The municipality of Kupres lies at an altitude of over 1,135 metres and is surrounded by 18 mountain peaks ranging from 1,272 to 1,828 metres. Medieval Stećci, a mountain landscape with distinctive rock formations, and seasonal activities offer different ways to shape your trip. Whether you are planning to explore cultural heritage, go on nature excursions or enjoy winter sports, the time of year can help you choose the right experiences.
Highlands, a Lake and Rock Formations
The Stožer mountain massif surrounds the town of Kupres. The viewpoint on Stožer is about an hour’s walk from the town centre; it can also be reached in a private vehicle, preferably one suitable for off-road driving. As vehicle suitability may depend on conditions, it is advisable to check whether the route is passable in advance.
Kukavičko jezero is eight kilometres from the centre of Kupres. The glacial lake lies at 1,200 metres above sea level and reaches a maximum depth of about 13 metres. In the summer months, it is used for swimming. This makes a summer trip to the water quite different from the region’s winter activities.
Near the lake, Usađeni kamen stands by the roadside: the rock formation is about ten metres high. A tree grows at its ring-shaped, hollowed-out top. Farther west, twelve kilometres from Kupres, lie the Japage. The area consists of five sinkholes spread over about one square kilometre; there is also a lake there. Hajdučka vrata is another ring-shaped rock formation between Kupres and Bugojno.
Stećci, Churches and Strljanica
Ravanjska vrata in Kupres is UNESCO component 1504-020 of the World Heritage property of the Medieval Stećci Graveyard Sites. The archaeological site in Otinovci is laid out as an open-air park. Remains of buildings have been preserved and partly reconstructed there. The complex includes an early Christian basilica from the 5th century and the 19th-century Church of St John the Baptist; it is designated a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Another cultural experience is a highlight of the events calendar: the traditional Kupres Cultural Days of Mowing, known as Strljanica, take place every year on the first Sunday in July on Kupreško polje. If you plan your trip around this date, check the specific event details in advance.
Winter Sports and Active Days
Adria Ski is a winter sports and recreational centre at an altitude of 1,250 metres. The area has four ski runs with a combined length of more than 13 kilometres and four ski lifts. Guided panoramic snowmobile rides are also offered below the ski slopes; professional guides provide instruction in how to ride. As infrastructure and winter activities may change, it is advisable to check current conditions when planning your trip.
Other options offer a different focus: Ski Ivan has easy runs for beginners and night skiing, as well as a baby lift, a large toboggan run and ski equipment rental. Ski Kraljica, formerly the Stožer–Vrana ski centre, has an ice rink and a snow tubing run. A hut at the lift’s upper station, just under 1,800 metres, offers views of the plain, the mountains and Kupres. These activities are seasonal, so check current operating details before travelling.
There are also mountain bike routes with a range of trail profiles. Bike Park Vrana offers MTB trails ranging from recreational cycling on cross-country routes to all-mountain, freeride, extreme freeride and downhill; trail availability may vary by season. Near Kupres, there are also ten all-mountain and enduro trails of varying technical difficulty. A shuttle goes to Stožer at 1,760 metres; from there, descents lead to Kupres at 1,200 metres. Trail numbers and shuttle services may change.
Choose Your Starting Point and Time of Year
A hiking trail leads from Kupreška kuća to Pločata vrila; the ascent is easy and takes up to an hour. Kupreška kuća restaurant serves local Kupres cuisine. This lets you combine a specific hiking starting point with a taste of the local cuisine, without needing to plan a long day out.
Kupres connects continental Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia with Dalmatia and the Adriatic coast. Those arriving from the direction of Bugojno drive through Kupreška vrata, where they can see wide-open fields and meadows. Plan around your preferred focus, and check the specific dates and operating details for events and seasonal activities.
Discover more destinations: Blažuj, Donje Peulje, Šuica, Tomislavgrad, Livno, Drvar
Return to the regional travel overview: Canton 10.
