Surely, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not on many people’s list of travel destinations, but the country is rich in natural attractions. Let’s look at 14 wonderful sights!
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in Southeast Europe, situated on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast, and Croatia to the north and southwest.
Table of Contents
Best places in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar
When Bosnia and travel are mentioned, most people first think of the bridge in Mostar.
The city gets its name from this bridge: the Old Bridge’s local name is Most stari. Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it was destroyed during the Yugoslav Wars, then rebuilt in the early 2000s. The bridge is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage.
But there’s more to see. The Mary Cathedral’s bell tower houses Europe’s second-heaviest bell. Also famous is the Karađoz Bey Mosque, the oldest in Herzegovina.
Blagaj
This town near Mostar is visited for a river and a building.
Blagaj is where the Buna river springs, one of Europe’s most voluminous karst springs. Its water is very clear, making its surroundings quite picturesque.
Above the spring stands the Dervishes’ House. Built by the Muslim Sufi sect, it was where monks lived as hermits. The monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for this faith.
Una National Park
Located in the northwest of Bosnia, near the Croatian border along the Una River, this national park features a canyon formed by the river.
Its most famous attractions are its beautiful waterfalls, with Strbacki Buk being the most renowned. Comprising multiple tiers, the surroundings make for a perfect spectacle. Developed footpaths and bridges facilitate easy access.
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital was greatly influenced by Ottoman rule.
The city’s unique atmosphere is shaped by the cultural heritage left by the four religious groups (Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) that have influenced its history. Travel guides often mention Sarajevo as one of the few cities in the world where a Catholic and Orthodox church, a mosque, and a synagogue can be found within a few hundred meters of each other.
Its most famous building is the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the country’s oldest standing mosque. Additionally, the Vjecnica, or City Hall, built during the Austro–Hungarian Empire, is a must-see.
Sarajevo attractions, museums, weather
Jahorina
Located just 25 km southeast of Sarajevo, this is the country’s most popular ski resort.
A venue of the 1984 Olympics, it has long been favored by skiers. The area is well-developed and consistently busy due to its full snowmaking capabilities.
Kravica Waterfall
In southern Bosnia, near the Croatian border on the Trebižat River.
Comprising several side-by-side waterfalls, they span 120 meters in width and reach up to 26 meters in height. Similar to the Plitvice Lakes, visitors can walk on wooden walkways. A detour here is highly recommended when driving to Dubrovnik via the Croatian A1 motorway.
Banja Luka
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second-largest city is outstanding in many areas.
Its tourist appeal is mainly due to its thermal springs and spas, making it the country’s wellness tourism hub.
Rich in culture due to its long and varied history, Banja Luka has several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Bosanska Krajina Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.
The most famous cultural landmark is the Banski Dvor or the Ban’s Palace. Built in 1930 as a residence for the Bans of the Vrbas Banovina, it now houses the national council.
Tara Canyon
Located on the border between Bosnia and Montenegro, the Tara River has carved a beautiful canyon.
Its nature makes it one of the Balkans’ best rafting spots, with some strong currents for adrenaline junkies. 😊
It’s also worth visiting for hikers. The surrounding forests offer great walks, especially among the black pine trees.
Jajce Waterfall
Halfway between Banja Luka and Sarajevo, it’s an ideal stop when traveling between the two cities.
The waterfall forms at the confluence of the Pliva Lake and the Vrbas River, plunging 30 meters down. Its beauty is such that it inspired Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka to paint it and was even voted one of the world’s 12 most beautiful waterfalls.
Pocitelj
Located south of Mostar on the banks of the Neretva River, Pocitelj is like a living open-air museum.
Its reconstruction, completed in the early 2000s, allows many historical buildings to be seen in their original form. Key attractions include the Ali Pasha Mosque, the Sisman-Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, the Gavran Kapetanovic House, and the Sahat-kula clock tower.
Climbing the towers on the hill is highly recommended for a magnificent view of the buildings and the Neretva River below.
Travnik
Situated between Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Travnik’s history dates back to Roman times.
Its most famous landmark is the medieval castle, which became Bosnia’s most important city during the Ottoman era, earning it the nickname „Vezir City.”
The Šarena or „Colorful Mosque,” one of the country’s most beautiful mosques, is located here, which once housed a bazaar on its ground floor.
Trebinje
This small town in Bosnia’s southernmost tip, close to Dubrovnik, was spared from the ravages of war, preserving its original townscape.
Its most renowned landmark, similar to Mostar, is a bridge: the approximately 500-year-old Arslanagića Bridge. Another notable site is the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica Orthodox Monastery, offering a splendid view of the town.
Bihać
Located north of the Una National Park on the Una River, Bihać is one of the key cities in the western part of the country.
Its history includes being the westernmost European fortress ever conquered by the Ottomans, as commemorated by the Fatihija Mosque and the Captain’s Tower.
The Una River forms several small islands within the city, adding to its quaint charm. Despite its size, the city center can be quickly explored.
Višegrad
East of Sarajevo, near the Serbian border, lies the charming town of Višegrad.
Its claim to fame is the bridge over the Drina River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1571 by Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, who grew up here, the bridge is a historical marvel.
The town’s most famous son is Nobel laureate poet Ivo Andrić, whose work „The Bridge on the Drina” was inspired by this bridge.
