We believe Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Tucked away in the shadows of its more popular neighbours, especially Croatia and Montenegro, Bosnia is somehow often missing from the popular Balkan itineraries. Due to the gory war of the 1990s, tourists were avoiding this country for years and it still didn’t quite catch up. But this is not necessarily bad and smaller number of visitors can be seen as an advantage. Just imagine having the entire country to yourself! Below, we have prepared a list of 10 things to do in Bosnia, that we are sure will encourage you to continue enjoying this wonderful country.
1. Sarajevo
The country’s capital and one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Sarajevo is a must see when travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is literally the place where the east meets the west and a great melting pot of numerous religions. Withing a small circle of few minutes’ walk, you can find the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox Cathedral, the Mosque and the Synagogue.
Even though considered a discreet city, Sarajevo has many times been at the centre of the significant history events: the First World War stared here in 1914, the Winter Olympics were held here in 1984 and the longest siege in modern history took place in 1990s. You can see the remains of these events scattered throughout the city.
2. Mostar
Definitely high on the list of things to do in Bosnia, Mostar is a legend and a constant on most itineraries through the Balkans. You have probably seen images of the old Ottoman bridge hanging over the turquoise waters of the Neretva River. Sadly, Mostar was also the scene of the cruel war and the famous bridge, built in the 16th century, was destroyed on November 9, 1993. It was later rebuilt using traditional construction methods as well as local materials, and put on the UNESCO Heritage List as an important testament to peace. Local tip: the best place to admire the area is from the Koskin-Mehmed Pasha mosque minaret.
3. Blagaj
Located not far from Mostar, Blagaj is a small town known for the the Derviche Monastery built in 16th century at the mouth of the Buna River. Located just above the cave from where the crystal clear water is emerging, the monastery is a great example of the Ottoman architecture. You should definitely consider entering the building and exploring the well-preserved interiors as well as taking a short bout tour into the cave to admire the monastery form another angle.
4. Kravica Waterfall
Kravica is one of the most beautiful natural monuments in the region and should definitely be on your list of thing to do in Bosnia. Situated near the Croatian border and not far from Mostar, Kravica Waterfall is a popular attraction and summer getaway for tourists and locals alike. In summer Kravica is a busy place, but it can be a blessing on hot days. It is easy to spend the whole day swimming, relaxing and enjoying the place.
5. Travnik
Located in the centre of the country, Travnik is a surprisingly pleasant town, worth spending at least a day there. Travnik’s time of prosperity dates back to the late 17th and mid-19th centuries, when the city was the capital of the Bosnian governors. Today you can visit the impressive fortress that offers incredible views of the surroundings, as well as admire numerous buildings from the Ottoman era. Travnik is the only town in Bosnia with two clock towers, also known for its colourful mosque, one of the most unique in the country.
You would never imagine there are so many thing to do in Bosnia!
6. Stolac
This is one of the more obscure items on the list of things to do Bosnia. The quiet town of Stolac can be found on the Mostar highway on the banks of the Begrava River. Right in the centre of the town is the Carsija Mosque with its captivating facade mural. The mosque, along with most of Stolac’s historic buildings, was destroyed in the fighting in 1993 and has been painstakingly rebuilt from original material.
7. Lukomir
If you want to visit a town where time stands still, Lukomir is a place to be. Located near the Olympic ski jump location on the outskirts of Sarajevo, it is so remote that the Serbs did not consider it to be of strategic value during the 1990s war. As such, it is an intact time capsule. Home to semi-nomadic Muslim shepherds, the village buildings are low with sloping roofs to accommodate the region’s heavy snowfall. Most residents move to the city during the winter, but life continues in the summer the way it has for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
8. Visegrad
This interesting town is a great stop when travelling between Bosnia and Serbia, also featured in our great Balkan tour. Višegrad‘s main attraction is the Ottoman bridge over the Drina River. This site inscribed on the UNESCO list, is famous mostly thanks to the Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric and his best seller The Bridge over the Drina. To learn more about the author, you should also visit Andricgrad, a small town constructed within Visegrad by the famous film director Emir Kusturica and dedicated to Andric.
9. Una National Park
If you are a nature lover, Una National Park should deferentially be on the list of things to do in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The youngest of country’s three national parks, established in 2008, Una National Park offers numerous hiking options as well as water sports in the crystal clear waters. A region characterized by clear rivers, ancient forests and karst formations, Una National Park has a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to all this natural wealth, there is also a fascinating cultural and historical aspect of the park: from archaeological sites to religious buildings. Local tip: the most breathtaking view of the park is the Štrbački Buk Waterfall. A collection of spectacular waterfalls is a great place for all photographers.
10. Tara Canyon
One of the longest and deepest canyons in the world, the Tara Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The last sections of the canyon continue all the way to the neighbouring Montenegro. Due to the inaccessible location and depth of the canyon, the best way to experience it is from the water on the Tara River.
The Tara River runs through the canyon and is a popular rafting destination in the summer months. With crystal clear waters, dense forests right at the river’s edge, steep cliffs and waterfalls to see along the way, descending on a raft down the river, is a rewarding and memorable experience.
Extra: Medjugorje
Medjugorje is the Catholic religious centre of Bosnia and a popular pilgrimage destination for believers from all across Europe and beyond. in 1982 the Virgin Mary appeared to local kids and continue to do so until these days. Located near Mostar, Medjugorje can also be visited on a daily excursion from Dubrovnik.
As a local travel agency we are specialised in tailor-made tours all over the Balkans, including Bosnia & Herzegovina. We can prepare a private trip just for you or – alternatively – you can join our group tour across the Balkans. Either way you are guaranteed a unique experience that only Bosnia & Herzegovina can offer.
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