Bosnia and Herzegovina Guide
The heart-shaped land of Bosnia and Herzegovina is back. Visibly recovering from the war, this vibrant mix of peoples, cultures and religions is a Balkan gem waiting to be explored. Brave the thundering rivers, see mysterious tombstones and find tucked-away monasteries.
Explore the terracotta-roofed Sarajevo, nestled in a lush green valley and wander its cobbled Turkish Quarter, a myriad of small shops and cafes. Take in the white-stoned, UNESCO-listed Mostar and see nearby Medjugorje, where Catholic pilgrims have been flocking for decades. Further north, the Roman-era remnants of Banja Luka and the medieval houses of tucked-away Travnik await.
Climb the scenic Dinaric Alps for pristine nature, or hike the forested Vlasic Mountain to see century-old monasteries, isolated villages and traditional farmers. The northern Radimlja region is sprinkled with Bosnia and Herzegovina's mystic stecci stone tombstones, marking the deaths of Slavik warriors. Thundering through deeply carved gorges, the rivers Una and Vrbas are perfect terrain for rafting.
Bargain for brassware, enamelled sculptures and golden jewellery in the streets of Mostar. Watch the coppersmiths of Sarajevo's Turkish Quarter as they curve a bronzed coffee set for you. Buy fresh feta-like cheese from Bosnian farmers in Travnik and take home wine from the southern Herzegovina region. The white Zilavka or the red Blatina are good choices.
Sample cevapcici, the country's famed meat rolls from the grill, or a spicy vegetable stew. Bakeries everywhere sell the filling burek pasties, with either cheese or meat, and sugar-soaked sweets. Join in the country's coffee culture in a cosy Sarajevo cafe, where people linger endlessly over pipe and paper. The brew comes in a brass pot: black, strong and sweet.
Cross Mostar's bridge. Destroyed during the war, the arch that spans the turquoise Neretva river has been rebuilt as a sign of hope. Feel Bosnia's diversity wandering Sarajevo's Turkish Quarter, where a Mosque, an Orthodox church, a Jewish synagogue, a Catholic church sit next to each other.
