Tucked in the very heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina is an unnoticed destination ideal for solo travelers as well as families with small children. This country is insanely cheap, safe, and heavy with history. The fusion of the European and the Middle-Eastern influences cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world like in Bosnia and Herzegovina: no wonder Sarajevo is called the European Jerusalem.
This is not one of those destinations where you should avoid contact with the locals. They love seeing tourists around and they are some of the most generous people you will ever meet. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice or about the complex politics of their country.
On top of it all, Bosnia and Herzegovina is filled with beautiful waterways, wild forests, and dramatic scenery. Let's see why it should be on top of your bucket list.
10 A Culturally Complex And Unique Destination
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to three ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbians. Islam is the biggest legacy of the Ottoman rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it is the most widespread religion in the country, practiced by Bosniaks. Croats are Catholics and Serbians are Orthodox Christians. In short, the Bosnian war had been fought among these three groups, but they now manage to coexist peacefully. It is a popular destination among war tourists.
9 Cooling Off At The Kravice Waterfall
Also known as the mini-Niagara falls, Kravice waterfalls are 25 meters high. The water cascades down into a big natural pool and people like to take a dip here even though the water is pretty chilly all year round. The entrance fee is just €4. You can rent a kayak and grab a meal at one of the two restaurants on the site. The easiest way to get there is from Mostar or Međugorje with a rental car.
8 Adrenaline Junkies Jump Off The Old Bridge In Mostar
Under no circumstances should you skip this historic town, surrounded by dramatic mountainous scenery. The heart of Mostar is its Old Bridge, first constructed back in the 16th century by the Ottomans. Jumping off it is a rite of passage of a sort for the local people. Tourists can jump too, but they need to pay a fee that includes proper training. It is one of the most famous locations of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
7 Bjelašnica Mountain: Hiker's And Skier's Paradise
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an ideal destination for the outdoorsy types. Bjelašnica mountain makes for great hiking in the summer and swift skiing in the winter. Stay in the tourist village Babin Dol, reconnect with nature, and hike to the Observatory Peak 9 km away. Besides Bjelašnica, the most famous ski resort in the country is Jahorina, where an adult day-pass costs $30 in high season.
6 Visit The Abandoned Olympic Bobsled Near Sarajevo
Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. Today, there are many abandoned sites you can visit, such as a bobsled track and a ski jump. These sites were later on an important stronghold during the long and excruciating 4-year long Siege of Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital tells a story of a resilient nation that, despite all the horrors endured in the 90s, kept their hearts open and kind. Stick around for at least three days.
5 Bosnia and Herzegovina Is A Religious Melting Pot
As a country with three religions, Bosnia is an interesting religious destination. Catholic pilgrims often visit Međugorje since it has been a place of alleged Marian apparitions since 1981. In order to be respectful, make sure to dress accordingly when visiting Islamic monuments. The country's biggest mosque is located in Sarajevo, the historic Baščaršija. When entering a mosque, everyone must take off their shoes.
4 Una National Park And Rafting
Bosnia and Herzegovina are filled with hidden natural wonders. The entrance fee to the majestic Una National Park costs $3.90. Top attractions are Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod waterfalls. To make your visit more memorable, book a rafting trip and stroll around the nearby town Bihać. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of deer, eagles, and even bears. These forests are still very much untouched by humans.
3 Try The Comforting Bosnian Cuisine
Carnivores will definitely love the Bosnian cuisine as it is centered around meat. The #1 meal to have is 'ćevapi', grilled minced meat rolls. Make a visit to as many bakeries ('Pekara') as possible and get some 'burek', too. Since there is an abundance of locally grown seasonal vegetables, vegetarian dishes are also easy to come by, for example, 'grah' or 'pasulj'. Don't skip on dessert: try 'baklava' and 'hurmašice'. Last but not least, fruit in Bosnia tastes ten times sweeter than anything we are used to.
2 Jajce: A City With A Waterfall
Welcome to probably the only city on the planet with a waterfall in its very center: Jajce. Here, you will not find masses of tourists like in Mostar, but that doesn't mean this place has nothing to offer. Visit the medieval catacombs and ANVOJ museum where much of Yugoslavian history was formed. Try the local dish called 'lonac' (translates simply into 'pot') at the Kod Asima restaurant.
1 No Visit Is Complete Without Drinking Some Bosnian Coffee
Bosnian coffee might seem a bit small in size, but it is stronger than your average espresso. For many, it is essentially indistinguishable from Turkish coffee. While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, indulging in the local coffee culture is a daily ritual you should adopt. In the Balkans, having a cup of coffee means taking time off from the many stresses of life and engaging in a friendly chatter for an hour or so.