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Top Bosnia and Herzegovina Attractions
- Experiencing the tranquility and seeing the incredible beauty of Blagaj Tejika Monastery
- Being a witness to the peace and resilience of the Bosnian people 25 years after the Bosnian War
- Opening your eyes to the complex and often tragic historical, cultural and religious history of the region
- Taking in the extraordinary and unspoiled natural wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vjetrenica Cave, Kravice and Pliva Waterfalls, Prokosko Lake, Mt. Maglic in Sutjeska National Park and Una National Park
- Imagining life under siege while walking through the Sarajevo War Tunnel
- Watching divers dive off the Stari Bridge in Mostar
- Sipping a local beer to wash down a plate of cevapi in Sarajevo’s old town
Bosnia and Herzegovina Tours & Travel Guide
Bosnia and Herzegovina Attractions & Landmarks Guide
People will probably ask you why you want to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina and for that matter, a few Bosnians might ask the same question. And yet, it has been called one of the last undiscovered regions in the southern alps and CNN travel names it one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. It’s been 25 years since the Bosnian War and tourism is growing. Go see why whether in the vibrant capital city of Sarajevo, the Ottoman city of Mostar or in the region’s magnificent, unspoiled natural landscapes. You’ll be warmly welcomed!
Brief History
Earliest History - During the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, Bosnia was inhabited by Illyrians, groups of Indo-European tribes. The region became part of the Roman province in the 4th and 5th centuries and in the 6th century, part of Byzantium, the Eastern Roman empire. The 6th and 7th centuries were marked by the arrival of tribal Slavs (Indo-Europeans sharing Slavic languages), namely Croats and Serbs. Croatian, Serbian, Byzantine and Hungarian rule existed at one time or another and persisted until the late 1100s at which time Bosnia became its own independent entity.
Bosnia maintained its independence in some form or another despite Hungarian sovereignty claims until the end of the medieval period. In 1463 invading Turks from the Ottoman Empire brought an end to Bosnian independence and the region became a constituent province of the empire.
Major wars marked this period of time in Bosnian history. Bosnia was a frontier province with formidable enemies of the empire including northern Italy (the province of Venice), Hungary and Austria. It wasn’t until the 1800s that Ottoman rule was challenged after provocation by a tax revolt. Eventually, Bosnia and its southern region, Herzegovina, would remain under Turkish sovereignty but would be occupied and governed by Austria-Hungary.
In 1929, Hapsburg rule was thrown off with the creation of a new South Slav State that was joined by Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the forming of the State’s constitution, the borders of Bosnia Herzegovina were preserved on the map but in 1929 the region was renamed Yugoslavia. After events that took place during World War I, in 1941, it became a puppet state known as the Independent State of Croatia.
Horrendous casualties followed the Croatian fascist movement that killed thousands of Jews and Serbs. Civil wars erupted between resistance movements and in 1945, a communist people’s government was declared by the communist force. The People’s Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed in 1946 as a constituent of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia.
The 1980s were a time of economic decline and public dissatisfaction and by the latter part of the decade, independent political parties had emerged with tensions between them growing strong. The Bosnian War as it became known was an international armed conflict that took place between 1992 and 1995.
It is a very dark period in the history of the region that left one hundred thousand dead and two million displaced. Elections held in 1996 would prove unsuccessful in regaining any long term political stability. As well, the war had left the country’s infrastructure and economy in shambles with high rates of unemployment.
Bosnian and Herzegovinian unity, including the existence of a strong centralized government, remains elusive although the region did apply for EU membership in 2016. Membership is a lengthy process during which the region must remain committed to political and economic reform.
Top Cultural Activities in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Ethnic divisions between Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats have also beset cultural cohesiveness. Football (soccer to Americans) is, by far, one of the top cultural activities in the region. The Bosnian Herzegovina National Football Team has been competing on the world stage since 1998 and qualified for the World Cup in 2014.
While in recent years teams have agreed to interethnic play, many players choose to play for other countries not only for ethnic reasons but also, higher pay. This has handicapped their ability to successfully compete.
Basketball in Bosnia and Herzegovina is another popular sport and as of the 2019-2020 season, five of them play on American NBA teams.
Art in Bosnia and Herzegovina, once hampered by communism as well as the Bosnian conflict, is making its comeback with several well-known artists stepping onto both regional and international stages. In cinema, the Sarajevo Film Festival, established in 1995, is now a mainstay of the European Film Festival circuit and the most popular cultural manifestation in Bosnia while in the musical realm, Bosnian music reflects influences from traditional rural folk dance and singing (Sevdalinka) to hip hop with several famous Bosnian rappers.
The Sarajevo Rock Fest, started in 2013, welcomes new artists to the scene each year and the annual Bosnian International Music Festival, started in 2015, aims to transform Bosnia and Herzegovina into a classical music mecca. The theater is also an important part of Bosnian culture.
The International Theater Festival, MESS, was established in 1960 and while the stage went dark during the war years, the lights came back up with renewed vigor and a vision to draw some of the most prominent directors and plays in the history of theater. No wonder this “cultural refuge for all generations” is the leading festival in Southeast Europe.
Coffee in Bosnia is traditionally prepared in a small, handleless filzdan. Beans are hand-ground just before preparation only in the amount needed. There is a ritual in drinking the coffee - it is sucked through a chunk of sugar cube that has first been dipped into the coffee to soften and partially melt it.
During the war, it was a commodity worth its weight in gold. Nowadays, this tradition is most often practiced in Bosnian homes but there are still a few public places where you can find kafa. And whether served in the traditional way or not, coffee is an invitation for conversation, not just a shot of caffeine.
Bosnian culture reflects a diverse ethnic and religious population, one that has suffered a difficult past and is still plagued by conflict. Nearly 50% of inhabitants are Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks), nearly 40% are Serbs and about 15% are Croat. The most widely practiced religions include Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Catholicism. No matter your destination, it is important for travelers to know and be respectful of the regions’ religious customs and cultural traditions.
Top Things to Do
1. Drink Bosnian coffee - Slowly and deliberately. Enjoying a cup is a ritual and take note, Bosnian coffee, while thick and potent like Turkish coffee, is prepared differently. If you have the opportunity to enjoy coffee with a new Bosnian friend, the first cup is a welcoming one, the second an invitation for more personal conversation and the third, an indication that your time together is coming to a close.
2. Talk to the locals, they are hospitable and welcoming. Most were personally impacted by the Bosnian War. You may hear some chilling accounts but they will open your eyes, mind and heart.
3. Bosnian cevapi is said to be the best in the Balkans. This small, grilled minced meat sausage can be eaten with pita and a roasted red pepper sauce called ajvar.
4. More for foodies and on the cheap! Honey, olive oil and wine are a few of the locally produced specialties to definitely savor. For breakfast, try borek. This light, flakey pastry is filled with cheese, spinach or meat.
When in Sarajevo, if like brews, try some of the local beers. Bar hopping is a good way to do it. Cheese lover? Enjoy some soaked in olive oil or very young varieties which you won’t find in the United States where raw milk cheese must be aged for at least 60 days.
5. Make a stop, or two or three at the stone churches you’ll see throughout your travels in the region. There’s something about taking respite from the busy-ness of travel and life in a cool sanctuary with a threshold that’s been crossed by thousands all coming for the same reason. For a step way back in time, visit the region’s monasteries, some of which have wine cellars in their basements.
6. Trebinje wine, cheese and honey tasting; kayaking on the crystal clear Trebisnjica River; strolling through the old town; hiking or biking Leotar Mountain; and views from the Hercegovacka Gracanica Monastery - this southernmost town 17 miles from the Adriatic coast is for enthusiasts of all persuasions.
7. Via Dinarica Hiking Trail. Highly acclaimed by the likes of Outside Magazine and National Geographic, the Via Dinarica is a 1,200 mile cultural corridor that spans across the westsern Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. Much of Bosnia Herzegovina is covered by mountainous limestone terrain, creating the world’s largest karst field (topography created by the dissolution of soluble rocks).
The highest peaks are found in Sutjeska National Park to the south. It is there you will find one of the two remaining primeval forests in Europe - the Perucica. Bike or hike part of the trail while in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8. Diving off the Mostar Bridge. This 78 foot dive is NOT recommended unless you’re a Red Bull Cliff Diver. Also called the Stari Bridge, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the 6th stop for Red Bull Cliff Diving Tour in 2019. The fortified bridge is a rebuilt 16th century Ottoman bridge that cross the Neretva River. Watch the locals diving off the bridge rather than trying it yourself.
9. Skiing in Bosnia Herzegovina. Remember that the ‘84 Olympics were held in Sarajevo and you can still see the abandoned - and mortared in some cases - sites of the Olympic venue including the bobsled and luge track. You can also ski Olympic Center Jahorina, the largest and most popular mountain resort in the Dinaric Alps of Bosnia Herzegovina.
Bosnian Food
Unless you’re of Bosnian heritage, you’ve traveled to the Balkan region or are from St. Louis, Missouri, where about 70,000 Bosnians settled mostly during the early 90s when Civil War was ravaging their country, you’ve likely never savored Bosnian food.
Its mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and central European cuisine is meat forward comfort food, substantial and tasty. Here are some Bosnian foods you’ll want to try:
1) Cevapi - These mini kebabs are finger-sized grilled sausages made of beef and lamb; spiced with paprika, garlic, onion, salt and pepper
2) Pita - This isn’t the pitta Americans think of. Bosnian pita is made with flaky layers of pastry dough (think phyllo) and most often rolled around meat. Search for Bosnian food recipes and you are sure to find several pages of meat pie recipes or burek. Pita stuffed with cottage cheese is called sirnica; potato, krompirusa; and cheese and spinach, zeljanica. Bosnian pita is usually served with sour cream or yogurt.
3) Cufte - Another minced meat dish, these Bosnian style meatballs are served alongside spaghetti, although not Italian style with tomato sauce. Rice, mashed potatoes and other pasta often accompany cufte.
4) Bosanski Lonac - This hearty stew is made by layering large pieces of meat and vegetables in a deep pot. The variations make this national dish one to try more than once while traveling in the region. Bey’s Soup, or Begova Corba is a beef or chicken and okra soup that is simmered and then thickened.
5) Kifle - This crescent-shaped bread, or pastry, is found in every Bosnian bakery and grocery store. These airey staples are often served at breakfast with butter, cream cheese, jam, honey or other sweet accompaniments but they’re also served as a side to other meals or used as sandwich bread.
6) Honey - Bosnia and Herzegovina produce several types of honey thanks to its varied climates and landscapes. There are more than 3,700 different plant species, of which more than 700 are medicinal or aromatic. Low population density in much of the country also allows for small batch production of premium honey that includes forest honey; honey from Herzegovina; sage honey; heather (winter savory) honey and acacia honey.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Reviews & Ratings
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Beautiful Bosnia
Yet again Exodus has offered an amazing package. The best guides, the best views and the best locations. The Bosnian mountains are stunning and the local people ar...
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Bosnia hertz walk
Very good, particularly impressed by ou magnificent guide Kanaan who spoke English perfectly, was passionate about his country, informative and balanced when descr...
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breathtaking scenery
I really enjoyed this trip. Both the guide (Kenan) and the assistant guide (Branko) contributed a lot to this and ensured everything was going smoothly and were li...
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A beautiful country
Bosnia & Herzegovina is a really beautiful country with stunning mountain scenery. Although I'm not usually a fan of cities, all 3 cities visited on this trip ...
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Already Planning my Return with Exodus
Have you ever connected so deeply with a country, you couldn't put it into words? That's how I felt about Bosnia and Herzegovina. As an avid traveler, it's one of ...
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