The Neretva River

Introduction

The Neretva River is one of southeastern Europe’s most remarkable waterways, weaving together nature, culture, history, and modern development in a tapestry that defines the landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Stretching for over 225 kilometers, it drains a significant portion of the Dinaric Alps before reaching the Adriatic Sea, giving life to rich ecosystems, thriving human settlements, and diverse cultural traditions along its banks.

More than just a river, the Neretva is a geographical artery that has shaped the region’s ecology, economy, and identity for millennia. From its cold, emerald-green headwaters in the high mountains to the fertile deltas near the sea, the Neretva’s journey reflects both the timeless flow of water and the dynamic evolution of human societies around it.

Origins and Geography

The Neretva River finds its source in the Dinaric Alps, arising near the slopes of Lebršnik and Zelengora mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina at over 1,200 meters above sea level. The river’s headwaters are characteristic of mountain streams -narrow, swift, and crystal-clear, cascading through alpine valleys and deep gorges with shaded forests and limestone cliffs on either side.

It begins its course flowing northwest, then arcs southwest toward Mostar, cutting through dramatic canyons that have inspired both awe and admiration for centuries. As it descends, the river escapes its mountainous confines and enters broader valleys and fertile plains, passing through a sequence of towns and cities that owe much of their history to the river itself.

The total length of the Neretva is approximately 225–230 kilometers (about 140 miles), with roughly 203 kilometers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the final 20–22 kilometers in Croatia before emptying into the Adriatic Sea near the town of Ploče. Its watershed is the largest in the eastern Adriatic basin, and the river’s course traverses a wide range of landscapes—from rugged highlands and ancient stone cities to marshy wetlands and fertile agricultural plains.

Physical Characteristics

1. Upper Course

In its upper reaches, the Neretva is a mountain river defined by steep gradients, deep canyon walls, and rapid flows. In places, the river drops sharply, creating turbulent waters that both fascinate and challenge adventure seekers. It is in this section that the river’s water remains exceptionally cold—some of the coldest in Europe, even during summer months—often cited for temperatures below 10°C.

The Upper Neretva Canyon, particularly between Glavatičevo and Konjic, is renowned among rafters and kayakers for its scenic beauty and technical rapids, making it a key destination for outdoor tourism. The sheer limestone cliffs and the narrow riverbed present striking views and thrilling passages suitable for both experienced and recreational rafters.

2. Middle Course

As the river approaches towns like Jablanica and Mostar, its flow moderates into broader valleys. The valley around Mostar is one of the most visually stunning parts of the river, with meadows and citrus groves bordering the water and the iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most) standing as a cultural symbol over its green waters. Here, the river supports not only scenic value but also agricultural fertility and urban life.

The river’s middle course includes several major hydroelectric facilities, including the Jablanica, Salakovac, Grabovica, and Mostar plants, which create artificial lakes such as Jablanica Lake. While these structures provide vital energy and water regulation, they also interrupt the natural flow of the river—a subject of ongoing environmental debate.

3. Lower Course and Delta

After crossing into Croatia, the Neretva flattens out and enters its delta region, a sprawling and productive agricultural zone that supports a variety of crops, including vegetables, citrus fruits, and olives.

The Neretva Delta is ecologically rich and has been recognized as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds, freshwater fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Its labyrinth of canals and reeds creates a mosaic landscape that sustains both wildlife and human agricultural practices—an intricate balance of nature and cultivation.

Tributaries and Hydrology

The Neretva’s basin includes more than 30 significant tributaries, which enhance the river’s flow and ecological diversity. Among the most notable are the Buna, Bregava, Rakitnica, Krupa, and Trebižat rivers.

The Buna River, renowned for its powerful karstic spring at Vrelo Bune near Blagaj, enters the Neretva with waters so cold and clear they reflect the surrounding mountains like glass.
The Bregava River, flowing through the historic town of Stolac, supports endemic species such as the softmouth trout and adds to the region’s biodiverse aquatic life.

Together, these tributaries feed the Neretva’s rich aquatic system and influence its seasonal flows, contributing to a dynamic hydrological character that supports ecosystems from mountain fast waters to wide, marshy floodplains.

Ecology and Biodiversity

The Neretva River is an ecological jewel in the heart of the Balkans. It supports one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in European rivers, with over 1,300 plant and animal species documented in its basin. The river’s contrasting environments—from the cold, oxygen-rich upper stretches to the warm, fertile delta—create niche habitats for many rare and endemic organisms.

Flora and Fauna

In the upper and middle reaches, the river’s clean waters are home to species like:

Adriatic and softmouth trout
Various cyprinids and endemic fish species
Freshwater crayfish
Numerous aquatic invertebrates that support larger food chains

In the surrounding wetlands and delta, the diversity expands to include:

Over 300 bird species, many of which use the delta as a migratory stopover or breeding ground
Amphibians, reptiles, and mammals such as otters and waterfowl
Rich plant communities adapted to marsh and rivulet environments

This biological wealth makes the Neretva Basin a focal point for conservationists and scientists alike, who emphasize the river’s importance not only for the region but for European freshwater ecosystems as a whole.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The banks of the Neretva River have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest human settlement in the region going back to as early as 11,000 B.C. Over millennia, the river corridor became a crossroads for cultures, empires, and civilizations.

Ancient and Medieval Eras

In antiquity, Illyrians, Romans, and later Slavic and Ottoman peoples recognized the Neretva’s strategic importance, building settlements and fortifications along its course. The name “Neretva” itself may derive from an ancient Illyrian term meaning “flowing divinity” or a sacred force of nature—an apt name for a river that seemed to embody life itself.

Roman ruins, including villas and temples, have been uncovered near the river, most notably at the site of Narona near present-day Vid in Croatia—a testament to the river’s early integration into trade and transport networks.

Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Influences

During the Ottoman period, towns like Mostar, Počitelj, and Čapljina flourished along the Neretva’s shores. Mostar’s Old Bridge, built in 1566, became an architectural marvel and cultural symbol—an enduring emblem of both Ottoman craftsmanship and the connectivity the river enabled.

The bridge’s destruction in the Bosnian War of the 1990s and its subsequent reconstruction supported by UNESCO stands not only as a tribute to cultural resilience but also as a symbol of reconciliation among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s diverse peoples.

Modern Historical Moments

The Neretva Valley was also the stage for significant events in the 20th century, notably during World War II when a major battle—known as the Battle of the Neretva—took place between Yugoslav Partisans and Axis forces. This engagement highlighted the river’s strategic importance and the rugged landscape’s influence on warfare.

Economic and Social Importance

The Neretva River has always been more than a scenic watercourse; it has supported livelihoods, trade, and agriculture for centuries.

Agriculture and Irrigation

In the river’s lower reaches, especially within the Neretva Delta, agricultural practices thrive on the fertile soils enriched by centuries of sediment deposits. The delta supports cultivation of citrus fruits, vegetables, and olives—crops that flourish under Mediterranean climates and contribute to local economies through both domestic consumption and export.

Fisheries and Water Use

Fishermen have depended on the Neretva’s rich fish populations for generations, sustained by the river’s clean, oxygen-rich waters and diverse aquatic ecosystems. Fly fishing, in particular, has become a cultural tradition, with dedicated spots near towns like Mostar and Glavatičevo drawing anglers from near and far.

Hydroelectric Power

The Neretva’s strong currents and elevation changes have made it a prime site for hydroelectric power generation. Dams like Jablanica and Salakovac harness the river’s energy to supply electricity to the region, contributing to energy independence and supporting urban and industrial use.

However, these projects also spark environmental debates. Critics argue that dams disrupt natural flow regimes, alter sediment transport, and fragment habitats—a tension between renewable energy goals and ecosystem integrity. Environmental activists have protested new dam constructions, citing potential impacts on endemic species and the tourism economy linked to river recreation.

Tourism and Recreation

In recent decades, the Neretva River has emerged as a significant destination for tourism, attracting visitors interested in history, nature, and adventure.

Adventure Tourism

White-water rafting, kayaking, and canyoning are among the most popular activities on the Neretva, especially in the upper canyon sections near Glavatičevo and Konjic. These areas offer a mix of excitement and scenic beauty—cold emerald waters rushing past limestone walls, interspersed with calmer pools and hidden coves.

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Mostar continues to draw visitors with its blend of Ottoman architecture, cobbled streets, and lively markets, all centered around the Old Bridge and its reflection on the River’s serene surface. Cultural festivals, traditional crafts, and local cuisine make the region rich in experiences that combine history with contemporary life.

Nature-Based and Eco-Tourism

The Neretva Delta’s wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, offering glimpses of herons, egrets, and other migratory species against a backdrop of reeds and winding canals. Boat tours, cycling routes, and guided nature walks help visitors connect with the river’s natural rhythms while promoting awareness of conservation needs.

Environmental Challenges

Despite its beauty and ecological value, the Neretva River faces significant environmental pressures.

Pollution and Waste

Urban growth and inadequate wastewater treatment in towns along the river contribute to water quality issues, particularly in the lower reaches where agricultural runoff and solid waste can accumulate.

Hydropower and Habitat Fragmentation

As mentioned, hydroelectric development is controversial. While existing plants provide energy, planned new dams and reservoirs risk further disrupting the natural dynamism of the river, impacting fish migration and altering sediment flows that are essential for healthy ecosystems.