A few days ago, we went on a tour de Herzegovina and visited some of the most famous waterfalls in this region. We started with the Kravice Waterfalls, probably the most famous natural attraction of this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Then we continued to Koćuša Waterfall, a smaller but also beautiful location that is still not as famous among tourists, so it’s still a good place to enjoy in a bit peaceful atmosphere. And this article will be all about Koćuša, a place we suggest you visit if you’re visiting Kravice.
Both of these places are made by the Trebižat River. Koćuša Waterfall is one of the most tranquil and picturesque small waterfalls on this river. Its more famous neighbor, Kravice, often overshadows it, but Koćuša offers a quieter and more intimate experience you’ll want to escape to. It’s a place we love to return to, simply to enjoy the sound of water and eat local food at one of the restaurants located on the site.
So here’s a complete guide to visiting Koćuša Waterfall, in which we’ll discuss what to expect, how to reach it, and why it deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
What Is the Koćuša Waterfall? Koćuša is a rather low but wide waterfall on the Mlade River (which changes the name to Trebižat just a little bit downstream), near the village of Veljaci in Ljubuški Municipality , Bosnia and Herzegovina. The waterfall is around 5 meters high but stretches more than 50 meters in width , and creates a mesmerizing water curtain. It’s a place for all your senses.
The area around Koćuša Waterfall is known for its peaceful atmosphere , traditional mills, and rustic countryside vibe. All of this makes it a perfect destination for relaxation, photography, and enjoying the local food. Just so you can compare how peaceful Koćuša is compared to Kravice, we went to both on a same day, at the end of May. There were around 200 visitors (rough estimate) on Kravice, but just 5 of them on Koćuša.
Why Visit Koćuša? If you are traveling through this part of Herzegovina, you’re probably going to visit Kravice Waterfalls. Well, Koćuša is just some 25 minutes of driving away from them, so why not combine a visit to both of these attractions? Also, there are some great restaurants at Koćuša.
Less crowded than Kravice , great for a more peaceful experienceBeautiful natural location with lush vegetation and rock formations
Opportunities for swimming , picnicking , and photography
Authentic local experience, considered to be a place off the usual tourist radar
Close proximity to Kravice Waterfalls , Ljubuški , and Mostar
What to Expect When Visiting Koćuša is not a large location, it’s considerably smaller than Kravice Waterfalls. But it’s also way more peaceful. Expect visitors here too, but their numbers will be nowhere near as many as at Kravice. There are a few restaurants on the site where you can sit, try local food, and eat while you watch the waterfalls. Later, you can even climb to the top of the waterfall, or swim at one of the pools surrounding it.
A serene, wide waterfall with many shallow pools
Stone watermills nearby, some still in traditional use
A family-friendly environment perfect for a day trip
A small parking area, picnic benches, and local restaurants
Entry is free of charge
Can You Swim at Koćuša Waterfall? Yes, swimming is allowed at Koćuša Waterfall . The water is shallow and clear, and it’s just perfect to escape the heat of the summer days in Herzegovina. We always like to find one of the smaller pools and pretend like we’re in a jacuzzi, just sit and enjoy the water massage our neck. The water temperature is a bit colder, but it feels so good when you enter it and get used to it. Nothing can beat the feeling of dipping in a cold water on a hot summer day.
The riverbed is rocky, so bring water shoes for ease of walking, especially if you want to climb on top of the Koćuša Waterfall
Water is colder than at Kravice , but extremely clean
Suitable for families with kids due to the gentle flow
Where Is Koćuša Waterfall Located? Koćuša is located in Veljaci , a village near Ljubuški in western Herzegovina. If you are planning on visiting Kravice, Koćuša is not so far away. There is even another location we suggest you visit after Koćuša, and it’s located 23 minutes of driving away. It’s called Peć Mlini, and it’s a stunning location with a famous Ravlića Pećina (Ravlića Cave) that you can visit.
Distance from Ljubuški : about 10 km (15-minute drive)Distance from Kravice Waterfalls : roughly 15 km Distance from Mostar : around 50 km (1 hour by car)
How to Get to Koćuša Waterfall Getting to Koćuša Waterfall is easy, and you’ll mostly drive on a regional road, depending on the place you’re starting from. The road is local and a bit narrower, only for the final 2 kilometers. Here’s how to get to Koćuša from different locations and by different means:
From Mostar:
Take the M17 south toward Čapljina
Turn west toward Ljubuški and then follow the signs to Veljaci
Total drive time: ~1 hour
From Dubrovnik:
Drive north through Metković and cross into Bosnia near Čapljina
Continue toward Ljubuški and then to Veljaci
Total distance: ~130 km (approx. 2.5–3 hours with border crossing)
We suggest visiting Počitelj and Mostar while traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubrovnik
By Tour:
Not so many tours go to Koćuša directly, but it’s often included in custom or private tours that also cover Kravice, Počitelj, or Mostar
By Bike or On Foot:
Koćuša is accessible by bike if you’re staying in nearby villages or Ljubuški
There are many scenic countryside trails, and cycling is a great way to explore the area
Best Time to Visit Just like with any other waterfall attraction, the best time to visit is in the spring when the water flow is strongest. June, for example, offers a perfect balance between water flow, peaceful environment, and the possibility of swimming. Summer brings more visitors to Koćuša Waterfall, and the water level drops, but the place still looks beautiful. Autumn once again brings the rise of the water level, and it’s the most colorful season at this place.
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is perfect for swimming and picnicsWeekdays are usually quieter, especially in July and AugustIn spring , the waterfall is at its fullest after seasonal rains
Nearby Attractions Although it’s a beautiful place, Koćuša is not a kind of place you’ll visit as a standalone location on your trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are many beautiful nearby locations and we suggest you visit them together with Koćuša.
Kravice Waterfalls (20–30 minutes by car)Ljubuški Old Town and Fortress Humac Franciscan Monastery and Museum Počitelj historic town Mostar’s Old Bridge (Stari Most) and Old TownPeć Mlini adventure park and Ravlića Cave
Tips for Visiting Koćuša Finally, just like many others before it, we are ending this article with some useful tips:
Bring snacks or pack a picnic. There are restaurants at Koćuša, but having a picnic is an experience in itself
Wear sunscreen and bring a hat for sun protection. There are many shaded areas, but the sun can be strong, so it’s better to protect your skin
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit if you want to avoid most of the other visitors
Keep some Bosnian marks (BAM) or euros in cash, especially if visiting rural areas where card payment is not accepted
Try local food at the restaurants at Koćuša, ask waiters to suggest the best local delicacies
Before You Venture to Koćuša Waterfall We know that you like what you saw in the images we have put in this article. Koćuša is our go-to place for a nature escape, and since we live nearby, we often visit it. Now that you have discovered a new location in Bosnia and Herzegovina, don’t let your visit only to be only to Kravice Waterfalls. Sure, visit them because they are stunning, but visit Koćuša as well. Just to unwind a bit and to enjoy a more peaceful environment.
Enjoy your tour de Bosnia and Herzegovina!
