Bosnia and Herzegovina tours & vacations

The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is in summer, between June and August. If you want hot and sunny weather, a light suitcase and plenty to do, then the sunny season is for you – May and September might be ideal for avoiding peak crowds, while still enjoying ideal weather. Keep in mind that June and September also see a lot of rain (perfect for waterfalls), so don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket! The winter months are very cold up in the Dinaric mountains, with a good chance of snow between December and February (great for snow sports, if you’ve done all the sightseeing).  

Diverse European and Turkish influences make Bosnia and Herzegovina’s culture deep and diverse (and its food... delicious). The area has a rich historical background, with the country becoming part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1878. After the first World War, it was a part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence, which led to the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995. Now, the country celebrates its ethnic diversity, with the three primary groups (Bosniaks, Serba and Croats). 

Little heart-shaped Bosnia is almost completely landlocked – it has only 20 km of coastline along the Adriatic. But what it lacks in coastline, it more than makes up for with scenic rivers and plunging valleys. The country shares borders with Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Slightly different from its Balkans neighbours, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Turkey, Greece and the late Ottoman Empire. Because of this, there are a lot more plant-based dishes than in Croatia and Serbia. Traditional restaurants (called ascinica) are often the best place to try local, national dishes, so look out for this label when you’re travelling.   

Things to try in Bosnia and Herzegovina

1. Cevapi 

The national favourite, these grilled mince kebab patties are often served with pita bread (somun or pitica) which is dipped in broth and grilled. There’s also sides of chopped, raw onion and ajvar (red pepper paste) or cream cheese.  

2. Burek and stuffed pies 

With versions popular throughout the Balkans (from the former Ottoman Empire), these stuffed pastries are often filled with meat, potato, pumpkin, cheese or spinach and cheese. 

3. Dolma, sarma, punjena paprikas and japrak 

Stuffed vegetables are a staple in Bosnian cuisine, particularly in regional areas where meat is less popular. Punjena paprika (stuffed bell peppers), sogan dolma (stuffed onions), sarma (meat and rice stuffed inside cabbage) and japrak (stuffed vine leaves) are the options often served in Sarajevo. 

4. Begova corba 

Another from the Ottoman Empire, this winter staple is a nutritious soup of chicken, dried okra and vegetables like celery and carrots.  

5. Bosanski lonac 

The national dish of Bosnia is this ‘Bosnian pot’ - a meat and vegetable stew cooked long and slow over a low heat. Traditionally prepared with beef, seasonal vegetables and herbs.  

6. Rostilj 

Typical of all of Eastern Europe, you can also find mixed barbecue in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One for the meat lovers, this dish is often served with fries and will feature things like cevapi, beef sausages, steak, grilled chicken and a side of salad. 

1. Stari Most

When Mostar’s 16th-century bridge was rebuilt after the 90s conflict, it became a new symbol of unity and hope. The only turmoil here these days is the fast-flowing river, into which young Bosnians dive, from 24m up, to test their mettle.

2. Bascarsija

Sarajevo’s Old Town is filled with mosques, artisan workshops, Jewish temples and bars that buzz all night long. Do as the locals do and down a cup of coffee, fill up on bosanski cevapi and start walking the cobbled streets.

3. Ilidza

Ilidza is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s longest continuously inhabited sites. Neolithic ruins have been found and the Romans and Ottomans both had their time here. Contemplate the history as you soak in the town’s famous thermal baths.

4. Kravice Waterfalls
Also known as Kravica Waterfalls, these gorgeous cascades are located in the Herzegovinian region on the Trebizat River. Falling off a large tuff limestone deposit into a lake below, this scenic spot is a must-see for any nature-lover.

5. Dinaric Mountains

Popular for hiking, snow sports and unplugging in nature, the alps are a gorgeous spot – namely the Bjelasnica Mountains, which sit between forest and mountain pastures.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (KM). Euro notes are sometimes accepted in major restaurants, however it’s a good idea to have some local currency in cash while travelling.  

In most city establishments, most major debit cards are accepted; however for markets, bakeries and smaller shops, it will be cash only.