Bosnia-Herzegovina is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe nestled in the Balkan Peninsula with unlimited attractions for visitors. There is great diversity to explore, covering craggy Dinaric Alps, medieval villages, rivers, lakes, plus many historic venues. Until 1992, it was part of Yugoslavia.
Kickstart the tour plan with a visa process. You will be curious to visit the beautiful country and anxious to undertake a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubai. Do it with finesse, at the best cost, and a grand way. Consult the best travel company in the city that will support you with the visa facilitation, including the visa on arrival option.
There are two parts to the country: Bosnia at the north and Herzegovina in the southwest. The destination appeals to all. There are quaint cities, heavenly landscapes, rich culture, superb attractions, snow-capped peaks, serene rivers, and Venetian-style coastline.
There is the Mediterranean in the southwest, the Alpines in the northwest, and the northeast Pannonian and Dinaric Alps in the southeast. The beautiful coastline is part of the eastern Adriatic coast of the Mediterranean. In terms of mountains, there are more than 1000 peaks with Maglić and Pločno as top mountains.
For tourists, a good time is assured while exploring the attractions starting from the national capital Sarajevo to the well-preserved old quarter, Baščaršija. This old market, historical, and cultural center has a grand legacy dating back to the 15th century.
You will love the culturally diverse small country with its great history and beautiful scenery blending Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and socialist architectural styles. There are many things to excite the visitor: Ottoman Old Town, Olympic Bobsled Track, War Tunnel Museum, Bijambare Cave, and Spring of River Bosna, among others.
Herzegovina treats you to the beauty of places like Mostar, Konjic, Pocitelj, and Kravica Waterfall in a highly memorable travel experience. The landmarks also include the Ottoman-era Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited World War I. A 20-year-old youth killed the Archduke, and subsequent conflicts escalated with Austria-Hungary declaring war against Serbia, paving the way to World War I in 1914. The 16th-century Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque is also here.
Now let us look at the best things to do in Bosnia-Herzegovina so that you can pick and choose your favorites.
1. Museum of Crimes Against Humanity The museum dedicated to the Bosnian War presents moving personal survivor stories and artifacts from the 1992-1995 conflict that vividly explain the human sufferings of the war through poignant exhibits and visuals.
2. Kravice Falls : This nature park has so many stunning waterfalls amidst lush vegetation and a serene backdrop for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can relax in the ambience of natural scenic beauty and activities.
3. Bascarsija old town : This historic site is a historic quarter with a blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture lined with traditional shops, diverse eateries, and cultural landmarks.
4. Sarajevo War Tunnel : The Sarajevo Tunnel, known as the Tunnel of Salvation and the Tunnel of Hope, was constructed in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. Built by the army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sarajevo, the tunnel linked the city as it was cut off by the Army of Republika Srpska with rival forces holding opposite sides of the Sarajevo Airport. The tunnel linked the Sarajevo neighborhoods of Dobrinja and Butmir, giving it the name Tunnel D-B, allowing food, and humanitarian aid to come into the city.
5. Galerija : The Gallery chronicles the Bosnian War through an array of documents such as photography, documentaries, and survivor accounts, offering an emotional throwback into the country's past. The memorial gallery salvages the memory of the Srebrenica tragedy, where 8372 people lost their lives during the genocide.
6. Una National Park : This ecosystem of water has a vast network of river streams, pools, white water rapids, canyons, and waterfalls enveloped by lush forests, thick vegetation, and limestone cliffs. In the park, rare medicinal plants and endangered animals such as bears, lynx, and wolves survive. Una is the most spectacular river in Bosnia with its turquoise water. At the Una National Park, you can indulge in your favorite activities, be it rafting, kayaking, swimming, hiking, or mountain biking. The park also houses many cultural and historical heritage attractions like monasteries, ancient citadels, and mosques. It is a quiet spot full of nature and a go-to place absolutely.
7. Blagaj Tekija: This landmark historical Dervish monastery set in a tranquil valley has boat trips along the Buna River and guided tours. You can enjoy serene views and dine at riverside restaurants. It is a national monument and holy ancient site. The structure has high cliffs surrounding it and is on the way to attractions like Mostar and the StariMost, or old bridge. It is situated on a historical Tekke or Dervish monastery that was built for the Dervish cults in the early 16th century and has a mix of Ottoman and Mediterranean styles.
8. Old Bridge of the Mostar: The historic neighborhood with a restored iconic bridge and war museum is now dotted with vibrant market stalls and eateries amidst a backdrop of poignant history. The Mostar Bridge, also called the Stari Most (Old Bridge), is a reconstructed 16th-century Ottoman bridge that survived 427 years until it was destroyed in the 1993 Croat-Bosniak War. Commissioned by the Ottoman King Sultan in 1557 and designed by Mimar Hayruddin, the bridge is an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture on the banks of the river Neretva in Mostar.
9. Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track: The abandoned bobsleigh track in the intricate structure on Trebević Mountain made for the '84 Winter Olympics is now shrouded in forest. But it attracts visitors for its historical importance and as a popular hiking and mountain biking hub. A visit to Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track will be stepping back in time, and you will be seeing its contrasts, such as wartime scars and the arrival of vibrant graffiti art. The 1,300-meter-long track has 13 turns of twisty concrete. There are walk-through tours and guided historical tours. During the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, the Olympic track became an artillery position for Bosnian Serbs as the location faced Sarajevo.
10. Sarajevo City Hall: The historic ceremonial hall and museum with Moorish Revival architecture is a must-see. It runs thematic exhibitions highlighted by a hand-painted stained-glass ceiling. The City Hall dates back to 1896 for governing and administrative purposes. However, after the Second World War, City Hall incorporated the National Library. Ravaged by a missile attack in 1992, the City Hall faced heavy damage and lost 2 million books. The renovated City Hall opened in 2014 and is now used for events from culture, art, and economy, with some museum settings.
11. Neretva River: The water body is apt for river cruises through serene mountain landscapes and vibrant green waters, with options for bird watching, photography, and scenic dining along the banks. The Neretva River, also known as Narenta, is one of the largest rivers of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin and a source of drinking water. It has a natural environment and diverse landscapes.
12. Yellow Fortress: This historic fortress is on a hill providing panoramic city views, with a sunset vantagepoint and an on-site bar, and is ideal for a restful visit after the ascent. The Yellow Fortress or Yellow Bastion is a popular spot for sunsets and panoramic views of Sarajevo. Built as a cannon fortress at the entrance of the Walled City of Vratnik in the 18th century in Jekovac, near the Jekovac water reservoir, it also served a military use as a key defense point against the Austro-Hungarian troops in 1878.
13. Vrelo Bosne: To enjoy the sound of nature, see swans, and enjoy horse carriage rides, head to Vrelo Bosne. This natural monument is spread out over 600 hectares at the foot of Mount Igman. It is 15 kilometers from Sarajevo city. It is the base of the Bosniana River, and there are lovely lakes full of fish and green islands to explore. During summer, it retains cooler temperatures, unlike Sarajevo. That has made Vrelo Bosne a favorite outing destination for Sarajevans for over a century. Vrelo Bosne is also an area that feeds Sarajevo’s drinking water needs. It is well maintained, and there are a few restaurants serving the sought-after fresh river trout.
14. Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun: This geologic formation will amaze with souvenirs and snacks all the way and a decent park nearby to unwind after a trek. It came into the limelight after the claim made by Bosnian anthropologist Sam Osmanagich that a cluster of hills in the vicinity of Visoko town in central Bosnia were not hills but buried pyramids of monumental size and age. He claims that the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun is 900 feet tall and the Pyramid of the Moon is 600 feet, much taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is 150 feet.
15. Avaz Twist Tower: Avaz Twist Tower is an iconic landmark in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the former tallest building in the Balkans. The Avaz Twist Tower is a 40-story, 172-meter-tall skyscraper located in the Marijin Dvor city neighborhood of Sarajevo. The tower has a twisted facade and now houses the headquarters for Dnevni Avaz, a Bosnian media company. This tallest skyscraper in Bosnia has been acclaimed by German company Schuco as one of the 10 most beautiful buildings in the world.
16. Sarajevo City Center: The western-style shopping center with a wide array of shops, eateries, and local Bosnian perfume stalls, set in a clean, pleasant environment.
17. Whitewater rafting: Never miss the thrill of rafting in the Tara River Canyon. This Whitewater rafting at Europe's deepest canyon is special. It is an exciting activity that manages rapid flowing water as you stride through this deep canyon.
18. Sunnyland: Sunnyland is famous as the major amusement park with Alpine Coaster near Sarajevo, on the Olympic Mountain Trebević. The Alpine Roller Coaster is an adrenaline-pumping activity working on the principle of gravity, reaching speeds of 40 km per hour. It also houses restaurants like Oxygen, pizza outlets, playrooms, Magic Forest, gift shops, playgrounds, and promenades, to mention a few.
19. Enjoy the native dishes: The tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not reach perfection without enjoying the delicious native dishes. The national dish, cevapi, is a much sought-after one. They are seasoned ground meat rolls grilled and served on bread. The mixture of beef and lamb, laced with onions, red pepper sauce, and bread, makes the dish something that is out of the world. Count the cuisine tasting as also part of your tour activity in Bosnia. You can also try Bosnia’s pastry, Pita, that is greasy and crispy. Bosnian dumplings Klepe is another foodie’s delight. Relish other delicacies like Bosanski lonac, burek, and zeljanica too.
Although there are too many things to do in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the itinerary can vary depending on the number of days and nights devoted to the tour. Generally, the point of entry is Sarajevo with its larger airport.
The Sarajevo city tour makes the first day’s main activity. Other full-day activities start with scenic Herzegovina covering Mostar and the iconic Stari Most Bridge quite often.
One full day goes to explore the Sarajevo Old Town, Trebevic Mountain, and Sunnyland tour. The cobbled streets of the Old Town, flaunting the Ottoman-era architecture, markets, and cozy cafes, offer a great experience. Most tour parties also go to beautiful Buna Springs for a tranquil retreat.
The walking tour of the Old Town of Sarajevo is interesting, and the experience will be like East meeting West with its museums, mosques, churches, and bazaars.
The must-see list also includes the globally famous Latin Bridge and Sebilj Fountain. A cable car ride at the Trebević Mountain is also a thrilling part of the tour.
One more full day will be required in exploring the Mountains of Sarajevo. They include Bjelasnica and Igman, famous for their roles in the Winter Olympics of 1984. The activities are lazy strolling, or call it leisurely walks, and visiting the War Mosque on Igman.
In the tour program, visiting Travnik, the erstwhile capital of Bosnia under the Ottoman Empire, is an aesthetic pleasure. The word means grass, and the evergreen scenery is so captivating. The visit then progresses to Jajce, a town believed to have been made of stone, light, and water. It is famous for Jajce Waterfalls too.
The visit to the Jahorina Mountain, the famous ski resort in Bosnia, makes the finale of the tour in most itineraries. With too many things to do in Bosnia, you will feel like making one more trip to the scenic land once again, maybe sometime later.
