Most people know Kravica Waterfalls as the ultimate summer swimming spot in Herzegovina. In July and August, it is packed with tourists cooling off in the emerald water.
But in winter? It is a completely different world.
My friends and I decided to take a short day trip from Mostar to see the falls in their winter glory. The goal was simple: enjoy the peace, breathe some fresh air, and get some cinematic drone shots of the high water levels.
Well, the “cinematic” part didn’t go exactly as planned.
Why Visit Kravica in Winter?
If you have only seen Kravica in the summer, you haven’t really seen it.
- The Power: In winter and early spring, the water level of the Trebižat River is much higher. The falls transform from a gentle curtain into a roaring display of nature’s power.
- The Solitude: You often have the entire amphitheater to yourself. No beach towels, no cafes blasting music—just the sound of crashing water.
- The River of 9 Names: A fun fact about the river feeding these falls—the Trebižat is a “sinking river” that goes underground and resurfaces multiple times. Because of this, it is known as the “River of Nine Names” in local folklore.
The Drone Incident: A Heart-Stopping Moment
Since the park was empty, I decided to fly my drone low over the river to get a dynamic shot of the water rushing toward the falls.
I was focused on the screen, lining up the perfect angle… and I didn’t see the branch.
CRASH.
My drone clipped a tree limb and tumbled out of the sky, straight into the freezing cold river, right in front of one of the massive cascades. My heart absolutely stopped. I thought I had lost the drone, the footage, and the SD card to the Trebižat forever.
The Rescue
I don’t know how, but the motors didn’t cut out immediately. In a panic, I jammed the throttle up. Miraculously, the drone—dripping wet and fighting the current—shot out of the water like a submarine surfacing!
I managed to wobble it back to dry land and land it safely. It was soaking wet, but it survived to tell the tale (and save the footage!).
See the beautiful winter scenery (and the moment things went wrong) here:
Trip Summary
- Location: Studenci, near Ljubuški (about 40km from Mostar).
- Best Time for Photography: Winter/Spring (for water volume) or Sunset (for light).
- Drone Safety: 4/10. Watch out for bare branches in winter—they are hard to see on the screen!
- Entrance Fee: Much cheaper in winter (usually around 10 KM / 5 EUR) compared to the summer peak season.
Address on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cshm9p9CbXNjXHAv8
Other useful resources: guided tours / Komoot (GPX etc)
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