Bosnia and Herzegovina gained independence in 1992. It was a part of Yugoslavia back then. With the country’s boasting medieval ruins, rivers and lakes, unique towns and cities, plus stunning mountains. No wonder Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most visited countries in the Balkans.

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It is home to some of the best and beautiful attractions in the Balkan Peninsula. Visit medieval villages, rivers, and lakes, you will never waste any time here. If you’re not familiar with this country, then we will introduce it to you by giving you some of the best places you must visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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1. Sarajevo

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It is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and the capital of the country. It has an East and West signs. The Catholic cathedral, Orthodox cathedral, mosque, and synagogue can be seen in Saravejo. This city is the center of rough history many times because this is where World War I started and the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, and the longest siege in modern history and its remnants of the events can be seen throughout the city. Sunsets in Saravejo is beautiful and its location is located in the narrow and long valley that is surrounded by mountains.

2. Travnik

Travnik is located in the center of the country and is a pleasant city. It was the capital of the governors of Bosnia between the late 17th century and mid-19th century and it was the time of prosperity of the city. Travnik has an amazing view and buildings from the time of Ottomans. This city is the only city in Bosnia and Herzegovina who has two clock towers and is known for the colorful mosque. The grilled meat of Bosnia and Herzegovina which is the cevapi can also be found in Travnik.

3. Ilidza

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Ilidza is part of Saravejo. Spa and a charming park with recreational area and spring are one of the assets of Ilidza. Crossing a long alley with lined trees is the way to get in the place and it is closed for vehicles but you can take a carriage from Austria-Hungary that passes by for a ride and its fee is around 10 marks. Old fancy hotels from the 19th century and 20th century can be found here.

4. Trebinje

Located not far from Dubrovnik and is a pleasant city. The city is known for wandering around the old town that has an Ottoman architecture and relaxing cafes in the shadow of plane trees. Heading to Nova Gracanica monastery is the way to get the best and beautiful view of Trebinje

5. Stolac

It is located on the road from Mostar and Montenegro. Čaršija Mosque that has a fascinating frontage mural is in the center of the town but it was destroyed in the fighting of 1993 along with Stolac’s historical buildings. It has been rebuilt beautifully from the original material. Have a walk in an attractive upstream riverside walk to Čaršija Mosque and in InatĆuprija bridge. Downstream of the mosque will lead you to the ruined Vidoška Fortress and aesthetic views. Radimlja Necropolis, 110 gave markers, paleolithic horse drawings in Badani Cave that was 16, 000 BC are some unforgettable sights of the city. This city is also a good place for the BYO picnic.

6. Mostar

It is the best-known city and a legend in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The famous bridge of the Ottoman old bridge hanging above the turquoise waters of the Neretva river was built in the 16th century. It was destroyed in 1993 because of the war. The Old Bridge is part of the UNESCO’s world heritage list 2005. Climbing up is the best way and place to see the beautiful area of Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque. Other than the Old Bridge, Sniper’s Tower and the statue of Bruce Lee is a must-see in Mostar.

7. Jajce

A picturesque town that is located near Travnik. Climbing the walls with citadel built high above is worthy to see the beautiful view of the town and its surrounding area. It is also a peaceful city.

8. Pocitelj

A town in the hill and stone buildings that might disappear in the lush green vegetation. Between the 16th century and 18th century is the peak of the prosperity of Pocitelj and remnants of the medieval Ottoman architecture can be found here. Even though it is a small town, there are a lot of sights such as houses, mosques, and ruins of the fortress can be seen.

9. Kravika Waterfall

One of the most charming natural landmarks of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located close to the border of Croatia and nearby Mostar. This waterfall is a popular sightseeing and summer getaway for tourists and locals. The area is simply gorgeous. Every summer, it is a busy spot and a blessing in the hot day. Swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the place are ways to spend an hour, and bars and restaurants can be seen around.

10. Visegrad

Ottoman bridge over the Drina river is the best-known attraction of Visegrad. It is part of the UNESCO listed site and is prominent because of the bestseller book “The Bridge on the Drina” by Nobel prize winner, Ivo Andric. Other than the popular bridge, they also have a beautiful location that is surrounded by lush hills. There is also an artificial town that is dedicated to Ivo Andric and is created by the well-known movie director Emir Kusturica, it is called Andricgrad.

11. Una National Park

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It was established in 2008 and the youngest of the three national parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the leading natural attraction of the country. It has a clear river, ancient forests, karst formations, and a variety of wildlife. Una National Park also has an interesting cultural-historical side because of the archaeological sites and religious buildings. The area Martin Brod or Marta’s Boat is one great place in the park and it is located at the junction of Una and Una River.

It was named after the young girl who fell in love with a curly-haired man who lives on the opposite side of the river and because her parents disapproved of their love, she crosses the river sneakily to meet him but was drowned, according to the local tale. The Štrbački Buk Waterfall is a must-see sight in the park and it is a group of spectacular waterfalls and cascades, a place to all photographers as it is the tallest waterfall that can be accessed in the national park

12. Tuzla

Europe’s budget airline is in the small town of Tuzla and the military airport is the one who opened it. The town is the third biggest and most multicultural city in Bosnia. They are well-known for its salt lakes and offers a great place to swim in summer. It may be small but gives an arresting place to wander the colorful streets and visit the mosques. It is like a hidden gem as some foreign countries choose to stay in the town. Few Bosnian restaurants are accessible and locals are friendly

13. Tara Canyon

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the longest and deepest canyons in the world. It is a must-see destination for people who love outdoor. Because of its location and depth, it is best to experience the canyon through the water, the Tara River. It is a famous destination for white water and rafting summer months and cuts through the canyon. Rafting in the river is very memorable because of the crystal clear blue water, dense forest, sheer cliffs ad waterfalls that can be seen along the way. There are numerous rafting companies that have accommodation on both sides of the river and from April to October is the best season for rafting

14. Blagaj

It is near Mostar and is popular for the spring of Buna River and Dervish monastery that was built in 1520. It creates a very photogenic spot because they are side by side. There is also a Dervish house where you can find the preserved Ottoman and Dervish remnants.

15. Lukomir

Placed in high above the tree line in the mountains above the Olympic ski jump venue. The home of semi-nomadic Muslim workers and the buildings are low-slung with steeply pitched roofs to accommodate the heavy snowfall of the region. Residents relocate during the winter in the city, but life goes on during summer. Having an organized tour is the best way to visit the place. An ancient medieval stecci gravestones in the cemetery are located at the edge of the town. For beautiful viewing of Rakitnica Canyon, climbing the ridges and hiking the Cliffside trails is the way. Locals also invite tourists for a coffee or to view their hand-crafted knitted goods. To taste the local food of Lukomir, they have a small restaurant in the village.

With all these places you must visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll surely have a wonderful trip. Just don’t forget to prepare yourself as you will totally be blown away.