Mount Vranica rises in the heart of central Bosnia, between Gornji Vakuf and Fojnica, a gentle mountain of rounded grassy peaks and wide pastures. An old extinct volcano, it is rich in precious-metal ores and in water – the Vrbas and other rivers spring from it, with waterfalls and clear streams. Vranica is central Bosnia's highest mountain: its Nadkrstac peak reaches 2,112 metres, and it counts eight summits above two thousand metres, linked by ridge trails with views of Prenj, Čvrsnica, Vlašić and beyond.
Vranica's greatest gem is Prokoško Lake, a small glacial lake many call the mountain eye. Wooden shepherds' huts and summer settlements ring it, and in late spring grazing and the picking of blueberries and cranberries come to life. Protected as a natural monument, the lake is home to the endemic alpine newt. Gentle yet magnificent, Vranica suits hikers of all ages.
Prokoško Lake is the very emblem of Vranica – a tiny glacial lake at around 1,630 metres, ringed by pastures and wooden huts. Locals call it the mountain eye, and it is loveliest at dawn and dusk, when the green slopes mirror in the still water. The lake is protected as a natural monument and is home to the rare endemic newt. Around it unfolds traditional mountain life: grazing flocks and the picking of blueberries and cranberries.
Hiking: a circular ridge trail over the peaks (~15 km, 6–7 h) Climbing Nadkrstac (2,112 m) and other 2,000 m+ summits Staying in wooden huts by the lake (no power or signal) Picking blueberries and cranberries on the surrounding slopes Local food: cheese, kajmak, pita and bread baked under the sač Tip: no water source on the trail – bring supplies and sun protection
