With a vast array of attractions and a diverse menu of activities, BiH is sure to surprise and please any type of traveler.
Sarajevo’s Baščaršija (Old Town)
The Old Town ‘Baščaršija‘ may be difficult to pronounce at first but it is certainly one of the most impressive and charming old bazaars in the country. Baščaršija souq has been a trading and meeting place since the 15th century as various caravans from Asia, Dubrovnik and Europe met here to trade their wares.
Mostar’s Stari Most (Old Bridge)
The old bridge is perhaps the finest example of Ottoman ingenuity and Dalmatian masonry in the western Balkans. Not only does this precious stone structure bridge the east and west banks of the emerald Neretva River, it also symbolizes the crossroads of eastern and western civilizations.
Neum – the sunny Adriatic
Although its only a tiny strip of the gorgeous Adriatic, Neum has become a major seaside resort. Ideally located between Split and Dubrovnik and just a short distance to Mostar and Medugorje, Neum is an inexpensive holiday spot for fun and the sun.
Kravice Waterfalls
The Trebizat River creates a wonderful green belt amidst the dry landscape of western Herzegovina. This stunning waterfall runs over 100 meters long and drops an impressive 25 meters. Kravica is an ideal place for a picnic or a swim and definitely provides one of the more picturesque sceneries in Herzegovina.
Tekija in Blagaj
This 16th century dervish order monastery epitomizes the harmonious existence of man and nature. This stunning structure was built at the mouth of the largest spring in Herzegovina which gushes from a cave at the base of a 200 meter cliff.
Jahorina mountain
The XIV Winter Olympics are long gone, but the slopes still remain, and so does olympic style skiing. Jahorina has made a great comeback as southeast Europe’s best ski resort. Great skiing. Great accommodation. Great fun. All just a short ride from the capital of Sarajevo.
Bjelašnica mountain
This Olympic mountain is also making a steady comeback. It was the site of the men’s slalom and has by far the most challenging ski trails in the country. Off the beaten tracks are ideal spots for cross country and tour skiing, as well as year round hiking, biking, and village tourism in the ancient highland villages.
National Park Sutjeska
Locally famous for the great battle of WWII when the partisans defeated a massive German army this park is also home to one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests in Perucica. Also home to Bosnia’s highest peak (Maglic Mt. 2,386 m). A must see for hikers, walkers and nature lovers.
Neretva – rafting
Neretva rafting offers a whole day of fun and adrenaline for anyone! Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you glide down the white water rapids, through the canyons, caves and over the waterfalls. And if rafting isn’t your thing, how about fishing instead?
Jajce and Pliva region
Jajce was the last stronghold of the Bosnian kings before it fell to the invading Ottomans in 1528. Known for the massive waterfall that blesses the heart of the city, Jajce represents multiple layers of this regions long history – with traces of Illyrian and Roman finds as well as the distinct Bosnian and Ottoman features. The Pliva Lake region offer world class fly-fishing, as well as great water sports in the lake region.
Arslanagić bridge in Trebinje
The underground river Trebišnjica and the city after which it was named have always been known for the enormous old mills. Although they are not fully functional today, they remain a symbol of Herzegovina’s past when everything was directly connected to the power of nature. That raw power was clearly evident in Trebinje, before the new dam curtailed it. A newlybuilt dam however, was bound to swallow the Arslanagic Bridge. To save this beautiful example of Ottoman stone bridge building from the flood, it was taken, literally stone by stone, from a village seven kilometres up the river, and rebuilt in downtown Trebinje.
Međugorje pilgrimage
The story of Medugorje is well known to most Catholics. In 1981 six teenagers were playing together in the hills between the villages of Medugorje and Bijakovici. It was on this barren hillside that Mother Mary appeared and spoke to them. When the children told their parents the first reaction was scepticism. The apparitions, however, did not cease. She appeared again and again and soon made believers out of even the most vocal of critics. Since then it is estimated that over 15 million people have visited this tiny place. Despite the controversy, Medjugorje has become one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
Kraljeva Sutjeska
Arriving in Kraljeva Sutjeska feels like stepping through a time warp. As the industrial areas of Kakanj disappear as you near this tiny, ancient village with its large Franciscan church and monastery one will find well-kept houses, gardens in perfect shape and the sun reflecting off the water and white stones. You’ll find that many of the women, particularly the older ones, still dress in traditional attire. One of the oldest mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina is situated at the entrance of this village. The mosque and its wooden minaret are open to visitors.
Banja-Luka
Banja Luka is the administrative capital of the Republika Srpska, the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and by far the largest city in the northwest. The town got connected to the world when the Roman trade route from Salona to Servitium passed through it. To protect this route (and to enjoy the healing water springs they had discovered in the area) the Romans built a fortress here, the walls of which encompassed an entire miniature town. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the Slavs took over. Once the Ottomans finally controlled the town, they gave it a distinct oriental flavor.
This is just a small taste of what Bosnia and Herzegovina has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of good food, history, mountains, caves, forests, rivers, lakes, sea, sun or snow – Bosnia and Herzegovina has it all. If you are interested, visit www.bhtourism.ba for more information!