Top 10 tourist destinations and activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

1) City of Mostar

Mostar is located in the center of Herzegovina. The city has beautiful architecture from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods. The city's construction began in the Middle Ages and its development sharply increased with the arrival of the Ottomans, particularly in the 16th and 17th c.s, during which time the stone bridge over the Neretva River, today known as the Old Bridge, was built.
Mostar is the ideal location to find accommodation and can be used as a launching point for excursions to other destinations in Herzegovina, all of which are no more than an hour away by car.

 

2) City of Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovinas capital city, has an interesting and rich history. Many refer to it as the "European Jerusalem" because of the many places of worship of different confessions that change every 50 meters, each with its own beauty.
For tourists the most popular activities to take part in are visiting craft shops in the Baščaršija area, going to museums and touring various religious buildings. You can get to know the city even better by visiting some of its neighborhoods, or "mahala," enjoying one of the city's many festivals, and trying the local cuisine. The most important festivals include Baščaršija Nights (bs. Baščaršijske noći) in June, the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), the Sarajevo Winter Festival (bs. Sarajevska zima), the MESS Theater Festival, and the Sarajevo Jazz Fest.

 

3) Rafting

For sure, the most popular outdoor activity you can try out in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rafting. The most spectacular rides are on the rivers Neretva, Tara, Vrbas and Una. For me, the most beautiful one is on the Neretva, because of the canyon . The one causing the highest adrenaline spike due to the highest falls is on Una, and the most active one is on the capricious Tara River.
Anyone interested in rafting should first make a reservation with one of the rafting clubs. The price of rafting includes: transport of participants to the starting location of rafting, equipment for rafting and usually lunch after rafting. Each boat with guests gets an experienced skipper for a safe ride. Rafting is suitable for almost all ages.

 

4) Jajce

Jajce is situated in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town was built at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas Rivers, at the site of a 22 m high waterfall on the Pliva River. Jajce has had a very eventful and significant history, and the traces of this are still visible today. In the town and its surroundings, visitors can find 27 monuments from the Bosnia and Herzegovina list of national monuments, making Jajce a unique outdoor museum.
Jajce is the only preserved settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina that already had all the characteristics of an urban center in the 15th c., when it was the seat of the Bosnian Kingdom. The last Bosnian King Stjepan Tomašević ruled from and subsequently died here in 1463.

 

5) Počitelj

The old town of Počitelj is located 30 km south of Mostar. This beautiful stone town along the Neretva River is a unique natural and cultural entity.
Historians believe that the Počitelj fortress was founded by the Bosnian king, Stjepan Tvrtko I, in 1383. The town fell under Ottoman rule in 1471. During that period, the town's most important buildings - including the Hajji Alija Mosque (16th c.), the Šišman-Ibrahim Pasha Madrasah (17th c.), a hamam, public kitchen (bs. imaret), accommodation (bs. han), and the clock tower - were built.
During that period, the town's most important buildings - including the Hajji Alija Mosque (16th c.), the Šišman-Ibrahim Pasha Madrasah (17th c.), a hamam, public kitchen (bs. imaret), accommodation (bs. han), and the clock tower - were built.

 

6) Međugorje

Međugorje is a small village between Čitluk and Čapljina. It has been well known since 24 June 1981, when, at Podbrdo, an apparition of Mary appeared to six children. According to the testimony of eyewitnesses, Mary appears daily, inviting the whole world to reflection and peace. Since then, Međugorje has gradually become a center of Catholic religious tourism and the site of a shrine to Mary. The Roman Catholic Church has yet to declare Međugorje an official site of pilgrimage.
In addition to visiting the Church of St. Jacob in the town center, believers should also visit the site of the apparition at Podbrdo and climb Cross Mountain (Križevac), which is 520 m above Međugorje.

 

7) Mountainbiking

Bosnia and Herzegovina with its many mountains is becoming known as a very attractive destination for mountain bikes tours. In recent years, trails on more mountains have been marked and more Bike Parks have been created. Mountains with the most marked trails are; Bjelasnica, Igman, Prenj, Velez, and Nature Park Blidinje.

 

8) Trekking tour Umoljani - Lukomir

In the summer, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy a walk on Bjelašnica, during which you can explore ancient mountain villages. The best way to do this is by following the beautiful circular route starting in the village of Umoljani, going through the village of Lukomir, and then returning to Umoljani. A shorter trail follows the southern slopes of Bjelašnica, across the Studeni Potok Valley and then to the right towards the Rakitnica River Canyon. The Rakitnica Canyon reaches depths of up to 1000 m. This 6 km tour will take just over 3 hrs to complete. In the village of Lukomir, you'll have a chance to buy refreshments, local cheese, or even lunch from the villagers. Upon return to Umoljani, it's possible follow a longer route through the highlands of Dugo polje (en. field) and the Crveni klanac Saddle. Plan about 4.5 hrs for this 9 km hike.

 

9) Vrelo Bune i Blagaj

The unique and attractive source of the Buna River (bs. Vrelo Bune) is located below a 200 m high cliff not far from Blagaj. Until 20 years ago, the cliffs above the spring were home to griffon vultures.
In addition to the spring on the right bank, you'll find the Dervish Tekke, a structure that was completed by 1520, immersed in a natural environment of stone and water. The Tekke serves as a place for Sufi rituals (called dhikr), as well as the residence of Sheikhs (Dervish elders). Ceremonies are performed in the largest room, called the Semahana. The Tekke represents a valuable sacral and residential building, displaying an Islamic architectural style with visible Baroque influences.
Near the springs on the banks of the Buna are a number of restaurants specializing in trout, which are grown in nearby ponds.

 

10) Taste bosnian cousine and coffee

A visit of a country is not complete until it includes tasting local traditional dishes and drinks. Pita is the most famous traditional Bosnian dish. It's made from jufka (phyllo pastry) wrapped around various fillings. The jufka can stacked in layers, formed into circles or in parallel rolls. The most common types of pita are burek (with meat), sirnica (with cheese), zeljanica (with spinach), and sweet pita with apples (jabukovača).
In traditional cafes, coffee is still prepared in the Turkish, or Bosnian, way. Coffee is served in a džezva (a copper vessel) and then can be drunk from a fildžan (a small cup without a handle) with a sugar cube. Something interesting to try is the so-called mashed (bs. tucana) coffee, which is prepared from mashed instead of finely ground coffee.

 

 

All these destinations, as well as many others, are described in the book "Come, Enjoy, Pass It On BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 30 Unforgettable Destinations'. The book is available through all the Amazon portals in Europe and USA.