Blidinje Nature Park is a nature park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established on 30 April 1995. It is situated in the heart of Dinaric Alps and represent important natural, hydrogeological reservat in Dinaric karst of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with significant cultural and historical heritage.
The Blidinje Nature Park spreads on the territory of 364 s q km, within the territories of Posušje, Tomislavgrad and Jablanica Municipalities and provides unique experiences throughout the year.
Dugo polje with the Blidinje Lake dominate the central part of the Blidinje Nature Park, with the lake situated in the southeastern part of the park. The western border of the Blidinje Nature Park forms the Vran planina, in the southeast are Neretva River and Čvrsnica Mountain, while in the northeast is the Doljanka River.
The most important hydrogeological phenomena in the park is alpine lake, Blidinje Lake, largest of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Blidinje lake is the direct result of a glacial retreat, but according to the Poklečani Parishes office documents, lake is, also, a product of anthropogenic intervention and activities of human inhabitants. According to these documents, the lake is artificial and it was created at the end of the 19th century. In order to keep the water that is lost through the subterranean passage, local residents and cattle breeders sealed sinkholes with branches and clay, so that water could not find its way underground. Therefore, the lake was formed. Its surface area varies between 2,5 and 6 km², while its average depth is 1,9 m, with altitude of 1.184 meters above the sea level.
All around the valley is dotted with the Bosnia and Herzegovina trademark stećci (tombstones) from medieval ages. Traces of Illyrian graves and Roman roads indicate that Blidinje has been settled for at least 2,500 years. The large necropolis at Dugo Polje indicates that the waves of Slavs that came in the 7th century also made this area their home.
There is also a Franciscan monastery that is located within the park and open to visitors. Houses here are traditional shepherd homes with straw roofs that are mainly used during the spring and summer seasons. Winter is harsh and cold in these parts.
The park itself is free of mines with well-marked trails. It’s a must-see for all nature lovers.