, thrill-seekers can enjoy the “Bukovik-Bijela Stijena” via ferrata, located above the “7 vrela” (7 springs) locality. Additionally, on the other side of Skakavac, you’ll find Motika Peak, home to a mountain lodge of the same name. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or simply seeking relaxing natural beauty, this region offers a wealth of activities sure to delight the entire family.

Our entire outing left us feeling invigorated – we nourished our souls, cleansed our lungs, and had a fantastic time. Given that this was our first trip of this kind, the children truly impressed us with their energy and stamina.

Keep reading our content, and let us know if you found this information useful!

Tour Technical Data

Starting Point: Uževice, or the Ravne locality if you have smaller children.

Destination: The base of Skakavac Waterfall.

Elevation Difference: 100 meters from the viewpoint to the base of the waterfall.

Duration: Approximately one and a half to two hours of walking from Uževice (depending on the children).

Safety Information: While most of the trail is suitable for family walks, the final section can be challenging for younger children, especially due to the steep descent to the waterfall. If it rained the day before, the terrain can be slippery and dangerous, and we do not advise descending to the waterfall’s base.

Equipment: Be sure to bring comfortable footwear like sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, a small backpack with essentials, a hat, and extra clothes, especially if you plan a longer stay in nature.

Recommendations and Tips

• We first visited Skakavac last April (when this text was written) and returned in July and September. Find photos from all three unforgettable trips in our gallery.
• Although there are several sources of potable water, we recommend bringing at least 0.5 liters of water per person to start, along with simple meals like sandwiches, fruit, and light snacks.
• It’s advisable to plan this outing during stable, warmer weather, especially to enjoy the pleasant shade provided by the forests in the area.
• The tour is simple to undertake and has minimal costs.
• Invite friends with children to join you for the hike, a shared picnic, and quality time in nature!