Overview
Jajce's Pliva Waterfall sits where the Pliva meets the Vrbas River. A hilltop fortress overlooks an old town dotted with historic monuments.
History · Nature
Did you know?
- The fortress, monastery and old town gates cluster in a compact historic center.
- Little watermills stand beside Pliva Lake.
- The Pliva Waterfall marks the meeting of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers.
Why go?
Jajce is a compact, walkable walled town in the Bosanska Krajina region of northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main draw is the dramatic Pliva Waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas River, plus a hilltop fortress with panoramic views and 24 national monuments scattered throughout the old town. It makes an ideal overnight stop or day trip from Banja Luka or Travnik.
Get in
Jajce sits at the crossroads of roads from Banja Luka (north), Mrkonjic Grad (northwest), and Donji Vakuf (south). Buses on the Banja Luka-Sarajevo line stop in Jajce. The bus to or from Travnik costs 17.20 KM and takes 1½ hours.
Get around
The easiest way to get around Jajce is on foot. All main sites—the fortress, Pliva Waterfall, Franciscan monastery, and old town gates—are located within a short distance of each other in the compact historic center.
Activities
Five kilometers up the Pliva River from town lies Pliva Lake, where visitors can go swimming or fishing, or camp beside its little watermills. Photographers will find the best shot from across the river on the far bank, capturing the falls, city, and fortress together.
Eat and drink
A number of reasonably priced restaurants and cafes line H.V.Hrvatinića in the town centre. Cevab Dzinica Dedo is a great inexpensive option hidden behind the tourist area, with a terrace overlooking the river canyon. A series of bars and clubs are located just outside the south side of the city walls along the same street.
Sleep
The Jajce Youth Hostel is a modern building about 5-10 minutes walk from the town centre on Stjepana Tomasevica 11, with ample free parking and a campsite available in summer. Dorm beds start at 24 KM, private rooms from 30 KM.
Go next
Banja Luka is about 1½ hours' drive up the Vrbas river through fantastic gorges and rural scenery. Travnik is connected by bus (17.20 KM, 1½ hours). The town sits at the crossroads of routes from Banja Luka, Mrkonjic Grad, and Donji Vakuf.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Jajce Youth Hostel
A modern building about 5-10 minutes walk outside of the town centre. Ample free parking. Campsite available in summer.
Price when recorded: Dorm 24 KM, Private from 30 KM
Eat
Cevab Dzinica Dedo
A great and inexpensive gem hidden behind the tourist eyes. It has a great view and terrace over the river canyon.
See
Ethno museum
If you're interested in the town's history, you can get several books (including serious monographies) here. The exhibit itself is nothing spectacular.
Price when recorded: 4 KM
See
Fortress
Dominating the town, this hilltop fortress offers great views over the town and nearby hills. Inside it is very sparse with almost no information and little more than the walls to walk around, however you will likely have the place to yourself. Pleasant views over the town but debatable if these alone warrant the cost and the steep walk up.
Price when recorded: 5 KM
See
Franciscan monastery
Monastery with many artworks and historical items, the latter including the skeleton of the last Bosnian king.
See
Pliva Waterfall
This is the waterfall where the Pliva River meets the Vrbas River. Scenic view points can be accessed on both sides of the waterfall (the southern offering the better view), and on the far bank requiring more effort to get to but a great view back across the town. Viewing the waterfall from above is free, but less spectacular. Expensive for what amounts to a 10 minutes stroll and a photo opportunity.
Price when recorded: 8 KM
See
Underground church - Catacombs
A cluster of small rooms make up the catacombs. Very dim light combined with uneven ground mean caution is needed. The 5 minutes it takes to visit hardly warrants the entrance fee, although a guidebook sold at the ticket kiosk helps.
Price when recorded: 4 KM
Buy
TROPIC Supermarket
A large shop just outside the city walls provides all daily needs.
Before you go
Money
The local currency is Bosnian Marka (KM). ATM availability should be confirmed before arrival as Jajce is a small town.
Safety
Many sights inside Jajce are not constantly staffed; you may need to find the keyholder or follow notes posted on site.
Transport
Jajce is a compact walkable town; all major sights are within the old walled center. Buses connect to Banja Luka and Travnik.