Bosnia and Herzegovina
The lesser-visited, more-beautiful Balkans
Bosnia and Herzegovina often lags behind Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia when it comes to Balkan breaks, but that makes this under-rated and under-visited country all the more appealing. For a start, it’s adventure activity heaven. There’s plenty of white-water rafting, rock climbing and canyoning to be done in its national parks, with mountain peaks and deep gorges everywhere.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cities are dazzling too. Once ravaged by war, cities like Sarajevo and Mostar have recovered and repaired, with grand architecture, cobbled streets and coffee shops selling strong Bosnian coffee and plenty of cake.
That’s Bosnia and Herzegovina for you. Its natural beauty, whether tumbling waterfalls, medieval castles or turquoise rivers stand out at every corner. Don’t miss out.
Hidden gems in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Balkans
Via Dinarica White Trail
ExperienceNewly waymarked – and with sibling Green and Blue Trails on the way – this epic ‘mega trail’ through the Dinaric Alps links northern Albania with Slovenia via Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. Don’t expect polish; do expect rewarding and sometimes remote trekking. The trail isn’t generally sold as a commercial thru-hike, but trekking specialists will organise self-guided or guided treks along different segments of the trail. The Via Dinarica is actually three separate trails, with the main, so-called White Trail, following the spine of the Dinaric Alps as closely as possible. The Blue and Green trails follow lower routes and are less complete. The White Trail, described here, through Bosnia and Hezegovina is the most developed so far, stretching a more modest 333km and taking around two weeks to complete. Starting from Prisika on the Croatian border, the trail leads past Lake Buško with a fair amount of road walking. It passes through an area riddled with limestone caves, many that can be visited as detours. After crossing Mt Vran, the trail leads through the beautiful landscape of Blidinje Nature Park and over Mt Čvrsnica, with its distinctive rock-eye known as Hajdučka vrata. Next up, the trail crosses Prenj, a fabulous mountain area bristling with limestone peaks that requires at least two days. Passing beside Lake Boračko, it follows the edge of the Rakitnica Canyon to reach the Ljuta Valley, then skirts the southern slopes of Mt Treskavica. The final part of the White Trail in Bosnia is a two-stage hike across the beautiful landscape of Sutjeska National Park. Including Maglić, the highest mountain in Bosnia that can be climbed as a detour, the park features primeval forests, lush pastures and rocky peaks. After some awe-inspiring views from the border ridge, the route drops down to Lake Trnovačko, set amongst the epic sprawl of mountains that is Montenegro. Need to know The hiking season for the White Trail through Bosnia and Herzegovina is June to October. Bosnia and some parts of Croatia near the Bosnian border have areas with landmines. The trails on the Via Dinarica are perfectly safe, but it’s something you need to be aware of. Under no circumstances should you wander into areas where there are warning signs.
Read more