Welcome to Bratunac
The Municipality of Bratunac is located in the northeastern part of the Republic of Srpska. The 68 kilometers of river Drina banks are the main driving force for the development of tourism in Bratunac. Covering an area of 293 km², with an altitude ranging from 174 meters in the lower areas to 1,098 meters in the higher regions, Bratunac offers opportunities for the development of recreational, religious, adventure and rural tourism.
Culture
The rich history of this region, which dates back to Roman times when Bratunac was the border between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, as well as the more recent history from the last two centuries has left behind significant landmarks, monuments and traces of numerous civilizations. Today, this legacy forms a diverse offering of archaeological and religious sites worth visiting. The oldest necropolis of medieval and Roman Stecak tombstones from the early Christian period in Bacici, Banjevici, and Jagodnja has hundreds of well-preserved and finely ornamented monuments. The “Osacani” architectural heritage in villages around Fakovici and Zlijebac is a unique attraction for history and art lovers. Among the most significant religious landmarks that serve as cultural monuments are the 19th century Orthodox churches in Zlijebac, Fakovici, and Kravica, which are must-see locations. When it comes to more recent cultural monuments, visitors should not miss the monumental steel obelisk, a work by sculptor Petar Krstic. It serves as the central complex of the town’s memorial park and was built in honor of the victims of the National Liberation Struggle (NOB).
Cultural and artistic life in Bratunac is preserved by institutions such as the Bratunac Cultural Center and the National Library of Bratunac, along with the amateur theater “Milica Topalovic” and the cinema “Bratunac”. The Culture and Art Association “Most” from Bratunac, with more than 150 members organized into several sections preserves and promotes the traditional dances, clothing and customs of the Birac region. The association organizes folklore festivals and spiritual evenings and actively promotes the Bratunac area through performances at festivals around the world.
Nature
Drina River represents a significant potential for Bratunac and the entire Western Balkans, evident in its hydro potential as well as in the charming beauty of its banks and crystal clear waterflow. With numerous cascades, rapids and whirlpools, Drina offers exciting possibilities for water-based activities. The fact that one-fifth of its total length flows through Bratunac creates numerous opportunities for rafting, swimming, diving, and other adrenaline-infused water activities.
Adventure
An adventure not to be missed is the “Drina Slalom” regatta, traditionally held every first Saturday in August. During this event, the Drina transforms into a true little “carnival” on the water, attracting visitors from all over Europe who enjoy the descent down the river from Fakovici to “Paradise Beach” in Krasanpolje. “Drina Slalom” is an event that combines numerous sports activities, including beach volleyball and football tournaments, rafting and kayaking competitions, diving, and others. All of these take place at “Bratunac’s sea”, the “Paradise Beach”.
The fun doesn’t stop when the boats dock at Paradise Beach, as the entire water “carnival” moves to the town center. There the event is concluded with a spectacular concert with fireworks in the town square.
With “Paradise Beach” Eco-Rafting Club and Bratunac Tourism Organization, you can book individual rafting, kayaking and canoeing tours, as well as peaceful river descents with trained skippers and all accompanying offers – from culinary products to diving tours and underwater photography of the rich flora and fauna of the Drina river. You can complete your experience of this river beauty by staying right on its banks in one of the many holiday homes, bungalows or at the arranged camp at Paradise Beach.
The relief and terrain configuration of Bratunac provide ideal conditions for the development of mountaineering and mountain biking, activities that are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you prefer cycling or riding quads along the 68km long asphalt route following the Drina river bank, or exploring forest and rural roads with plenty of climbs and descents, these trails offer not only the thrill of the ride but also the breathtaking beauty of unspoiled nature and stunning landscapes along the way. Marked hiking paths across the mountain ranges of Ludmer, Osat, Caus, and other natural gems offer perfect conditions for outdoor recreation and the development of mountaineering disciplines. Events such as the “March to Bijeli Kamen” and the mountain bike cross-country race “Drina MTB Caravan” attract hundreds of nature enthusiasts from across the region. Every September they “take over” the Bratunac hills and enjoy in this unforgettable adventure.
You can plan and organize your unforgettable moments in the mountains of Bratunac with the help of the “KIK” Mountaineering Association and the “Mountain Bike” cycling club. They can set you up with a nature adventure specifically to your preferences, ensuring an experience that suits your interests.
Gastro
The abundant wildlife along the 68 kilometers of the Drina River in Bratunac is a remarkable gift of nature, forming the foundation for sport fishing in the area. The middle stream of the Drina in Bratunac is home to numerous freshwater fish species, including chub, roach, barbel, bleak, trout, catfish, and of course the huchen, known as the “queen” of Drina. This fish is famous in the region for its impressive size, with specimens over 30 kilograms traditionally found in these waters.
With 12 designated fishing areas and one reserve in development, Sport Fishing Association “Drina” from Bratunac manages and oversees the fishing resources of the region, with a tradition of over 65 years. The central event “Skobaljijada” (sneep catching) held every August, brings together numerous sport fishing lovers. Fishermen from across the region and abroad compete along the Drina’s banks. Meanwhile, the event’s showcase segment, the “Golden Cauldron of Podrinje” fills the air along Paradise Beach with delightful aromas of the finest fish stews and other dishes prepared from Drina fish.
With its reputation as the unofficial raspberry capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, good rural infrastructure, hardworking and creative hosts and enchanting nature, Bratunac is emerging as a prime destination for the growth and improvement of rural tourism. The production and sale of healthy food, organic fruit and vegetables, an abundance of forest produce, the warmth of rural households and food preparation in traditional ways are just some of the highlights Bratunac’s agriculture tourism offers to potential visitors.
Family households like “Neskovic” from Pobrdje, “Dukic” from Boljevici and numerous households run by women entrepreneurs that are cooperating through the Women’s Agricultural Cooperative “Zena” (the only women’s cooperative in Bratunac) are among the must-see localities where you can enjoy warm hospitality and a variety of products. Active vacation in these households can include participating in the preparation of traditional products alongside your hosts, picking raspberries, strawberries and blackberries in family orchards, or walking through nearby centuries-old oak forests brimming with edible mushrooms. Particularly noteworthy are the famous porcini mushrooms and saffron milk caps, which are considered delicacies of the region. This type of tourism offers an escape from the stress of modern life, providing you and your children with a chance to reconnect with nature and people’s hospitality in warm family atmosphere.
Tourist organization of Bratunac
Bratunac Tourism
Tourist-recreational complex “Paradise Beach”
This complex is a true gem on the banks of the Drina River, offering unforgettable experiences and enjoyment by the cleanest river in Europe. Spanning over 10ha, the complex offers a variety of attractions available throughout the year. However, “Paradise Beach” shows its true colors during the summer months, attracting more than 4,000 visitors a day. Visitors can enjoy dozens of beach and tropical bars, fast food stands, children’s play area, sports fields, arranged camping area, picnic tables, areas with grills and roasting pits, swimming area, showers, diving platforms and a dock for boats and kayaks. These features have earned the complex the well-deserved nickname “Bratunac Sea”.
Within the complex and its immediate vicinity there are numerous vacation homes and bungalows, along with an arranged camping area for tents and trailers. These accommodations provide excellent conditions for guests that seek to experience this Drina “paradise.” Visitors can also rent rafting boats, kayaks and canoes, arrange rafting trips down the Drina, enjoy sport fishing on marked trails or participate in hiking and biking tours to Skaradovica (682m), where stunning views of the Drina Basin and the mountains of western Serbia await.
Managed by the Bratunac Tourist Organization, this recreational spot offers a range of activities that ensure an unforgettable stay.
