In the south of Herzegovina, in a typical karst environment, on the left side of the Neretva River, there is the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, a unique sub-Mediterranean wetland in Europe. It has been known since ancient times as a green oasis, with an abundance of water in which a large number of plant and animal species found life. The swamp is interesting and significant from the ornithological, ichthyological, scientific, ecological and tourist aspects. Hutovo blato is considered one of the largest wintering grounds for birds in Europe. Hutovo blato territorially belongs to the municipalities of Čapljina and Stolac, and extends over marshy, plain and hilly terrain, with an altitude of 1 m to 432 m.
This area is fifteen kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, so it is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Due to its exceptional importance and beauty, Hutovo blato was declared a Nature Park in 1995. Merging into valleys and depressions, karst sinkholes and surface water from the surrounding areas create a large number of lakes, ditches, molds and the Krupa River and provide high levels of underground water. Such a high level of underground water affects the appearance of permanent and intermittent springs and wells.
Hutova blata lakes are real crypto depressions, because the bottoms of some lakes are below sea level (Jelim 18 m). The biggest lakes of Hutova blata are: Deransko, Jelim, Drijen, Orah, Škrka and Svitava. Lake Svitava is an artificial reservoir, created by the construction of the Čapljina hydroelectric power plant. All lakes of Hutova blata are interconnected by a large number of channels and cuts.
The Krupa River is the main watercourse of Hutova Blat and drains the waters of Gornji Blat and Svitava Lake into the Neretva River. Krupa has no real source except the island of Deran Lake. The length of Krupa is 9 km, and the average depth is about 5 meters. This is a unique river in Europe because it has the property of a two-way flow. It flows normally from the "source" to the mouth, and from the mouth to the "source". This phenomenon occurs when, due to the high water level and large water flow, the Neretva river pushes the Krupa.
Thanks to the proximity and influence of the Adriatic Sea, the abundance of water surrounded by karst and hilly terrain, the biological diversity of the vegetation of Hutova Blata is extremely valuable. Few places in the world have so many species in such a small area. The entire vegetation cover of the Nature Park can be divided into four types of vegetation: water, swamp, meadow and forest. The water surfaces of Hutski mulje are mostly covered with water lilies (Nymphaea alba) and water lilies (Nuphar luteum). In addition, the vegetation of the water surfaces includes frog's-leg (Potamogeton sp.), frog's-leg (Ranunculus sp.) and others), sedge (Carex sp.) and sedge (Juncus sp.).
The forest and meadow vegetation is represented by numerous characteristic species that complete the biological diversity of Hutski Blat. Significant types of these types of vegetation are: ash (Fraxinus sp.), oak (Quercus sp.), wild boar (Ruscus sp.), pomegranate (Punica sp.), pine (Juniperus sp.), willow (Salix sp.), elm (Ulmus sp.), alder (Alnus sp.), blackberry (Rubus sp.), mulberry (Morus sp.), nettle (Lamium sp.), clover (Trifolium sp.). Some plant communities are developed only locally, while some are very widespread and occupy large areas.
Guided by the facts and needs for the development of self-sustaining activities of the Park with a degree of caution in the preservation and protection of the fundamental natural values of the area, the tourist offer consisted of the following activities: photo safari, sport fishing, sports training, educational trails and catering, and the adrenaline park as a new tourist offer .
A photo safari as a tourist attraction includes sightseeing, bird watching and enjoying the natural environment of the swamp with a boat ride through the swampy part of Hutova Blata. The excursion consists of a boat ride that can accommodate 25 people. The total ride takes about an hour, and the route is circular. After the ride, guests can refresh themselves, have lunch at the Park Motel and receive additional information and promotional materials about the Park. The adrenaline park is a new tourist offer of the Nature Park, consisting of a track for children and a track for adults. Using interesting obstacles integrated into nature, guests are enabled to have a unique experience of nature in a fun and adventurous way.
Would you like to experience Hutovo blato firsthand, enjoy beautiful nature, a picturesque view of the source of Svitava Lake and learn all about its rich history? Contact our partners - ERO Travel Tour Agency.
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