Holiday apartment in Šipovo – Nature along the Janj and Pliva rivers

Šipovo reveals its special character where headwaters, gorges and traditional culture come together. The Prašuma Janj is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe”. In addition, there are aquatic landscapes, medieval sites, annual events and regional specialities.

Nature

The canyon of the Janj River is a protected nature reserve. The source of the Janj River is suitable for picnics and walks; the source itself can only be reached on foot. Four kilometres downstream from the source of the Janj lie the Janjske otoke beside the main road from Šipovo to Kupres. They comprise several cascades and waterfalls and form a karst valley approximately one kilometre long and about 300 metres wide. There is also a hiking trail in the Janj Canyon.

Water

In the western part of the municipality of Šipovo, the Pliva River rises 8.5 kilometres from the town centre at an altitude of 481 metres, from three springs. Along its accessible 33-kilometre stretch, it offers diverse fish stocks and opportunities for fly fishing. May is considered the preferred month for fly fishing on the Pliva River because large mayflies and stoneflies are common then.

Ada Sokočnica, a developed recreational area suitable for excursions and summer outdoor activities, lies on the Pliva River. A hiking trail begins at Ada Sokočnica. The Sokočnica River flows through a ten-kilometre-long canyon; this canyon is a route for photo safaris and hikes.

Trails

Šipovo has numerous cycling and hiking trails through characteristic landscapes. Another special feature is Vaganska Cave: it is located 19 kilometres from Šipovo near the village of Vagan on the road to Kupres. Thus, alongside trails along rivers and through canyons, the area around the town also offers underground natural formations.

History

Soko Grad is a medieval fortress known as the last refuge of the Bosnian King Stjepan Tomašević. The historic salt road also passed through Šipovo; its remains are still visible today.

Glogovac Monastery is a medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery dedicated to Saint George the Great Martyr. It is located in Janj, in the canyon of the Glogovac stream between the hills of the Gorice mountain range. The monastery was established in the first half of the 14th century during the reign of Kings Dragutin and Milutin.

Culture

The cultural event Janjski Sabor has been held every year at Glogovac Monastery on All Saints’ Sunday since the time of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Dani Šipova is a traditional event that offers a sports, cultural and entertainment programme every July. Also held every July in Strojice is the Janjski višeboj, a traditional sports and cultural event.

The traditional costume from Janj is preserved by members of the “Janj” Cultural and Artistic Society from Strojice. The “Svetosavska Exhibition” displays works of art and folk handicrafts. In Šipovo, historical buildings are therefore complemented by living forms of festive culture, craftsmanship and regional tradition.

Regional specialities

At the Pitijada, participants compete to roll out dough quickly and prepare pita. Janj is also known for its braided Janj cheese, Gužvaš cheese and Janj kajmak.

More destinations

If you would like to compare Šipovo with other places, you can find the respective location pages for Vrhovina, Karanovac, Bijeljina, Bileća, Dera, Mrkonjić Grad, Pale and Rudo Polje.

For the higher-level travel overview: Republika Srpska.