About 45 minutes away from the “hidden gem” city of Mostar is the small town of Medjugorje. This town’s only industry is tourism, generated by the vast amounts of religious pilgrimages that stop there every year. Primarily Catholics, people embark to visit Medjugorje in order to hike to the top of apparition hill, where Mary appeared to a select few in the 1980s. St. James’s Church is nearby, where mass is celebrated in various languages every hour.
The pilgrimage hike is not too far from the church, but the hike is pretty steep and of moderate difficulty. We drove to the start of the hike, which was a cobblestone hill lined with souvenir shops selling primarily religious objects, such as crosses an rosaries. Also, a surprising amount of carved wooden walking sticks, intended to help with the trek to the top of the hill.
The walk to the end of the cobblestone hill isn’t too difficult, and then you’re hit with this sight. A sudden outburst of sheer rock. May the trek begin!
The hike takes about 25 minutes each way, depending on if you stop for breaks or not. There isn’t a path, but there are noticeable routes over which time has shifted the rocks into an easier trail.
There are breaks in the hike, with small areas cleared of rock. Religious items are displayed here; many people stop and pray.
Upon reaching the top, there’s a lovely statue of Mary where the visions originally occurred; in front of the statue sits a gorgeous view over the town of Medjugorje.
The hike up Apparition Hill is unique to every person who makes it. Some find it incredibly spiritual, moving, some chant prayers on their walk to the top, some walk barefoot, and some are simply yearning to see the view. Regardless of your experience, I would recommend it.
The good news is, the hike down is seriously easier and much quicker! I’d suggest stopping at one of the cafes at the bottom of the hill; you earned it!
About a 20 minute drive from Medjugorje is the town of Kravica, home of the Kravice Waterfalls. Or, as I call them, “the most incredibly stunning lush waterfalls I’ve yet to see in Europe.” If you visit Mostar, if you visit Medjugorje, if you’re in Bosnia & Herzegovina at all, you have to visit the falls. They’re simply dazzling!
There’s a sandy area on the edge of the pool, and a small cafe there. The place is lovely, the water crystal clear. It’s great for swimming and relaxing in the summer!
At the top of the path leading down to the falls, there’s even a quiet, isolated area where you can look out over the top of the falls. There’s a small bench near and it’s the perfect place for a picnic!
A Medjugorje-Kravica day trip is a great way to take in the different and varied sights of beauty in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not to mention to soak up the summer sun!
xox,
Lauren
