[wzslider]After an eco-tourism development project funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and, most recently, the European Union, the community has mobilized to cash-in on the many gifts Mother Nature bestowed on them. Šipovo is a sleepy town, sandwiched between the great and barren valleys of western Bosnia and towns of Jajce and Mrkonjić Grad to its east. Many in Šipovo are small-scale agriculturists. The soil is fertile and rich and the vast quantities of fresh water create an ideal microclimate for successful farming. The countryside is dotted with quaint villages, lakes, and rolling hills. It is also dominated by the high peaks of Vitorog Mountain to the west and the gushing sources of Pliva and Janj Rivers.
Šipovo is a nature lover’s destination. With the exception of Soko grad Fortress and Glogovac Monastery,there is not much to speak of in terms of cultural and historical sites…that’s what neighboring Jajce is for. The easiest area to access is the Pljeva region just six kilometers northwest of Šipovo. This is where you’ll find Olić and Đol lakes, the largest cluster of B&B accommodations, the source of the Pliva River, and one of the region’s most popular fly-fishing destinations. A bit further from Šipovo is the Janj Islet area. There are a handful of B&Bs here. Mother Nature does all the rest.
Check in at the tourist organization before embarking on a journey. If you’d like to just wander and explore, Šipovo is a good place to do so.
Tourist Organization of Šipovo
Address: Gavrila Principa 7a. Phone: 050 371 298.Web: www.sipovo-tourism.com. Email: office@sipovo-tourism.com.
The tourist organization is located in the middle of town. During the season they also have a small, log-cabin-kiosk info point. In recent years they have become a lot better organized and now provide not only good and accurate information but can also arrange for guides.
EkoPliva
Address: Donje Pijavice bb. Phone: 030 654 100.Web: www.plivatourism.ba. Email: eko.pliva@gmail.com. Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.
EkoPliva is located on the main road just past the entrance to Jajce. The log cabin on the left hand side of the road (Sarajevo direction) is hard to miss. EkoPliva organizes activities and equipment for the Pliva River and other activities in and around Šipovo. They also organize local B&B stays. You can book online or in person at the office.
ATTRACTIONS
Janj’s Islets
Part of the Janj River, this one-kilometer-long and 300-meter-wide section of the river splits and forms a series of small islets. It is one of the more popular R&R spots for locals and is ideal for walking, picnicking, or to just unplug and enjoy a day in nature. There is a good gravel road that leads to this part of the river.
Monastery Glogovac
Many of the isolated Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina maintain a medieval style. There are several somewhat confusing legends about Glogovac. It is said, for instance, that when permission had been sought from the Ottoman Vizier to build the church he, to the surprise of the community, reluctantly granted it but ordered the church to be built so the church bells could not be heard. This story is repeated in many places around Bosnia and Herzegovina. The confusing aspect of this story: the church was built in 1886, eight years after the Austro-Hungarians gained control from the Ottomans.
Pliva Sources
The beauty of the Pliva River is best understood at its sources. The three major sources of this astounding river are about seven kilometers from Šipovo towards the settlement of Pljeva. Here the riverside is dotted with old mills and traditional style homes, untouched by time and war. All three sources are accessible. There are no facilities around the sources but they make ideal spots for a picnic.
River Janj
The River Janj is special for many reasons. The main tributary to the Pliva River, its pure, crystal-clear water and remoteness make it a peaceful oasis. The old-growth forests of Janj are in this river valley. The Glogovac Monastery was built here. Sited 13 kilometers to the south of Šipovo, Janj has long been among the most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike.
Sokograd Fortress
Perhaps the most important medieval heritage site in the area, the remains of the Sokograd Fortress are located six kilometers northwest of Šipovo. The fortress is first mentioned in 1363 when Tvrtko I defeated a surprised Hungarian army. It was an important stronghold until the collapse of the Bosnian kingdom. The Ottomans utilized it as a guard post until 1833 when their guards permanently retreated from the area. Since that time the fortress has been abandoned and has fallen into disrepair. The fortress is accessible and there are several road signs once you near the fortress in the village of Baraći.
Sokol’s Cave
This cave is found just opposite the Sokograd Fortress in the Sokočnica River Valley. Sokol’s cave is located at 575 meters above sea level with caverns and trails leading in over 100 meters. The remains of ceramics and utensils clearly indicate it was used, and perhaps lived in, during medieval times. The cave is gated and access is possible during the summer tourist season only with a guide.
Vitorog Mountain
This is the highest peak in the Šipovo region. Just under the 2,000-meter mark, this mountain flanks Šipovo’s entire western side. The Vitorog Mountain Association is quite active and through the tourism association one can arrange a hiking excursion. A new EU-funded project should help with making it easier for independent travelers to enjoy Šipovo’s nature without the necessity of a guide.
The photos are courtesy of TORS – Tourism Organization of RS
