??ipovo

Šipovo (Шипово) is a small town in west-central Republika Srpska, situated at the source of the Pliva River in a valley surrounded by the forested Dinaric Alps. With a population of about 4,000 in the town and 7,000 in the municipality, it is known for its exceptional natural beauty, clean rivers, and traditional rural lifestyle.

The area is famous for the Pliva Waterfall (Plivski Vodopad), a scenic waterfall near the town, and the nearby Pliva Lakes. The surrounding forests are rich in wildlife, making Šipovo a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and nature tourism. The climate is continental with cool summers (22–26°C) and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is May–October for outdoor activities.

By Plane

Banja Luka International Airport (BNX, IATA) is about 90 km north, approximately 1.5 hours by car.

By Train

By Car / Road

Šipovo is on the R-414 road connecting Jajce (20 km west) with Mrkonjić Grad (30 km north). Buses run from Banja Luka (2 hours) and Jajce (30 minutes).

The town is compact and walkable. For exploring the Pliva Waterfall, lakes, and surrounding forests, a private vehicle is necessary.

• Pliva Waterfall (Plivski Vodopad) — A scenic waterfall on the Pliva River, about 5 km south of Šipovo. The surrounding area is a popular picnic spot.

• Source of the Pliva River — The Pliva emerges from a karst spring at the foot of a cliff, creating a stunning natural setting.

• Pliva River Valley — The green valley with its meandering river, mills, and traditional wooden houses.

• Mliništa Watermills — Historic wooden watermills along the Pliva River, a popular photographic subject.

• Šipovo Town Square — The centre with the Orthodox church and traditional stone houses.

• Fishing in the Pliva — The Pliva and its tributaries are known for excellent trout fishing.

• Hiking in the Dinaric Alps — Trails through forests and mountain pastures around Šipovo.

• Hunting — The forests are rich in deer, wild boar, and pheasant.

• Photography — The Pliva Waterfall, watermills, and river valley are very photogenic.

• Rafting and Kayaking — The Pliva River offers sections suitable for paddling.

• Restoran Pliva — Riverside dining with grilled trout, lamb, and Bosnian specialities. Main courses 8–15 KM.
• Kafana Šipovo — A central café with light meals and Bosnian coffee.
• Local farm products — Fresh trout, lamb, cheese, honey, and rakija from the area.

Bosnian coffee and rakija (šljivovica and medovača) are the local staples. The Pliva's spring water is excellent quality.

• Budget: Guesthouse Pliva — basic rooms from 25 KM.
• Mid-range: Motel Šipovo — double rooms from 45 KM with a restaurant.

• Jajce (20 km west, 25 minutes) — A historic town with a spectacular waterfall in the city centre and a medieval fortress.
• Mrkonjić Grad (30 km north, 35 minutes) — A historic town in a forested mountain setting.
• Mliništa (15 km west) — A village with historic wooden watermills on the Pliva River.
• Banja Luka (90 km north, 1.5 hours) — The administrative capital of Republika Srpska.
• Kotor Varoš (45 km north, 1 hour) — A Vrbas valley town with rural character.