Country 62/196: Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)
Destinations: Jajce, Pliva lakes, Sarajevo, Jablanica, Mostar, Blagaj, Kravice waterfalls
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located within the Balkan Peninsula, very close to our home country – Slovenia. We have already been to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we have never visited its most beautiful sites. The country is known for its rich, yet bloody history, welcoming people, diverse culture (it is home to three ethnic groups – Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs; three languages; and three religions – Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox Christian), good food, great music, many natural wonders, and breathtaking cities. B&H turned out to be one of the most diverse, interesting, and wonderful countries we have ever had the pleasure to visit. ♥
Things to see and things to do
Jajce and Pliva lake
Our first stop was the city of Jajce, located in the north-central part of the country. Jajce was the birthplace of a federal Yugoslavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of its constitutive Republics. Today the small town is mostly known as a relatively popular tourist destination. We took a walk through the picturesque town, which took our breath away with its lovely fortress, the two rivers, and a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the city, where the Pliva River meets the river Vrbas. We found a great spot on the other side of the river from where we were able to enjoy the view of the spectacular city and all of its best features.
Afterward, we decided to visit the nearby Pliva lake, which also offers countless beautiful sights.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of B&H. It is mostly known for its rich history and extraordinary religious and cultural diversity. It’s the city where the east meets the west and therefore one of very few major European cities which have a mosque, church (both Catholic and Orthodox), and synagogue in the same neighborhood. The city’s religious tolerance is remarkable, even though ethnic tensions are still simmering below the surface.
Sarajevo attracts many visitors worldwide with its numerous parks, laid-back atmosphere, great food, and its remarkable diversity. We took some time to explore the old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city called Baščaršija, which is home to most of the city’s historic buildings and major tourist attractions, including the city’s most prominent mosques, churches, and synagogues. Sarajevo’s architectural and cultural diversity blew our minds!
Jablanica
Jablanica is a small town located on the Neretva river. It is mostly known as the site of the Battle of the Neretva in 1943, during which a rail bridge over the river was blown up while a train was in the middle of crossing. The bridge can still be seen in the river gorge and nearby there is a museum commemorating the battle.
Mostar
Mostar is, in our humble opinion, one of the most beautiful cities in the world! ♥ We knew that it is the most popular tourist destination in B&H, but we didn’t expect that it would take our breath away! The city is known for its biggest attraction, which is also one of B&H’s most visited landmarks – Stari Most (the Old Bridge). The iconic bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, it was destroyed in 1993 by Croat paramilitary forces during the Croat–Bosniak War, and reconstructed in 2004. The bridge is considered an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture.
The Old Bridge is not the only attraction in the city, but as the city is so beautiful in itself, we chose not to focus on the most famous buildings, but on the fairytale city as a whole. We had the most wonderful time!
Blagaj
We made a short stop in the well-known village-town of Blagaj. There we admired the amazing spring of the emerald-green Buna river (Vrelo Bune) and the famous Blagaj Tekke monastery, which was built with elements of Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture and is considered a national monument.
Kravice waterfalls
After a short scenic ride, we reached our last destination in B&H – Kravice waterfalls. Kravica is a popular swimming and picnic area and it attracts lots of visitors with its beautiful waterfall and lush green surroundings.
Where to stay
Nowadays, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a safe tourist-friendly country. There are all kinds of accommodation options to be found throughout the country.
Are you planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Here you can get a room with a 10% discount! 🙂
Budget
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a rather budget-friendly destination. Accommodation prices start at 7 USD (6 EUR). Food prices depend on the restaurant, but you can get a decent meal for 3 USD/EUR. If you are planning to stay in a room with a kitchen, consider preparing your meals by yourself (grocery shopping is also cheap). Explore the chosen destinations by foot or use public transportation, which is also inexpensive.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is from May until October. The weather is warmest during the summer and there is less rain. To avoid crowds (even though it’s not as crowded as in many other European countries), consider visiting in late spring or early autumn.
Environmental issues
Land, water, and air pollution are among the biggest environmental problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Air pollution from coal power plants (which are very popular in the country as they produce cheap electricity) is resulting in an increase in respiratory diseases (including asthma), heart problems, and even cancer. Waste is also a pressing problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The equipment is outdated, the landfills have reached their capacity, and only about 5% of total waste is recycled. In addition, the country lacks an efficient environmental administration and a clear strategy regarding climate change. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a lot of natural beauty, but they will have to do better in preserving it.
196xLOVE
Found lots of LOVE in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 😉 ♥
Romance and adventure
Honeymoon rating of the visited destinations: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♡
With so many picturesque landscapes, emerald rivers, and fairytale towns, B&H seems to be one of the most romantic countries in the world. You can go rafting, hiking, skiing, soak up the diverse culture, discover the great history, admire the stunning architecture, or enjoy the Balkan cuisine. A honeymoon in B&H sounds like an excellent idea! 😉
* Note: This is NOT a general rating of the country, it is merely our personal opinion of the mentioned site(s) as honeymoon destinations, based on the level of tourism development, the number and quality of romantic and adventurous activities and sites it offers, and safety. We strongly believe that every country is beautiful in its own way, they may simply be more or less honeymoon oriented/friendly.
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