Canyoning Active > Canyoning
Canyoning (also known as canyoneering) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling(rapelling), and/or swimming.
Although hiking down a canyon that is non-technical (canyon hiking) is often referred to as canyoneering, the terms canyoning and canyoneering are more often associated with technical descents — those that require abseils (rappels) and ropework, technical climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and/or technical swims.
Canyoning is frequently done in remote and rugged settings and often requires navigational, route-finding and other wilderness travel skills.
It’s one of the most exciting outdoor adventure sports. Following rivers through wild landscapes, absenting down cliffs, jumping into pools below waterfalls, and climbing over massive boulders. It involves skill, agility and teamwork, but above all, it is endless fun.
One of the best and most beautiful places in Europe to do it, is in the remote and rugged wilderness of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Rakitnica Gorge
The village of Konjic lies in a mountainous and densely forested region between the capital Sarajevo and the lovely village of Mostar. It’s the ideal place to stay while making daily excursions into the Rakitnica Gorge, a 16 mile (26km) long canyon with spectacular rock formations and the pure, emerald waters of the Rakitnica River.
There is a wonderful trail that follows the ridge, but the best way to ply through the gorge is by canyoning along the river.
Options
Several experienced guides offer group excursions for either one or multiple day outings. A one day tour concentrates on the last five miles (8km) of the Rakitnica River where it meets the mighty Neretva River. Rafts take you through narrow canyon walls part on the way, while at other times you climb over boulders and pass waterfalls.
Multiple day tours start near the beginning of the gorge and for the duration you must carry your own supplies and camp in natural shelters at night.
It is possible to attempt the nearby Bijela Gorge, though this entails more caving techniques and operating in the dark. Only one hundred or so people have ever challenged the Bijela.
Check our offer for canyoning!
- The Rakitnica Gorge: 26km long canyon
- When To Go: Between April and September
