Bosnia and Herzegovina
Overview
The historical centres of Sarajevo and Mostar, along with the rural countryside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the beautiful mountains, medieval castle ruins, rafting rivers and rushing waterfalls offer endless opportunities for exploration. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the best value destinations of Europe, with affordable prices for accommodation, food and even the possibility to have a budget friendly skiing holiday. The country’s atmosphere is characterised by a unique blend of East and West; the horrors of the civil war of the 1990s still hold a prominent place in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history, but it now well and truly is a safe and fascinating destination to travel.
Top Attractions
- Explore the historic city of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its diverse cultural heritage, Ottoman-era architecture, and poignant landmarks like the Latin Bridge, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
- Discover the medieval charm of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), historic mosques, and bustling bazaar, with opportunities for traditional bridge jumping (mostari) into the Neretva River below.
- Visit the scenic town of Jajce, with its majestic waterfall, ancient fortress, and historic landmarks like the Pliva Lakes, the Church of St. Mary, and the Museum of the Second Session of the National Liberation Army of Yugoslavia.
- Explore the natural beauty of the Una National Park, with its emerald-green rivers, pristine waterfalls, and dense forests, perfect for hiking, rafting, and wildlife watching in one of the last remaining wilderness areas of Europe.
- Experience the historic town of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), historic mosques, and bustling bazaar, with opportunities for traditional bridge jumping (mostari) into the Neretva River below.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Bosnian cuisine, known for its hearty dishes, rich flavors, and influences from Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Mediterranean culinary traditions.
- Sample iconic dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat kebabs), burek (flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach), and pita (filo pastry pie), as well as traditional side dishes like ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) and kajmak (clotted cream).
- Try Bosnian specialties like Bosanski lonac (Bosnian pot), japrak (stuffed grape leaves), and begova corba (beef soup), as well as traditional desserts like baklava (sweet pastry), tufahija (stewed apples), and hurmasica (honey cake).
- Savor refreshing beverages like Bosnian coffee, a strong and aromatic brew served in traditional dzezvas (coffee pots), as well as rakija (fruit brandy), pelinkovac (herbal liqueur), and local wines like Zilavka and Blatina.
- Don’t forget to try Bosnian sweets like baklava (sweet pastry), tulumba (deep-fried dough soaked in syrup), and sutlija (rice pudding), as well as traditional snacks like klepe (dumplings), meze (appetizers), and suho meso (dried meat).
Outdoor Activities
- Go hiking in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities for exploring scenic trails like the Via Dinarica, the Sutjeska National Park, and the Bjelasnica and Jahorina mountain ranges, which offer stunning views of alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks.
- Explore the rivers and lakes of Bosnia and Herzegovina with opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and canoeing on the Una, Neretva, and Vrbas rivers, as well as swimming, fishing, and picnicking at destinations like the Pliva Lakes and the Jablanicko Lake.
- Take a bike ride through the countryside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities for exploring rural villages, rolling hills, and historic landmarks like the stećci (medieval tombstones) of the Stolac region, as well as visiting cultural sites like the Andricgrad complex.
- Go birdwatching in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities to see a diverse range of bird species like the griffon vulture, the golden eagle, and the Eurasian hoopoe, as well as rare species like the Dalmatian pelican and the pygmy cormorant.
- Experience outdoor adventures like rock climbing, caving, and canyoning in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping thrills at destinations like the Treskavica, Prenj, and Konjuh mountain ranges, as well as scenic gorges like the Rakitnica Canyon and the Rakitnica River.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo City Museum, and the War Childhood Museum, which showcase the history, art, and culture of the country.
- Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with opportunities to shop for locally made textiles, ceramics, and handicrafts at markets like the Baščaršija in Sarajevo, the Old Bridge Area in Mostar, and the Stari Grad in Jajce.
- Experience traditional Bosnian music and dance performances, such as sevdalinka (Bosnian love songs), kolo (circle dance), and the Sarajevo Jazz Festival, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country and its multicultural heritage.
- Discover the history and legacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s medieval past with visits to historic sites like the Old Bridge (Stari Most) in Mostar, the Stari Grad fortress in Jajce, and the Visoko Pyramid Complex, which showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of the Middle Ages.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Mostar Summer Fest, and the Jajce Summer Festival, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina firsthand.
