Why You Need Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina..

Tucked away in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Europe’s most underrated gems. Imagine cobblestone streets echoing with centuries of history, emerald rivers winding through medieval towns, and mountains that seem to touch the sky. It’s a place where East meets West, where every corner tells a story, and where you'll find raw beauty untouched by mass tourism. If it’s not on your travel list yet, here’s why it definitely should be.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of those places where breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted history, and diverse culture come together in the most unforgettable way. In the south, cities like Mostar and Blagaj offer a mix of Ottoman architecture, riverside views, and that iconic Old Bridge that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale (because honestly, it kind of is). You’ll find ancient monasteries tucked into cliffs, turquoise rivers, and a fusion of Eastern and Western influences around every corner.
Head north or east, and you’ve got Sarajevo where every street seems to carry the weight of history while still feeling alive and current.
For nature lovers, Bosnia’s got everything from the Dinaric Alps to hidden waterfalls and wild rivers perfect for rafting and hiking. Towns like Jajce, Konjic, and Trebinje offer small-town charm with epic backdrops. Whether you’re into exploring medieval fortresses, getting lost in the mountains, or just soaking up the vibe of a place that still feels undiscovered—Bosnia delivers.

Sarajevo: The Cultural Capital

Sarajevo isn’t just a city—it’s an experience. Walk a few blocks, and you’ll feel like you’ve crossed continents. One moment you’re sipping strong Bosnian coffee in a centuries-old Ottoman bazaar, the next you're passing Austro-Hungarian architecture that wouldn’t look out of place in Vienna. This is a city where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand within minutes of each other, a living reminder of its layered, complex history.
The streets are alive with music, art, and that unmistakable Balkan spirit—resilient, warm, and full of soul. Whether you're exploring the cobbled alleys of Baščaršija, riding the cable car up to Trebević Mountain, or diving into its recent history at the Tunnel of Hope, Sarajevo will move you in ways you didn’t expect. It’s gritty and beautiful, heavy and hopeful—all at once.

Baščaršija Old Town

Built in the 15th century by Isa-Beg Ishaković, Baščaršija (the founder of Sarajevo) is Sarajevo’s original trading centre. Once a hub on the old Silk Road, it brought together merchants from East and West, shaping Sarajevo’s identity as a crossroads of cultures. At its peak, it was home to thousands of shops, mosques, and roadside inns, many of which still stand today.
Wander its narrow stone streets and you’re walking through history—past Ottoman-era architecture, the iconic Sebilj fountain, and artisan workshops that have been passed down for generations. It’s more than a market; it’s a window into the city's roots, resilience, and rich cultural mix.

Trebević Mountain

Just a short ride from the city, Trebević Mountain is Sarajevo’s perfect escape into nature. Known as the city’s "green lung," this peaceful mountain offers breathtaking views of Sarajevo below, making it a go-to spot for hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the scenery. The fresh air and forests provide a much-needed break from the city.

Hop on the Trebević Cable Car, which reopened in 2018 after being destroyed during the Bosnian War. The ride offers a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the city, and its unique mix of history and nature.
For a more immersive experience, you can stroll up the winding, uphill streets, taking your time to explore charming neighbourhoods and stunning views along the way.

Rising above Sarajevo, Mount Trebević is more than just a popular hiking destination — it's known as the "Olympic Mountain", thanks to its central role in the 1984 Winter Olympics. Back then, it was buzzing with excitement, pride, and international attention. Trebević hosted the bobsled and luge events, and its sleek, winding concrete track cut a futuristic shape through the forest. For a few unforgettable weeks, Sarajevo stood proudly at the center of the sporting world.

The Abandoned Bobsleigh Track

Today, the bobsled and luge track lies abandoned, a haunting yet captivating relic of the past. Nature has started to reclaim it. Moss creeps along the walls, trees stretch their limbs across its edges, and colorful graffiti now blankets nearly every surface. Artists have turned it into a kind of open-air gallery — vibrant and expressive.

Whether you're a history buff, a photography lover, or just someone looking for a unique experience, the bobsled track on Trebević is well worth the visit. Hike up through the forest, breathe in the mountain air, and take a moment to walk the curves of this forgotten ribbon of Olympic concrete — it's not something you'll soon forget.

The moment in history was groundbreaking: Sarajevo became the first city in a socialist country to host the Winter Olympics. It was a time of unity, hope, and national pride. The Games brought global recognition, with brand-new venues built across the surrounding mountains — including the now-famous bobsled track on Trebević.

But history had a different path in store. Less than a decade later, the city would be under siege during the brutal Bosnian War of the 1990s. The very track that once echoed with the cheers of fans and the roar of speeding sleds was repurposed as an artillery position. From Olympic dreams to wartime frontline.

Mostar

Mostar is a city where history and nature are deeply intertwined. The city's name derives from the word "mostari," meaning "bridge keepers," a reference to the guardians of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), nestled between rugged mountains and split by the emerald Neretva River.
Under Ottoman rule, Mostar flourished as a vibrant trading and administrative center. The city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences is still visible in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. In the late 19th century, Mostar came under Austro-Hungarian rule, ushering in a new wave of modernisation and urban development.

During the Bosnian War (1992–1995), Mostar witnessed devastating destruction, particularly in 1993 when the Old Bridge was destroyed in intense fighting between Bosniak and Croat forces. The city became a symbol of the war's deep divisions.

In the years following the conflict, Mostar has been undergoing reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. The Old Bridge was meticulously rebuilt and reopened in 2004, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Mostar stands as a poignant reminder of both the scars of war and the resilience of cultural heritage.

Wandering through Mostar’s old town feels like stepping into a living museum—one where the past is not just preserved, but actively practised. The narrow cobblestone alleys echo with the soft ring of hammers on metal and the murmur of artisans at work, just as they have been for centuries. Artisanal Workshops, often tucked into centuries-old stone buildings, are not tourist gimmicks—they’re the beating heart of a long-standing tradition that’s been passed down from generation to generation.

You’ll find master coppersmiths seated outside their shops, shaping and etching designs into trays, coffee pots, and decorative plates using techniques that date back to the Ottoman era. Many have been doing this since they were children, learning from parents and grandparents who did the same. Inside, the shelves shimmer with polished copper, each piece unique and hand-finished.

In Mostar, craftsmanship isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about continuity. These objects carry the memory of the city’s past, the resilience of its people, and the pride of a culture that continues to thrive in the face of change. Taking home a piece from one of these artisans means taking home something real—something with soul.

Across the way, jewellery makers craft delicate silver pieces—rings, bracelets, and earrings—with intricate filigree work that reflects both Bosnian and Ottoman influences. These are not mass-produced trinkets, but slow-made pieces of wearable art, created with precision and deep cultural knowledge.

One of the most infamous abandoned sites in Mostar is the Sniper Tower—a towering concrete skeleton that looms over the city. Originally built in the 1970s as a bank, it became something far more sinister during the Bosnian War. Due to its height and strategic location, it was repurposed as a sniper outpost during the Siege of Mostar (1992–1995). From its upper floors, snipers had a clear line of sight over much of the city, especially the front lines that divided East and West Mostar.
Bullet holes riddle the structure, and inside, the building is stripped bare—its marble floors cracked, its walls tagged with layers of graffiti. Yet it's also become a kind of unofficial gallery, covered with street art and messages of peace and protest.

The Sniper Tower

I probably shouldn't advise this, buuuuut if you're feeling particularly daring, you can climb around the back, pull yourself up through the window, and have a little explore inside. 😉

If you wander down Braće Brkića Street in Mostar, you'll stumble across this massive, slightly haunting concrete structure that looks like it came straight out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. That’s the Razvitak Department Store—or at least, what’s left of it.

Back in the day (we’re talking 1970), this place was the spot. Big, bold, brutalist, and full of energy. It opened as a modern shopping centre, and for a while, it was a symbol of progress and city life in Yugoslavia. People would shop, hang out, and do all the everyday stuff we take for granted now.

The outside is covered in these wild, abstract carvings—kind of like someone took ancient petroglyphs and reimagined them with mid-century flair. You’ll see figures, animals, and weird symbols that probably meant something to the designer, or maybe they’re just there to spark curiosity. Either way, it’s weird and cool and definitely photo-worthy.

The Razvitak Building

Then came the war in the ‘90s, and the building got wrecked. A huge chunk of it collapsed, and since then, it’s just… stood there. Half-ruin, half-art piece. Trees are growing out of it now. The whole vibe is very “post-apocalyptic urban jungle.”
Locals have mixed feelings about it. Some want to tear it down, others say fix it up or turn it into something new. But right now, it just kind of exists—a piece of living history, a monument to both the city’s past and its resilience.
If you’re into forgotten architecture, urban decay, or just want to see something that makes you pause and think, the Razvitak building is worth a visit. It’s not just a building—it’s a story frozen in concrete.

Again, I probably shouldn't advise this, buuuuut if you're feeling particularly daring, there is a gap in the gate and small entrance through a hole in the wall you can you can enter through at the front of the building and have a little explore inside. 😉

As you can probably tell my favourite part of Mostar isn’t the bustling Old Town or the iconic Stari Most (as beautiful as it is). It’s the quiet, forgotten corners—the abandoned buildings scattered across the city like ghostly sentinels of a turbulent past.
These crumbling structures, left behind after the Bosnian War, are raw and haunting. Bullet holes still pockmark their facades, and shattered windows frame views of a city that’s moved on without them. Once homes, hotels, or government buildings, they now stand empty, overtaken by nature, graffiti, and time.
There’s a strange kind of beauty in them. Wandering through these ruins, away from the crowds, you feel the weight of history in every crack and vine-covered wall. It’s a reminder of how deeply the past lingers—and how resilience can grow even in the most broken places.

These are just a couple of my favourite buildings, but honestly, if you walk around, there are incredible spots scattered everywhere. Check out my photography page to see more of these buildings—and a bunch of shots from inside them too!

Kravica Waterfall

Just 40 minutes from Mostar, Kravica Waterfall is the perfect day trip. It’s peaceful, stunning, and super easy to get to — no guide or group needed. Think wide, cascading falls, crystal-clear water, and plenty of space to just be.
Whether you’re up for a swim, a quiet coffee by the water, or a moment to recharge in nature, Kravica delivers. Simple, beautiful, and close enough to feel spontaneous.

Blagaj Tekke

Blagaj Tekke is a really beautiful and peaceful spot just a short drive from Mostar—about 20 minutes or so. It’s a historic Sufi monastery built in the 1500s, tucked right up against a cliff where the crystal-clear Buna River flows out of a cave.
The Tekke was originally built by the Bektashi dervishes during the Ottoman era, and it was used as a place for prayer, reflection, and spiritual retreat.
Once there, you can tour the monastery (just be respectful—it's still considered a holy place), grab a bite at one of the riverside cafés, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Jajce

You can easily visit Jajce from Banja Luka (1.5 hours), Travnik (45 minutes) and from Sarajevo, it’s about a 3-hour drive. Perfect spot for a quick history-filled getaway!

Jajce is a hidden gem where history and nature collide. The Pliva Waterfall, right in the town center, is an epic sight as it cascades where two rivers meet. It’s around 20 meters tall and surrounded by the town’s medieval vibe, making it one of the coolest waterfalls you’ll find.
Jajce was once the capital of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom, and you can still explore its royal fortress and 14th-century catacombs. It’s also the site where socialist Yugoslavia was founded in 1943.