Perućica is not a forest. Perućica is another world. One of only two remaining primeval forests in Europe, protected and untouched, where trees grow and fall by their own laws — as they have for thousands of years.
What You Will See
Enormous trees still standing tall and powerful. And beside them — trees that fell nobody knows when, covered in moss, slowly returning to the earth. A natural cycle unfolding without human intervention. The silence of the rainforest draws you in gradually — and then a sound begins. It grows louder. And suddenly — Skakavac.
Skakavac Waterfall — 75 Metres of Free Fall
Skakavac drops 75 metres and you feel every one of them. The sound, the spray, the power of the water. But there is also a route that brings you directly above the waterfall — the view from the top of that free fall is an experience very few waterfalls in the Balkans can offer.
The full excursion takes around 5 hours. The descent is steep and requires care and knowledge of the terrain. Do not enter without a guide — this is not a joke. The story goes that two Slovenian hikers entered Perućica alone and were never found.
The Guardians of the Rainforest
At one spring deep in the forest, three vipers have lived for over 10 years. They are always there. We call them the guardians of Perućica. They are magnificent — but approach carefully when filling water. They are not aggressive if you do not disturb them. They are as much a part of this forest as any tree.
When to Go
May to October. Summer is ideal — the vegetation is lush, the waterfall is at full power. After rain, Skakavac is particularly impressive.
What to Bring
- Hiking boots with good grip — the trails can be wet and steep
- Waterproof jacket — the forest is humid
- Backpack with water and food
- Camera — Perućica is extraordinary to photograph