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.
5 days
Sarajevo and surroundings
Bosnia’s historic cities and mountain villages
11 days
Mountain walks in Montenegro
Exploring Montenegro’s national parks
12 days
Via Dinarica way through Bosnia Herzegovina
Walking routes through Bosnia’s national parks
8 days
West Balkans wine and food
A culinary adventure through the Balkans
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Sarajevo
Sarajevo has been a city at the centre of conflict for much of the 20th century, whether as the scene of Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination which sparked World War One or for the brutal siege in the civil war of the 1990s... -
Sutjeska National Park
The Sutjeska canyon is home to huge grey crags that offer rock-climbing to the adventurous, but it’s the park’s hiking trails that are the biggest draw, including a section of the Via Dinarica trail... -
Mostar
Picture-perfect Mostar is best experienced after dark, when the day-tripping hordes head off... -
Hutovo Blato Nature Reserve
Hutovo Blato Nature Reserve is made up of six interconnected lakes that form one of Europe’s most important bird reserves... -
Počitelj
Beautiful medieval architecture is the draw in the fortress village of Počitelj, where visitors can see the restored Hajji Alijia Mosque and 16m Ottoman clock tower... -
Blidinje Nature Park
Just a couple of hours from the Adriatic Sea, vast Blidinje Nature Park is a perfect spot to get active... -
Lukomir
The tiny mountain village of Lukomir is a three-hour trek from Rakitnica River on the southwestern slopes of Bjelašnica Mountain... -
Trebinje
Just 30km from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is a worthwhile alternative to Croatia’s classic destination, with a walled Old Town, mountain views and a river complete with swimming spots... -
Bjelašnica ski resort
Just 25km south of Sarajevo, Bjelašnica ski resort offers decent runs at modest prices between December and February...
Where to go in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Our recommended places
Sarajevo
Sarajevo has been a city at the centre of conflict for much of the 20th century, whether as the scene of Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination which sparked World War One or for the brutal siege in the civil war of the 1990s. Today, it’s a place proud of its diversity of religion and ethnicity, but it’s worth exploring its history through places like the Tunnel Museum (a lifeline during the siege), the Kovaci Memorial Cemetery and the Jewish Museum.
Sutjeska National Park
The Sutjeska canyon is home to huge grey crags that offer rock-climbing to the adventurous, but it’s the park’s hiking trails that are the biggest draw, including a section of the Via Dinarica trail. Look for views over Trnovačko Lake in Montenegro.
Mostar
Picture-perfect Mostar is best experienced after dark, when the day-tripping hordes head off. Get a vantage point of Mostar’s famous bridge, arcing between two medieval towers as the waterfront restaurants begin to twinkle, before exploring the city’s cobbled streets.
Hutovo Blato Nature Reserve
Hutovo Blato Nature Reserve is made up of six interconnected lakes that form one of Europe’s most important bird reserves. Alongside migratory birds, you can see hawks, herons, coots and wild horses.
Počitelj
Beautiful medieval architecture is the draw in the fortress village of Počitelj, where visitors can see the restored Hajji Alijia Mosque and 16m Ottoman clock tower. Explore its warren of stairways and stone-roofed houses.
Blidinje Nature Park
Just a couple of hours from the Adriatic Sea, vast Blidinje Nature Park is a perfect spot to get active. Try skiing and snow-shoeing in winter, or hiking and mountain biking in summer. Look out for pretty Saint Elijah’s Church and Masna Luka, a working Franciscan monastery.
Lukomir
The tiny mountain village of Lukomir is a three-hour trek from Rakitnica River on the southwestern slopes of Bjelašnica Mountain. Here, you can see shepherds tending their flocks in a place untouched by modernity.
Trebinje
Just 30km from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is a worthwhile alternative to Croatia’s classic destination, with a walled Old Town, mountain views and a river complete with swimming spots.
Bjelašnica ski resort
Just 25km south of Sarajevo, Bjelašnica ski resort offers decent runs at modest prices between December and February. Outside of ski season, the main ski-lift takes onto high-altitude paths on the mountain.
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