Top 3 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an emerging destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers. The country is characterized by its impressive diversity, ranging from breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities to rich culture and warm hospitality.
Picturesque towns such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Trebinje invite you to discover their unique charm. Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, impresses with a mix of oriental flair and European elegance. Mostar attracts with its famous Old Bridge and the beautiful surroundings, while Trebinje draws visitors with its monastery and old town.
Beyond the cities, breathtaking nature awaits you. From the green hills and mountain ranges to the crystal-clear rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an unforgettable backdrop for outdoor adventures.
In this article, we present to you our top 3 most beautiful places in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the main attractions.
Interesting facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina
- The state of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of the two entities Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Official languages: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
- The Vrbas River with its rapids is a popular place for whitewater rafting. It has been the venue for the World and European Championships in rafting multiple times.
- The "Bridge on the Drina" famous from Ivo Andrić's novel of the same name is the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in the Bosnian town of Višegrad. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The town of Jajce, before being conquered by the Ottoman Empire, was the seat of the Bosnian kings. Today, Jajce is known mainly for the impressive Pliva waterfall.
- The Una National Park in the west of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the country's most beautiful national parks. The nearest major city is Bihać.
- The Perućica ancient forest in the Sutjeska National Park is one of the last primeval forests in Europe.
- The city of Tuzla, known primarily for its salt, is situated on constantly subsiding, salt-rich soil, which is why buildings there rarely last more than 100 years.
- The only racetrack in Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Banja Luka.
Top 3 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, Sarajevo, has approximately 290,000 inhabitants and is located in the Sarajevo plain in the midst of the Dinaric Alps. The city is therefore an ideal starting point for excursions and hikes into the mountains.
But there is also much to see in Sarajevo itself. Particularly worth seeing is the oriental-influenced old town, where, alongside mosques and churches, the bazaar on Baščaršija Square can also be visited. Well-known mosques in Sarajevo's old town include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the largest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Ferhad Beg Vuković Mosque (short: Ferhadija Mosque).
Anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of the city and country should plan a visit to one of the numerous museums in Sarajevo. Among the most significant museums are the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Sarajevo Museum.
In 1984, Sarajevo was the host city for the Winter Olympics. Traces of this can still be found in the city, for example, in the form of the Juan Antonio Samaranch Olympic Hall, which is still used for events. The hall was destroyed during the Bosnian War and subsequently rebuilt. Other notable remnants of the Winter Games include the ruins of the Igman Olympic Jumps and the Trebević Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track.
In summary: As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a popular travel destination. It is known for its fascinating mix of cultures and religions and offers historical attractions such as the old town.
Mostar
Mostar is the capital of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. With approximately 113,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the Herzegovina region. The city impresses with its subtropical temperatures and its location between the mountain massifs Velež and Čabulja, which rise up to 1,900 meters into the blue sky at the city's borders.
The symbol of Mostar is the impressive, 19-meter-high Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva River, which is also symbolically referred to as a bridge between East and West. Near the Old Bridge is another city attraction, the significantly smaller Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge) over the Radobolja River.
Not far from Mostar is the picturesque village of Blagaj. With its magical white cliffs and turquoise sparkling water, the Buna spring there is especially worth a visit. Right at the spring, there is a Dervish monastery that partly extends over the water.
About an hour's drive northeast of Mostar are the Kravica waterfalls. The waterfalls, up to 28 meters high, are formed as the Trebižat River plunges over a 120 m wide cliff in Ljubuški. Below the waterfalls, swimming in the river is possible.
In summary: Mostar is famous for the breathtaking Old Bridge over the Neretva River. The surroundings, with Blagaj and the Kravica waterfalls, also have a lot to offer.
Trebinje
Trebinje is located in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Trebišnjica River and, with a population of just under 30,000, is rather small. The borders with Croatia and Montenegro are not far from here. The city is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rivers.
One of the most famous attractions of Trebinje is the Arslanagića Bridge (also called the Perović Bridge), which stretches over the Trebišnjica. Besides its impressive construction with two large and two smaller arches, the history of the bridge is especially interesting.
The Arslanagića Bridge, or Perović Bridge, was originally built in the 16th century. However, due to flooding in the 1960s, it could not remain at its original location. It was therefore moved a few kilometers downstream with painstaking effort.
A beautiful view of the Arslanagića Bridge, or Perović Bridge, and all of Trebinje can be seen from the Hercegovačka Gračanica, which is also worth a visit itself. The Serbian Orthodox monastery complex on a hill near the city impresses with its magnificent architecture and valuable icons. It is a replica of the Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo.
In summary: Trebinje captivates with a mix of impressive location and masterful architecture.
Conclusion: The insider tip on the Balkans
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a true insider tip for travellers who want to explore the unknown and seek authentic experiences off the beaten path. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to this wonderful country in the Balkans!
Has the travel bug bitten you, and do you want to experience Bosnia and Herzegovina for yourself?
► Here, you can find more information about the toll regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be optimally prepared for your trip.