35 Issues To Do In Bosnia And Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a diversified panorama, with excessive mountains, rolling valleys,  and enormous cities. Here’s a listing of issues to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nations that don’t typically make the large journey lists are sometimes probably the most rewarding. Why? As a result of they’re untouched, they aren’t equipped for mass tourism, making them extra conventional, cultural, and genuine. That is actual journey!

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a protected nation to go to – it’s vital to level out that reality. Sure, after Yugoslavia’s breakup within the 90s, when the Bosnian conflict devastated the nation and its folks. Since then, Bosnia & Herzegovina has been slowly recovering and is now a peaceable and delightful vacation spot to go to.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a small stretch (20 km) of crystal-clear Adriatic shoreline if you wish to take pleasure in a little bit seaside time. The numerous landscapes are breathtaking, with excessive mountains, rolling valleys, and thrilling cities, similar to Sarajevo. The distinctive tradition that completely different rulers over the centuries have influenced is obvious in every single place you look.

In brief, there are such a lot of lovely locations to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina you possibly can spend weeks immersing your self on this fascinating nation in the center of the Balkans.

Proper, let’s crack on with the…

Cities & Historic Websites In Bosnia & Herzegovina

1. Sarajevo

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition. The guts of Sarajevo is its charming Outdated City. Baščaršija is the Outdated City Market, which has considerably of a Turkish vibe and is the good place to get a really feel for the town and to select up a little bit trinket to take dwelling with you!

Town includes a mixture of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian structure with a picturesque skyline.

Whereas constructing watching on a Sarajevo Strolling Tour, you’ll discover bullet holes in buildings, that are Sarajevo’s scars from the conflict. For a real understanding of what occurred right here on the finish of the final century, these scars of conflict are a must-see in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

2. Ilidza

Simply outdoors Sarajevo, Ilidza is a breath of contemporary air.

Identified for its lush greenery and therapeutic springs, it’s an ideal getaway from metropolis hustle. The spotlight? The beautiful Vrelo Bosne park, a haven for picnics and leisurely walks.

Don’t miss the possibility to experience a horse-drawn carriage down the picturesque avenue lined with chestnut bushes. Ilidza is greater than a suburb; it’s a slice of tranquility the place nature and rest meet.

3. Mostar

Mostar is considered one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most lovely cities and a high attraction within the Balkans. It’s wealthy in tradition, historical past, and delightful buildings. Whether or not you propose to remain for a number of days or go to on a day journey from close by Croatia, Mostar is certainly value a go to.

A go to to the town of Mostar ought to begin with the town’s one-star attraction. The Stari Most, identified in English as Outdated Bridge, is within the very coronary heart of the previous metropolis heart. Spanning the superbly clear Neretva River, this is among the most iconic landmarks in your entire Balkan area.

Simply seeing and strolling throughout this world-renowned and well-known bridge makes spending a day in Mostar value it.

The customer heart can be close to the Stari Most. Pay a go to for extra in-depth data, and choose a metropolis map. It’ll provide help to navigate the winding maze of historic streets within the Outdated City of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

4. Travnik

Nestled in central Bosnia, Travnik’s declare to fame is its well-preserved Ottoman structure.

The Travnik Fortress, perched above the city, provides panoramic views and a peek into the previous. The city’s vibrant bazaar and the Sulejmanija Mosque, also referred to as the Colourful Mosque, are must-sees.

Travnik’s distinctive appeal lies in its skill to move you to a bygone period when you wander its historic streets.

5. Konjic

Midway between Sarajevo and Mostar, Konjic hides a captivating secret – Tito’s nuclear bunker. However there’s extra to Konjic than Chilly Struggle relics. The city is a gateway to out of doors adventures.

Suppose rafting on the Neretva River or exploring the rugged great thing about the encircling areas. Konjic seamlessly blends historical past with adrenaline-pumping actions.

6. Stolac

This small city is an open-air museum. From the fascinating Čaršija Mosque to the mysterious Radimlja Necropolis with its medieval tombstones, Stolac is a historical past buff’s paradise.

Don’t overlook the Badanj Cave, dwelling to prehistoric drawings. Stolac provides a novel window into Bosnia’s various previous, from historic to trendy instances.

7. Trebinje

Tucked within the southeast, Trebinje is a gem. Stroll by its previous city and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time. Town’s mixture of Ottoman and Mediterranean structure is mesmerizing.

Its treasured landmarks embrace the Arslanagic Bridge and Hercegovacka Gracanica Monastery, perched on a hill with beautiful views. The city’s relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal spot to unwind and absorb some native tradition.

8. Lukomir

Excessive within the Bjelasnica mountains lies Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest and most remoted village. It’s like time stood nonetheless right here. Stone homes with cherry-wood roofs communicate of age-old traditions.

The villagers, semi-nomadic shepherds, protect a lifestyle that has virtually vanished. Mountaineering to Lukomir provides not simply beautiful surroundings but additionally a uncommon glimpse into a way of life unchanged for hundreds of years.

9. Tuzla

This vibrant metropolis is thought for its multicultural vibe and salt lakes – sure, proper within the metropolis heart! Tuzla’s salt historical past is lengthy and storied, and these lakes are a novel city retreat.

Town’s previous city is a pleasant mixture of cultures, with mosques and church buildings facet by facet. Tuzla may not be on each vacationer’s radar, nevertheless it’s a energetic spot with a mix of historical past and modernity.

10. Jajce

You’ll take a step again in time when visiting the walled metropolis of Jajce. The city boasts and beautiful waterfall and a set of small picket mills. The big waterfall for which the city is legendary is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, with a number of the falls measuring 65 ft.

Whereas on the town, discover the previous city partitions and head for the Jajce fortress ruins the place Bosnian Kings had been as soon as topped. Jajce was the final fortress to withstand the Ottoman takeover and has confirmed to be very resilient all through its historical past.

11. Visegrad

This city is synonymous with the Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage web site. Immortalized in literature, the bridge is a shocking instance of Ottoman engineering.

Close by Andricgrad, a stone city constructed by filmmaker Emir Kusturica, provides a unusual contact with its mix of various architectural kinds. Visegrad is not only about sights; it’s about stepping right into a storybook setting.

12. Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic Bridge

Talking of the well-known bridge, you can find it straddling the Drina River east of the nation, inbuilt a traditional Ottoman fashion. Other than its magnificence, this bridge has a moderately morbid facet because it was one of many Visegrad bloodbath websites.

Pure Wonders & Points of interest In Bosnia & Herzegovina

13. Go to The Jungle At Kravica Waterfalls

The Trebizat River runs by a jungle panorama earlier than transferring in the direction of the thundering Kravice Falls.

The falls themselves are awe-inspiring, at round 83 ft excessive, surrounded by beautiful inexperienced forest. It’s wonderful! That is among the many greatest Bosnia-Herzegovina has to supply when it comes to pure magnificence.

You may take pleasure in many out of doors actions right here, similar to swimming, strolling, climbing, and many others.

14. Discover Vrelo Bosne

15 km from Sarajevo, you’ll see the spectacular pure marvel, Vrelo Bosne. Spanning 603 hectares on the foot of Mt Igman, Vrelo Bosne has been a pure retreat for Sarajevo’s metropolis dwellers for hundreds of years. The park is the supply of the River Bosna and is packed with lakes, streams, and endemic flora and flora.

This can be a nice place to take the household, the place you possibly can take a horse and carriage experience, frolic within the park’s playgrounds, feed the geese and swans, and stroll the park’s many trails. It’s some of the underrated locations to go to in Bosnia-Herzegovina and is a good place for a pure revitalizing getaway.

15. River Una Rafting

Those that love a little bit adrenaline will benefit from the wild waters of the River Una, positioned within the lovely Bihac area. Right here, you possibly can attempt your hand at rafting, the place you possibly can take your choose from advanced rafting phases to these extra suited to novices.

For those who’re courageous sufficient, tackle the Štrbački Buk – Lohovo route, the place you’ll tackle quite a few rapids and waterfalls.

Cultural & Historic Experiences In Bosnia & Herzegovina

16. Watch The Divers In Mostar

The most effective issues to do in Mostar is to discover a cafe with a view over the enduring Stari Most (previous bridge) and watch the native divers make the leap into the Neretva River.

It’s spectacular!

The bridge is considered one of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s most recognizable symbols, and it, together with the adjoining space, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2005. It’s some of the iconic locations to go to in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Mostar is a good looking metropolis in its personal proper, and wandering across the Outdated City of Mostar with its Ottoman structure, strolling over little streams, and looking the shops with their native wares is a wonderful approach to see what Mostar is all about. Don’t neglect your digicam!

For the very best view of Stari Most, head as much as the Koskin Mehmed Pasha Mosque and climb the minaret.

17. Head To The Tjentiste Struggle Memorial

The placing factor about this monument is that you have to stroll by it. It’s an enormous angular concrete construction constructed to commemorate the lack of life within the Battle of the Sutjeska throughout WWII.

18. Wander The Outdated Jewish Cemetery In Sarajevo

This beautiful Jewish cemetery, surrounded by 1000’s of fascinating previous tombstones, was minimize off for a very long time (primarily as a result of landmines surrounded it), nevertheless it was reopened in 1998.

It’s a nice place to go to for these of Jewish descent and people occupied with Jewish historical past.

19. See The place World Struggle I Began

Situated in Sarajevo is the place Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, an occasion that kick-started the occasions main as much as World Struggle 1.

There’s a memorial plaque the place the assassination occurred: a little bit creepy however an excellent landmark to go to for conflict historical past buffs.

20. Go to The Sarajevo Struggle Tunnel Museum

Certainly one of the very best museums in Sarajevo is the Sarajevo Struggle Tunnel Museum. In the course of the conflict, Sarajevo was beneath siege, with a lot of the metropolis beneath Serbian management.

The museum is positioned on the Dobrinja entrance to the tunnel, shows conflict relics and weaponry, and lets you absorb a small part of the tunnel. The tunnel was constructed to hyperlink the neighborhoods of Butmir and Dobrinja and handed beneath the Serbian-controlled plane runway. The tunnel was hand-dug beneath difficult circumstances.

Distinctive Points of interest In Bosnia & Herzegovina

21. Go to The Website Of The Apparition Of The Virgin Mary

In 1981, the Virgin Mary appeared to six native kids of Medjugorje, sending messages to the world by them. Since then, the city has turn into an vital Catholic pilgrimage web site, and the apparitions have continued to this present day to those self same six folks.

Whereas there, stroll the stations of the cross up Mount Podbrdo, which is the positioning the place the Virgin Mary was mentioned to have first appeared.

22. See Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Reply To The Pyramids

Pyramids in Bosnia, I hear you say! Head to Visoko and take a look at the Pyramid of the Solar and Moon, which is believed so far again to round 12000 BC.

Effectively, that’s what a Bosnian beginner archeologist claims. Whereas some specialists are doubtful in regards to the declare, many consider it to be true. Investigations into the declare are ongoing, but when confirmed to be correct, that may make these pyramids the oldest and largest on the planet.

23. View The Bobsleigh Monitor Of The 1984 Winter Olympics

Sarajevo was host to the Winter Olympics, and its large bobsleigh monitor was famed, with a staggering 13 turns.

For the reason that conflict, the bobsleigh monitor fell into disrepair, and Mom Nature reclaimed the course.

24. Uncover Fashionable Artwork In A Former Nuclear Bunker

Burrowed 663 ft right into a mountain close to Konjic, you can find a nuclear bunker that Tito constructed from 1953-1979, which has been repurposed as an artwork gallery.

Quite a few exhibitions happen all yr spherical, and whereas there, why not take a tour of the remainder of the power and, discover the bunker past the gallery, and find out about its historical past?

25. Learn Lunar Time At The Outdated Clock Tower In Sarajevo

Constructed within the Sixteenth century and standing 30m excessive, this clock tower doesn’t appear to be something past the everyday previous city clock tower. However this clock tower is the one public clock on the planet that retains lunar time.

The rationale it retains lunar time is that it aligns with each day prayers.

26. Kozara Memorial Monument

Dera is dwelling to the Kozara Memorial Monument, erected in 1972.

It’s a tower that stands 33m excessive and is a tragic reminder of those that died in Dera throughout World Struggle II.

Journey & Out of doors Actions In Bosnia & Herzegovina

27. Go Mountaineering

Take your choose from quite a few mountaineering trails throughout the rugged Bosnian and Herzegovina. Strive the hike to Bjelasnica Summit, Lokvanjsko Lake, or Rakitnica Canyon.

WARNING: At all times persist with trails, as there are areas in Bosnia the place land mines are but to be recovered.

28. Discover The Čolina Kapa Fortress

Throughout World Struggle II, the Austro-Hungarians constructed a fortress perched upon Mount Trebevic to offer a chook’s eye view over Sarajevo.

After years of being unused after WWII, within the Nineteen Seventies, the fortress was transformed into an astronomical observatory the place a lot of Bosnia’s star gazing analysis was performed. Throughout the newest conflict, the observatory was destroyed; nevertheless, the lookout nonetheless serves as a preferred vacation spot for city explorers.

29. Go Snowboarding In Sarajevo

The winter brings plentiful snow, which suggests slipping on the skis or snowboard and carving up.

The 1984 Winter Olympic web site on Jahorina Mountain is improbable for snowboarding and snowboarding and has a vibrant nightlife.

30. Get pleasure from A Guided Mountain Biking Tour

There are numerous trails throughout the Bosnian highlands. Nonetheless, a guided tour is your greatest guess. One of the best trails are within the Central Dinaric Alps, providing beautiful vistas and a difficult experience.

The bonus is that the paths are near the capital, making for an amazing day journey.

Nationwide Parks & Nature Reserves In Bosnia & Herzegovina

31. Go to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Nationwide Parks

Sutjeska Nationwide Park is the oldest in Bosnia & Herzegovina and holds one of many two final primeval forests in Europe, the best waterfall in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Skakavac, and the best peak within the nation, Zelagnora. For those who determine to hike the two,386-meter Zelagnora mountain, you’ll be rewarded with seeing some pristine glacial lakes and wildlife.

The nation has two extra nationwide parks, Kozara Nationwide Park and Una Nationwide Park.

Established in 2008, Una Nationwide Park is the youngest of the three nationwide parks in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The park encompasses the Unac and Higher Una Rivers and is the supply of the well-known Krka River. Clearly, this protects the realm’s extraordinary flora, fauna, waterfalls, riverbank forests, and archaeological and cultural heritage websites.

32. Peruse Počitelj

This 14th-century medieval city sits on the facet of a rocky hill on the financial institution of the Neretva River. The city offers you a superb glimpse into the realm’s previous, with its medieval stone building and the additions to the town from the Ottomans.

Right here, you’ll discover stone partitions, houses, the Počitelj Fort, and a Mosque. It’s an thrilling mix of two distinct eras of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For the very best views of the Neretva River and the encircling panorama, climb the fort tower.

This lovely historic city is among the hottest locations to go to in Bosnia and Herzegovina on journeys to Mostar from Croatia.

Wellness & Rest In Bosnia & Herzegovina

33. Blagaj Tekija – Dervish Home On The Buna River

Simply 12km from Mostar is considered one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hidden gems, Blagaj Dervish Home. Situated in Blagaj, this Sixteenth-century Dervish Monastery has served many Dervish orders over its lengthy historical past.

At this time, for a small entrance price, you possibly can take a Monastery tour and study in regards to the historical past of this Monastery. Make sure to mirror on the terrace, which overlooks the beautiful supply of the Buna River, the most important karst one in Europe.

The place is really magical. For those who get hungry, go to one of many eating places that line the river and take a look at some scrumptious native trout.

34. Pattern Pure Viagra In Kladanj

The pure spring waters on this a part of the nation harbor pure powers, which males might discover considerably useful!

The small city of Kladaj, sitting on the base of the Konjuh Mountain, is undoubtedly picturesque, and its spring water is claimed to be a pure type of Viagra.

Coastal Experiences

35. Neum

If you’re actually lacking the ocean or really feel like a dip within the lovely Adriatic head for Neum.

That is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s solely city on the Adriatic shoreline and is completely beautiful, as is the remainder of the Japanese Adriatic.

Greatest Lodging In Bosnia And Herzegovina

Right here is the place you possibly can relaxation your head in your travels.

Muslibegovic Home

Mostar is dwelling to one of many best-preserved kinds of Ottoman structure, the Muslibegovic Home. You may tour to see how the rich would have spent their days, or you possibly can keep there for a number of days. We recommend the latter!.

Resort President, Sarajevo

The lodge is ideally positioned for exploring the town. It’s positioned within the coronary heart of the town and a stone’s throw from the Latin Bridge, Sebilj Fountain, and Baščarsija Avenue. The lodge has views over the river and metropolis and has every thing you’d count on from a 4-star lodge..

Thermal Spa Resorts

Strive the therapeutic powers of a thermal spa. The mineral waters that run by the nation have plentiful therapeutic powers courting again to Roman instances, so in case you have any aches and pains, head to a pure thermal resort. Fojnica, Kiseljak, Teslic, and Banja Luka have options set in beautiful countryside with a contemporary twist.

What To Eat & Drink In Bosnia And Herzegovina

Here’s what you should order whereas in your travels.

Čevapi

These little-rolled beef sausages will be discovered throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and are an iconic nationwide meals. Everybody has their slight variations on Cevapi, which will be served with Ajvar and diced onion, amongst different issues. They’re low-cost and tremendous tasty, and also you can’t go away the nation with out attempting them.

Burek

This meat-filled phyllo pastry is an absolute must-try meals when in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You could find it in every single place, and if you’re a price range traveler, it’s the right low-cost meal that offers you the vitality to go all day lengthy.

Begova Čorba

Begova Corba or Bey soup is a thick rooster soup with some greens similar to potatoes, beans, carrots, celery, and Okra. As soon as served by the Bosnian Governor, often called Bey’s, within the Ottoman Empire, this dish has stood the check of time.

Kava In Sarajevo & Mostar

One of many lasting influences the Ottomans dropped at this area was Turkish espresso. Well-liked in all the former Yugoslav international locations, Kava is an absolute must-try. However be warned, these things is powerful! You could find Kava throughout the nation; most households will make this espresso at dwelling.

The place Is Bosnia & Herzegovina

Leaping from the Outdated Bridge, MostarBosnia and Herzegovina is a Balkan nation, previously a part of Yugoslavia, which gained independence in 1992. It has a inhabitants of three.8 million and is nearly solely landlocked, apart from its 20km stretch of the Adriatic Coastline.

Its neighbors embrace beautiful Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo, with a inhabitants of just below 300,000. This energetic metropolis could be very welcoming and has been restored since being destroyed by the conflict. Sarajevo is the place you’ll discover lots of the high Bosnia vacationer sights, from museums to historic websites.

For individuals who prefer to strap on mountaineering boots and discover, the nation is a nature lovers paradise with some improbable nationwide parks, together with Sutjeska and Kozara.

Key Festivals & Occasions In Bosnia

Sarajevo Movie Pageant

One of many largest movie festivals in Europe, this occasion brings the silver display screen to Sarajevo each summer season. Curiously, this pageant started in 1995 whereas the town was nonetheless beneath siege and has grown exponentially since that point. The occasion showcases each function and brief movies from throughout the globe.

Baščarsija Nights

In the course of the summer season months inside the Turkish Quarter of Sarajevo, the town places on varied performances within the evenings. Right here, you’ll see folks dancing, opera, ballet, and completely different preparations to entertain you thru the night time.

Avenue Artwork Pageant In Mostar

All yr spherical, you can find lots of the city’s partitions adorned with thrilling and colourful avenue artwork. In the course of the annual Avenue Artwork Pageant, further performances and stalls carry the artwork to life – certainly, an fascinating time to go to! When visiting the realm, make sure you wander round and take a number of images.

There may be definitely loads to see and do on this small nation, proving that dimension actually doesn’t matter on the subject of how visit-worthy a rustic is.

Regardless of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s troubled previous, it is a nation that’s nonetheless very naturally undiscovered and one which begs to be explored.

This lovely nation, typically hailed as some of the underrated locations, is a treasure trove of pure wonders and historic websites. From the breathtaking Kravice Waterfalls to the landmarks on the UNESCO World Heritage listing, every location is a testomony to why Bosnia and Herzegovina is really value visiting.

Are you able to discover Bosnia and Herzegovina, embark on this journey, and uncover the hidden gems ready on this outstanding nook of the world?