Posušje is a town and municipality in the West Herzegovina Canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering an area of 461 km²
According to the latest 2013 census, it has 20,477 inhabitants, of which 99.74% are Croats and only 0.26% belong to other groups. This makes Posušje, along with Grude, the municipality with the highest percentage of Croats among all areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina where Croats live.
Posušje is located 29 km from Široki Brijeg, 54 km from Mostar, 10 km from Imotski, and 71 km from Makarska.
The Posušje region includes four terraced karst plateaus (Posuško and Virsko polje, Tribistovo, Rakitski Biser, and the mountainous area around Blidinje Lake) and lies at the crossroads of routes: Mostar – Imotski – Split, Mostar – Tomislavgrad – Livno, and Ploče – Ljubuški – Grude – Rama – Uskoplje – Travnik.
It is located southwest of Radovanj Hill.
Climate
The climate in Posušje varies across the municipality. While nearby Imotski and Grude have a mild Mediterranean climate, in Posušje itself and Vir to the south, a sub-Mediterranean climate with continental influence prevails. In the northern parts of the municipality—Rakitno, Tribistovo, and Blidinje—the climate is continental and mountainous. Therefore, Posušje is situated on the natural boundary between sub-Mediterranean and continental climates.
Altitude
Posuško polje lies at about 610 meters above sea level, Virsko polje at around 520 meters, Rakitno at about 900 meters, the peak of the Čvrsnica mountain called Pločno reaches 2,228 meters, and the Blidinje Lake area is at approximately 1,050 meters and higher.
Discover the Rich History of Posušje
The name Posušje comes from Croatian roots, meaning a dry land — a defining characteristic of this region throughout the centuries.
Though no human traces have been found from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods here, Posušje’s story begins in the Neolithic era, when people transitioned from hunters and gatherers to farmers and settlers. Archaeological sites like Vukove Njive and Žukovička Cave reveal early human activity, while later cultures, such as the Hvar-Lisičić culture, left their mark on the land.
The Bronze and Iron Ages brought significant development. Posušje became part of the Illyrian Delmati tribal lands — a proud, warrior people known for their resistance to Roman conquest. Archaeological finds suggest that ancient trade routes connected Posušje with important centers like Narona and Delminium.
Under Roman rule, settlements thrived, connected by roads, fortresses, and villas. The medieval era saw Posušje under Croatian and Bosnian rulers, with the first written mentions dating back to the 14th century. The turbulent times continued through Ottoman rule from the 16th to 19th centuries, when Posušje was a borderland of conflict and cultural exchange.
In 1878, Austro-Hungarian administration brought modernization and development, especially in education, laying the foundation for the vibrant community Posušje is today.
Discover the hidden gem of Herzegovina — the Municipality of Posušje!
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Posušje offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage that will captivate every traveler.
At the heart of this region lies the magnificent Blidinje Nature Park, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With towering peaks like Čvrsnica (2,228 m) and Vrana (2,074 m), crystal-clear Blidinje Lake at 1,184 meters above sea level, and stunning endemic flora like the rare Munika pine, the park is a sanctuary of pristine wilderness. Whether you’re craving exhilarating skiing and snowboarding on well-equipped slopes or peaceful hiking trails, Blidinje has it all — including family-friendly sledding hills and scenic routes for snowmobiling.
For thrill-seekers, the park’s off-road rally tracks provide the perfect adrenaline rush, while mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts will be enchanted by the diverse trails winding through the area. With over 130 kilometers of marked hiking paths, including routes like Ričina to Oštrc and Blidinje Lake to Jezerce, every step reveals stunning views and fresh mountain air.
Not far from the park, golf lovers can tee off at the Posušje Golf Club — one of the youngest and most promising golf courses in Bosnia and Herzegovina — where visitors from around the globe come to enjoy their game surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
But Posušje is not just about nature. It’s a place where history and culture come alive, boasting five national monuments including medieval stećak necropolises at Risovac, Dugo Polje, and Ponor. The man-made Tribistovo Lake offers a tranquil escape and a vital water source for the region.
Every August, the Kamendani Festival celebrates the art of stone carving, a traditional craft that’s been part of the local heritage for centuries. This unique event draws artists and visitors alike, showcasing the deep connection between the people of Herzegovina and their natural stone environment.
And for music lovers, the international Festival of Klapa Singing brings soulful harmony and joy, turning Posušje into a vibrant cultural hotspot with a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Last but not least, explore the dramatic Brina Canyon, an adventurous and picturesque gorge connecting the charming villages of Ričina and Tribistovo, perfect for those who crave exploration and unforgettable natural beauty.
With its strategic location near popular destinations like Međugorje and the Dalmatian coast, Posušje is your gateway to an authentic Herzegovinian experience — rich in nature, culture, and warm hospitality.
Come and explore Posušje — where every journey is an adventure, and every moment a memory.
To learn more about local administration, services, and community updates, visit the official website of the Municipality of Posušje.