Welcome to Sipovo
Welcome to Šipovo, where the Janj River gracefully meets the Pliva. Nestled in the southern part of western Republika Srpska, this charming town is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty. Its rich landscapes have made Sipovo a leading destination for rural tourism in Republika Srpska.
The town itself boasts a linear layout. At its heart, you’ll find the Nikola Kokosar Cultural Center, the Sipovo Public Library, a monument to the national hero Sima Solaja, and the local church.
Culture
Located in a valley where several rivers converge and situated on important trade routes, this municipality has been densely populated since ancient times. The Mezei tribes left behind numerous remnants of their material culture, including over 30 hillforts from that period. The region continued to thrive under Roman, Slavic, and Ottoman rule. Soko Grad, a medieval fortress known as the last refuge of Bosnian King Stjepan Tomašević, is of particular historical significance. More than 100 archaeological sites have been identified within the municipality.
The famous Salt Road once passed through Sipovo, and remnants of it can still be seen today. Numerous stećci, medieval tombstones, testify to the rich culture and significance of this region throughout history. The Sipovo area is also known for the medieval Glogovac Monastery.
Nature
Sipovo is situated in a picturesque mountain region, intersected by the rivers Pliva and Janj, and smaller tributaries such as Sokočnica, Lubovica, and Volarica. The surrounding mountains of Vitorog, Plazenica, Ravna Gora, Gorica, Lisina, and Čardak create a stunning backdrop. The area is characterized by extensive forests, with deciduous trees like beech and hornbeam predominating at lower altitudes, while coniferous forests of spruce and fir thrive at higher elevations.
Nearby, you can find one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests, Janj. The region’s natural wonders include caves – Sokolacka and Vaganska, Đol lake, and the distinctive Janj islands.
Adventure
Adventurers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts will find everything they’re looking for in Šipovo. Numerous biking and hiking trails wind through unique landscapes, offering stunning views and thrilling experiences. Whether you’re an avid angler, a keen photographer, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, Šipovo has something for you. Discover hidden caves, cascading waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and dramatic canyons.
Gastro
Janj kajmak, a creamy dairy product unique to the village of Janj, is just one of the many culinary delights that make Šipovo a must-visit destination. Other local specialties include the Janjska pletenica and trout cooked on “talandara”.
Combined with the region’s stunning natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people, a visit to Sipovo offers a truly unforgettable experience
Tourist organization of Sipovo
Glogovac Monastery
A medieval monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church dedicated to Saint George, the Great Martyr. The traditional Janjsky Sabor (assembly) is held at the monastery. It is located in Janj, in the canyon of the Glogovac river, among the hills of the Gorica mountain. It was established during the reign of Kings Dragutin and Milutin in the first half of the 14th century.
The cultural event, Janjski Sabor, has been held at the Glogovac Monastery since the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The assembly takes place annually on the Sunday of All Saints. It is the largest religious gathering in this part of Republika Srpska. In 1991, Patriarch Pavle of Serbia attended the renewal of this traditional event.
Vagan Cave
Located 19 kilometers from Šipovo, near the village of Vagan on the road to Kupres, lies the Vagan Cave. Despite its relatively short length of 420 meters, this cave is considered one of the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to its stunning formations and abundance of cave decorations.
Currently, a 120-meter-long trail offers visitors access to several remarkable sections of the cave, including the Shepherd’s Hall, Fox’s Channel, Simo Šolaja Gallery, Janjski Channels, Giants’ Hall, Abyss Channel, and Rade Marijan Hall. The cave is adorned with massive, dark-colored formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones, which fill almost every chamber and passage.
The cave is open to visitors from April to October.
Springs of Pliva River
In a breathtaking, pristine wilderness, exuding freshness and greenery, at an altitude of 481 meters above sea level, three springs emerge. Just a few hundred meters further, they converge to form the Pliva River. These three united springs give rise to the peaceful and gentle Pliva River, which, with its 33-kilometer length, flows primarily through Šipovo and, together with the Janj River, joins the Vrbas in Jajce.
Known for its beauty, rich flora and fauna, crystal-clear purity, low temperatures ranging from eight to ten degrees Celsius, and especially for the Pliva trout, the Pliva River is a true attraction for passionate fishing enthusiasts and fly fishermen.
“Fly fishing” Center Pliva
A fisherman’s paradise, the Pliva River is synonymous with fly fishing. Its entire 33km length is easily accessible and equally appealing, teeming with diverse fish species. Few rivers can boast grayling as long as half a meter or brown trout weighing up to 6kg. Anglers and fly fishers from around the globe flock here year-round, considering it a natural sanctuary. The fly fishing season is always excellent, but May is a favorite among enthusiasts due to the abundance of large Mayflies and stoneflies, perfect for this type of fishing.
Ada Sokocnica Recreational Area
Ada Sokocnica is a charming recreational area, conveniently located just a short distance from the city center. Nestled along the banks of the Pliva River, it provides a serene setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The area is especially popular during the warmer months and serves as the starting point for a breathtaking hiking trail.
The Pliva, Janj, and Sokočnica rivers
The Pliva region is a unique natural and tourist destination, created for modern-day relaxation with its stunning natural beauty and phenomena. In the western part of the municipality of Šipovo, 8.5 km from the city center at an altitude of 481 meters, three springs emerge to form the Pliva River. In this beautiful area, anglers will find crystal-clear waters teeming with noble fish, while hunters can enjoy mountain hunting grounds full of game. For those interested in history, Pliva offers the remains of ancient settlements, and for speleologists, there are unexplored caves and the rugged, rocky canyon of its tributaries, the Janj and Sokočnica rivers. The diversity of this region is what makes it so appealing. The Pliva River, with its exceptional clarity, unique color, and abundant fish, is a true paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts.
