The picturesque rivers and historic towns of Herzegovina are preparing to welcome over one hundred participants from eleven countries for the second edition of the “Sedam Rijeka” (Seven Rivers) festival, a boutique outdoor event that blends nature conservation, sustainable tourism, and authentic cultural experiences. Organized by the Citizens’ Association “OZ , Obećana Zemlja” (Promised Land), the festival will run from June 19 to 21 across the Blagaj, Mostar, and surrounding river regions, confirming Herzegovina’s growing reputation as a destination for active and eco conscious travelers from across the region, Europe, and beyond.
The three day program opens on Friday with “Prva Kap” (First Drop), a festive launch featuring a photography exhibition, a panel discussion on the role of rivers in sustainable development and tourism, the presentation of the “River Guardians’ Vow,” and an open air concert. Saturday shifts focus to creative and sports activities, including an eco printing workshop and the debut of “Bunica Tubing Šlaufijada”, a playful new activity inspired by the traditional summer pastime of floating down the Bunica River on truck inner tubes. Organizers are positioning the Šlaufijada as a safe, fun experience with the potential to become a signature tourism brand for the region. The evening continues with a screening of “Let the River Flow,” a documentary about the Neretva River, followed by talks, the signing of the River Guardians’ Vow, and a musical set by DJ Marina Mimoza.
The festival’s centerpiece arrives on Sunday with the unique concept of “Seven Rivers in One Day,” an ecological and touristic venture in which participants visit and swim in seven of Herzegovina’s most iconic waterways: the Bunica, Buna, Bregava, Trebižat, Studenčica, Neretva, and Jasenica. The event’s vision extends beyond recreation, seeking to foster a culture in which rivers are treated not as resources for exploitation but as living ecosystems deserving respect and active care. With applications open through the organizers’ official Instagram profiles and limited spots available for certain activities, the association is urging interested participants to register promptly. As sustainable tourism gains traction across the Balkans, the Seven Rivers Festival offers a compelling model for how small scale, community driven events can put a region on the international map while advocating for environmental stewardship.
