The Best Places to Visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina (often called Bosnia or BiH) is a small country in the Western Balkans of southeastern Europe. It is one of the continent’s most ethnically diverse nations: roughly 50% Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims), 30% Serbs, 15% Croats, and smaller groups. This diversity, however, has made politics complex. The country is divided into two entities (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska) plus the Brčko District, a structure created by the 1995 Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War. The landscape, however, is strikingly beautiful, featuring deep river canyons, dramatic waterfalls, and forested mountains. Combined with its historic towns, it remains an underrated and rewarding tourist destination.
Capital: Sarajevo
Currency: Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
When to visit: May to October
1) Mostar
Mostar is a historic city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, the largest in Herzegovina and the unofficial capital of the region. It's built along the emerald-green Neretva River in a narrow valley surrounded by rugged hills, giving it a somewhat enclosed vibe. Mostar has some of the most iconic tourist spots in the whole country, as well as some great streets to walk through and explore.
Things to do:
The most iconic thing in the town is 100% the Stari Most (Old Bridge). It is a 16th century Ottoman Arch bridge which is 24 meters high and can be seen in mainly every photo of Mostar. Around the bridge on both sides is the Old Town of Mostar, a place filled with cobblestone streets, bazaars and all kinds of eateries. The main thing to do in Mostar is immerse yourself into the vibe of the city and the town. If you get bored, hike up Fortica Hill for views of the city.
How to get there:
You can take a train from Sarajevo, direct, but times are limited.
FlixBus can take you to Mostar from Sarajevo, or other cities in Croatia and Montenegro like Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor.
2) Blagaj
A short bus ride from Mostar is the beautiful, serene location of Blagaj, a village built around the source of the Buna River. It is one of a kind location in Bosnia & Herzegovina, where the river bursts straight out of a towering cliff in a vivid turquoise color. It’s extremely unique with great views and photo opportunities. It’s an easy day trip to complete.
Things to do:
The main spot is Blagaj Tekke, where you walk down to after getting off the bus. It is a 16th century Dervish monastery wedged between the rocks and the water with Muslim prayer rooms suited inside. It’s very quiet with a simple atmosphere. Besides that, in the town there is local cafes and bars you can eat or drink in.
How to get there:
Check the local bus timetable in Mostar - timing can vary based on the day of the week.
3) Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a truly great European city, and feels like the place where east meets west. It is Bosnia & Herzegovina’s capital city, situated up north of the country. For centuries it sat at the crossroads of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Slavic, and Yugoslav history, and that mix is visible everywhere in the city. It has deep history of course, but further out in this large city you’ll find a big modern influence.
Things to do:
Most people come to Sarajevo to see one thing: The Latin Bridge and the area where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assasinated in 1914, ‘sparking’ World War 1. It’s close to Sarajevo’s beautiful Old Bazaar, where shops line the sides of the Ottoman-Era streets. Inside is the Sacred Heart Cathedral, a big yellow church which is basically unmissable as you walk around. You’re likely to see many memorials to historic moments when walking round, such as the Eternal Flame and other museums. If you want views of the city, take the cable car up Trebević Mountain, it is nice up there too.
How to get there:
The easiest option is a train from Mostar.
Or, a bus works just as good. Bus options also come from Podgorica / Kotor in Montenegro, occasionally.
4) Kravice Waterfalls
The Kravice Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful natural sights in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and are a series of waterfalls on the Trebižat River, cascading in a wide semicircle expanding about 120 meters in length. It is the perfect place for photography and also swimming too, which is allowed. It’s one of the few major waterfalls in the region where swimming is normal.
Where is it:
The waterfalls are found about 40km southwest of Mostar, nearby to the town of Ljubuški. It’s often visited in succession with Blagaj.
How to get there:
Most people just take a day tour with a company from Mostar (they usually have Blagaj included). There are various options.
Otherwise, you can bus from Ljubuški to Mostar, then take a taxi. This way is probably not worth it.
5) Jajce
Jajce has got to be one of the only, if not the only town in the world which has waterfalls running right through it. It’s an incredibly unique sight, and can be found in central Bosnia, built where the Pliva River flows into the Vrbas River. It was once the capital of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom and later an important Ottoman town.
Things to do:
The main waterfall is Jajce Waterfall, the 22 meter high waterfall in the towns center. However, the medieval hilltop fortress named Jajce Fortress is also a very, very cool fortress complex with views of the town from the top. It’s made mainly out of stone and is surrounded by hills in the back too. Also, you can visit the Catacombs of Jajce, underground royal tombs which came from medieval Kings of Bosnia. Lastly, just stroll through the Old Town and admire the architecture and crazy aspect of the fact that you’re in a town with waterfalls in the middle.
How to get there:
There are daily buses running from the cities of Sarajevo, and Banja Luka.