Bosnia is arguably the most beautiful region in the Balkans, and that is why so many people fall in love with it every year.
Bosnia or officially Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state in the center of the European Balkans and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Some people may remember it as the site of the Yugoslav wars, but it is now a long time ago and the country is totally safe and absolutely beautiful. Bosnia is truly one of the countries that you should visit in Europe.
Bosnia: the facts
- Capital city: Sarajevo
- Official languages: Bosnia, Croatian, Serbian
- Independence: 1992 (from Yugoslavia)
- Motto: Make Cabriolet
- Population: 3.3 million
Bosnia is famous for its beautiful landscapes and ancient and beautiful cities. It might just be a small country, but it’s full of things to see and do. It is also essentially landlocked, with the exception of an approximately 1 mile long coastline on the Adriatic.
Bosnia was part of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austrian Empires, and today when you visit the country you can feel the history and impact of it all. There are many Roman ruins to explore all over the country.
Unless you fancy skiing, the best time to visit Bosnia is from late spring to early fall. The winter months are okay but a little sad.
Bosnia is a bit conservative by European standards, but it’s still a very open and welcoming country. Keep in mind that nationalism and ethnic identity is very much present here, so it is best to take that into account. The three main ethnic groups are Bosnians, Serbs and Croats who are predominantly Muslim, Serbian Orthodox and Roman Catholics respectively. Religion is generally seen as a central part of their identity.
Three presidents: Under the Bosnian Constitution, Bosnia must have three presidents, one from each of the three main groups (Bosnia, Serbian, Croatian)
- Visa: Visa free for 90 days
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital and the largest city, it is also centrally located and from there it is possible to see and explore a large part of Bosnia. Sarajevo is a very interesting city, it is located at the foot of a mountain range and it was formed around the river that runs through the city. Sarajevo was once the site of the Winter Olympics in the 1980s and today it boasts stunning ancient architecture.
Sarajevo was the site of the grueling siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and the city remains riddled with bullets and shells. Almost all of them are located to one side as the fighters fired at the city from above.
Sarajevo has been ranked in Lonely Planet as one of the best cities in the world to visit. Sarajevo is known as a very culturally diverse city and a center of artistic thought and development.
Visit: Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (the largest mosque in Bosnia) and Latin Bridge (Ottomon Bridge and site of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand)
While in Sarajevo, don’t forget to visit the old city center and go shopping in BaÅ¡ÄarÅ¡ija. The BaÅ¡ÄarÅ¡ija is the old bazaar in Sarajevo and was built in the 15th century.
Historical fact : Sarajevo is the site of Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination – the spark that started WWII
Mostar
Mostar is another of the main attractions of Bosnia. This quaint little town is located on the Neretva River and is the site of the Stari Most (which means Old Bridge). The Stari Most is a UNESCO listed site and a must see for anyone visiting Bosnia.
Construction date : 1566
Pilja cave Vjetrenica
For something different, consider visiting the Spilja Vjetrenica cave in the southern part of the country. This cave was explored about 7 km or 4 miles and was nominated for UNESCO heritage. It seems that this cave has the greatest biodiversity of any cave in the world. It has the richest troglodyte fauna, with the highest rate of endemism among its local occupants.
- Cave length: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Gateway length: 600 meters
- Admission fee: 10,000 convertible marks
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
There are many forts and castles to visit all over the country. It is an ancient land and therefore is full of historical places to visit. One of these places is the fortress of Kastel. It is an old medieval fortress, but it is built on the site of an old Roman fortress which was built on top of a pre-Roman fortress.
- Admission fee: 14 euros ($ 16)
While in Bosina, go for a hike and explore the country. You will be amazed at how many magnificent landscapes there are to see here. You will be greeted with many picturesque villages and many beautiful forests. The landscape of Bosina is mountainous and forested and full of many deep ravines with rivers running through the mountains. Here are other sites to see and explore across the country:
Vrelo Bune – A picturesque natural and architectural ensemble
Pliva waterfall – An impressive 22-meter or 72-foot waterfall with an observation deck
Sutjeska National Park – The oldest national park in Bosnia
Kravice Waterfall – Stunning waterfall with a swimming area
In short, Bosnia is a breathtaking little country which recovered from a very bad period in the 90s. Today the country is peaceful, friendly and a wonderful place to spend part of your vacation in Europe.
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