Population
3,226,795 million people
capital
Sarajevo
Language
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian
currency
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Marka
Flight time
2 hours and 30 minutes from the UK
time difference
GMT +1 hours
best time to go
May - Jun and September
Introducing Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hilly, lush environment, make it a stunning treasure of the Balkan Peninsula, home to picturesque historic villages and castle ruins, as well as beautiful glacial lakes and magnificent waterfalls. Spectacular Mostar and its iconic Stari Most bridge are tucked among this varied scenery and are worth visiting when in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo, the country’s capital, is where east and west merge. The elaborate buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era coexist in this city’s cultural fusion with minarets and domes from the Ottoman Empire. The nation’s natural beauty and the genuine friendliness of its people will be key highlights of your trip.
Location
Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro all share a border with Bosnia and Herzegovina and has a small peninsula that runs along the Adriatic Sea. There are many mountains in the country. The western boundary is surrounded by the Dinaric Mountains. Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a country with incredible forestry and exceptional natural springs.
Weather
Bosnia-Herzegovina is best visited in May, June, and early September when the heat is at its lowest and trekking is at its most beautiful. With the sun is out and the days are longer, February and March are ideal months for winter sports. Some of these activities include, snowshoeing in the mountains, visiting mountain locals, appreciating Ottoman grandeur, and hiking through amazing scenery.
Cuisine
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, people value their relationships with family and friends, and they frequently extend hospitality. Local coffee shops or cafés, known as kafanes and kaficis, are popular places for people to socialise.
History and Culture
The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina dates back to the first and second centuries B.C., during the Roman invasion. The region of Bosnia would later join the Byzantine Empire in the sixth century. In 1448, the region of Herzegovina was created. Later that century, under Turkish administration, it joined Bosnia. Bosnia and Herzegovina were ruled by Austria-Hungary when the Russo-Turkish War broke out in 1877. Bosnia and Herzegovina were conquered by Serbia after World War I and the fall of Austria-Hungary. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined pro-Hitler Croatia during World War II and eventually joined the other six nations that made up Yugoslavia. Bosnaks and Croats voted for independence in 1991 to break away from Yugoslavia and prevent Serbian domination. Two million people were forced from their homes because of the prolonged war with Serbia.
In 1995, a pact known as the Dayton Agreement was negotiated, putting a stop to the war. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization continues to uphold the treaty (NATO). What is left is a broken state made up of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serb Republic of Bosnia Herzegovina, two separate nations.
Family
Places to visit with your family include:
Vrelo Bosne Park:
The park of Vrelo Bosne is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, with over a century of history. You can find a forest, a river, a waterfall, numerous bridges, a little cafe, and numerous treks in this fascinating park. Relax in the park, take family strolls or have a picnic with the family on your day trip there.
Grbavica Stadium:
Grbavica Stadium, also known as “Valley of Cups” locally, is a stadium in Sarajevo, situated on Zvornika Street. The stadium, accessible from noon till late, was constructed in 1940 and refurbished in the 1970s. With a capacity of roughly 13,500 people, it is used for all the significant matches, as well as national team games. The stadium also hosted the UEFA Cup in 1984–1985 season and is a must see for sports families.
Playland Amusement Park located on Andela Zvizdovica Street in Sarajevo:
A great spot for some family fun, the Playland Amusement Park includes swimming pools filled with plastic balls, carousels, different-sized slides, electric cars, little cottages, amongst other entertainment activities to keep the family amused and entertained.
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Top Locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Una National Park
The Una National Park, one of the richest biodiversity regions in the Balkans, was created in 2008 to conserve the Krka, Unac, and Upper Una rivers, as well as the plants and animals, waterfalls, and historic sites of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strbacki buk, a spectacular 25-metre towering cascading waterfall surrounded by observation platforms where sparkling blue water flows into the shimmering pools below, is undoubtedly the key feature of the Una National Park.
Sarajevo
Head over to trendy Ferhadija Street for superb shopping, then meander across to the old town, Sarajevo Bašcaršija. Majestic mosques, lively bazaars selling handicraft and many coffee shops serving aromatic Bosnian coffee can be found here.
Mostar
The loveliest of all Bosnian cities, Stari Most is renowned for its magnificent bridge that spans the Neretva River in the heart of the ancient town. It was first constructed in the 1500s, but due to war damage, it had to be meticulously restored to its former splendour. The effort worked well, and today it's one of Bosnia's most famous landmarks and a feature of any trip.
Kravice Falls
Open May to October, the Kravice Falls are a spectacular experience and one you must not miss during your travels! This breath-taking location along the Trebizat river, is worth exploring for a day, as the falls plunge down into glistening emerald pools. Explore this amazing region through the walking routes, by taking a boat trip, or even by swimming close to them, for an unforgettable natural adventure.