What To See and Do in Hutovo Blato Nature Park in Summer? Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina's Hidden Gems #1

What you know, Europe still has its fair share of secret spots! Seeing these photographs, you'd think I was somewhere in a tropical jungle of some sorts, but you'd be wrong as these images were taken in Hutovo blato, a nature park and bird reservoir located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is quite close to border with Croatia, so if you're visiting our Adriatic coast, do consider stopping by here as well.  Hutovo Blato is mostly composed of marshlands (wetlands) and it is a stunning natural area to visit. The photographs I'm sharing today were taken a year ago, the last time I visited this bird & nature park during summer. My visits to this nature park have been numerous indeed. The reasons for that is very simple: I really like it there. So, today I wanted to share with you all the things I love about this park and inform you about all the fun things you can do there during the summer. In case you don't already know about it, Hutovo Blato has a lot to offer. There are some activities I haven't tried myself yet, for example swimming or sunbathing. I heard that some people go to swim there, but I haven't tried it myself. There aren't many beaches here, as this is a basically a wetland, but the water is very clean, just like the whole area so it's definitely doable. Still, more people come here for bird-watching, hiking and camping then they do for swimming. The main attraction of this place is simple- beautiful nature. However, why limit yourself to land?  Why not discover more of this majestic area? There are some activities most people aren't familiar with, such as the option of going for a boat ride. So, let's get started, shall we?


 


THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HUTOVO BLATO NATURE PARK



1. GO FOR A BOAT RIDE


If you want to experience something truly unique, why not go for a boat ride? I went for a boat ride more than once and I can recommend this experience to everyone. In fact, I plan to go for another ride the next time I visit Hutovo. It's possibly the best way to experience this area. As this is a wetland area, some places are hard to reach by hiking. So, taking a boat ride is a great way to really get yourself familiarized with the area. The boats used for these rides, as you can see, are very comfortable. You can  hide from the sun, but still feel the breeze and see everything. Usually there are boat drivers waiting, and they will typically start the ride as soon as there are enough people interested (and there usually are). You can ask the park's employers for more information about the ride. If the reason why you came to park is animal or bird watching, keep your camera close by. Usually there will be some great opportunities to capture wild life on camera while you're on a boat. This time I will share photographs from this ride, but I might share some videos in the future.
















For me personally, this boat ride is always such an amazing experience. I felt like I was able to see where the magic of this place comes from. I wrote about Hutovo Blato many times on my blog, and I truly feel a special connection to this place.  I think I included enough photographs of the boat ride ( I didn't want to overdo it), but if for whatever reason you feel hungry for more, I'll leave the links to some other travel posts featuring this gorgeous park ( hereherehereherehere and here) as well the link to another Hutovo Blato boat ride I took HERE. My experience tells me that boat rides are definitely a great way to explore wetlands!









2. VISIT A SECRET BRIDGE

Next to the sign announcing entrance to the park (you'll see it as soon as you take the turn towards the park),  you can see a very old bridge. If you don't know it is there, or if you don't look carefully, you can easily miss it. For some reason, nobody really pays attention to this historical bridge. I think it's a shame because it is really stunning. I featured it on my blog a number of times. This bridge  is even older than the more famous and more 'touristy' old bridge in Mostar. If you want to avoid the crowds, and still get some cool bridge photos, this is the place to go. The bridge isn't super visible because of all the vegetation and greenery, but when you know where it is, you won't have problems finding it.  As I explained, once you take a turn from the main road, you'll find it  right to the 'Hutovo Blato' road sign, so when you see it, just park your car and you should be able to climb it and have a special look. Moreover, once you climb this bridge, you'll be reworded with an amazing view. This is a great way to start your visit to this nature and wild life reservoir. 
















3. DINE OR STOP FOR COFFEE AT THE RESTAURANT MOTEL PARK


There is a nice restaurant/motel in the park that I can recommend. As far as I know, it's called simply Motel Park and it's the only establishment of the sort in the park. Trust me, you won't be able to miss it. There is a parking area right next to it, and there you can park your car whether or not you're going to check it out or not. It's perfectly fine to park there even if you're just a visitor. There are no other parking areas in the park that I know of, but there is always enough place for parking. There is a playground for kids in front of the Park motel. The motel's restaurant has more than one outdoor sitting/dinner area as well as an inner dinning area. In fact, because of the fact that by the time we finished our ride, it was around noon, we dinned indoors for the benefit of air condition.  I probably dined at this restaurant about half dozen of times, the food was always well prepared, so I feel I can really recommend it. My advice is to order fish- preferably fresh local fish. I know many prefer sea to river fish, but it is a shame not to try a local specialty, especially if the fish in question is fresh. You can ask the waiter to recommend the best option and see if there is any fish from the park itself on the menu. Why not ask whether there is anything freshly caught? If you a vegetarian, and you don't see anything you like on the menu, ask whether they might prepare something for you.  Most restaurants are usually prepared to make almost anything one asks for. 



















4. SPEND THE WHOLE DAY (AND POSSIBLY ALSO ) NIGHT IN THE PARK

You can definitely easily spend the whole day in this park, as there is a lot to see and doo. Spending the night might be tempting as well. Why not wake up surrounded by majestic nature and comforted by the song of the birds? That sound heavenly, doesn't it? Now, that I think of it, I'm not sure why it never occurred to me. I dined in this motel often enough, why not spend the night? I might opt for a stayaction some time in the future. If you are really feeling adventurous, why not try camping or sleeping under the sun? Just don't forget to carry on some protection against the mosquitoes. You should also get informed about where you can and where you can't camp. Generally speaking, wild camping is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it is always best to ask the locals about the best spots and terrain specifics.









hat/bag: old,  top: vintage, denim skirt: Amadeus, shoes: boromina


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Comments

  1. Lovely post and pics.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great weekend.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Che meraviglia questo posto, ti vedo molto rilassata
    Baci

    ReplyDelete
  3. Che bella idea una gita in barca e, come sempre sei molto stilosa!
    Grazie ancora per la mail tesoro!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a fun time. It's always so great to explore new places....boat rides are one of my favorite things, yet i rarely get to do them at least around here!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful places! You also look very pretty dear. :)
    Kisses

    www.trendsandfashionblog.pt

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oooh I like these photographs! And this looks like such a cool place to visit.

    Have a great weekend :)

    Amy x Wandering Everywhere

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  7. Oooooh these pictures are so gorgeous! That boat ride looks like so much fun xox

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Thea Scott || http://theascott.blogspot.com/

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  8. What a lovely park! Even without a video it looks like the boat ride is so serene and relaxing! :)

    I like your outfit too, fun striped top and the colourful yellow bag is perfect with it! :)

    Hope you are having a nice weekend! :) It's a busy one here, lots of rushing around, but also some family time which is nice :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Que lugar lindo para passear e conhecer, tem paisagens encantadoras.
    Suas fotos ficaram maravilhosas, passear de barco é sempre muito bom.

    Bjinhos,
    www.prosaamiga.com.br

    ReplyDelete
  11. wow fantastic trip! :)
    would you like to follow each other via Blog FB Twitter G+ and Instagram?
    My Fashion on the Clouds Blog
    My Instagram
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    ReplyDelete
  12. que viaje mas sensacional, me ha encantado tu post

    ReplyDelete
  13. This place looks so stunning and relaxing :)
    Have a great day!
    xx Katha
    showthestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very interesting place, indeed! I have to admit, that I have not heard about those wetlands before... You look beautiful! The bridge is very similar to the bridges in Northern Spain ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that's very interesting! I hope to visit Spain some day.

      Delete
  15. Lovely place dear!
    Have fun!
    xx

    La ilusión de Nina - http://lailusiondenina.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Ivana, I see this is really a hidden gem and it reminds me a bit on the "Plitvička jezera" we vistited when we have been in 2015 in Croatia. Thanks for sharing this detailled and beautiful post - it makes me wish to visit not only Croatia again but also Bosnia & Herzogovina! I see you enjoyed the time there really and how great you can even have coffee and food there. Love also your relaxed look with the denim skirt, we both love denim skirts, don't we? Hopefully you feel better. You are still in my thoughts.
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, we both like denim skirts. I'm still struggling with post operation recovery a bit but I'm getting better.

      Delete
  17. This nature park looks absolutely incredible; you're right - it truly does look as though you're exploring some far out, exotic location haha! You look so lovely in this lovely striped vest by the way Ivana :) Hope you've had a fabulous weekend!

    aglassofice.com x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ich mag den Blog, können wir kooperationen haben, mehr können Sie hier klicken.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You are wright.When I first see you blog photo I think it may be a tropical jungle. But by reading your I am totally surprised , what a park it is!!
    Love from http://alodrivingschool.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks a lot :D

    darling, seems to be an amazing day :D so cool photos!

    NEW REVIEW POST | CLARINS: INSTANT SMOOTH PERFECTING TOUCH. :D
    InstagramFacebook Official PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

    ReplyDelete
  21. It looks like a beautiful place to visit! There are so many places I've never heard of and would never have thought of going here!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful pics and very interesting post.
    xoxo
    http://www.misstrendybarcelona.com/2018/07/syama-sukhumvit-soi-20-place-to-be-in.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great photos and amazing place!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looks incredible! I've been to Croatia a couple of times but have SO MUCH MORE to explore! It's such a gorgeous country, loved your post!

    Love from London,
    Whit

    http://www.whitneyswonderland.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy to hear that you've been to Croatia.:)

      Delete
  25. Ma che bellissimo parco Ivana! E quante attività diverse ed interessanti ci si possono fare!
    Mi piacerebbe moltissimo vistarlo, sono sicura che mi divertirei tanto! :)
    Bellissime foto, tu sei sempre molto carina e alla moda!
    Baci!
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Unas fotos preciosas :) Muackas!!
    www.gadorvision.com

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  27. Wow, amazing and fun pictures! Looks like such a cool place!!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    http://www.rosesrooftop.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  28. You are really lucky to have such a beautiful spot to get in touch with nature. And I would've have thought that you were somewhere tropical if you hadn't mentioned otherwise. Boat rides are such a great way to take in views you wouldn't otherwise be able to see form land.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I just realized I've never been on a boat ride before.
    I would love to go to that secret bridge. It looks quite peaceful. Definitely somewhere i'd wanna be.

    A Shimmer, A Shadow

    ReplyDelete
  30. Georgeaous post, dear Ivana! Now I've had the desire to visit Bosnia ;-) I like your outfit very much ... cute shirt an lovely jeans skirt.
    xxxxx Nadine

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi dear, it is such a great place. You must have had lots of fun. I love such kind of outdoor activities. Kisses!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Que ótimo passeio adorei conhecer e ver as suas fotos.
    Beijos
    www.janamakesesmaltesecia.com.br/

    ReplyDelete
  33. Going on a boat ride sounds like the most fun summer activity. I love this place!

    www.fashionradi.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Such a nice post, love the photos and it looks so FUN!

    April of: https://thepromdichic.wordpress.com/
    IG: @Aprilnunezzz

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hey Ivana, how you doing? Hope you're having a nice summer so far and that everything is going well with your health! At least you're enjoying these sunny days and taking a lot of stunning photographs.

    And yes, I couldn't agree more with you.... Europe still keeping a lot of hidden treasures and precious gems that deserve to be explored, I feel like I would need a thousands lives to see everything I want to see in this world but at least I'm young and I have time to discover places like the one you mention here! I love that everything in Hutovo Blato is covered with nature, despite the buildings (which are very creative tho) there are trees and green areas that help you to load energy. I feel like we need that in Barcelona, more green spaces!

    And I also wanted to tell you that is always a pleasure to read your words and realize that we feel under the same kind of pressure in many senses, not only in the digital panorama. Thanks for your kind and deep comments, they're always a source of inspiration when I want to motivate myself to keep creating! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Best from Barcelona!
    Pablo
    Hey Fungi Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you Pablo. Your comments are always precious to me as well. I do agree with what you said. There are so many places to see. I'm older than you, but I'm also not worried...there is time. We will get to see many amazing places, I'm sure of it.

      Delete
  36. Beautiful place and great photos:) I love your hat!

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  37. Bellissime immagini cara:) un bacione

    http://denimakeup95.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. This place looks so nice! There are so many activities to enjoy for a fun filled day!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Fotos maravilhosas, adorei o lugar! *--*
    Beijos. ♥
    Diário da Lady

    ReplyDelete
  40. oh this is so fun, and you look gorgeous!

    www.jessicabroyles.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beautiful park! The pictures are amazing!
    You look super stunning dear!

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Che posto bellissimo! Hai descritto tutto perfettamente, è assolutamente da visitare!
    Un bacio
    Paola
    www.pollywoodbypaolafratus.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Such a beautiful places, which I really would like to visit and you look so gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Such a lovely place!Great pictures:-)

    http://www.lostindaydreams.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great pics dear!

    http://www.iameleine.com/

    ReplyDelete
  48. Cool photos looks like you had so much fun!

    www.alessabernal.com

    Alessa Bernal

    ReplyDelete
  49. Los complementos como tu bolso me encantan es preciosos aqui os dejo un enlace de complementos y accsorios para hombres , ellos tambien se merecen los mejores accesorios del mundo :) www.corbatasygemelos.es. Un saludo muy grande. Me encanta todo tu book

    ReplyDelete
  50. Looks like an amazing place! Wow!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

    ReplyDelete
  51. maravilloso
    www.corbatasygemelos.es

    ReplyDelete
  52. This sure looks a fun adventure! Love the photos!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete

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