Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Nature

In August, we ventured into Bosnia and Herzegovina, a hidden gem in Europe offering a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. This country is often overlooked, but its landscapes, ancient towns, and deeply moving historical sites made it an unforgettable experience. From the Ottoman-era bridges to remnants of war, every city and village we visited told a story—one of resilience, transformation, and pride.

Konjic: A Bridge Between Eras

Our journey began in Konjic, a quaint town nestled on the banks of the emerald-green Neretva River. With over 4,000 years of history, Konjic has always been a crossroads of culture and trade. Its most iconic feature is the Ottoman Bridge, originally built in the 17th century and reconstructed after World War II. This bridge stands as a testament to the country’s ability to preserve its heritage through the toughest of times. Beyond the town's historical significance, Konjic is a haven for outdoor lovers, offering opportunities for rafting and hiking through its dramatic canyons and rivers.

Five Things to Do in Konjic:

Visit the Ottoman Bridge – A striking symbol of Bosnia’s Ottoman past, this bridge is a must-see for history buffs.
Go Rafting on the Neretva River – Experience the beauty of Konjic’s landscapes from the water.
Explore the Konjic Old Town – Wander through the streets lined with historical buildings and local charm.
Tour Tito’s Bunker – Discover the Cold War secrets of Yugoslavia in this hidden, underground bunker.
Hike the Surrounding Mountains – Enjoy panoramic views of the region’s untouched beauty on one of Konjic’s scenic hiking trails.

Jajce: A Medieval Town with a Royal Past

Next, we made our way to Jajce, a medieval gem that once served as the capital of the Bosnian Kingdom. Surrounded by lush green hills, Jajce is most famous for its Pliva Waterfall, one of the few waterfalls in the world located right in the heart of a town. The town’s fortress and citadel, which once housed Bosnia's last king before the Ottoman conquest, stand proudly overlooking the valley. As we explored, we also learned about Jajce’s important role during World War II, as the site of the AVNOJ session in 1943, which helped shape Yugoslavia’s future.

Five Things to Do in Jajce:

Admire the Pliva Waterfall – A breathtaking waterfall that flows directly into the town, offering a spectacular view.
Visit Jajce Castle and Fortress – Explore the remnants of the royal family’s stronghold and take in the stunning views of the town below.
Walk Through the AVNOJ Museum – Learn about the pivotal role Jajce played in WWII and its influence on Yugoslavia's formation.
Stroll Through Jajce Old Town – Discover the medieval charm of Jajce's old town, full of cobblestone streets and historical buildings.
Relax by the Pliva Lakes – Take a peaceful boat ride or enjoy a picnic by the serene Pliva Lakes.

Travnik: The Ottoman-Era Gem

Travnik, with its stunning Ottoman heritage, was another highlight of our journey. This town, once home to Ottoman viziers for over 150 years, is filled with grand mosques, colorful homes, and a beautifully preserved fortress offering panoramic views of the valley. The town is also famous for its Plava Voda spring, a tranquil spot perfect for enjoying traditional Bosnian coffee. We learned that Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andrić was born in Travnik, and it was easy to see how the town’s rich history inspired his writing.

Five Things to Do in Travnik:

Tour the Travnik Fortress – Explore the fortress and enjoy stunning views over the valley and town.
Visit the Plava Voda Spring – Relax by the tranquil spring while sipping traditional Bosnian coffee.
Explore the Colourful Mosques – Admire the vibrant, historical mosques scattered throughout Travnik.
Stop by the Ivo Andrić Museum – Delve into the life of the Nobel Prize-winning author in this museum dedicated to his legacy.
Wander the Ottoman Bazaar – Explore the bustling bazaar and shop for traditional Bosnian crafts and delicacies.

Sarajevo: A City of Resilience and Culture

Our next stop was Sarajevo, a city that beautifully blends East and West, old and new. We started with a walking tour, discovering the influences of the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian rule, and the legacy of Yugoslavia. Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s historical bazaar, was alive with coppersmiths, traditional cafés, and baklava vendors. The Tunnel of Hope offered us a poignant glimpse into Sarajevo's survival during the 1990s siege, and the city’s Old Town (Stari Grad) provided a living testament to religious coexistence, with mosques, synagogues, and churches standing side by side.

Five Things to Do in Sarajevo:

Walk Through the Baščaršija Bazaar – Immerse yourself in Sarajevo’s cultural heart, with its mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.
Visit the Tunnel of Hope – Discover how Sarajevo survived the 1990s siege and the importance of the Tunnel of Hope.
Explore the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – Admire this stunning example of Ottoman architecture in the heart of the city.
Stroll Through Sarajevo’s Old Town (Stari Grad) – Explore the city’s diverse religious history and unique cultural heritage.
Relax at a Traditional Café – Sit back, enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee, and soak in the ambiance of this historic city.

Mostar: The Icon of Herzegovina

Mostar, home to the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), was one of the most iconic stops on our journey. The bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and later destroyed and rebuilt after the 1990s war, symbolizes the resilience and unity of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town itself blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, and the lively bazaars and riverside cafés only add to its charm.

Five Things to Do in Mostar:

Cross the Stari Most (Old Bridge) – Walk across the iconic bridge that has become a symbol of Mostar’s strength and history.
Visit the Mostar Old Bazaar – Wander through the bustling bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy local dishes.
Take a Boat Ride on the Neretva River – Get a unique view of the famous bridge and the town from the water.
Explore the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque – Visit this mosque for its stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding town.
Relax by the River at a Café – Unwind at one of the cafés by the river, enjoying a cup of Bosnian coffee or local refreshments.

Blagaj: The Mystical Dervish Monastery

A short drive from Mostar led us to Blagaj, where the Blagaj Tekija, a Sufi monastery, sits beneath towering cliffs by the Buna River spring. The tranquil setting of the monastery, combined with its centuries of spiritual significance, made it a peaceful retreat. The monastery’s reflection in the crystal-clear waters was one of the most beautiful sights of our trip.

Five Things to Do in Blagaj:

Visit the Blagaj Tekija – Explore this serene Sufi monastery, set in a stunning natural environment.
Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Buna River – Take in the breathtaking scenery with a peaceful boat ride along the river.
Explore the Dervish Gardens – Wander through the peaceful gardens surrounding the monastery.
Take in the Views from the Cliffside – Enjoy spectacular views of the monastery and the surrounding cliffs.
Enjoy Bosnian Cuisine at a Local Restaurant – Savor traditional Bosnian dishes at one of Blagaj’s authentic eateries.

Kravica Waterfalls: Herzegovina’s Hidden Gem

As we ventured further into Herzegovina, we discovered the stunning Kravica Waterfalls. These cascading waterfalls form natural pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The nearby town of Ljubuški, known for its vineyards and rolling hills, remains one of Herzegovina’s best-kept secrets.

Five Things to Do at Kravica Waterfalls:

Swim in the Crystal-Clear Pools – Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools formed by the waterfalls.
Take a Boat Ride – Get up close to the falls with a boat ride along the river.
Picnic by the Falls – The area surrounding the waterfalls offers perfect spots for a relaxing picnic.
Hike Around the Waterfalls – Explore the trails around the falls and take in the area’s natural beauty.
Visit the Nearby Town of Ljubuški – Discover the charming town, known for its scenic vineyards and serene landscapes.

Sutjeska National Park: Bosnia’s Untamed Wilderness

Finally, we journeyed to Sutjeska National Park, home to Perućica Forest, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests. The rugged mountains and untouched landscapes made this a breathtaking place to explore. The park is also home to the Valley of Heroes, a poignant WWII memorial, where we paid our respects to those who fought in the Battle of Sutjeska.

Five Things to Do in Sutjeska National Park:

Hike Through Perućica Forest – Walk through one of Europe’s last untouched forests, filled with diverse flora and fauna.
Visit the Valley of Heroes Memorial – Honor the memory of those who fought in the Battle of Sutjeska.
Take a Scenic Drive – Enjoy one of Bosnia’s most beautiful drives, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and untouched nature.
Explore the Hutovo Blato Nature Reserve – A short drive from the park, this protected wetland offers opportunities for birdwatching and exploring.
Climb Mount Maglić – For experienced hikers, the climb up Bosnia’s highest peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Sand Pyramids: Bosnia’s Geological Wonder

Near Foča, we stumbled upon the Sand Pyramids, an otherworldly landscape of towering earth pillars, shaped by centuries of erosion. Often compared to Cappadocia’s hoodoos, these formations remain one of Bosnia’s best-kept secrets.

Final Thoughts: A Country of Contrasts and Resilience

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of contrasts—between East and West, past and present, war and peace. Its landscapes are breathtaking, its history is profound, and its people are incredibly welcoming. From medieval fortresses to Ottoman bazaars, from wartime scars to natural wonders, Bosnia left a deep impression on us. This is a country that is rebuilding, preserving its heritage while embracing the future. And for those who take the time to explore it, Bosnia offers an experience unlike any other in Europe.

Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Journey of must do’s Through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty