– Guest post by Raza from Bosnia and Herzegovina –Β
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the cross-cultural center of Eastern Europe; the place where East meets West. Although this heart-shaped land has been dubbed an underrated country, things are changing and tourism is picking up.
Some of the most well-seasoned travelersΒ visit this country only to rave about it afterward. People are finally rediscovering the beauty that has always lay hidden within this mountainous, breath-taking country.
Enjoy the following pictures as I outline the places that make Bosnia and Herzegovina so unique.
#1 Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s heavily influenced by the Turks, as it was a part of the Ottoman Empire many years ago. You can find many of these spots anywhere in Sarajevo, including BaΕ‘ΔarΕ‘ije (bash-char-shee-ya), a cultural center and marketplace. The name itself is of Turkish origin.
The capital is considered the “Jerusalem of Europe” because of its wide diversity of Muslims, Catholics, Orthodox, and Jews. It’s normal finding mosques, churches, and synagogues close to one another. Sarajevo is one of the most diverse and tolerant capitals.
There are also plenty of more modern spots to see within the city – like I said, it isΒ where East meets West. Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian are all spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although they’re the same language with slightly different dialects.
See also: Holiday like a local in Sarajevo
#2Β Mostar
Mostar is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most visited sites. It is the city where the Stari Most (or “old bridge” pictured below) is situated. Destroyed in the early 90’s and rebuilt afterward, it has stood as a proud symbol since.
There really is no other place like Mostar. It’s one of the most charming, clean, and interestingΒ places you may ever see in your travels. Stari Most hovers above the Neretva River, which is also where you might see divers jumping from the bridge.
Surrounded by mountains in the distance, Mostar isΒ both naturally and architecturally magnificent.
Roaming around and exploring this area will allow you to stumble upon quaint little spots and cafΓ©s, as pictured below. If you want to find out more about Mostar, read this article on my blog!
#3 Vrelo Bosne
If you travel just southwest of Sarajevo, you will find one of the country’s mostΒ beautiful natural landmarks, Vrelo Bosne. Located in IlidΕΎa, this park is the spring of the River Bosna, and offers a wide variety of activities.
Playgrounds, cafΓ©s, ice-cream stands, horse and carriage rides, photographers, and painters are all found here. Yes, the water really is as crystal clear as in the pictures! It’s normal to find swans and ducks swimming around, and small bridges from which you can view them. If you go to Bosnia, I recommend you definitely stop by Vrelo Bosne.
#4Β Tuzla
Moving North, Tuzla is the third largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s just one more of the many multi-religious, multi-cultural cities in the country.
Tuzla is also home to Panonsko Jezero – an artificial lake, but one that is nonetheless gorgeous, recreational, and family-friendly; a great place to spend a hot day!
#5 BrΔko
BrΔko is a city also located in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina and lies on the Sava River, which borders Croatia. You can stand along the Sava in BrΔko and see Croatia just across the river.
BrΔko is also close to the Serbian border, so you can guess that this city is filled not only with Bosnians, but Serbs and Croats as well – just like the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina. BrΔko is an underrated city, but has so much to offer.
If you plan on visiting, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be pushed to the top of your travel list. Try to visit this country before tourism sky rockets, which it’s bound to do. Take advantage of the reasonable prices as well as the natural, cultural, and architectural beauties this country has to offer. Let me tell you – I’ve visited this country every summer for the past four years, and I still continue to uncover new places that intrigue me.
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Are you planning your trip to Bosnia yet? What are you most excited about?
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Kelly | November 24, 2014
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I’m hoping to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina next year (if everything goes to plan). Great post and I’ll definitely be adding all of these places to the list of where to go/what to do! Nice photos π x
Maria | Author | November 24, 2014
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Glad yo hear that!
Jessi | December 29, 2014
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Of those, the only city I’ve been to is Mostar. It was such a special experience, and I can’t wait to have the chance to explore the rest of the country. We did stop in Pocitelj as well, which was just a small stop on the way to Mostar. It didn’t have much to offer, beyond a few women selling various items, but the views were stunning.
I’ve wanted to visit Sarajevo for years; I’ve heard so many amazing things about the city. I’ll have to add the rest of these to my list! It’s definitely a country worth visiting again.
Great post; I love the pictures!
Maria | Author | December 29, 2014
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Thanks for sharing! I want to visit Mostar and Sarajevo as well! Hopefully next year.
Andrea | January 2, 2015
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Going to Bosnia this Spring. I was originally just going to visit Mostar but after reading this I know there’s more to discover! Thanks for sharing!
Maria | Author | January 2, 2015
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Awesome! I can’t wait to see your stories after the trip!
John | January 3, 2015
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I would also add Pocitelj – a very small walled town, where almost all of the inhabitants have left. The place is beautiful and fascinating and only a short journey from Mostar.
Maria | Author | January 3, 2015
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Thanks for adding that. I want to visit Bosnia this year and I hope I can do it soon π
Ariana (The Bosnian Aussie) | January 27, 2015
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Even though australia is my home, my heart always remains in Bosnia, my birthplace. Sadly the war took the opportunity to grow up in this beautiful land but i am thankful for people like you, who show light on this beautiful place. It started my own blog, to continue showing people all around the world how beautiful Bosnia & Hercegovina (part where im from) is and why they should add it to their bucket lists. Ive done 3 separate trips back home in just 14 months and plan on going every year to re discover my roots. And its helped my bosnian language skills alot, as i mostly speak english at home. I HIGH RECOMMEND anyone traveling to Europe to add BOSNIA to their list. You wont regret it, and it will keep you coming back for more!
Maria | Author | January 27, 2015
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Thanks for the inspiring words, Ariana!
Matt | February 2, 2015
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Great article, perfect timing too as I’m due to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina this year. Seeing these photos just makes me wish it was sooner.
Maria | Author | February 2, 2015
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Nice! I wish you great time in Bosnia!
zof | May 4, 2015
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I’m traveling to Bosnia in September and I’m so excited. I’ve never thought of going to places like Tuzla, but I might actually check it out now.
Maria | Author | May 6, 2015
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Awesome! Glad you find the post useful! :p
Adri T | January 8, 2016
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Wow, these places look so awesome!
I’ve only been to Visegrad, and although there aren’t too many things to do in the city, the bridge itself is worth a short stop! Really majestic and beautiful with a rich history!
I’ve also been rafting and whilst the trip ended on the Tara River in Montenegro, we started further up in Bosnia & Herzegovina and I’ve gotta say, those amazing gorges with that turquoise water is just a must-see!
I definitely want to go back to Bosnia and visit all these places on your list! I was actually really bummed that we couldn’t make it to Mostar on our Balkan trip. But hope to return soon! π
Maria | Author | January 8, 2016
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Thanks for your insightful tips and ideas for visiting Bosnia! You can always go back and see Mostar! I’m sure Bosnia has a lot more to offer than what one can expect.
Robert Fritsche | May 2, 2016
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How are the roads and driving via car in the countries of Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia? I will be with my two young daughters. I have traveled.
Rob
Bany | August 19, 2016
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Maria, this is awesome article with amazing pictures.
Psaas bukhari | October 13, 2016
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Aslam o Alikum
Dear Maria ,
I like your work .It really forced me to plan for visiting these sites. I make a place for visits in my next year plan.
Alex | January 30, 2017
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Hi, great post thnaks π
We’re gonna be in Bosnia for 3 days…any recommendations of what can/should be done in that space of time?
Thanks very much!
Alesha Nomadasaurus | April 10, 2017
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We missed so much in Bosnia & Herzegovina. We visited Sarajevo and Mostar which were great and we wanted to see so much more of the country but ran out of time. We will have to return one day. Vrelo Bosne looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Yas | February 2, 2018
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Hello, I love your blog very interesting and great to read. I am taking my 5yr old to Bosnia next week and wondered have you ever been in the winter? What should I do? Is skiing cheap? not sure what to do because it will be cold?????? Any nice Cheap restaurants you could recommend?
Please Help?
Maria Stoyanova | Author | February 5, 2018
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Dear Yas, it’s very nice you’re going to travel with your child. I haven’t been to Bosnia as this was a guest post, but you can search on other travel blogs about those tips. I am sure that someone has a lot of recommendations for you. All best!