Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the lesser-known vacation destinations. Why is that? Because it offers breathtaking mountain villages, lush vineyards, and glistening rivers waiting for you. Discover the beautiful Balkan country in Eastern Europe.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Getting There and Accommodation

Destinations

Hiking

Cuisine

Bosnia Offers

Bosnia is still one of the lesser-known vacation spots-so much the better for you! The country is characterized by gentle hills, turquoise rivers, and lovely landscapes. Since the Balkan War, the state has been divided into two entities: The Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although each has its own political system, you will not notice this division during your travels. You can easily move between the two entities.

Due to the low population density, there is a diverse flora and fauna to admire, and nature lovers will have a great time here. Although Bosnia only has a very small coastal section and seems to lag a bit behind its neighbors Croatia and Montenegro, there is plenty to discover inland and beautiful vacation destinations that we would like to introduce to you today.

Bosnia Facts

Population: approx. 3,300,000

Area: approx. 51,000 km²

Capital: Sarajevo

Bosnia is still a very affordable travel destination. The prices for accommodation and living expenses are moderate, making the country even more attractive for your next holiday. Besides, you will be paying with the Convertible Mark (KM) while you're there. You can easily remember the exchange rate: One KM equals about a half Euro.

The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina ranges from Mediterranean to continental, meaning that it can get quite cold in winter in some regions with temperatures dropping below zero. However, during the peak season in July and August, you can sweat with up to 40 degrees. Therefore, we recommend planning your trip between April and October, depending on whether you prefer it really warm or more temperate.

For your arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you don't need to worry too much. If you are traveling by car, there can be some longer wait times at the borders, especially if a tour bus is in front of you. However, it usually goes quite swiftly on weekdays. If you prefer to fly, the airports in Tuzla, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, or Mostar are suitable-depending on your departure airport, there are direct flights to all four airports. You can reach Tuzla starting at €30 and Sarajevo non-stop starting at €100.

Entry Requirements

You can enter with an ID card or passport that should be valid for at least three months after your departure. You only need a visa for stays longer than 90 days.

There, you can directly rent a car and set out to explore Bosnia. How about planning a road trip through the country, giving you the opportunity to discover as many beautiful places as possible at once? However, since Bosnia and Herzegovina has almost no highways, you should allow enough time. The journeys on country roads can take a bit longer, but you won't miss out on the beautiful scenery around you. You'll also find plenty of accommodations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the best part is that you can usually get them for a really low price. Hostels in the center of Sarajevo cost around €13 a night, in Mostar around €20.

The beautiful Balkan country has several places that you should take a closer look at. During our last visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, we explored extensively and can therefore present to you the most beautiful travel destinations in Bosnia! The practical map shows you all the highlights at a glance.

Sarajevo is the capital and only metropolis of Bosnia. With a population of nearly 300,000, it serves as the economic center of the country and is also the seat of government. The city became world-famous in 1914 due to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.

Travel tip: If you want to learn more about Bosnia's capital, check out our article on Sarajevo.

The city also bore a heavy burden during its four-year siege during the Balkan War. However, it now shines in a new light. Even though the scars of war have not completely healed, Sarajevo has long since entered a new era. A vibrant atmosphere and a diverse mix of people and cultures shape the city's character. Many different religions and lifestyles coexist here peacefully.

Explore Sarajevo's old town with the former marketplace Baščaršija and the Sebilj Fountain, enjoy a Bosnian coffee, and try the local specialties. Here, you can be enchanted by the Ottoman flair while enjoying the benefits of a modern city. Beautiful hiking trails await you in the surrounding forests, as well as a true lost place:

The old bobsled track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics is slowly being reclaimed by nature. In Sarajevo, you cannot escape a lesson in history. Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel and pay attention to the roses of Sarajevo at your feet. Bosnia's capital will reveal much about the country's past while charming you with its romantic old town.

The old town of Mostar, with its beautiful Stari Most bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow alleys, stone houses, green hills, and the turquoise Neretva River shape the landscape, transporting you to a distant fairy tale world. It feels like a time travel here.

After the old town and the bridge were severely damaged during the war, they were rebuilt almost authentically to preserve the city's Ottoman charm. Dine in one of the beautiful restaurants and cafés on the hills above the Neretva, sip a Bosnian tea, or browse through the many small shops and stalls where you can buy souvenirs and local copper cups and tea sets.

The bridge in Mostar has existed since the 16th century. During the Bosnian War, it eventually could not withstand the ongoing shelling and collapsed in 1993. It was reopened in 2004, built according to the original design.

In Bosnia, it is said that the architect needed several attempts to complete the bridge. After it collapsed twice during construction, the Ottoman Sultan threatened him with the death penalty if the next attempt failed. The day before the opening, the architect fled the city and was never seen again. However, his bridge stood for over 400 years until the war in 1993. By the way, there is an annual bridge diving competition there. Do you dare to jump 20 meters into the cool water?

Travel tip: The Bridge of Mostar is so famous that we even dedicated an entire article to it.

Just a few kilometers from Mostar lies the small town of Blagaj. This is where the spring of the Buna River originates. The water meanders beautifully around the steep mountain, with plants adorning the rugged rocks, and at its base, the old Dervish monastery tightly hugs the ground.

The Islamic monastery dates back to the 17th century and is still in use today. You can visit it, but the view from outside is actually the main attraction. You can even explore the small cave leading to the spring inside the mountain by boat. It's best to combine your visit to Blagaj with your trip to Mostar to explore two beautiful places at once.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost completely located in the Dinaric Alps. Only a short ten-kilometer stretch, surrounded by Croatia on both sides, is on the Adriatic coast. Neum is thus the only coastal town in Bosnia. Here, you will find a gently sloping beach and light blue waters. However, those hoping for fine sandy beaches will be disappointed. Like everywhere in the region, the beaches tend to be gravelly or rocky. So don't forget your water shoes! A big advantage of the rocky beaches is the crystal-clear water. Neum itself is not a city for sightseeing, but it has everything you need for a trip to the sea: charming cafés and restaurants, smaller hotels, and with a little luck, pure sunshine!

In the village of Studenci, the Kravica Waterfalls plunge from up to 28 meters downwards. In summer, the waterfalls are a popular destination for locals and tourists, as swimming is possible in the river basin. And this is despite the fact that the Kravica Waterfalls are a protected area. Please make sure not to leave any trash after your visit.

Due to the continuous movement, the water does not heat up even on hot days and is never warmer than about 15 degrees. Even the fine spray mist from the waterfalls is a refreshing treat for the senses. And there's a lot to see here: Along the roughly 120-meter-wide slope, the cool, blue waters rush down and collect in a large pool. The lush green vegetation in the surrounding area creates an almost tropical feeling-right in the middle of Europe! If the water feels too cold, you can also rent a kayak or enjoy a coffee at the small café by the riverbank. Those who are really brave can even use the falls as a diving board; the water is deep enough. But be careful and watch out for rocks that may be present in the water!

In the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies the town of Trebinje. This charming place is one of the larger cities in the Herzegovina region, with around 30,000 inhabitants, and attracts many visitors each year.

Did you know?

Hercegovačka Gračanica is a replica of a similarly named church in Kosovo.

Trebinje's old town area is a true gem: Situated right by the water, this pretty place exudes Mediterranean flair with its cypress trees and shaded squares. Here, you can stroll through the cobbled streets, enjoy an ice cream, and simply enjoy life! If you want to experience a bit of culture, you shouldn't miss the Hercegovačka Gračanica (Church of the Mother of God). The monastery complex, perched on a hill above the city, makes for a stunning sight both inside and out. Additionally, you can enjoy a great view of the city from up here. You can reach it by car or take a little hike up the hill. There is also a small restaurant waiting for you at the church to refuel.

Nestled on the banks of the Neretva River is the romantic village of Počitelj, which hugs a steep mountain. An old fortress sits atop the hill, watching over the small village, the green hills, and the turquoise river below. The large Šišman Ibrahim-Paša Mosque proudly rises above, while small stone houses nestle in the rocks, and local women sell fresh fruits and vegetables from their gardens among the wildflowers and crooked paths.

Were Počitelj by the sea, we might compare it to an old pirate village. Yet it carries its own unique charm. Hike up to the fortress for a fantastic view or wander along the many little paths through the village. You can freely explore the ruins of the fortress, as there are no barriers or similar restrictions here. But be cautious; the old walls are not secured, so when taking photographs, it's best not to get too close to the edge! Down by the river, you'll also find one or two cafés inviting you to relax.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Bosnia. The Dinaric Alps offer wonderful hiking opportunities. The dense forests and rugged mountains are completely untouched, as only a few tourists travel here for hiking.

Did you know?

In the Perućica rainforest, some trees grow up to 50 meters high.

Within the 175 km² Sutjeska National Park, there are numerous trekking routes and even the highest mountain in Bosnia. At 2,386 meters, Maglić is quite a challenge. However, there are also trails with less elevation change or shorter routes available. Highlights in the national park include the 75-meter-high Skakavac waterfall, the Sutjeska Gorge, and the last rainforest in the warm temperate zone of Europe. You can also see an impressive monument in the park dedicated to the Second World War.

Since hiking tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet well established, there are currently only a limited number of accommodation options. In the town of Tjentiste, there is a small hotel named Madlost and a campsite. Therefore, you should plan your hikes through the national park mainly as day trips.

If you like hearty fare, then you are in the right place. That sums up Bosnian cuisine pretty well. Similar to Croats and Serbs, Bosnians primarily serve savory meat dishes and pastry dishes. Friends of vegetarian or lighter cuisine may find it a bit harder in Bosnia, but as is often the case, there's a solution for everything. Feel free to ask at restaurants for vegetarian alternatives; Bosnians are very friendly and open-minded and will surely try to whip up something delicious for you. In the larger cities, there are now also restaurants that are equipped for vegetarians.

Ćevapčići - these small rolls of lamb or beef are known even beyond Bosnia's borders. Heavily seasoned and grilled, they are often served with a bit of bread and can be found everywhere for little money.

Burek - this consists of meat-filled pastry rolls that are baked and often quite greasy. A very similar version with feta or spinach is called Pita, made with thinner dough.

Dolma - this vegetable dish appears in various forms. In Bosnia, vine leaves, onions, or peppers are often filled with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and various spices.

Sarma - delicious cabbage rolls are made from vine leaves or white cabbage, filled with rice and smoked meat.

Grah - the classic bean stew is warming, inexpensive, and filling. And it tastes good!

If you're looking for a vacation away from the crowds without having to miss out on exciting cities and beautiful natural panoramas, you should seriously consider a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the country may still be a hidden gem, its untouched beauty will surely not remain hidden for much longer. Set off to Bosnia and discover the charming, dreamy region of the Balkans. You definitely won't regret it!

Your Journey to Bosnia