Jablanica is a small town on the banks of the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located between Konjic and Mostar. Surrounded by mountains and rich forests, Jablanica lies in one of the most dramatic sections of the Neretva canyon.
For many travelers, Jablanica is a familiar stop on the main road through Herzegovina. The town is known for its fresh mountain water, beautiful river views and numerous traditional restaurants where visitors pause to rest and enjoy local food.
Jablanica is historically famous for the events of World War II known as the Battle of Neretva. In 1943, the destroyed railway bridge over the Neretva near Jablanica became a symbol of one of the most dramatic military operations in the region. Today, the remains of the bridge and the nearby museum serve as reminders of this important historical episode.
In this area, the Neretva flows through a deep rocky canyon between the mountains Prenj and Čvrsnica. The river is fast, cold and intensely turquoise, creating impressive scenery visible directly from the road.
Not far from Jablanica is the large artificial Jablanica Lake, formed by a hydroelectric dam on the Neretva. The lake contrasts with the wild canyon above and offers opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating.
Jablanica is widely known among travelers for its traditional cuisine. Many roadside restaurants serve domestic dishes, especially the famous “pita ispod sača” — pie baked slowly under a metal bell covered with hot embers. For many families traveling through Herzegovina, stopping in Jablanica for a meal has become a long standing tradition.