Just a short bus ride away from over-crowded Croatia, neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina offers unspoiled landscapes and adventure activities galore.
Photo © iStock/darios44
Croatia has inevitably made its way onto every backpacker’s Euro-trip itinerary, with tourists flocking to sail around the Adriatic Sea and hop the Islands. The hordes of tourists can make for a fun night out, but finding a local who isn’t frustrated with how overcrowded their country has become is harder than finding your dignity after a Dubrovnik Pirate Party.
Luckily, the over-popular country neighbors an alternative Balkan gem, just a short bus ride away from the crowds.
- About Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top places to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Getting to know the locals
- Getting there from Croatia
About Bosnia and Herzegovina
Despite a stormy past, the Bosnia and Herzegovina that exists today is full of effortless beauty and friendly locals. The country offers visitors an experience that’s hard to mimic and you won’t find yourself fighting through clusters of tourists for that Instagram shot (yet!).
The unspoiled nature and landscapes of this country have something to offer everyone – from authentic experience seekers to adrenaline junkies. Whether you want to go canyoning, hiking, rafting or swimming, you can do it all here.
Top places to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kravice Waterfalls, for a relaxed day of swimming beneath some of Mother Nature’s best work – just 25mi (40km) south of Mostar.
Blagaj, to visit Blagaj Tekke, an ancient Dervish monastery, and the famous Green Cave, where artifacts from the 5th century BC have been found – all just a short ride from Mostar airport. You can also find the ruins of Stjepan grad, a castle that happens to be located on the inaccessible cliff above the Buna river.
Stari Most Bridge, to view the most photographed landmark in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina – and realize how it earned that title. The reconstructed Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar are symbols of reconciliation, international co-operation, and the coexistence of diverse communities.
Una National Park and Pliva Lakes, to get lost in idyllic landscapes. Be sure to see Štrbački buk – the largest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina located on the River Una. Walk along wooden paths to see the waterfalls from various platforms and viewpoints.
Then, check out Pliva Waterfalls located in the medieval town of Jajce. Upstream from the falls, take a look at the Large and Small Pliva lakes, too.
Sarajevo, to explore the culturally rich capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Be sure to go underground and see the Sarajevo Tunnel (also known as the Tunnel of Hope), to learn more about the country's past. This tunnel was constructed in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo at the time of the Bosnian war.
Getting to know the locals
Bosnians are incredibly proud of their country, welcoming to tourists, and will happily share their stories.
During my time in Mostar, I met a young Bosnian man who experienced (and lost his father to) the Bosnian War. As he pointed out significant areas of a city that were once destroyed, it was still easy to see evidence of war. This day impacted my Euro trip in a way that sailing around Croatia for a week simply couldn’t.
Keep in mind: If you stick around Stari Bridge in Mostar long enough, you might just catch some of the locals (or travelers) jumping into the depths below. This is a rite of passage for Bosnian boys, and solidifies their status as men.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of culture, history, and beauty. So if you want to escape the crowds and have an authentic experience or five, consider this country as a worthwhile addition to your list.
Getting there from Croatia
Easily accessible from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is just a short and scenic bus or coach ride away from the likes of Split and Dubrovnik. It'll set you back around 3–4 hours and €20-€35, depending on your departure and arrival stations. Check out Croatia Bus for schedules.
Alternatively, if you’re planning on spending some time traveling across the country, rent a car and go at our own pace.
Keep in mind that Bosnia isn’t part of the EU yet, so make sure you have your passport handy when entering or leaving the country.
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