Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash
Although Bosnia has long been one of the offbeat places to visit in Europe, it is now increasingly being considered as a top option to visit for many. One of the things people simply cannot ignore about Bosnia is the spirit of its people to live and thrive. And this can be witnessed in various parts of the country that has managed to rebuild itself time and time again. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best touristy things to do in Bosnia to have a great time.
But, before students and travelers plan and leave for the Bosnian trip, they should also be cognizant of keeping all their work in check. Luckily, one can also make use of various online services to help them with their extra work. For example, one can use Studyfy’s essay writing service to complete their extra work while planning their Bosnian trip. Using such services helps students save on energy and time while offering them the chance to boost their grades.
Photo by Sead Dzambegovic on Unsplash
In no particular order, here are the 10 coolest tourist destinations in Bosnia.
1) Una National Park
Although the Una National Park was opened late in 2008, it is still one of the most unique attractions for tourists in the country. The park has it all – ancient trees, a beautiful river, karst formations, several species of fauna and flora, archaeological sites, and religious buildings.
But one of the most alluring parts of the park is the Štrbački Buk Waterfall – which is a cluster of various falls. Another interesting aspect of this park is how it got its name – something every tourist must surely inquire about!
2) Blagaj
Blagaj is located near Mostar and is home to the Buna River and Dervish monastery (built-in 1520). The Dervish monastery is actually constructed on the banks of the Buna River and is one of the best spots in the country for photography lovers. One can also find various Dervish and Ottoman artifacts preserved in the Dervish monastery. Tourists are also advised to visit various Ottoman-style mansions, Byzantine-style arched bridges, earthly homestays, and a lot more.
3) Travnik
This centrally located city enables tourists to observe several remnants of the Ottoman empire from various parts of the city. Because the city is also well-connected with the Vlasic Mountains, one can also enjoy various snow sports during the winter. Travnik also has an amazing old town that dates back to the fifteenth century. Travnik is also the only city in Bosnia with two (Ottoman-style) clock towers. Tourists are advised to spend at least up to three days to fully enjoy this city.
4) Stolac
The old, culturally-gifted, and sleepy town of Stolac lies along the banks of the famous Begrava River in Bosnia. One can also visit the (reconstructed) Čaršija Mosque located in the center of town. But, the mosque, along with several other architectural buildings and structures were destroyed in the nineties.
Tourists can also visit some nearby places and villages to realize the magnitude of destruction caused by the wars in the country. Some of the must visits in Stolac are the Radimlja Necropolis, Vidoška Fortress, Badani Caves, and the Bregava River.
5) Kravice Falls
Located south of Mostar, Kravice Falls is considered to be one of the most beautiful and picturesque places to visit in Bosnia’s backcountry. Several locals and tourists come here during summer to soak in the unique natural beauty of the place. One can easily enjoy long swims, catch views of the 25-meter waterfall, and have a picnic in nature. There are also several good restaurants and bars in the area. This place is also a good spot for those interested in various water-based adventures.
6) Jajce
Located in the northern region of the country, Jajce is a unique blend of a city complemented with nature. Jajce is not too far from the city of Travnik and is also one of the many laid-back yet stunning cities of Bosnia. While the city is home to several concrete structures, just like any city, it also has a lot of greenery, gorges, and water bodies. Tourists can also visit fascinating museums like the AVNOJ, underground catacombs, scintillating Bosnian houses, and several citadels scattered across the city.
7) Trebinje
Trebinje is wonderfully located around the famous Trebisnjica River – as it cuts through the heart of the city. Around the city center, one can find various well-designed Ottoman and eastern-style architectural buildings and homes. One can also visit the well-known arched bridge of Arslanagic which is located on the outer edges of the town. One thing for every tourist to do is visit the Klobuk fortress as it offers mesmerizing views of the Trebisnjica River valley.
8) Mostar
Mostar is easily one of the most famous cities in Bosnia. The ancient, arched old bridge that runs across the Neretva River is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Although much of the bridge was destroyed in the wars, it has been reconstructed with great effort and elegance and has also got a UNESCO world heritage tag.
Overall, the town offers several things to suit a variety of taste palates. One can find beautiful arabesque mosques, markets in the old town, delightful restaurants, churches, bars, and a lot more. Tourists can also visit the Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque to absorb thrilling views of the city.
9) Sarajevo
Although hit hard by various battles during the nineties, the city of Sarajevo is now one of the most bustling cities in Europe. Today, the city and its people have rediscovered their confidence to live their lives to the fullest. But one can still find several memorials and murals dedicated to all that was lost during the wars in the city.
In modern Sarajevo, tourists have several options to enjoy the ancient history along with the new-era panache in the city. Some of the things to witness in Sarajevo are beer bars, mosques, Turkic restaurants, interesting bazaars, parks, stone bridges, art museums, and a lot more!
10) Jahorina
Tucked in the upper levels of the Dinaric Alps, Jahorina is the spot for all those who enjoy skiing and all other winter sports. But that’s not all. This place gained a lot more popularity and attraction of tourists as it was once the host of the winter Olympic games. The slopes in Jahorina are beautiful and perfect for skiing for people of all (difficulty) levels. But the area also has some other attractions like hunting, the Orlovaca caves, and the nearby town of Pale.
The Bottom Line
One can find evidence and remnants of various empires and regions throughout human history in Bosnia. Some of the most popular ones are from the Byzantine, Ottoman, Balkan, Roman, and Slavic aesthetics and styles. And, all of this and a lot more that one can find and enjoy in the country is now quickly making it a top choice for tourists around the world. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to visit this beautiful European gem.