the Bosnia and Herzegovina Are still relatively unknown to the majority of tourists.
Ninety percent of people I talk to about the region couldn’t pinpoint it on a map, let alone shed light on what it’s like to travel or live there.
I certainly knew very little about the Bosnia and Herzegovina
Before I decided to go (up until a few years ago, I would have had no hope of locating it on a map either).
Honestly, my ignorance was a big part of the reason I wanted to travel there in the first place. It was challenging at times, but overall it was hugely rewarding to go in with very few expectations and figure things out as we went along.
To start Bosnia and Herzegovina, country situated in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe. The larger region of Bosnia occupies the northern and central parts of the country, and Herzegovina occupies the south and southwest.
The capital of the country is Sarajevo; important regional cities include Mostar and Banja Luka.
Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for first timers may seem intimidating, but within a few days it became one of our favorite destinations.
Getting in and out might seem a little difficult, but it’s really nothing to worry about.
As it turned out, we had a lot of time to think about travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Getting in and around, and then out, takes a while. We recommend going by surface, actually. There’s always something better about an approach at ground level, seeing your destination mirage in the distance, drawing nearer to the moment when outskirts give way to the reality of place. It beats dropping in from the sky to have a look around and then jumping back out.
Be ready for thorough border processing. You will be perused and your documents will be scanned a couple of times – coming out of wherever you came from and coming in. If you’re self-driving may be little faster.
Is it safe to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Yes, the war has been over for more than 20 years. That said, evidence of war is easy to see.
I admit that Mostar took me by surprise.
Stari Most is a 16th century, Ottoman-style bridge and Mostar’s most notable architectural landmark. Stretching 28 metres across the Neretva river, it connects the two sides of the city.
Stari Most proudly stood there for 427 years, until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. Thanks to post-war restoration efforts, a new bridge was built in 2004.
These days, tourists flock to the bridge to pose for sexy photos and watch brave yet talented local men dive off the bridge, plunging 20 metres into the cold river below.
The practice of diving off the bridge started back in 1664 and became a tradition for the young men of Mostar. In 1968 the city held a formal diving competition, which still continues today.
While traveling along a bright turquoise river, winding through lush green mountains, Dan and I decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the second most beautiful country either of us has visited (my number one pick is Italy).
With its narrow cobblestone streets, majestic mosques, delicious food (mmm food!), hilltop views, and super friendly locals, it’s hard to understand why Mostar isn’t flooded with tourists, travelers, and all the backpackers.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I have an idea why. the war.
Despite all talk about the war and the damage left behind, I found it really hard to picture More star as anything but peaceful.
