The Complete List of Rivers in Bosnia

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s terrain is defined by valleys, karst fields and mountain ranges that channel water into a dense network of rivers; these waterways shape local ecosystems, towns and travel routes across the country. Whether you’re planning a trip, studying hydrology, or just curious, a clear list makes exploring that network easier.

There are exactly 61 Rivers in Bosnia, ranging from Babina rijeka to Žepa. For each entry you’ll find below the essential facts organized as Length (km), Basin / flows into, Notable (cities/features) so you can compare size, drainage and local importance at a glance — you’ll find below.

Which rivers in Bosnia should I study first for travel or research?

Start with the larger, better-documented rivers and their basins because they offer more access points and data: look at the major tributaries feeding the Sava and Drina basins, then notable shorter rivers near towns you plan to visit; the list below pairs lengths with basins and key cities to help you prioritize.

How accurate is the length and basin information in the list?

The list compiles commonly cited measurements and basin names from regional sources; lengths can vary by method and season, so treat figures as comparative guides and consult local hydrological surveys for precise, project-grade data.

Rivers in Bosnia

Images and Descriptions

Sava

A major river that forms much of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s northern border. It drains the country’s northern plain and receives many Bosnian rivers. Include it because it links Bosnia to the wider Danube basin and major towns along the border.

Drina

A large eastern river that forms much of the border with Serbia. It has deep canyons and fast flows and feeds into the Sava. Include it for its size, border role, and popular rafting and hydro sites.

Bosna

A central Bosnian river that gives the country its name. It runs north to the Sava and passes near Sarajevo and Zenica. Include it as a main interior river with many towns and tributaries.

Neretva

A southern river that flows to the Adriatic Sea. It cuts deep canyons and passes Mostar and Konjic. Include it for its scenic canyons, historic bridges, and rafting areas.

Una

A northwestern river known for clear water and waterfalls. It runs toward the Sava and borders parts of Croatia. Include it for its waterfalls, protected parks, and outdoor recreation.

Vrbas

A western-central river that flows north to the Sava. It runs through Banja Luka and strong valleys. Include it for city access, trout fishing, and rafting stretches.

Sana

A clear river in northwest Bosnia that joins the Una system. It passes Sanski Most and Prijedor areas. Include it for clean water, fishing, and small rapids.

Trebišnjica

A karst river in Herzegovina known for sinking and underground flow. It supports reservoirs and hydro works near Trebinje. Include it for unique karst behavior and major water projects.

Lim

An eastern river that runs from Montenegro into Bosnia and links to the Drina basin. It passes hilly, rural places in eastern Bosnia. Include it as part of the Drina water system that affects eastern communities.

Spreča

A northeastern river that feeds the Bosna basin and runs through Tuzla region. It supplies irrigation and local towns. Include it for its role in northeast Bosnian drainage and regional use.

Ukrina

A river in northern Bosnia that joins the Sava basin. It runs through lowland and agricultural areas. Include it as a regional tributary that shapes local landscapes and settlements.

Krivaja

A river in northeastern Bosnia that drains into larger northern basins. It passes wooded hills and small towns. Include it for its local river valleys and communities along its course.

Vrbanja

A mid-sized river that feeds the Vrbas system near Banja Luka. It flows through forested valleys and towns. Include it because it supports local settlements and outdoor activities.

Tinja

A small river in the Tuzla area that connects to the Spreča system. It runs through lowlands and farmland. Include it as part of the Tuzla region’s river network.

Usora

A river in central-northern Bosnia that joins the Bosna basin. It runs by towns and rural areas and helps local agriculture. Include it as a supporting tributary for the Bosna system.

Drinjača

An eastern river that flows into the Drina basin near Zvornik. It runs through mixed low hills and forests. Include it for its role in the eastern river network and nearby towns.

Janja

A small river in northeastern Bosnia that feeds the Drina basin. It passes agricultural plains and smaller settlements. Include it for its local importance in the Drina watershed.

Unac

A river in western Bosnia that joins the Una system. It runs through protected valleys and has clear waters. Include it for local natural areas and connections to the Una parks.

Jadar

An eastern tributary in the Drina basin that runs through rural landscapes. It supports local villages and farmland. Include it as one of the many smaller rivers feeding the Drina.

Prača

A river rising in the mountains and joining the Drina system. It runs through steep valleys and small towns. Include it for mountain scenery and its role in eastern drainage.

Gomjenica

A regional stream that feeds a larger Bosnian basin and runs through mixed farmland. It links local villages to bigger rivers. Include it as part of the detailed river list for the region.

Tolisa

A river in the Posavina plains that drains toward the Sava. It flows through flat agricultural land and towns. Include it for its role in northern plain drainage and local communities.

Japra

A tributary of the Sana in the northwest. It runs through river valleys and supports local farming. Include it as part of the Sana river network and regional geography.

Trebižat

A karst river in Herzegovina with striking springs and seasonal changes. It often sinks and resurges and joins the Adriatic basin. Include it for its karst features and local tourist spots.

Lašva

A central river that feeds the Bosna and runs through Travnik and Vitez. It cuts through valleys with historic towns. Include it for its cultural towns and central location.

Šuica

A smaller karst-influenced river in the south-central region. It runs through steep terrain and joins larger southern basins. Include it for local karst scenery and valley routes.

Fojnička rijeka

A river around Fojnica that joins the Bosna basin. It runs through forested hills and spa towns. Include it for its proximity to Fojnica and regional freshwater sources.

Ugar

A tributary of the Vrbas that runs through mountainous country. It passes narrow valleys and rural settlements. Include it for its mountain streams and local recreation.

Bistrica (Drina)

A mountain river that feeds the Drina basin near eastern Bosnia. It runs through steep gorges and forest. Include it for its role in the Drina watershed and wild scenery.

Miljacka

A small river that runs through Sarajevo before joining the Bosna system. It flows through the city center and historic areas. Include it because it crosses the capital and shapes Sarajevo’s geography.

Sutjeska

A river in southeastern Bosnia that flows to the Drina. It runs through the Sutjeska National Park and deep canyons. Include it for its national park, hiking routes, and wartime history.

Rama

A Herzegovina river that feeds the Adriatic drainage and flows through Rama valley and a reservoir. It runs by small towns and karst terrain. Include it for local hydropower and lakeside scenery.

Lištica

A short karst river near Široki Brijeg that sinks and resurges. It joins the Adriatic basin and passes through steep karst ground. Include it for karst springs and local water features.

Pliva

A river known for the Pliva Lakes and waterfalls near Jajce. It meets other rivers and feeds larger basins. Include it for waterfalls, lakes, and scenic short river stretches.

Lepenica

A small river that joins central Bosnian basins near towns and farmland. It flows through gentle valleys and supports local life. Include it as part of the central river network.

Rakitnica

A steep canyon river that joins the Neretva near Konjic. It runs through a deep canyon with hiking paths. Include it for its dramatic canyon and outdoor value.

Bregava

A river in Herzegovina that flows into the Neretva near Stolac. It passes old mills and historic sites. Include it for its cultural landmarks and clear waters.

Željeznica

A river in central Bosnia that feeds into larger river systems. It passes towns and forested slopes. Include it as one of the local rivers shaping regional valleys.

Trstionica

A river that drains parts of central Bosnia into larger basins. It runs by small towns and agricultural land. Include it in the list for detailed regional coverage.

Ćehotina

A river in the southeast that flows toward the Drina and passes mountainous areas. It crosses into Montenegro and Bosnia in places. Include it for cross-border flows and valley towns.

Glinica

A small river that feeds a local basin and runs through rural areas. It passes villages and farmland. Include it as a minor but named river in Bosnia’s network.

Sanica

A tributary of the Sana in the northwest that runs through forest and meadows. It helps feed the Sana river system. Include it for local natural areas and water supply.

Drežanka

A southern river that joins the Neretva basin and runs through karst terrain. It flows by small Herzegovinian towns. Include it for karst features and regional streams.

Glina

A lesser-known river in northern or central Bosnia that feeds a larger basin. It runs through low hills and farmland. Include it for completeness of named rivers.

Doljanka

A mountain river in Herzegovina that joins the Neretva basin. It runs through steep valleys and karst features. Include it for mountain scenery and local waterways.

Babina rijeka

A small named river or stream in Bosnia that feeds a larger river system. It runs through rural terrain and supports nearby villages. Include it as a local named tributary.

Blija

A minor river or stream in Bosnia that runs through local valleys. It joins larger nearby rivers and serves rural areas. Include it for mapping named waterways in the region.

Misoča

A river in central Bosnia that feeds into greater basins and passes through small towns. It flows through mixed farmland and woodlands. Include it for regional drainage details.

Crna rijeka (Vrbas)

A ‘Black River’ that serves as a tributary of the Vrbas system. It runs through forested valleys and joins larger streams. Include it because it is a named tributary in the Vrbas basin.

Janj

A mountain stream that feeds a larger basin in western Bosnia. It runs through valleys and rural settlements. Include it as part of the country’s many named upland rivers.

Stavnja

A small river that joins central Bosnian basins and runs through local towns. It helps drain nearby hills and farmland. Include it for regional river listings and local geography.

Žepa

An eastern river that joins the Drina basin and runs through hilly landscapes. It passes small towns and valleys. Include it for its role in the Drina watershed and regional communities.

Bistrica (Vrbas)

A clear mountain tributary that feeds the Vrbas river. It runs through steep terrain and forest. Include it for its upland waters and contribution to the Vrbas system.

Buna

A short but famous river that springs at Blagaj and flows to the Neretva. It has a large karst spring and historic sites at its source. Include it for the Blagaj spring and cultural importance.

Ribnik

A small river and lake area known for clear water and trout fishing. It joins larger northern basins and is near small towns. Include it for fishing, lakes, and natural beauty.

Zgošća

A river in central Bosnia that joins larger basins and runs through valleys. It passes towns and rural areas. Include it for regional drainage detail and named local rivers.

Krušnica

A river in the northwest that joins the Una system near Bosanska Krupa. It flows through green valleys and karst areas. Include it for Una basin coverage and local scenery.

Vitina

A small river in Herzegovina that feeds southern basins and runs through karst ground. It passes by tiny villages and fields. Include it to represent local Herzegovinian waterways.

Ljuta (Konjic)

A mountain river near Konjic that joins the Neretva system. It runs through steep valleys and rocky terrain. Include it for its role in the Konjic area and river network.

Klokot

A minor river or stream in Bosnia that feeds a nearby basin and runs through rural land. It joins larger rivers downstream. Include it for completeness of named waterways.

Krupa

A short, scenic river that often flows from karst springs and joins a larger river such as the Una. It runs through valleys with old mills and small towns. Include it for its scenic and cultural value.

Rivers in Other Countries