Live Your Best Lives
Bosnia and Herzegovina, referred to as "BiH", is a country on the Balkan Peninsula. Located in the central part of the former Yugoslavia, it borders Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast, and Croatia to the west and north.
Before the civil war, the hotel industry flourished, and tourism facilities were well-developed, including bathing areas, motorhome campsites, hot springs, and health resorts. The main tourist areas were the Adriatic coast, the winter sports center near Sarajevo, and Sarajevo's Princip Bridge.
The north has a mild continental climate, while the south has a Mediterranean climate.
The country has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and very cold winters. The warm and dry period from May to October is the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital and economic and cultural center of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is well-known in China for the film "Walter Defends Sarajevo" and the contemporary Bosnian War. Today, Sarajevo is a renowned ski resort, with excellent natural ski slopes in the mountains southeast and southwest of the city, attracting large numbers of ski enthusiasts every winter. Following the Bosnian War, Sarajevo developed a strong Islamic atmosphere. The city is dotted with Catholic churches, Orthodox churches, and Islamic mosques with towering spires, earning it the nickname "the Jerusalem of Europe." Famous tourist attractions include the Bosnian Spring Park, the source of the Bosnia River, the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Gözüşüre Beg Mosque. These unique attractions make it a popular destination for travelers and vacationers.
Mostar
Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and can also refer to the administrative district in which it is located. Of the two political entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar belongs to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, Mostar is the capital of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the largest urban center in Herzegovina, and the fifth-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Herzegovina-Neretva
Located in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is one of the ten administrative regions of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its capital. Mostar is famous for its 427-year-old stone arch bridge, spanning the Neletva River through the heart of Mostar's old city. The bridge features a stone bridgehead at each end. The Old Stone Bridge harmonizes with the surrounding ancient stone buildings and the cobblestone streets, showcasing the quaint charm and artistic style of 16th-century Bosnia. The Old Bridge connects Muslim and Croat residents living on both sides of the river and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Počter, south of the city, is renowned for its Islamic architecture.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich history, influenced by various cultures including the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Slavic peoples. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, medieval castles, and important cultural sites. Sarajevo, the capital, was the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics and was heavily impacted by the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The country has made significant strides in rebuilding and preserving its heritage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The capital, Sarajevo, is accessible by plane (Sarajevo International Airport), bus, or car. Public transportation in the city includes buses, trams, and taxis, while walking is also a great way to explore the historic city center.
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild. Most attractions are open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with some variations depending on the location and time of year. It's advisable to check individual attraction timings ahead of your visit.
Entry fees vary depending on the attraction. For example, the entrance fee for the Stari Most in Mostar is around €5. Most tickets can be bought at the site, but some attractions offer online ticketing services, especially for popular spots like the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular attractions, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer). It's best to book a few days in advance for a smoother experience.
A visit to Sarajevo can be explored in 2-3 days. For a more comprehensive tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Mostar, Kravica Falls, and Počitelj, a week is ideal.
Yes, guided tours are available in English, German, and other languages for many of the major attractions, such as Sarajevo and Mostar. Audio guides are also available at some sites like the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
Start in Sarajevo, visiting Baščaršija and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. Then, travel to Mostar to visit Stari Most and the Old Bazaar. Finally, make a trip to Kravica Waterfalls and Počitelj for a day of natural beauty.
Night visits to Sarajevo’s Old Town offer a unique atmosphere, with the lit-up streets and mosques creating a magical ambiance. Some cultural events, like music festivals, are held in the evening, especially during summer. Light shows are not common, but special tours are available at night, including walking tours of the city's war history.
Summer months (June to August) are the busiest. For fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October). Weekdays, especially in the early morning, are less crowded.
Most major attractions have toilet facilities, small shops, and cafes for food and drinks. Sarajevo and Mostar have plenty of restaurants and rest areas, while Kravica Waterfalls also has picnic spots and small kiosks.
Some older sites, like the Sarajevo Old Town and the Stari Most, may not be easily accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven surfaces and stairs. However, most modern attractions and public transportation are wheelchair accessible.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller towns and markets. However, credit cards and mobile payments are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops in Sarajevo and Mostar.
In Sarajevo, you'll find a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Bosnian cuisine like ćevapi and burek to international options. Notable places include Avlija and 4 Sobe Gospođe Safije. Mostar also has a variety of cafes and restaurants with a beautiful view of the river and Old Bridge.
Yes, there are vegetarian and halal food options in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Sarajevo and Mostar. Traditional dishes like stuffed peppers (sarma) and stews are often vegetarian or can be made so upon request.
In Sarajevo, popular hotels near the city center include the Hotel Europe and the Swissotel Sarajevo. In Mostar, options include Mepas Hotel and the Villa Mostar for beautiful views of the city and the Old Bridge.
Yes, there are many souvenir shops in Sarajevo and Mostar selling traditional Bosnian items such as hand-woven carpets, copperware, and jewelry. Other popular items include local wines and honey.
Buses and trains are the most common means of transportation between cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Renting a car is also a good option for exploring the countryside and more remote areas.
