Planning to explore Europe’s last undiscovered gem soon? Looking for the adrenaline rush and totally unknown places to conquer? Eager to discover the most adventurous region in Bosnia & Herzegovina? Come, see, and be overwhelmed by the amazing Banja Luka and its high-thrill-seeking adventures. Just a short distance from Banja Luka, there are incredible opportunities for all nature and adrenaline lovers. So if you have pinned mind-boggling Banja Luka on your bucket list, you are about to live a once-in-a-lifetime thrill and carpe diem time.
Its main watercourse Vrbas River, which created a fantastic canyon in the city's proximity (with numerous rapids, waterfalls and cascades), is a natural reserve par excellence. Known as an adrenalin paradise, it offers unlimited opportunities for water sports such as rafting, kayak-canoeing and dayaking.
Rafting
When it comes to white-water rafting in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the best experience awaits you at the Vrbas River Canyon. This mountainous river offers top-class rafting conditions with breathtaking sceneries and adventurous rides. Therefore, it has already hosted the European White-water Rafting Championship (2005) and World Rafting Championship (2009 & 2022). One curiosity, Vrbas is the only river where night rafting can be performed, attracting rafting lovers worldwide.
Kayak-Canoeing
Perhaps less known, but even more daring than rafting is a kayak-canoeing. Vrbas River is among the rare watercourses that meet strict conditions for this sport. Hence, in recent years, the Wild-water Canoeing European Championship (2015) and Wild-water Canoeing World Championship (2016) occurred here.
Canyoning
For those that are really physically fit, the best adventurous experience will be canyoning in the Vrbas River Canyon. This mix of climbing, mountaineering, swimming and jumping will offer memorable moments. In addition, you will experience a complete wilderness, just a short distance from the city.
Climbing & mountaineering
Extreme rocks in the Vrbas Canyon are the perfect place for climbing for all difficulty levels. For less daring, one can hike and admire an incredible view of the canyon, clear springs, archaeological formations, medieval towns, monasteries and some of the deepest caves in the country.
Paragliding & skydiving
After experiencing everything from the ground, wouldn’t it be great to enjoy the phenomenal views from the bird’s perspective? You have got two options – paragliding and skydiving. A hair-raising rush of adrenaline like no other is guaranteed. A real carpe diem.
Where to stay & how to explore the city
When in Banja Luka, especially if in a couple, indulge with your partner in a peaceful 2-hour romantic walking tour in Banja Luka and witness some stunning areas. Bond with nature and hear local love stories. Alternatively, take a peek behind Banja Luka’s big tourist attractions and treat your eyes to a few hidden city gems on this walking tour. After all that walking around, finding a quiet place to stay is best. I suggest booking your stay at the Hotel Intera or Courtyard by Marriott Banja Luka, both recently built complexes close to the city center.
Banj Brdo
The final step in your Banja Luka adventure should be conquering the highest peak above the city, a hill called Banj Brdo. When on the top, you will be admiring the best panorama of Banja Luka and the Vrbas River. Nobody would be surprised if you get nostalgic at the end of your Carpe Diem journey. It would just mean you joined “the club of people in awe of Banja Luka”.
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The author
Ljiljana Krejic
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