Ultimate Bosnia&Herzegovina Itinerary
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?
๐ Car Sticker:
Make sure you have your countryโs sticker (HR or your own).
๐ธ Speed Cameras & Police:
Lots of cameras on the roads and frequent police checks. Stick to speed limits!
โฝ Fuel: Cheaper in Bosnia!
Only 1.34 EUR per litre (at the time).๐ธ Currency Exchange: Euros can be easily exchanged for Bosnian Marks (BAM) in any bakery, shop, or cafรฉ. Locals are super friendly! ๐
๐ณ Payment Methods:
You can pay with Revolut in Euros, or with cash in Euros and Marks.
๐ถ Internet:
Either get an eSIM on Revolut (check if your phone model supports eSIM) or buy a !hej Turist SIM card from HT Eronet at a gas station/kiosk.
> Daily: 10GB for 3KM
> Weekly: 20GB for 20KM
> Calls in BiH (7 days): 3KM
๐บ๏ธ Total Distance: 1599.1 km coveredย ย ย
Bosnia and Herzegovina Itinerary
Day 1:
Bliha Waterfall:
๐ Main Info:
Entry: 3KM (1.5 eur)
From there: 2-hour drive to Sana Springs.
About Sana: The source consists of four major karstic springs with high average discharge. The first three merge after about 100 meters with the Korana stream from Gornja Peฤka. After one kilometer, the fourth spring, known for the Mraฤaj karstic cave, joins from the right. This is where the Sana River forms, with a steady average discharge.ย ย ย ย
๐ Main Info:
1. Free entry; hiking trails for scenic views.
2. Road Conditions:
Not ideal for older cars. Park near the beginning of the trail as the road worsens.ย ย ย ย
3. Hydration:
Bring plenty of water. The initial walk downhill takes about half an hour, depending on where you park.ย ย
4. Timing:
Start early if you want to see the whole trail. We had only 2 hours of daylight and visited just the springs, not the entire canyon.ย ย ย ย
5. Offline Maps:
No signal in the area, so download offline maps and remember where you parked.ย ย ย ย
6. Trail Apps:
Use Wikiloc Pro or Mapy.cz (free) to follow the trail offline.ย ย ย ย
We visited 2 out of 3 springs. One was harder to reach, while the second could not be fully accessed. (More detail photos are down on location).
More photos here:ย
Day 2: Exploring Jajce ๐
Full guide about Jajce, what to do and where to eat:ย
Highlights from Jajce guide:
Welcome to your guide for visiting ลฝdrimaฤki Waterfall, a breathtaking marvel tucked away in the Vranica mountain, near Gornji Vakuf โ Uskoplje. This stunning waterfall, also known as Crndolski slap, cascades from a height of about 25 meters and is a must-see natural wonder, especially during spring and autumn when its beauty is at its peak.
โข How to Reach ลฝdrimaฤki Waterfall? ๐ณ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Start your journey from Gornji Vakuf โ Uskoplje
- Drive through the village of ลฝdrimci, located on the slopes of Vranica mountain
- Follow an asphalt road and then a short stretch of gravel road to reach it
- WARNING:
Be cautious with Google Maps as it might mislead you. Use the location marked "Road to ลฝdrimci Waterfall" instead of "ลฝdrimaฤki Waterfall" for accurate directions.
- The hike is easy, taking about 10-15 minutes uphill with an elevation gain of 150 meters.
- Entrance: Free. Remember to pick up your trash to keep nature pristine! ๐โจ
โข Tips for Your Visit ๐ฅพโ๏ธ๐ธ
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes, especially during spring and autumn when trails can be slippery.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and extra clothing for changing weather conditions.
- Donโt forget your camera!
Surrounded by lush greenery, ลฝdrimaฤki Waterfall is a perfect spot for tranquility and relaxation. Enjoy walks, photography, and exploring nearby lakes and trails. Every season offers a unique and unforgettable experience in this serene natural haven.ย
I honestly debated whether to reveal this spot because it's so beautiful, and I don't want to see it ruined. Please, protect nature, pick up your trash, and be responsible. This is one of the most stunning places I've visited, and it deserves to remain pristine.ย
Not far from Jablanica, at the foot of Mount Prenj, stretches the 11 km long canyon of the Jablaniฤka Bijela River. This unique nature reserve, surrounded by the Prenj and Draganska Mountains, exudes an indescribable harmony. It boasts numerous springs of potable water perfect for bathing and cooling off, and deciduous forests that provide shelter from the heat. Prenj has eleven peaks over 2,000 meters high, with the highest being Zelena glava at 2,115 meters. This nature reserve is one of the cleanest in the region, and even in Europe. Protect nature and pick up your trash! This is a beautiful place that deserves respect and is perfect for cooling off.
โจ How to Get There? โจ
Drive to "Jablaniฤka Bijela" on Google Maps. After some time, the asphalt road turns into a gravel path. Continue a few more meters by car and park "wildly," ensuring you're not in someone's yard or property. Then follow the well-trodden path to the river and keep going upstream.ย
๐น Tips:
- Bring water shoes
- Sunscreen
- The water is drinkable
- Bring food
- Pick up your trash- The water is cold, perfect for a summer refreshment
๐ฒ Let's keep this natural wonder clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy! ๐ฒ
Next stop:ย Diva Grabovica Adventure ๐
Discover the stunning Diva Grabovica River in Bosnia and Herzegovina! This shorter right tributary of the Neretva River originates on Mount ฤvrsnica and flows north of Mostar. Along its short course, it receives several smaller streams, forming a grand canyon over 1500 meters deep and 6.2 kilometers long.
๐ฟ FOR ACTIVE VACATIONERS:
โข Starting Point: Village of Diva Grabovica, 35 km north of Mostar via M-17
โข Route: Take the road to HE Grabovica, crossing the Neretva River
โข Hiking Trail: Perfect for those seeking an adventure to the peak
โข Trail details: duration is 5 hours 51 minutes, max elevation- 2118 meters, total length- 13.5 km
โข Views: Breathtaking panoramas of ฤvrsnica, Veliki Jelenak, Postibrdo, Dreลพnica Canyon, ฤabulja, Prenj, Visoฤica, Bjelaลกnica, and Vran
๐ ALTERNATIVE RELAXATION:
- We chose to chill where Diva Grabovica meets the Neretva River instead.
- The drive along the Neretva Canyon is one of the most scenic routes we've taken, with incredible views from the car.
- A perfect spot for relaxing and swimming
- WHAT TO BRING:
Watershoes, food & drinks, trash bags, and a blanket for lounging
Day 4: Herzegovina tour
1. Mostar
Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina, lies on the Neretva River, 132 km southwest of Sarajevo. It developed around a trading route and an Ottoman settlement featuring the Karaฤozbegova Mosque from 1557. The Austro-Hungarian era saw the construction of a newer part of the city.ย
Notable for the Stari Most (Old Bridge), built in 1566, which was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War and rebuilt by 2004, the bridge and its surroundings are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mostar's history includes prehistoric settlements and late antique remnants, such as early Christian basilicas.
Under Ottoman rule, Mostar became a significant craft and trade hub. The Austro-Hungarian period further boosted its industrial and cultural growth. During the Yugoslav era, it became an important economic and military center.ย
The Bosnian War (1992-1995) caused significant destruction, but the city has been rebuilding since. Today, Mostar boasts two universities, various cultural institutions, and an international airport, maintaining its role as a major economic and cultural center in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
WHAT TO SEE?ย
๐๏ธ Begin your adventure by crossing Luฤki Bridge and stroll for 10 minutes to reach the city center.ย
๐ Begin your adventure at the KARAฤOZBEGOVA MOSQUE, a stunning example of Mostar's Ottoman heritage dating back to 1557. Don't miss BIJELI BAR and TERASA BAR for their panoramic viewsโreserve early!
๐ธ Capture the peaceful morning atmosphere as you wander through quiet streets, perfect for early photos.
๐ฝ๏ธ Indulge in a delicious brunch at URBAN Taste of Orient. Savor authentic Bosnian coffee with a breathtaking backdrop of the famous Old Bridge.
โ After brunch, visit FABRIKA COFFEE MOSTAR for a taste of local coffee culture.
๐๏ธ On your way back, explore the local markets for unique souvenirs at great prices (cheaper in that part of the town)
๐ฐ Explore the enchanting old town with its charming alleys, gelato shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
๐ If you have time, end your day at Fortica viewpoint for stunning panoramic views over Mostar and its surroundings.
๐ธ Outside the city center, prices are more affordable, making Mostar an ideal destination for exploring on a budget.
๐ To explore more of Herzegovina's beauty, embark on a drive to Blagaj, Poฤitelj, Meฤugorje, Stolac, and other charming destinations. Each place adds a layer to country's rich tapestry of history and natural wonders.
โจ Whether you're drawn to its cultural heritage, scenic beauty, or culinary delights, Mostar promises an unforgettable adventure. Embrace its past, savor its present, and let its beauty leave you inspired.ย
2. Next stop: Blagaj
Blagaj is a historic village and protected heritage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the southeastern region of the Mostar basin, within the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.
Nestled at the edge of the Biลกฤe plain, Blagaj is one of the most valuable mixed urban and rural built environments in the country, distinguished by its unique urban layout.
The village is likely named for its mild weather patterns, as "blaga" means "mild" in Bosnian. Blagaj is renowned for the Buna River spring and the historic Blagaj Tekija, a Dervish monastery. Built around 1520, the Tekija features elements of Ottoman architecture and Mediterranean style and is considered a national monument.
The Buna is a short river in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a left-bank tributary of the Neretva. Its source, Vrelo Bune (Buna Spring), is a powerful karstic spring near Blagaj, southeast of Mostar. Known for its extremely cold water, Vrelo Bune is one of the strongest springs in Europe. The Buna flows west for about 9 km, passing through the villages of Blagaj, Kosor, Malo Polje, and Hodbina, before joining the Neretva near the settlement of Buna.
WHAT TO DO IN BLAGAJ?
โข Buy affordable souvenirs.
โข Take a stroll to Blagaj Tekija.
โข Enjoy lunch at one of the riverside restaurants at Buna River.
โข Take a boat ride to see the karstic spring of Buna (Adults: 5 KM (2.5 EUR), Children: 2 KM (1 EUR)).
3. On the way to dinner: Poฤitelj
Poฤitelj is a settlement and a historic village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its walled nucleus is protected National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and an open-air museum.
4. Dinner at Kod ลฝelje
5. Sunset destination: Meฤugorje
Until about 20 years ago, there were no classic castles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as fortresses were mainly built in the region. However, this changed in the late 1990s when Patrick and Nancy Latta moved from Canada to Meฤugorje.
"It wasn't our plan to build a castle here. When we started construction 23 years ago, we intended to create a place for spiritual retreats, for priests, pilgrims, nuns, seminarians, and those sent by the Church. This was built by a man who couldn't be brought to church even for Christmas, despite being raised Catholic. That man is my husband," says 65-year-old Nancy Latta, a translator fluent in Croatian.''
Meฤugorje is a big religious place, so if you are a Christian I suggest you to vidit hill of Mary and the church.ย
Day 5: Kravica and Koฤuลกa Waterfalls
The falls cascade from a height of 82 feet (25 m), forming a series of 20 waterfalls that flow into the rocks and lake below. This scenic spot is among the most popular destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina, particularly in the hot summer months. The waterfalls are fed by the Trebiลพat River/Spring, ensuring a refreshing temperature of around 20ยฐC year-round. While swimming is permitted, the water can be quite chilly; even in October, some visitors brave a quick dip lasting only a couple of minutes. For those who prefer not to swim, canoe and kayak rentals are available.
The park isn't just renowned for its waterfalls; it also hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including deer, boars, snakes, frogs, and various trees and flowers. The area is rich with chaste trees, poplars, and figs, with patches of thick lichen and moss adorning the rocks, creating an enchanting, otherworldly ambiance.
MAIN INFO:
๐๏ธ Ticket price: (10 euros) 20 km
๐ Parking free
โฐ Come early in the morning (8-9 h) because the first tourist tour usually comes around 9:30
๐ฆ You can refresh and bathe at the waterfalls
๐ฝ๏ธ Restaurants are pricey, take food with you
๐ Ticket includes Kravica and Koฤuลกa waterfalls
Kravica Waterfall:
Koฤuลกa Waterfall:ย
There is also a restaurant to have lunch, looking at this beauty.
BONUS: Continue to Croatia for more adventures :)
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