Summary
Despite the rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks of the Dinaric Alps, the picturesque Una River, and towns such as Mostar and Stolac where Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and Balkan influences converge within ancient streets, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a relatively lesser-known destination in Europe.
Here is a list of the country’s top attractions, showcasing a spectrum from untamed wilderness to the vibrant, evolving capital city.
1. Travnik
Divided by the flowing Lasva River traversing the central mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the charming town of Travnik successfully merges its intriguing history as the capital and stronghold of the former viziers of this Ottoman sub-region with contemporary outdoor activities and adventure sports.
Its historical significance is reflected in a diverse collection of traditional eastern-style buildings, monuments, two unique Ottoman clock towers, and a splendid 15th-century old town core.
The contemporary aspect centers around Vlasic Mountain, which has become one of Bosnia’s most prominent skiing, Nordic walking, and hiking locales.
2. Jahorina
Recognized as the most popular ski area in Bosnia and a former host of the Winter Olympics, Jahorina attracts both skiing enthusiasts and summer hikers to its lofty location amidst the pine-covered heights of the Dinaric Alps.
With over ten chairlifts and a planned gondola servicing approximately 30 kilometers of meticulously maintained alpine trails, it is a centerpiece for many visitors.
Jahorina also welcomes non-skiers with nearby hunting lodges and the prehistoric attractions of the Orlovaca cave system, complemented by the picturesque town of Pale located in the valley below.
3. Sarajevo
As a lively and unexpectedly dynamic capital, Sarajevo is advancing towards modernity while moving beyond its previous identity as a conflict-torn zone.
While memorials to those affected by the conflicts of the 1990s still mark the city, there is a palpable sense of renewed confidence and vibrancy threading through its central areas, emblematic of resilience against the realities of war.
Visitors will find striking mosques above al fresco beer bars, aromatic Turkic restaurants amidst enchanting bazaars, beautifully landscaped parks, and historical stone bridges, all juxtaposed with contemporary art museums and music festivals.
4. Trebinje
Treasured as one of the true gems of the Republika Srpska, Trebinje beautifully mirrors against the flowing Trebisnjica River, showcasing a distinctive blend of elegant Ottoman architecture and original eastern facades, largely constructed in the 18th century.
Highlights include the picturesque Arslanagic Bridge at the town’s edge and the stunning Serbian Orthodox cathedral atop the surrounding hills.
Travelers should also consider visiting the remains of Klobuk fortress located on nearby hills, providing panoramic views of the Trebisnjica River valley.
5. Stolac
Surrounded by the vibrant green hills of Herzegovina Humina, Stolac is often hailed as the most beautiful town in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The town’s captivating old center integrates varied architectural styles and cultural heritages, from the ruins of Roman Diluntum dating back to the 3rd century to the refined Austro-Hungarian Baroque structures.
A visit to the haunting Radimlja necropolis on the town’s outskirts, along with the serene banks of the Bregava River featuring traditional wooden watermills, is highly recommended.
6. Mostar
Ranking among the most illustrious treasures of the Balkan Peninsula, Mostar is imbued with Bosnian history, reflected in its Byzantine architecture, Slavic influences, and Ottoman designs.
The highlight is undoubtedly the legendary Old Bridge, gracefully arching over the Neretva River at the town’s core; it has been meticulously restored after being destroyed during the Croat–Bosniak conflict and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Surrounding this architectural marvel, Mostar presents a vibrant mix of Dalmatian buildings, Franciscan churches, oriental designs, and ornate mosques, while local markets bustle and riverside terraces tempt visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
7. Jajce
Characterized by its lush greenery and vibrant waterfalls that cascade through the urban landscape, Jajce serves as an inviting gateway to the stunning lakes and gorges of the Bosanska Krajina region in the north.
Within the town, visitors can explore a variety of intriguing museums, such as the AVNOJ, which details the Yugoslav partisans’ resistance during World War II, underground catacombs, charming Bosnian-style homes adorned with painted timber, and the significant citadel overlooking the central hill as a remnant of the town’s medieval history.
8. Brcko
Situated at the political borders with Croatia to the north, Brcko lies along the Sava River and hosts Bosnia’s only significant port.
While the town features a mix of Hapsburg architecture and a charming working-class atmosphere, its unique distinction as the nation’s only self-governing city is the primary reason to visit. Here, diverse communities that previously faced conflict have forged a distinctive identity on the fringes of both the BiH Federation and the Republika Srpska.
9. Banja Luka
Having been subjected to damage from both natural disasters and warfare, Banja Luka, the largely unrecognized capital of the Republika Srpska region, retains limited elements of the historic Ottoman and Slavic heritage it once showcased, aside from a few restored landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure and the rebuilt Ferhat-Pasha Mosque.
However, visitors are drawn not by the sights, but rather to enjoy local beers while immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere fueled by the region’s popular electronic folk music, sampling Trappist wines from the Pivara Banjaluka monastery—the only one of its kind in the Balkans—and exploring mountain trails just visible on the horizon.
10. Kravice Falls
A magnificent natural spectacle, the Kravice Falls flow over lush ridges just south of Mostar.
These waterfalls, exceeding 25 meters in height, attract both swimmers and casual visitors in the summer months. Onlookers marvel at the mist rising from the frigid plunge pools and the powerful Trebizat River (adventurous guests may also wish to try out the nearby rope swing, a popular local attraction).
The falls are best reached from Ljubuski, though many prefer to rent vehicles from Mostar to navigate through the majestic coniferous forests.
11. Una National Park
Rich in untouched wilderness, Una National Park represents one of the newer additions to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s collection of natural attractions.
Situated amid the rugged hills following the Dinaric Alps near the Croatian border, the area safeguards vast expanses of riverbank woodlands and the courses of the Una and Unac Rivers.
Visitors can look forward to breathtaking sights such as the stunning waterfalls at Martin Brod and the historic Ostrovica Fortress, alongside the recently restored Rmanj Monastery, which features a reimagined Serbian Orthodox architectural style.
12. Tuzla
While Tuzla may not initially appear to be the optimal place for leisure, its location in the industrial heart of Bosnia offers visitors an authentic experience of the country’s culture and essence.
Travelers can explore a well-maintained old town characterized by soaring minarets and stone plazas, enjoy the sun beside intriguing salt lakes (remnants of the ancient Pannonian Sea), and participate in the national literary festival that takes place each July, featuring the prominent Mesa Selimovic event.
13. Bihac
A charming town nestled in the green landscape of the Una Valley, Bihac is enveloped by lush coniferous trees and the rough hills of Bosanska Krajina.
At its heart stands a square-cut medieval fortress and a companion church tower while pop-up islands kissed by the turquoise waters of the Una River provide excellent opportunities for leisurely strolls.
The modern town square, with its delightful fountains and a compelling Ottoman tomb, adds to the local character.
14. Blagaj
A destination essential for any journey through Bosnia, Blagaj is nestled within a scenic gorge of the Mostar Basin, where the Buna River emerges with fervor from underground.
The town’s prime attraction is the grand Sufi lodge, Tekija, beautifully constructed in Ottoman style adjacent to the Buna’s source.
Additionally, Blagaj boasts elegant Ottoman homes, fascinating Byzantine-style arches, and cozy accommodations offering rustic charm.
15. Blidinje Nature Park
This expansive plateau connecting the Cvrsnica and Vran peaks in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina remains one of the nation’s hidden natural treasures.
Renowned for its towering Bosnian pine trees, the area features dense forests where white-bark evergreens blanket a floor blooming with flowers. The landscapes are dotted with intricately carved medieval stele, indicative of Bosnia’s pre-Ottoman Orthodox traditions.
Blidinje is also equipped with a network of marked hiking trails, making it an inviting place for walkers and nature lovers.
