Why Is Perućica Called the “Lungs of Europe”?

Hidden in the heart of Sutjeska National Park, in the southeast of the Republic of Srpska, the Perućica primeval forest is one of the most valuable natural treasures of this region.

This strictly protected nature reserve preserves a unique world of ancient forests, towering trees, rare plant and animal species, and landscapes that bear witness to the power of nature.

Covering an area of approximately 1,434 hectares, Perućica is one of the few places in Europe where natural processes take place almost entirely without human interference. Due to its exceptional value, it is often referred to as the “lungs of Europe,” and its scientific and educational importance has been recognised since the mid-20th century.

A Forest Where Nature Has the Final Say

Perućica is home to trees more than 300 years old and over 50 metres tall, while some parts of the forest remain almost inaccessible. Its rich plant life includes more than 170 recorded species of trees and shrubs, as well as over 1,000 species of herbaceous plants.

What makes this primeval forest special is that the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay, and regeneration takes place without the usual forestry interventions. Fallen and dead trees become part of new life, providing habitats for numerous organisms and contributing to the preservation of the natural balance.

Perućica is therefore much more than a dense forest — it is a kind of natural laboratory, important for the study of forest ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity.

Home to Rare Plant and Animal Species

The diversity of nature is particularly evident in the animal world. Bears, wolves, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, and badgers inhabit the primeval forest and its surroundings, along with numerous species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

One particularly interesting fact is that nine species of woodpeckers have been recorded in the area of Sutjeska National Park. These birds depend on old, damaged, and dead trees, which provide them with food and suitable places to build their nests.

The protection of such habitats is one of the reasons why Perućica is subject to a strict conservation regime.

Skakavac Waterfall, a Symbol of Untamed Beauty

One of the most impressive sights associated with Perućica is Skakavac Waterfall, which plunges more than 70 metres into the heart of the primeval forest.

The view of the waterfall, the deep forested valley, and the steep mountain cliffs reveals a landscape where different shades of green blend with rock and water. In the distance rises Mount Maglić, the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the surrounding mountains further emphasise the grandeur of this natural setting.

The Beškita and Dragoš Sedlo viewpoints allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the primeval forest and its surroundings. These viewpoints can be reached on foot or by car, while entry into the primeval forest itself is permitted only when accompanied by a guide from Sutjeska National Park.

This visitor policy allows tourists to experience the area's natural treasures while ensuring the protection of its sensitive ecosystem.

A Natural Treasure Recognised as Early as 1952

The Perućica primeval forest was discovered for forestry research purposes in 1938, when experts working in the Maglić area identified exceptionally valuable stands of beech, fir, and spruce, with trees exceeding 50 metres in height.

Due to its scientific importance, the area was removed from regular forestry management in 1952, and two years later it was granted protected nature reserve status.

Since 2017, Perućica has been on UNESCO's Tentative List, further confirming its importance in the context of natural heritage conservation.

Today, it is one of the most precious parts of Sutjeska National Park and an important reason why nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and researchers visit the southern part of the Republic of Srpska.

An Unforgettable Experience of Nature

A visit to Perućica offers an opportunity to discover a natural environment rarely found in modern Europe. There are no developed forest trails throughout every part of the reserve, nor is the aim to adapt nature to human needs. On the contrary, Perućica's value lies precisely in the fact that visitors are invited to discover it while respecting its rules and boundaries.

For visitors to Sutjeska National Park, the viewpoints, the view of Skakavac Waterfall, and the surrounding mountain ranges provide an opportunity to experience one of the most striking landscapes in the Republic of Srpska.

Perućica reminds us that the greatest natural treasures are not always those that have been landscaped or made accessible at every turn, but those that have been preserved in their original state — as a legacy that belongs to future generations as well.