Vodopad Ripaljka

Ripaljka Waterfall - the most important information

At only 5 km from Sokobanja, there is a waterfall which, as the locals of this area say, "ripa (meaning: hops)" from the mountain Ozren. According to this expression for the jumping water, the waterfall got its name - Ripaljka. This place where the waterfall is being formed, quickly won over many passers-by with its beauty, so today Ripaljka is considered a significant tourist attraction.

The origin of the waterfall Ripaljka
This waterfall of the accumulative type is formed at a height of 420 meters, on the mountain river Gradasnica. It is unique in its appearance and the way the water moves through the landscape. Therefore, it got the status of the first protected natural monument in Yugoslavia.

It is interesting that during the summer and autumn, the river Gradasnica dries up, and the waterfall itself disappears, until the next spring. During the spring period, Ripaljka has a lot of water and is 17.5 meters high. Clearwater forms 11 cascades, the largest of which is Velika Ripaljka that is 11 meters high. Each segment of this waterfall is unique in its beauty, so many people claim that the most beautiful landscape photos can be taken here.

The most beautiful places near the waterfall Ripaljka
Some sections of the waterfall are covered with shrubs and clogged with swollen mountain vegetation. Here you will see the most beautiful scenes in the spring when this moody waterfall wakes up under a rush of rain and melting snow.

This place is ideal for those who like to enjoy untouched nature and explore the mountains. Due to the large number of people who gather around the Ripaljka waterfall, a picnic area has been arranged above it. Benches, tables and barbecue places have been set up in this wonderful place, so you can spend the whole day by the waterfall. At the foot of the waterfall, there is also a place to rest - a wooden plateau with benches.

What to see
Interestingly, this natural phenomenon is near the urban environment of Sokobanja. It seems that the entire area of Sokobanja is characterized by this combination of urbanized space and wild nature. That is why it has unique offers that unite nature with the modern world. So, near the waterfall you can see:

Ozren Special Hospital - tucked away in a mountain environment outside the city
Lake with a pond - near the waterfall Mala Ripaljka
Catering facilities - Ripaljka, Kafana Jezerce
Tatomirov Grad - the remains of a fortification on a steep rock

How to get to the waterfall Ripaljka
Although Ripaljka is located in the depths of the forest, outside the city, good roads are leading to it.

By car: a good paved road leads to Ozren Chest Hospital and is well provided with signposts. At the hospital parking, you can freely leave your vehicle.
On foot: near the parking lot of the hospital there is a macadam road, which leads to the waterfall.