Bosnia is a country shaped like a heart. Visit it and discover its secrets that are linked to a rich and fascinating history. The country’s soul was shaped under major world empires at the crossroads of two major religions – Christianity and Islam. Its nature is wild and full of hidden places, from karst caves to steep mountains. And once you’re there, don’t forget to take some time off for some coffee and delicacies from Bosniak cuisine. Read the travel tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina below and find out which one is the best one for you.
The capital, Sarajevo, will surprise you with its rich history and vibrant culture. It’s a blend of the East and the West, with still-visible remnants of the past. A guided tour of Sarajevo will show you all the major sights and, at the same time, reveal the secrets of the streets and avenues. The tour will take you to the major landmarks of the city’s Ottoman and Austrian-Hungarian architecture. The fragrance of freshly made coffee coupled with a view of and the co-existence of church bells and calls from the minarets will be waiting for you from beginning to end.
The city centre is home to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque that was built in 1532 and is a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. There’s a fountain in the courtyard and the main entrance has typical Islamic decorations. The Jewish synagogue houses a rich Jewish museum. The Latin Bridge is reminiscent of modern history and it’s where the assassination of the Austrian heir to the throne took place, resulting in the beginning of World War I. Underground is the Sarajevo Tunnel, which used to connect the city under siege with the surroundings during the war in the 1990s. It was also how the people got their food, help and weapons. The city was under siege for almost four years and the remnants of the bombardment by the Serbian army can still be seen today. There’s a cemetery called Kovači, located on the hills above the city, that is dedicated to the victims of the war. Another point of interest is the guided tour that will show you the city through war and victory memorials and through the main battle sites. You can experience the city’s true soul by taking a walk down Baščaršija, a historical and cultural centre. Explore the narrow cobbled streets and wonder at everything that happens there. The main attraction is the main square that prides itself on a charming fountain. There’s a hike leading from Sarajevo to Lukomir, the highest and remotest village in the whole country. Here, high up on the Dinaric plateau, people still live just like they used to in the Middle Ages. Women wear traditional garments and live in stone houses. The local guide will also take you to the canyon and other natural attractions.
Sarajevo is located almost at the centre of the country, which means it’s an ideal spot for exploring the entire country. The first recommended trip will take you through various parts of Sarajevo all the way to Jajce where you can explore the rich history in combination with majestic tombs. This is then followed by a visit to the waterfalls where two rivers merge into one. Another point of interest at the waterfalls are the mills that still operate. Then it’s time to visit Travnik, a city dating back to the 15th century, where two clock towers and a stone fortress dominate. Jahorina and Bjelašnica were the site of the 1984 Olympic Games. You can still ski down the snowy slopes today.
Mostar, a city on the two riverbanks of the Neretva, connects two nations, the Croatians and the Bosniaks. The city enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year, which means sunny weather is almost guaranteed. The major attraction is the 16th-century stone bridge. Its construction lasted for almost nine years. Another beautiful bridge is Kriva ćuprija. You can take a raft ride on the Neretva, they city’s oldest inhabitant, and under the bridges to get to know the city from the waterfront as well. On land, though, there are various religious buildings waiting to be explored, such as the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the Franciscan Church of St. Peter and Paul, both of which sit at their own riverbank, reflecting the city’s diversity. You can climb to the top of both buildings and get a bird’s eye view of the city.
Its surroundings are hilly and rocky. You can explore it by bike and enjoy in its picturesqueness. The trail will take you through historical villages and Roman excavation sites that are located along the route that was once a railway line. Just outside Mostar, in a place called Blagaj, is the karst source of the Buna, where the river originates from a cave. Next to the source is the Tekija Sufi monastery. Above the source is the Blagaj Fortress or Stjepan-grad that offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. Nearby are also the Krvavica waterfalls, which are worth visiting, especially when there’s lots of water. From Mostar, there’s a wonderful trip to Počitelj that you can take part in. Počitelj is abundant in medieval monasteries, castles and ruins.
On the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina border is the Una National Park, named after the eponymous river. Here, you’ll find picturesque waterfalls and strong rapids, which you can experience on a raft. The river is surrounded by forests and hills. The main point of interest in the park is Štrbački buk, a waterfall five metres tall that falls into the river over numerous terraces. You can also explore the Milancev buk waterfall and cultural attractions, such as Orthodox monasteries and mosques. Nearby is the colourful city of Banja Luka. Umbrellas float above the main street as part of an exhibition and they lead all the way to the majestic cathedral. There are one hundred cafés and bars in the city. Travel to the mountains, so you can experience Bosnia as it once was. Žepče near Zenice is one of the most beautiful villages. Compared to the Alps, the Bosnian Dinarides are pretty much uninhabited, so hiking there is quite a relaxation and an adventure. The Maglič mountain chain on the border with Montenegro is famous for its limestone mountains and a heart-shaped lake. It’s important that you stick to the well-trodden paths while travelling, as there are many areas that still haven’t been cleared of mines. To top it all off, visit Medjugorje, which is known for reported apparitions of Virgin Mary in the 1980s, supposedly witnessed by six children. More than 15 million people have made a journey to this pilgrimage site.
There are three HI hostels in Sarajevo. Hostel Inn will provide everything that befits a cosy accommodation. In addition, HI members get 10% off. The hostel is located in the old town, just a stone’s throw from all the major sights and main events.
Digital Nomad Travel Insurance was specifically designed by travellers for their fellow travellers. You pay the basic insurance, the amount of which depends on where and how much you travel. The insurance covers admittance to the hospital, medicine, helicopter evacuation, an early flight home, the costs of stolen passports or luggage and much more. HI members get 5% off.
With MyPostcard, you can send your very own personal postcard equipped with your own photo or any other photo you like. All HI members get 25% off. New users can send their first postcard for free with the HIGlobetrotter promo code through the Globetrotter profile.
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