Bosnia-Herzegovina
Why Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina, where church bells ring while the muezzin calls to prayer, is one of the most complicated countries in Europe. The heart-shaped country of the Balkans, with forested mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and a small coast, is at the crossroads of East and West. It is the ethnically most mixed country with Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats living together with widespread oriental architecture (mosques and madrasas) due to the centuries-long Ottoman rule.
However, the country is most often associated with the war (1992-1995), when Sarajevo was under siege for 1425 days, and the iconic Old Bridge of Mostar collapsed. Around 100 000 people died, and millions were forced to flee. Twenty-eight years have passed since then, but the scars of the war are still visible on the buildings and in people’s minds. Since then, the country has been divided into two separate entities; one mainly inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) and another for the Serbs (Republika Srpska).
Sarajevo and Mostar appear as lively cities with cozy restaurants on the surface. But if you take part in one of the excellent local tours, you will understand that this country is still in a state of recovery, and the signs of war are everywhere.
Apart from the two well-known cities, there is much more to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Don’t miss one of the biggest pilgrimage sites of Europe in Medjugorje or the stunning waterfalls of Kravice and Jajce. Visit some of the Serb Orthodox churches with colorful frescos and walk through the historic bridges of Visegrad or Trebinje. If you are an adventure seeker, go rafting, as Bosnia has probably the most challenging routes in a stunning landscape. You may not know, but Bosnia has a short coastline of 20km at the city of Neum if you want to relax on the beach for a more affordable price than in neighboring Croatia.
Finally, don’t go home without trying ćevapi, the national dish, and immerse in the coffee culture that is so much part of daily life.
Quick facts
Population: 3.2 million (2021)
Area: 51 129 km2
Capital: Sarajevo
Geography: Much of Bosnia is covered by mountains, forests, freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It has a short coastline of 20 km. Herzegovina in the south has a Mediterranean climate with orange groves, figs, pomegranates, and vineyards, while central-northern Bosnia is colder with more rain. Its fast rivers (Neretva, Vrbas, Una) make it a rafting paradise. BiH also has extensive karst fields.
Ethnicity: Bosniak 50%, Bosnian Serbs 30.78%, Bosnian Croats 15.43%, and others 2.73%. Roughly, Bosniaks are Muslims, Serbs are Orthodox, and the Croats are Catholics.
Highlights
Sarajevo
Mostar old town and the Old Bridge
Tito’s bunker in Konjic
Climbing the Apparition Hill with pilgrims in Medjugorje
Trebinje
Kravice waterfalls
Travnik
Rafting on the Neretva, Vrbas, or Una river
How to plan your trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina?
Find the cheapest flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina with Skyscanner or book flights, hotels, and local tours, rent a car, and benefit from immediate cashback through Wayaway! You can sign up for the Wayaway Membership program for only 49.99$! Use my discount code to get extra 10% off the subscription fee: VOG
Also Seach for cheap flights on Google Flights.
Book hostels through hostelworld.com or look for both hostels and hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina on booking.com.
Book walking tours in tours in Sarajevo, Mostar and other one or multi-day trips in Bosnia-Herzegovina through GetYourGuide or Viator to learn more about the country from somebody who lives there and has a lot to say. The war-themed local tours will probably be the highlight of your trip.
Find a great deal to rent a car with Discover Cars or Rentalcars.
Book your bus ticket through Bookaway in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
SafetyWing is a recommended and affordable travel insurance
