Hiking to Prenj Mountain: The Herzegovinian Himalaya

Prenj is a mountain range in the Dinaric Alps of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in eastern Herzegovina near Mostar, Jablanica and Konjic. The highest peak is Zelena glava at 2,115 m (6,939 ft). Prenj massif has at least 11 peaks over 2000 m.

The name Prenj is derived from Perun, supreme deity of Slavic mythology. Geologically, the Prenj range is part of the Dinaric Alps and formed largely of secondary and tertiary sedimentary rock, mostly limestone and dolomite with notable characteristics of a karst landform. Due to subterranean drainage, Prenj is relatively dry with few water sources, just a few tiny lakes and some smaller streams that source from these mountains: the Baščica and the Bijela, tributaries of the river  Neretva.

Although Prenj is the most beautiful and attractive mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is also the cruelest- nicknamed the Herzegovinian Himalaya.

For all the nature lovers and all the hikers, this should be a wonderful adventure.

The Prenj mountains were part of the front line during the 1992–95 war in Bosnia and heavy combat took place in the mountains surrounding the eastern Bijela valley and the slopes above Konjic. Nowadays, Prenj falls almost entirely within the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Nevertheless, Prenj is a very attractive destination for climbers and hikers. The peaks bear typical dolomitic features with vertical rock faces, soaring over green alpine valleys and dense mixed forests. Some mountain huts have re-opened (Bijele Vode, Hrasnica) and marked itineraries to the main peaks have been re-established.

One of the peaks of Prenj, Windy Peak, was climbed first time in October 2003. It is probably one of Europe’s last virgin 2000 m peak.

We do recommend joining one of the many organised hiking tours.