Sutjeska National Park Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sutjeska National Park
IUCN Category II (National Park)

Sutjeska National Park Location in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Location	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nearest city	Foča
Area	175 km² (68 sq mi)
Established	1962

The Sutjeska National Park is a special place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in a part of the country called Republika Srpska. This park was created in 1962, making it the oldest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The park is home to Mount Maglić, which is the highest mountain in the whole country. Sutjeska National Park covers a large area, about 175 square kilometers (or 17,500 hectares). That's a lot of space for nature to thrive!

What is Sutjeska National Park?
Perućica Forest Reserve
- A Primeval Forest
- Skakavac Waterfall
Mountains and Lakes
- Mount Maglić
- Beautiful Lakes
Animals of Sutjeska
- Mammals
- Birds
Plants of Sutjeska
- Forests
- Alpine Flowers
Things to Do in the Park
Protecting the Park
Images for kids
See also

What is Sutjeska National Park?

Sutjeska National Park is a protected area where nature is kept safe. It's a place where you can see amazing mountains, deep forests, and clear rivers. The park helps protect many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a perfect spot for people who love the outdoors and want to explore beautiful landscapes.

Perućica Forest Reserve

Inside Sutjeska National Park, you'll find the amazing Perućica Forest Reserve. This forest is very old and special. It is about 6 kilometers long and 1 to 3 kilometers wide. The reserve covers an area of about 1,400 hectares.

A Primeval Forest

Perućica is known as a primeval forest. This means it's an old-growth forest that has been mostly untouched by humans. Many trees in this forest are over 300 years old! It's like stepping back in time to see how forests used to be. The UNESCO organization recognizes this forest as a very important natural site.

Skakavac Waterfall

Within the Perućica Forest, there's a beautiful waterfall called Skakavac Waterfall. It's one of the most stunning sights in the park. The water tumbles down from a great height, creating a misty, magical atmosphere.

Mountains and Lakes

Sutjeska National Park is famous for its rugged mountains and sparkling lakes. These natural features make the park a great place for adventures.

Mount Maglić

Mount Maglić is the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It stands tall at 2,386 meters (7,828 feet) above sea level. Climbing Maglić is a challenge for experienced hikers, but the views from the top are incredible.

Beautiful Lakes

The park also has several beautiful glacial lakes. These lakes were formed by ancient glaciers. Two well-known lakes are Trnovačko Lake and Orlovačko Lake. They are often called "mountain eyes" because of their clear, blue waters. These lakes are perfect for enjoying peaceful nature scenes.

Animals of Sutjeska

Sutjeska National Park is home to many different kinds of animals. It's a safe place for them to live and thrive.

Mammals

You might be lucky enough to spot large mammals like brown bears and wolves here. The park also has chamois, which are agile goat-like animals that live in the mountains. Other animals include roe deer, wild boar, and various smaller mammals.

Birds

The park is also a haven for many bird species. You can see different kinds of eagles soaring high above the peaks. There are also many other forest birds, making it a great place for birdwatching.

Plants of Sutjeska

The park's diverse landscape supports a rich variety of plants. From ancient trees to colorful wildflowers, there's a lot to see.

Forests

Besides the primeval Perućica Forest, the park has other large forests. These forests are made up of different types of trees, including beech, spruce, and fir. They provide important habitats for animals and help keep the air clean.

Alpine Flowers

In the higher mountain areas, especially during spring and summer, you can find beautiful alpine flowers. These colorful plants grow in harsh conditions and add a splash of color to the rocky landscapes.

Things to Do in the Park

Sutjeska National Park offers many activities for visitors who love nature and adventure.

Hiking: There are many hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs up mountains like Maglić.
Nature Watching: It's a great place to observe wildlife and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Photography: The stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes offer amazing opportunities for taking pictures.
Exploring: Discover hidden corners of the forest and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Protecting the Park

Sutjeska National Park is important because it protects unique ecosystems and biodiversity. National parks help make sure that these special places and the animals and plants that live there are safe for future generations to enjoy.