Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart-shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located in a valley between the Olympic Mountains and is often defined as the European Jerusalem because of its rare mix of cultures and religions in the same city.
It is a city where one can find spirituality, eat the best food and enjoy strolling around through a city of rich historical heritage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its natural environment and cultural heritage inherited from six historical civilizations, its cuisine, winter sports, its unique music, architecture, and its festivals, some of which are the largest and most prominent of their kind in Southeastern Europe.
One would expect a lot less from such a small country, yet Bosnia and Herzegovina is establishing itself as one of the newest and most exciting tourism destinations in Southeast Europe. With a vast array of attractions and a diverse menu of activities, B&H is sure to surprise and please any type of traveler.
Tourists will likely remember the country for its beautiful mountainscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, cascading rafting rivers, unassuming human warmth, numerous medieval castle ruins, and delicious food.
One would expect a lot less from such a small country, yet Bosnia and Herzegovina is establishing itself as one of the newest and most exciting tourism destinations in southeast Europe. With a vast array of attractions, a diverse menu of activities, and fascinating destinations B&H is sure to surprise and please any type of traveler.
What to do in B&H
ECO-ADVENTURE
The rugged and pristine wilderness that so characterizes this Central Dinaric Alps land is a paradise for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers. The diversity of both landscapes and ecosystems has created a stunning example of the wonders of nature.
Hiking and walking through the highlands and experiencing the ancient lifestyles thriving in the mountainous area is an unforgettable experience. Whitewater rafting and kayaking down some of Europe’s most challenging rivers is our specialty – and the fun is for novices and pros alike. BiH is also home to world-class fly-fishing rivers and hosts a rich population of bears, wolves, chamois, eagles, and deer for wildlife observation. From mountain biking to paragliding, Mother Nature has gifted us with a great abundance of stunning scenery and a magnificent outback that has been explored by few.
Treat yourself to the sweet taste of nature and the excitement and serenity of our untouched wilderness. Come Discover your next adventure!
CULTURAL TOURISM
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a magical blend of the old and new worlds. From the ancient monasteries of the Franciscan and Orthodox monks to the heralded bridges and mosques of the Ottomans, the medieval character of BiH has been well-preserved.
Alongside these cultural bastions has emerged a post-war cultural renaissance, particularly in the main cities. Sarajevo is host to some of the most cutting-edge festivals in southeast Europe with the likes of the Sarajevo Film and Jazz Festivals to name just a few.
The cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina is less likely to be experienced in a museum but rather in what we coin as ‘living museums.’ The customs and pastimes are best found in everyday life where one can catch a glimpse of old and new world Europe – preserving our ancient past and reaching for a brighter and better tomorrow. The people in Bosnia and Herzegovina create plenty of opportunities for celebrations, festivals, and annual traditions all year round. Sarajevo is well known for its wide array of cultural festivals – featuring cutting-edge films, the newest jazz sounds, to alternative theatre productions.
HEALTH TOURISM
Bosnia is apparently derived from an old Indo-European word ‘bosana’, meaning water. It’s certainly one thing there is no lack of here. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only blessed with a great abundance of crystal-clear mountain rivers but with high-quality thermal springs as well. BiH is heavily investing in modernizing its thermal spa facilities to offer our guests top-quality spa services for only a fraction of the price of our other European neighbors. With full-service facilities available in more than 15 locations there is always a relaxing spot for a massage or full-range thermal treatment. Terme in Sarajevo is an ideal location, near both the city center and the Bjelasnica/Igman ski center. The spas in Teslic, Fojnica, and Banja Luka also offer spa services with modern facilities and are all located in beautiful natural surroundings.
WINTER ADVENTURE
With high-quality and consistent snowfall from December to March, the mountains of B&H offer a climate for great winter sports. The XIV Winter Olympic Games proved to be one of the most successful of its time. Well, although those days are long gone, the quality slopes are not. Olympic-style skiing on Sarajevo’s Mt. Bjelasnica and Jahorina is back in full swing. With a full range of facilities with new and modern accommodations skiing in Sarajevo once again sits on top of the best skiing in southeast Europe. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country, and tour skiing are gaining popularity and are great additions to a fun winter program on both mountains.
Sarajevo is not, however, the only ski center in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vlasic Mountain near the ancient town of Travnik is the best-established ski center in central Bosnia. With fresh additions of several new hotels and pensions, Vlasic is not to be missed. In western Bosnia are two great off-the-beaten-track ski and boarding destinations. Kupres and Blidinje Nature Park are situated in the vast wilderness area to the far west of the country.
CITY BREAKS
As short city breaks grow more popular for European travelers the list of new and exciting destinations grows. Sarajevo airport is directly connected to many European cities such as Vienna, Stockholm, Belgrade, Zagreb, Munich, Stuttgart, Budapest, Ljubljana, Istanbul…
Although there are a small number of low-cost airlines yet flying to Sarajevo, we make up for it with high quality, low-cost accommodation, and dining. If your looking for a new, quick getaway over an extended weekend, look no further. Sarajevo is the fastest-changing city in Europe. Embracing both its eastern and western traditions, Sarajevo will charm you with its oriental old town and bustling Austro-Hungarian center. With dozens of new hotels and lively nightlife, there is never a dull moment in this tiny capital city. Check out the year-round festival schedule or just come to wander the tiny Ottoman quarters and indulge in a taste of the orient right in the heart of Europe. Visit Sarajevo, a city close to your heart.
SUMMERTIME
Few think of Bosnia and Herzegovina and associate it with the Mediterranean. Well, it’s time to think again. Herzegovina, the southern region of BiH, enjoys the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate all year round. Our little outlet to the sea is Neum, a newer resort town only an hour from the famous cities of Dubrovnik and Mostar. Neum offers the finest of Dalmatian cuisine and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic at discount rates. Located just north of the Peljesac Peninsula, Neum Bay is a fantastic place for family holidays with many full-service hotels offering a complete program for you and your family.
With Neum as your beachside base, one can visit the Hutovo Blato Bird Reserve near Capljina, the largest cave in our country – Vjetrenica, the Kravica Waterfalls near the town of Ljubuski, the Catholic pilgrimage site of Medugorje or the lovely city of Mostar. Neum is also perfectly located between the Dalmatian cities of Split and Dubrovnik – putting all your holiday wishes in close reach.
FESTIVALS
To so the least, there is never a dull moment in our country. Here is a list of a few yearly festivals:
- Sarajevo Fashion Week (November)
- Sarajevo Winter-arts festival (February/March)
- Kozara Ethno festival – Kozara NP (June – July)
- International Folklore Festival – Sarajevo (July)
- Summer on the Vrbas – Banjaluka (July)
- Sarajevo Film Festival (July – August)
- Kids festival – Sarajevo(June)
- Bascarsija Nights – Sarajevo (July)
- Banja Luka Summer Games (August)
- European Literary Encounters – Sarajevo (September)
- Teatar Fest – Sarajevo (September)
- MESS-theatre festival – Sarajevo (October)
- Jazz Festival – Sarajevo (November)
- OK Fest Zelengora – Sutjeska NP (July)
- Winter holiday markets in every larger city (December and January)
