Bosnia and Herzegovina: Top 15 attractions in the treasure trove of the Balkans

Old Town Mostar

The old town of Mostar is the fifth largest city in the state. It got its name thanks to the bridge located on the Neretva River, built back in 1566 by the Ottoman Turks. Subsequently, the bridge was destroyed. This happened during the Bosnian War. But, in 2004, it was rebuilt and made the main symbol of the city, signifying its return to life.

The Old Town of Mostar has perfectly preserved many examples of medieval architecture. It is interesting to explore the surroundings and get acquainted with the local history, so be sure to include Mostar in your sightseeing program.

Kuyunjiluk Quarter or Old Bazaar is another of the most interesting places to walk around in Mostar. This neighborhood, which emerged in the 16th century, has preserved its Ottoman image.

Kravice Waterfalls

An hour's drive from Mostar is a natural park with a cascade of picturesque waterfalls.

Abundant, even in the dry season, water flows from a height of 15-28 meters, forming a semicircle with a diameter of about 150 meters - it is not for nothing that these waterfalls are called a fan over the cliff. At the foot of the cascades flow into a clear lake, on the shores of which locals and tourists like to relax. There are places for sunbathing, several coffee shops with very noisy and Balkan-style cheerful staff, small boats and kayaks for rent.

National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Museum in Sarajevo is the place to learn more about the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Originally, the museum's collections were housed in a small building, but in 1913, due to a significant increase in holdings, everything was moved to a specially built Art Nouveau house.

Today the museum in Sarajevo includes three departments: archaeological, ethnographic and natural science, as well as an extensive library with more than 300,000 books.

The town of Blagaj

The beauty of nature and the grandeur of Ottoman architecture come together in the cozy village town of Blagaj.

The gem of the landscape is the Dervist Monastery, nestled near a steep cliff and the turquoise waters of the Buna River flowing down from it. The monastery still belongs to the Naqshbandiya Sufi brotherhood. Step inside and experience the sanctity of this ancient place.

Pochitel town

The tiny town of Počitel above the emerald Neretva is like a picture.

In Pochitel you can take great pictures from any point: one of the most beautiful mosques in Herzegovina with a four hundred year old cypress tree in the courtyard, the domes of the madrasah and hammam, the arrow of the clock tower, a powerful donjon on a steep cliff, charming houses in green gardens. Don't be lazy to climb the Gavranka Petan Tower and Pashin Bastion for a bird's eye view of it all.

Vranduk Fortress

The fortress city of Vranduk is located on the river, about ten kilometers south of Zenica-Doboje. This name first appears in written sources in the early 15th century. At that time, Vranduk was an ordinary fortress, one of many in the surrounding area, where trade and culture were actively developing in the Middle Ages.

Nowadays, the main dominant feature of the complex, the Vranduk Tower, houses an ethnographic museum where you can see various rural utensils, national costumes and tools.

Sutjeska National Park

Sutjeska National Park is one of the oldest natural sites in the country. It was founded in 1962.

Despite its small area of only 17 thousand hectares, the park is of great importance. It is on its territory that one of the four prehistoric forests of Europe is located. Also here is the highest mountain in the state. Another pride is the memorial complex "Valley of Heroes".

The nature itself also draws attention. The territory is dominated by mountain slopes, but you can also find colorful valleys with rich plant life and clear lakes. If you love nature while exploring the sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, be sure to include Sutjeska Park in your sightseeing plan.

The Royal Mosque in Sarajevo

This is the oldest mosque in the state. Its construction was carried out in the 15th century, but as a result of a fire, the mosque was completely destroyed. Reconstruction was organized in the 16th century. Today, the mosque is available for everyone to visit.

Neretva River

The extremely picturesque Neretva River flows through Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Middle Ages, river pirates operated here, and in 1943, one of the most important Balkan battles took place on the Neretva, during which partisan groups managed to thwart a Wehrmacht operation. The most expensive Yugoslav movie "Battle of Neretva" was made about it in 1969.

Old Town of Sarajevo

European Jerusalem is called the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its seamless blend of eastern Old Town buildings and western buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period.

Pigeon Square with its fountain, located in the Bashkarsija neighborhood, is considered the heart of Old Sarajevo, which we highly recommend you stroll through to further breathe in the culture and life of the country.

Jajce Fortress

Egg is not just a town in Bosnia, but a real historical open-air museum. The city got its name thanks to the unusual shape of the rock, which resembles an egg.

Walking through the narrow streets, you feel as if you are immersed in the country's past. Medieval fortress of the 16th century, ancient catacombs, ancient mosques, ancient Roman temple of Mithras - every stone here keeps its history.

Tvrdoš Monastery

The Tvrdoš Monastery is located in a picturesque place with magnificent views on the rocky bank of the Trebyshnica River in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is considered one of the oldest Orthodox shrines in Bosnia. It was founded in the 4th century - during the time of Emperor Constantine the Great.

Nowadays in Tvrdoš you can taste the wines "Uranac" and "Žilavka" stored in medieval cellars. The raw materials for the wine are grown in local vineyards. However, note that it is still in operation today, so it is important to follow the dress code when visiting: covered feet and hands, a headscarf for women.

You can book a hotel in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Military Tunnel

This is a private museum built in a 20-meter long tunnel. Previously, the tunnel was used to protect the population during military conflict and the total length was 700 meters. Now it is a museum that can be visited by everyone.

Markale Square

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, is located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, so it is not surprising that its main square has always been used as a place for trade. Today, Markale Square is home to a market where you can buy many delicious and not only gifts.

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The main Catholic church of the capital, located in the heart of the capital. The building was built in 1889, decorated in the unusual style of Notre Dame de Paris. Inside the cathedral you can see unique stained glass windows. In addition, you are likely to pass nearby anyway, because the main attractions are concentrated in the capital.