How I Would Describe It In One Sentence
A forgotten Balkan country with a dark past, yet full of wonderfully kind people that manage to create a soft spot in every visitor’s heart.
Summary
First of all, if a traveler has ever mentioned that they didn’t like Bosnia – then unfriend that person on every social network ever. Not because they aren’t entitled to their opinion – but rather because they are a total liar.
Everyone who comes to Bosnia falls in love with the place, as it is fascinating in so many ways. Just 25 years ago it was nearly ripped to pieces, in the events of the Yugoslav war. However, the people seemed to develop an indomitable will, and refused to surrender their dignity to the forces trying to steal their land away from them. As a result, they managed to survive, and come up with interesting solutions to their post-war troubles. Today’s visitors can witness Bosnia’s will to survive by visiting its many small towns, hidden countrysides, or it’s pride and joy: Sarajevo.
What It’s Best For
Traveling can be a real eye-opener, as it can often present unfamiliar viewpoints. Especially when traveling to a country that is so radically different from home base. But to see a country that is like a war-torn home base is something unique in itself.
For that very reason, Bosnia is an excellent place to visit for those who need a refreshment on how easy life is in most western countries. The majority of the population seems to live normal lives now, but many still have horror stories from the past.
But don’t be mistaken, a lesson in gratitude isn’t the only thing Bosnia can offer. The country has an amazing cuisine comprised of meats, cheeses, and baked goods. So good in fact, that many of the neighboring countries hail Bosnia as the culinary king of the Balkans. Staples such as the baked burek, the meaty cevapi, and the scrumptious pljeskavica amaze food aficionados from all corners of the globe.
Last but not least, Bosnia has some stunningly beautiful areas where humanity meets nature. Mostar, for example, is a town built right on top of a beautiful winding river. And to cross that river, they built a series of beautiful bridges. Due to this combo, the scene makes for something absolutely breathtaking, such as the photo at the top of this page.
Cities/Events/Attractions I Visited
Mostar
Centered right atop the Neretva river is Mostar, Hercegovina’s legislative capital. The city, which is split into two different sides by means of a river, shows just how diverse Europe really can be. On the west side of the channel, there are multiple new structures, sports stadiums, and shopping malls. Conversely, on the east side, there are antiquated churches and mosques, a 16th-century Ottoman bazaar, and multiple cultural artifacts. Taking a walk over the bridge is undoubtedly the closest thing to time travel in today’s era.
Počitelj
Počitelj, or the Pearl of Hercegovina as it is often referred to, is a medieval town that offers visitors an unreal view of the Bosnian countryside.
Comprised of just an outer wall and some interior structures, this small village may not seem like much at first. But upon entering it, one can see why it is such a desirable place to live. Its small winding paths connect all of the structures, which are assembled from ancient materials. And throughout the town are dozens of pomegranate trees, which tease visitors with their delicious fruit as they hang just over walls. Once reaching the top of the village’s medieval tower, visitors can rejoice with views presenting endless miles of scenic beauty.
Kravica Waterfall
Bosnia’s Kravica waterfall is a truly remarkable piece of nature. Just imagine the scene – a winding river that eventually leads into a clearing, with falls that cascade nearly 180 degrees around a circular pool. Surrounding that pool is lush green overgrowth, that provides shade and comfort for those bathing at the getaway. Locals and foreigners laugh and play in the falls all summer long, as it is the perfect place to relax on a hot Bosnian day, and is just a short drive from Mostar.
Sarajevo
It’s easy to get stuck in Sarajevo. Not in a forced way – but rather by choice.
Bosnia’s capital city consists of so many interesting facets, that many people simply move there after a visit. The city, which is surrounded by hillsides in all directions, keeps visitors busy with its markets, hiking trails, nightlife, bazaars, historical artifacts, and so much more. It even has an abandoned bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics that visitors can crawl on or graffiti. It’s wildly surprising that the city isn’t on the cover of every travel magazine, as it truly does have something for everyone. Best of all, the locals are super friendly, and frequently strike up conversations with foreigners just for the hell of it.
Banja Luka
A sleepy little town resides in the north of Bosnia, that aligns more with Serbia than it does Bosnia. Banja Luka, as it is called, is a somewhat bizarre, but interesting place. The town is flat, somewhat gloomy, and full of tiny cafes. Yet it is an economic powerhouse, which actually has one of the best economies in the whole country. Inside the city are a couple of medieval fortresses and beautiful churches that certainly make the area worthy of a day trip.
Cities/Events/Attractions I’ll Return to See
Trebinje
Another small and forgotten town resides in the bottom of Bosnia, called Trebinje.
The town, which receives nearly no foreign tourism, is an ideal place to catch a breath and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. Surrounded by Bosnia’s Balkan mountains, and sweeping landscapes, the town is at one with nature. Small waterwheels gently dip as the sun sets over a totally placid river, that offers cool water to relax in on a hot summer day. With a healthy amount of spots to swim at, small cafes, and even traditional markets, it is easy to see why the town draws those looking for a peaceful life.
Visit the Second Smallest Coastline on Earth, Neum
Hundreds of years ago, Croatia found itself pinched between the Habsburg and Ottoman empires. As a desperate move to maintain it’s territory, it handed over a small portion of its oceanfront land to the Ottomans, who it believed may offer protection from the Habsburgs. That land was then added to the surrounding region of Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Flash forward to the fall of Yugoslavia, and that same piece of land still managed to go back to Bosnia. It’s only 19 km long (12 mi), but offers some fantastic beachfront on the Adriatic for those who manage to make it there.
JUST A REMINDER – Though I have been to every country that I write about, I occasionally throw in events that I may have missed, or plan on going back to see. Those events/locations are in blue text.
Ryan Hicks' Travels 