Europe's jaw-dropping last remaining rainforest the size of Heathrow Airport

Deep in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies one of Europe’s last remaining primeval rainforests.

The Perućica Forest is hidden within Sutjeska National Park and is one of the few untouched forests left on the continent.

Covering 1,400 hectares - an area about the size of Heathrow Airport - it has remained largely untouched for thousands of years and is home to towering trees, rare wildlife, and one of the country’s tallest waterfalls.

Perućica is a strict nature reserve, meaning entry is only allowed with official rangers.

The forest is made up of enormous beech, fir and spruce trees, some over 300 years old and reaching heights of 50 metres.

Scientists estimate the forest itself is around 20,000 years old, making it one of the oldest natural areas in Europe.

The forest’s rich biodiversity includes over 170 species of trees and shrubs, more than 1,000 types of herbaceous plants, and rare animals like brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and wild boars.

Birdwatchers can also find nine different species of woodpeckers, which rely on the forest’s ancient trees for survival.

Due to its ecological importance, Perućica is protected as part of Sutjeska National Park and is recognised by UNESCO.

The Skakavac Waterfall, which drops 75 metres down a rocky cliff, is one of the park’s most breathtaking sights.

Visitors who make the journey to Vidikovac, a panoramic viewpoint, are rewarded with stunning views of the deep valley.

Perućica has been under official protection since 1952, when the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared it a scientific research site.

In 1954, it became a natural reserve, and when Sutjeska National Park was founded in 1962, the rainforest became a key part of the park’s mission to preserve Europe’s last wild landscapes.

Scientists from Yale University have called Perućica a perfect natural laboratory, offering insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.

Because of its remote location and strict protections, it remains one of the most well-preserved ecosystems in Europe.

Perućica is one of only two remaining primeval forests in Europe, along with Białowieża Forest, which spans the border of Poland and Belarus.

Both forests are rare examples of Europe’s ancient woodlands, which once covered much of the continent but have been cleared over centuries.

The Perućica Forest’s steep and mountainous terrain has helped protect it from logging and human development.

Scientists also believe that parts of the forest remained ice-free during the Ice Age, allowing unique plant and animal species to survive.