Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the southeastern Europe, is the geopolitical site of the former Yugoslav Federation. Commonly remembered for the Yugoslav wars of 1990s that destroyed the Balkan, the nation traces this heritage through its broken infrastructure. Almost triangular in structure, the nation is surrounded by Serbia on its the east, Montenegro on its southeast, and Croatia on its north and west. Its south holds a short coastline of 20 km (12 miles), but does not offer any port.
The country’s unquestionable trinkets are found in its remarkably abundant mountainous lands that can be excellently viewed from a national park. A lot of more attractions are maintained and offered even in the urban life, mainly in the multi-ethnic capital of Sarajevo that is adorned with the Turkish legacy and energetic cafe site.
Plagued with mines in some areas, the remaining areas hold ancient citadels, beautiful old mosques, captivating monasteries, and splendid Catholic shrines. However, the structure that ranks first in the tourist circuit signifies the fusion of the country’s history and an optimistic fresh start and it is the renovated Ottoman bridge at Mostar.
Bosnia and Herzegovina being holding its ethnic and religious diversity, there are three prominent ethnic groups here. These are stated from maximum to minimum inhabitation – the Bosniaks – also known as the Bosnian Muslims, the Serbs, and the Croats. Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian are the formal languages spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Latin alphabets are used by the Croats and Bosniaks, while the Serbs are fond of Cyrillic. Majority of the population is Muslims followed by Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and other cults.
History
- 1996:
Elections took place after the 1992-95 war beneath the rules of the Dayton Accord and under the supervision of the international community. - 2006:
Haris Silajdzic, Nebojsa Radmanovic, and Zeljko Komsic became the part of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of them, two are members and the other is the chairperson that changes every eight months. - 2007:
Nikola Spiric became the Prime Minister.
However, the recent one under the leadership of the Prime Minister Nikola Spiric was marked as the first poll to be held without the international supervision after the war.
Etiquettes
Avoid providing any beliefs or views on the war or any other critical topic. Tourists are required to honor the traditions and culture of the different religious and racist sects. Some Muslims consider drinking alcohol in public places as an offence.
Tourists’ Attractions
- Mostar:
This holds the most elegant Ottoman bridge that connects the two parts of the city via the Neretva River. Originally built in the 16th century, the bridge was demolished during the war after which it was rebuilt with the help of the Turkish folk. Other attractions include the 16th and 17th century mosques, historic buildings, and paved streets that remain unaffected at the time of war.
- Bihac:
Situated in the northwestern region of Bosnia & Herzegovina, this is western Muslim settlement in Europe lying in close proximity with the Croatian frontier. Other key attraction here is the Fathija Mosque that previously was a church. This pocket city of Bihac is the just the place for adventurous tourists who would love to perform rafting on the excellent base on the Una River. - Beach:
Located at Neum, this is the Bosnia & Herzegovina’s only that covers a small distance of the shoreline splitting the Dalmatian shore of Croatia. - Sutjeska National Park:
Do not forget to head to the natural home of the wild and evergreen unblemished charm. As said above that some of the picturesque views can be explored from a point in a park, this is that place which hosts the Maglic Mountain at an altitude of 2,368 m (7,769 feet). This is the highest peak/point in the nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the Perucica Forest is also worth visiting that is marked as among the last prehistoric forests of Europe.
- Medjugorje:
Located towards south of Mostar, this is the second most frequently visited Catholic shrine in the world. A popular belief holds here that many people have seen the spirit of the Virgin Mother Mary. This shrine attracts thousands of visitors in a year. However, Vatican has yet to proclaim it as an official pilgrimage spot. - Banja Luka:
Famous for its well-maintained Tvrdjava citadel, this is the second biggest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the administrative capital of the Republika Srpska. Close to the countryside, you can have a round of its numerous Orthodox monasteries.
- Sarajevo:
Recognized as the capital of the nation, this is the site that takes you for a memorable trip in the past of Turkish rule for 500 years, as its marks are still present. Despite being frightened by the war, the Turkish quarter (Bascarsija) and the town centre have been renovated and life is becoming normal as seen in the multicolored bazaars that tribute the Ottoman legacy. - Bascarsija District:
Do visit this district in order to shop for souvenirs and halt for a traditional Turkish coffee in any of the cafes. - Blagaj:
Reachable in just half-day time from Mostar, this is famous for its tranquil hamlet named the dervish tekkija located at the foot of a cliff that is 200 m (656 feet) high.
- Watersports:
You can opt for whitewater rafting on any of the several mountain rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Stating some of the most thrilling sites of Neretva, Una, and Tara rivers, these are the busiest locations in Europe for this fun. Other water sport for which the country offers many opportunities is Kayaking. - Hiking:
Being a mountainous landscape, Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of strolling and trekking options, except for those areas where landmines can affect both the activity and life. The Bjelasnica Mountain is the only area of the nation that provides hiking, rafting, and village tourism. - Winter Festival:
Generally celebrated in February and March at the nation’s capital, this is the festival of art. Been held consistently even before the war of the 1990s, this festival was determinedly even during the war. A tribute to the worldwide creativity and freedom despite the presence of varied cultures and sects, the winter festival is celebrated for two months - Sarajevo Film Festival:
Coming in August, this is the most famous festival as compared to the other festivals in Sarajevo. The festival aims at showing films that are produced mostly by the neighboring nations whose quality of films is excellent with a flavor of an artistic standard. - Shopping:
Do purchase the traditional items – woodcarvings, brass coffee jars, ceramics, artificial carpets, woolen products, wines, folk-art, wall hanging, and embroidery. Souvenirs and imprinted weaponry coverings that mark the Yugoslav war at the Bascarsija bazaar in Sarajevo are worth buying. The timings of shopping are daily from 0800 to 2000.
Passports and Visa
A valid passport is a must for all the nationals. However, it is not mandatory if you hold a valid national identity card issued either by one of the nations – Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. In addition, if you are from Germany and possess a valid identity card issued for minors known as Kinderausweis with a photo, you do not need a passport. Kindly make a note that a passport sanctioned by the Former Yugoslav Federation Republic (Serbia & Montenegro) having a red cover is not valid.
Visa is not required for the nationals of British, Australian, Canadian, USA, and other EU for a three months stay. For other nationals, please contact the embassy to find out the visa requirements.
Reaching Bosnia and Herzegovina
By Air
B&H Airlines (JA) is the national airline that can take you to Banja Luka, Mostar, and Sarajevo. Listed below are the major airports.
Sarajevo (SJJ) is the key international airport from where Sarajevo is at the distance of 12 km. You can take a taxi for your trip into the city from the airport. Banja Luka (BNX) and Mostar (OMO) are other airports that also manage international flights on a small scale.
Departure tax is applicable to both international and domestic flights. For international flights, it is €18 and for domestic flights and transit passengers, it is €9.
By Rail
A good, but slow railway network connects Sarajevo, Mostar, Doboj, and Banja Luka to Zagreb, Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Ploce. It takes 9 hours to reach Zagreb or Belgrade from Sarajevo.
Rail Passes
InterRail allows first- or second-class journey in 30 European countries unlimited with two types of passes. The Global Pass is for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days, or 10 days in 22 days of travel. Whereas, the One-Country Pass is for three, four, six, or eight days in one month excluding Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Please bear in mind that you are not permitted to travel in the passenger’s country of residence. For visitors under 26 years, there is a special concession; whereas for children, 50% off is offered on the pass. The passes can be collected from the Rail Europe. You are also given a privilege to take discounts on Eurostar and some ferry routes.
By Road
Yet in the course of reconstruction due to damage in the civil war, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s roadways are still linked with major cities and towns. You can run a car from Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro with a necessary Green card. Other option is to travel through a bus from several Eastern and Central European cities such as London to reach the capital.
