Multicultural Bosnia and Herzegovina
The hospitable Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a combination of beautiful nature and war-torn cities.
For many, Bosnia-Herzegovina is still the first to remember the Balkan War or the capital Sarajevo for the 1984 Olympics. The memories and effects of the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina cannot go unnoticed, but the country is living in constant change. However, more and more tourists have fallen in love with the hospitality of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the offerings of the cities of Sarajevo and Mostar.
The war destroyed tourism
Located on the Balkan Peninsula between Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not been one of the most popular tourist destinations for the last twenty years according to countryaah. The war in the Balkans destroyed the country’s tourism, and the traces of the war can still be seen in concrete bombed-out buildings, bullet holes in the walls of houses, blood-red roses in Sarajevo and war tourism.
Today, however, Bosnia and Herzegovina is much more than just a living war museum. The country’s impressive nature and the capital’s cozy Sarajevo cafés, beautiful minarets, very rich cultural history and multicultural atmosphere guarantee an experience that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Bosnia and Herzegovina compares to many of Europe’s best-known destinations.
The Stari Most Bridge in Mostar is a symbol of peace.
Top destinations in Sarajevo and Mostar
Short for BA by abbreviationfinder, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers plenty of opportunities for nature tourism, rafting and hiking in stunning mountain and forest landscapes. However, most tourists still visit mainly Sarajevo or Mostar.
Mostar, on the other hand, is best known for the Stari Most Bridge, the city’s main landmark and symbol of peace. The bridge was bombed scattered during the war, as were many other buildings in Mostar, but the bridge was rebuilt and reopened even more vigorously again in 2004. Today, adventurous young people make wild swimming jumps from the bridge in return for donations.
A year-round travel destination
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s climate is a combination of a Mediterranean and a continental climate. Summers are hot, but winters are often cold. It snows in winter, so Bosnia and Herzegovina is also well-suited as a winter tourist destination. If you are not interested in winter sports, the best time to travel as Bosnia and Herzegovina is from early summer to early autumn. The summer months are suppressively hot, especially inland, and it’s no exception that mercury rises above 40 degrees.
Landmines remain a problem
Although Bosnia and Herzegovina can now be considered a safe country, landmines remain a problem. The tourist should stay only in areas where people move anyway and when hiking in nature, it is a good idea to use a local expert guide. War-damaged buildings should not be taken on their own either.
Ethnic unrest may occur from time to time, but it does not usually pose a security risk to the traveler. The English language skills of the locals vary widely, and the older generation in particular speaks little of it. However, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are very friendly and helpful and, despite the language barrier, do their best to help in difficult situations. So don’t hesitate to ask for help, even sign language can go a long way!
The country’s currency must be exchanged for the markka (KM), which is pegged to the euro. Two local marks correspond to one euro. In Mostar, for example, however, the euro and Croatian municipalities are also doing quite well.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can consider renting a car, but the local driving style is daring at best.
International airports in Sarajevo and Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international airports are located in Sarajevo and Mostar, but there are no direct flights from Finland to either city.
The easiest way is to fly to Sarajevo via a European city in one shift. Flight prices typically range between € 200 and € 300. Sarajevo Airport is located about 12 km from the city and the center is most conveniently reached by taxi. A bus or a combination of taxi and tram is also possible. The most convenient way to get to Sarajevo from Mostar is by bus.
Alternatively, you can fly to Budapest, Hungary, or Dubrovnik or Split, Croatia. From these cities, you can get to the Bosnia-Herzegovina side quite easily by bus or train. Travel can be slow, but at the same time you can see the stunning scenery and experience bus and train travel in the Balkans. You should take patience and a little business with you, even in the form of playing cards.
Private accommodation popular
You can find standard hotel and hostel accommodation in the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but you should also consider private accommodation in small accommodation run by locals.
Prices are usually affordable and at the same time you can see the authentic local life. However, the level of accommodation varies greatly, so when looking for accommodation on site, it is a good idea to inspect the room in advance.
Buses take you to most destinations
Bosnia and Herzegovina is best served by buses with reasonably comprehensive routes. The train also runs between Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka. Renting a car can be worthwhile if you want to tour the country on your own, but in traffic you should be careful and avoid driving in the dark.
In Sarajevo, getting around is easiest on foot, but you can also experience the charming old-fashioned trams. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance so as not to click on a salty-priced inspection fee!
