We went to Ramsko jezero (Rama Lake) first time just a few years ago. Our main destination was Blidinje Nature Park, which is located nearby. We came to it early in the morning, and our goal was to make a cycling tour to Ramsko jezero on an unpaved road that connects these 2 attractions. And what a day that was. As soon as we exited the forest and saw the lake, we were astonished. Such a beautiful place. And it’s not even natural.
Ramsko jezero (Rama Lake) is surrounded by the towering peaks of Raduša, Makljen, Ljubuša, and Vran mountains. It’s a man-made reservoir made for the hydro power plant Rama, which is the largest power plant of this type in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ramsko jezero was created in 1968 by damming the Rama River, and this lake stretches approximately 12 km in length, covers around 14–15 km², and plunges to depths of up to 95 m.
In this article, we bring you a fascinating story of sunken villages, the vision of the future, and one of the most stunning lakes in Europe. We take you to Ramsko jezero.
Why Visit Ramsko Jezero? Before we introduce you to the history of this place, here are a few reasons why we believe that Ramsko jezero (Rama Lake) is worth visiting:
Unique and almost alpine setting : the lake’s turquoise waters and meandering shape make it one of the most stunning sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Cultural hotspot : the iconic Šćit Peninsula is home to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, a House of Peace, and an ethnographic museum.Low tourist traffic : even during summer, Ramsko jezero remains a quiet retreat known mainly to local campers and nature lovers. It’s becoming more and more popular among travelers from all around the world, but it never gets as crowded as some other places.Athletic haven : This lake is regularly used by national rowing teams thanks to its calm waters.
History of Ramsko Jezero The history of Ramsko jezero is a very peculiar one. Before it became a lake, the Rama Valley was home to numerous smaller villages, farms, and religious communities. The area had a long tradition of Franciscan presence, centered around the Šćit Peninsula and its monastery, which stands to this day.
In 1968, the construction of the Rama hydroelectric dam led to the creation of Ramsko jezero (Rama Lake). The process required submerging large portions of the valley and displacing hundreds of residents. The Franciscan monastery on Šćit was spared, now resting on a scenic peninsula that was made because of the rising water level.
Things to Do at Ramsko Jezero Ramsko Jezero is a serene place, still widely undiscovered, even though we believe that soon enough, a lot more people will discover it and come to enjoy its landscape. Being a lake, water activities dominate the list of things to do at Ramsko jezero. There are also many nearby attractions we suggest visiting if you’re staying in the area for more than one day.
Kayaking & Boating Paddle along the lake and discover its islands, explore the monastery peninsula called Šćit, or visit springs and the dam. Kayak rental is available through local rowing clubs.
Swimming & Sunbathing Ramsko jezero is a bit chillier than coastal waters, but it offers a great refreshing swim in summer, especially at Šćit, Podbor, and Ploča.
Hiking & Biking The “Circle around Rama Lake” is a scenic 34 km cycling route, while hiking trails will lead you to nearby summits like Idovac (1,956 m) and Umna Glava. You can also do the same tour we did and visit the Blidinje Nature Park from Ramsko Lake.
Cultural Visits Explore the Rama-Šćit Monastery and museum, learn about monastic life and communal resilience during Yugoslav times.
Fishing Ramsko Lake is stocked for sport fishing, and permits are available via the local water management authority.
Nearby Attractions If you are staying in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina for more days, you have a whole new world open in front of you. There are many nearby attractions you could visit and enjoy, and here are just a few of them:
Blidinje Nature Park : just a bit more south, known for Čvrsnica and Vran mountain,s and Blidinje LakeKravice Waterfalls and Počitelj : a little bit further, but great places to stop if you go to the Adriatic Coast after a visit to RamaMostar : famous for its Ottoman bridge and historic city centerKonjic: You can join a rafting tour on the Neretva River here or visit the famous Tito Underground Bunker in KonjicJablanica: A small town famous for the Battle of Neretva River Museum and the sunken railway bridge
Seasons & Accessibility If you’re traveling by car, Ramsko Lake is an easy 1 hour northeast drive from Mostar or ~2.5 hours from Dubrovnik via Čapljina and Prozor-Rama. This place is also a year-round destination, even though we love to visit it most in spring and autumn. But you won’t miss either season you choose for your visit. Here’s what to expect:
Summer (June–September) : perfect period for kayaking, lake swimming, biking, and monastery visitsAutumn : cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make it great for peaceful explorationWinter : light frost and snow may cover roads, and nearby mountains offer snowy hikes
When to Go You’ll probably visit Ramsko jezero in summer, which is also the main season at this place. Summer offers the best water-based activities, while the shoulder seasons attract hikers and travelers who want to enjoy an active vacation. Spring also brings wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning reflections in the still waters.
Before You Venture to Ramsko Jezero (Rama Lake) Ready for your rendezvous with Rama? If you have the option, we suggest camping at one of the local camps. Camping and Rama Lake go hand in hand, and it will be an experience you’ll remember for a long time. We are currently planning a new cycling adventure on this lake, and next time we’ll spend more than a day here, bringing hiking equipment, bikes, and a kayak with us. Until then, we’ll daydream about our next adventure in this beautiful part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Enjoy your stay at Ramsko jezero!
