The adventure awaits
You definitely won't be bored on this trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Don't expect history, long days in cities and restaurants. Get ready for a journey full of adventure, exploring diverse places from cities to mountains, beaches and waterfalls. I try to visit less touristy places, but also not to miss the top places you see on Instagram. There are a few hikes waiting for you on the way, and one of them is slightly more challenging. The journey starts in the capital city of Sarajevo with incredible views, continues to the mountains and the highest village in Bosnia, Lukomir, with the local culture of the locals, you will pass through mountain passes with incredible scenery to the most famous waterfalls in Bosnia - Kravica. You will also see the sea and the most beautiful city in Bosnia, Mostar, and you will leave tired but full of experiences and memories.
I planned the whole trip and bought the tickets as a gift for my mom and brother and we traveled the whole country together. They had never been on a similar trip or in a similar country. On the last day, they still didn't understand what they had experienced and it was the best and most adventurous trip they had ever had. So I hope that I will be able to pass on a similar experience to you through this travel plan.
Welcome to Bosnia! Pick up your car at the airport and head out for an adventure. All stops on this day are optional and extra. It depends on what time you arrive and what you are in the mood for and have time for. I will leave more options here - choose what you can manage and what you like.
At the airport, pick up your rental car (according to the instructions you will receive before departure) and hit the road.
Just keep in mind that in Bosnia, drivers can be unpredictable at times, and rules that work elsewhere may not work here. Also, in Sarajevo, watch out for narrow streets, turns, and steep hills. You may have to search for a while to find parking in the center. You can try consulting directly with your accommodation.
For those who love nature but don't feel like walking or hiking after the flight, this is a beautiful place with the source of the river, and you can park nearby.
For those who love nature, would like to take a bit of a walk and a small hike to stretch their legs after the flight, there is a marked hiking trail from here to the beautiful Skakavec waterfall. The route is 9 km round trip and takes about 3 hours, it is not particularly difficult.
For those who prefer a city atmosphere and exploring local culture, this is the old center with an amazing marketplace, shops, restaurants, etc...
If I were to recommend a local restaurant, stop by here.
Sarajevo and surroundings. Discover the beauty of the historical marketplace, the abandoned Olympic area, and end with a beautiful view of the sunset (weather permitting).
This place is TOP! For me, it's definitely worth the hike, even though it's really uphill (I'm adding a link to the hiking trail at the end). Alternatively, you can get to the top by cable car or car, but we didn't use this option.
On the hill you will find a vast abandoned area from the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. You can walk along the old bobsleigh track, which has basically become an art wall, and you will find a lot of really great graffiti there. There are many abandoned buildings that used to serve for the purposes of the Olympics and the Olympic rings at the top.
- Hiking route - The route is from the historical center of Baščaršija
A little further from the peak, there is this top view of the whole of Sarajevo, with a bench to enjoy the view.
After the hike and views, you can stop at the old marketplace and have something good to eat, or walk through all the nooks and small streets, or buy souvenirs. You will also find many bars or places with hookah.
Amazing place to watch the sunset over the entire Sarajevo. There is also a cafe at the top, if you want to sit in chairs and at a table, you have to buy something. But you can also sit on the grass, wall, etc... It's quite a popular spot though.
This day is the best in terms of intense experiences and local culture. This day depends on you and the weather. I will attach several different route options, according to difficulty. Choose what you like.
I recommend not sleeping in and leaving Sarajevo early, you have a long and relatively challenging day ahead. But you will be rewarded in Lukomir with beautiful natural scenery and a local pub. We hiked from Umoljani to Lukomir. However, it is a slightly more challenging climb and in the summer we caught extreme wind and about 13 °C. In case of rain or if you don't feel like it, you can also drive to Lukomir, but it is an unpaved dirt road with stones, etc... I don't recommend driving. But the hike is great, you go over the top of Obalj 1896 and there is a wonderful view of the whole village and the mountains in the background. Alternatively, it can be shortened and you go under the peak.
The closer you get to the village of Umoljani, the narrower and worse the road becomes. It is better to allow extra time than what the maps say (I recommend driving according to Google Maps, but even they were occasionally inaccurate in these corners of Bosnia). Then continue on foot.
From the car, continue for a while on the asphalt road until you reach mini-huts that are put together from everything the locals have found. There are many fences and livestock around. Here you will come to a fork in the road. Both roads lead to Lukomir, but I recommend going straight towards the ridge of the mountains (I am attaching maps with the hiking trail at the end), the route is a bit longer and with a greater ascent, but you then descend down the second easier route. If you just want to see the beautiful nature and don't feel like a longer hike, feel free to just come here and walk around the area.
From here, continue along mountain paths - CAUTION! It is quite easy to miss the hiking trail after this fork in the road, as the road for cars continues straight and the hiking trail is not very well marked. So you need to get off the car road and take a small, well-trodden path towards the ridge (use the map!). Here, breathtaking scenery, views and mountain peaks await you. If the visibility is good, as soon as you reach the top of Obalj or slightly below it, you should see Lukomir. Once you get here, there is only one pub where you can eat and drink.
- ROUTE 1 - The route is for the whole day (approx. 6-7 h and 16.1 km with 769 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 2 - The route is for the whole day, but an easier version with less elevation gain (approx. 5-6 h and 16 km with 530 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 3 - A shorter hike only to the foothills of the mountains (approx. 2 h and 6 km with 211 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 4 - Just a short walk from the car to the crossroads and a view of the mountains
If you have the time and inclination to make it all the way to Lukomir, here's a beautiful view of both Lukomir and the local landscape and mountains. My brother and I compared the landscape to something out of Jurassic Park.
Then you return to the car via the lower and easier path. You walk for a while under the ridge of the mountains.
ATTENTION! - The path splits again several times. The first intersection is shortly after the start, keep to the left. The second intersection is already on the flat part of the ascent, again keep to the left (follow the map). Then you will walk through the valley next to the stream bed and you will reach the intersection where you have already been.
You have a longer car journey ahead. There are several possible stops along the way, I'll leave it up to you to choose. However, if you have enough time and energy, I recommend the Trnovačko Lake option. It is a place just across the border of Bosnia in Montenegro, but there is a beautiful hiking trail around the highest mountain Bosanski Maglić (take your passport with you - more information about this directly at the location below). Alternatively, you can just drive to Maglić and not take the hiking trail to the lake.
At first glance, this place seems like just a quick stop at the sand pyramids. They are nice, but there isn't much else to see in 5 minutes. However, we found a hidden path to another part of these pyramids hidden in the forest. This part is much bigger and nicer, I'm also attaching photos. Not many people know about this place and there isn't even a path to it on the maps, so I'm adding a map with the approximate route below.
I'll try to describe the route as best as possible here. From the parking lot, head about 50-100m along the road you came by car
The road to the place and parking lot is very bumpy and broken, so allow for more time than the maps say. Halfway there is a barrier where a man collects the entrance fee to the national park - it was 10KM per person. You will arrive at the parking lot under Maglić.
ATTENTION! - Take your travel documents with you for a possible border control.
This is a parking lot and the start of the hike to the lake.
Beautiful heart-shaped mountain lake.
A short stop on the way to rest after a long car journey. It's a walk to the monument and the whole place takes about 15-25 minutes.
The next day involves a bit longer drive, but it's definitely worth it because you'll see Bosnia's most famous waterfalls, Kravica, and end with relaxation by the sea.
A stop along the way at a beautiful lake with a view.
These are truly beautiful waterfalls where you can even swim. However, it is a very touristy place and there are quite a few people. If you want to lie on a sunbed, you have to pay for it, but there are a few spots on the beach to put a towel down - that's what we did.
This part of Bosnia actually resembles Croatia a lot. The town is very hilly, and getting to the beaches can be a bit confusing. Some accommodations state 500m from the beach, but that's as the crow flies. The actual distance can easily be twice that, if not more. So, unless the accommodation is right by the beach, you'll probably need to drive. Otherwise, nothing special, more for an evening rest and then move on to another place the next day.
- We parked here, or there's parking right at the entrance to the beaches, which are marked here.
If you're in the mood for another swim in the sea in the morning and don't get up at 10 a.m., there's definitely time for that. For the rest of the day, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Bosnia is Mostar, where you can walk through the historic center, the Old Bridge, the remains of the war, and in the evening, the old monastery set in a huge rock - Blagaj.
This is a beautiful historic city in Bosnia. Here you can already tell that it is quite touristy. There are plenty of people and shops here. The biggest landmark is probably the historic pedestrian bridge over the fast-flowing river, in which you can swim and I highly recommend it. You may even be able to time your visit well and one of the locals will be jumping into the water from the bridge. It's really high. In other parts of the city, you can see the remains of the war and bullet holes on many buildings. But the city has an incredible atmosphere that won us over.
We were lucky with parking and found a free spot right next to the main road.
From here is a beautiful view of the Old Bridge of Mostar.
Great cafe with a terrace and a view directly onto the old bridge.
Marketplace with lots of shops.
Old marketplace with lots of shops.
The most beautiful place in all of Mostar is definitely this. It is the dominant feature of the whole city. If you see photos of Mostar anywhere, this bridge will be in them.
A small bridge inside the alleyways.
Around the roundabout, there are many remnants of the war and ruined buildings that are deliberately left there to highlight the horrors that people experienced here. It has a very strong and sad atmosphere, but it's worth seeing.
Whether you want to swim in the river or not, I recommend you come here. It is a beautiful beach overlooking the Old Bridge and the water is completely clear. For good swimmers and adrenaline enthusiasts, I must recommend swimming to the other side of the river and trying the diving board. But really consider your strength, the river current is very strong.
If you have any strength left, this place is a beautiful ancient building carved into the rock, with a river flowing from a cave underneath. If you want to go inside the building, there is an entrance fee. We didn't find it necessary and walked around the building from the other side and got right to the water. It's a very unique structure.
We parked on the street a little further from the entrance. You can also park closer in a paid parking lot.
For those interested, there is also the possibility to set up via ferratas on the high rock above the building.
A slightly longer journey awaits you again, but it's worth it. Jajce with waterfalls in the middle of the city, beautiful walkways, bridges, cottages, and a large lake with a park for swimming and relaxation.
A picturesque old town with a unique landmark of waterfalls. We parked further in town, but we had a lovely walk through the old center of Jajce.
This is a view of the waterfalls from above. You can walk right up to the waterfall, but you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 KM per person.
Beautiful bridge over the river with waterfalls underneath. Short stop. You can park right next to it on the road.
A picturesque, old, but no longer inhabited village with mini houses built on an extensive system of streams.
It's a great place to cool off and swim on hot days, or just take a walk in the park. There is also a diving board by the lake, which we really enjoyed.
The last day is reserved only for the trip to the airport, but only if you have an afternoon/evening flight. You can visit what you missed in Sarajevo.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Have a comfortable flight home.
You definitely won't be bored on this trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Don't expect history, long days in cities and restaurants. Get ready for a journey full of adventure, exploring diverse places from cities to mountains, beaches and waterfalls. I try to visit less touristy places, but also not to miss the top places you see on Instagram. There are a few hikes waiting for you on the way, and one of them is slightly more challenging. The journey starts in the capital city of Sarajevo with incredible views, continues to the mountains and the highest village in Bosnia, Lukomir, with the local culture of the locals, you will pass through mountain passes with incredible scenery to the most famous waterfalls in Bosnia - Kravica. You will also see the sea and the most beautiful city in Bosnia, Mostar, and you will leave tired but full of experiences and memories.
I planned the whole trip and bought the tickets as a gift for my mom and brother and we traveled the whole country together. They had never been on a similar trip or in a similar country. On the last day, they still didn't understand what they had experienced and it was the best and most adventurous trip they had ever had. So I hope that I will be able to pass on a similar experience to you through this travel plan.
Welcome to Bosnia! Pick up your car at the airport and head out for an adventure. All stops on this day are optional and extra. It depends on what time you arrive and what you are in the mood for and have time for. I will leave more options here - choose what you can manage and what you like.
At the airport, pick up your rental car (according to the instructions you will receive before departure) and hit the road.
Just keep in mind that in Bosnia, drivers can be unpredictable at times, and rules that work elsewhere may not work here. Also, in Sarajevo, watch out for narrow streets, turns, and steep hills. You may have to search for a while to find parking in the center. You can try consulting directly with your accommodation.
For those who love nature but don't feel like walking or hiking after the flight, this is a beautiful place with the source of the river, and you can park nearby.
For those who love nature, would like to take a bit of a walk and a small hike to stretch their legs after the flight, there is a marked hiking trail from here to the beautiful Skakavec waterfall. The route is 9 km round trip and takes about 3 hours, it is not particularly difficult.
For those who prefer a city atmosphere and exploring local culture, this is the old center with an amazing marketplace, shops, restaurants, etc...
If I were to recommend a local restaurant, stop by here.
Sarajevo and surroundings. Discover the beauty of the historical marketplace, the abandoned Olympic area, and end with a beautiful view of the sunset (weather permitting).
This place is TOP! For me, it's definitely worth the hike, even though it's really uphill (I'm adding a link to the hiking trail at the end). Alternatively, you can get to the top by cable car or car, but we didn't use this option.
On the hill you will find a vast abandoned area from the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. You can walk along the old bobsleigh track, which has basically become an art wall, and you will find a lot of really great graffiti there. There are many abandoned buildings that used to serve for the purposes of the Olympics and the Olympic rings at the top.
- Hiking route - The route is from the historical center of Baščaršija
A little further from the peak, there is this top view of the whole of Sarajevo, with a bench to enjoy the view.
After the hike and views, you can stop at the old marketplace and have something good to eat, or walk through all the nooks and small streets, or buy souvenirs. You will also find many bars or places with hookah.
Amazing place to watch the sunset over the entire Sarajevo. There is also a cafe at the top, if you want to sit in chairs and at a table, you have to buy something. But you can also sit on the grass, wall, etc... It's quite a popular spot though.
This day is the best in terms of intense experiences and local culture. This day depends on you and the weather. I will attach several different route options, according to difficulty. Choose what you like.
I recommend not sleeping in and leaving Sarajevo early, you have a long and relatively challenging day ahead. But you will be rewarded in Lukomir with beautiful natural scenery and a local pub. We hiked from Umoljani to Lukomir. However, it is a slightly more challenging climb and in the summer we caught extreme wind and about 13 °C. In case of rain or if you don't feel like it, you can also drive to Lukomir, but it is an unpaved dirt road with stones, etc... I don't recommend driving. But the hike is great, you go over the top of Obalj 1896 and there is a wonderful view of the whole village and the mountains in the background. Alternatively, it can be shortened and you go under the peak.
The closer you get to the village of Umoljani, the narrower and worse the road becomes. It is better to allow extra time than what the maps say (I recommend driving according to Google Maps, but even they were occasionally inaccurate in these corners of Bosnia). Then continue on foot.
From the car, continue for a while on the asphalt road until you reach mini-huts that are put together from everything the locals have found. There are many fences and livestock around. Here you will come to a fork in the road. Both roads lead to Lukomir, but I recommend going straight towards the ridge of the mountains (I am attaching maps with the hiking trail at the end), the route is a bit longer and with a greater ascent, but you then descend down the second easier route. If you just want to see the beautiful nature and don't feel like a longer hike, feel free to just come here and walk around the area.
From here, continue along mountain paths - CAUTION! It is quite easy to miss the hiking trail after this fork in the road, as the road for cars continues straight and the hiking trail is not very well marked. So you need to get off the car road and take a small, well-trodden path towards the ridge (use the map!). Here, breathtaking scenery, views and mountain peaks await you. If the visibility is good, as soon as you reach the top of Obalj or slightly below it, you should see Lukomir. Once you get here, there is only one pub where you can eat and drink.
- ROUTE 1 - The route is for the whole day (approx. 6-7 h and 16.1 km with 769 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 2 - The route is for the whole day, but an easier version with less elevation gain (approx. 5-6 h and 16 km with 530 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 3 - A shorter hike only to the foothills of the mountains (approx. 2 h and 6 km with 211 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 4 - Just a short walk from the car to the crossroads and a view of the mountains
If you have the time and inclination to make it all the way to Lukomir, here's a beautiful view of both Lukomir and the local landscape and mountains. My brother and I compared the landscape to something out of Jurassic Park.
Then you return to the car via the lower and easier path. You walk for a while under the ridge of the mountains.
ATTENTION! - The path splits again several times. The first intersection is shortly after the start, keep to the left. The second intersection is already on the flat part of the ascent, again keep to the left (follow the map). Then you will walk through the valley next to the stream bed and you will reach the intersection where you have already been.
You have a longer car journey ahead. There are several possible stops along the way, I'll leave it up to you to choose. However, if you have enough time and energy, I recommend the Trnovačko Lake option. It is a place just across the border of Bosnia in Montenegro, but there is a beautiful hiking trail around the highest mountain Bosanski Maglić (take your passport with you - more information about this directly at the location below). Alternatively, you can just drive to Maglić and not take the hiking trail to the lake.
At first glance, this place seems like just a quick stop at the sand pyramids. They are nice, but there isn't much else to see in 5 minutes. However, we found a hidden path to another part of these pyramids hidden in the forest. This part is much bigger and nicer, I'm also attaching photos. Not many people know about this place and there isn't even a path to it on the maps, so I'm adding a map with the approximate route below.
I'll try to describe the route as best as possible here. From the parking lot, head about 50-100m along the road you came by car
The road to the place and parking lot is very bumpy and broken, so allow for more time than the maps say. Halfway there is a barrier where a man collects the entrance fee to the national park - it was 10KM per person. You will arrive at the parking lot under Maglić.
ATTENTION! - Take your travel documents with you for a possible border control.
This is a parking lot and the start of the hike to the lake.
Beautiful heart-shaped mountain lake.
A short stop on the way to rest after a long car journey. It's a walk to the monument and the whole place takes about 15-25 minutes.
The next day involves a bit longer drive, but it's definitely worth it because you'll see Bosnia's most famous waterfalls, Kravica, and end with relaxation by the sea.
A stop along the way at a beautiful lake with a view.
These are truly beautiful waterfalls where you can even swim. However, it is a very touristy place and there are quite a few people. If you want to lie on a sunbed, you have to pay for it, but there are a few spots on the beach to put a towel down - that's what we did.
This part of Bosnia actually resembles Croatia a lot. The town is very hilly, and getting to the beaches can be a bit confusing. Some accommodations state 500m from the beach, but that's as the crow flies. The actual distance can easily be twice that, if not more. So, unless the accommodation is right by the beach, you'll probably need to drive. Otherwise, nothing special, more for an evening rest and then move on to another place the next day.
- We parked here, or there's parking right at the entrance to the beaches, which are marked here.
If you're in the mood for another swim in the sea in the morning and don't get up at 10 a.m., there's definitely time for that. For the rest of the day, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Bosnia is Mostar, where you can walk through the historic center, the Old Bridge, the remains of the war, and in the evening, the old monastery set in a huge rock - Blagaj.
This is a beautiful historic city in Bosnia. Here you can already tell that it is quite touristy. There are plenty of people and shops here. The biggest landmark is probably the historic pedestrian bridge over the fast-flowing river, in which you can swim and I highly recommend it. You may even be able to time your visit well and one of the locals will be jumping into the water from the bridge. It's really high. In other parts of the city, you can see the remains of the war and bullet holes on many buildings. But the city has an incredible atmosphere that won us over.
We were lucky with parking and found a free spot right next to the main road.
From here is a beautiful view of the Old Bridge of Mostar.
Great cafe with a terrace and a view directly onto the old bridge.
Marketplace with lots of shops.
Old marketplace with lots of shops.
The most beautiful place in all of Mostar is definitely this. It is the dominant feature of the whole city. If you see photos of Mostar anywhere, this bridge will be in them.
A small bridge inside the alleyways.
Around the roundabout, there are many remnants of the war and ruined buildings that are deliberately left there to highlight the horrors that people experienced here. It has a very strong and sad atmosphere, but it's worth seeing.
Whether you want to swim in the river or not, I recommend you come here. It is a beautiful beach overlooking the Old Bridge and the water is completely clear. For good swimmers and adrenaline enthusiasts, I must recommend swimming to the other side of the river and trying the diving board. But really consider your strength, the river current is very strong.
If you have any strength left, this place is a beautiful ancient building carved into the rock, with a river flowing from a cave underneath. If you want to go inside the building, there is an entrance fee. We didn't find it necessary and walked around the building from the other side and got right to the water. It's a very unique structure.
We parked on the street a little further from the entrance. You can also park closer in a paid parking lot.
For those interested, there is also the possibility to set up via ferratas on the high rock above the building.
A slightly longer journey awaits you again, but it's worth it. Jajce with waterfalls in the middle of the city, beautiful walkways, bridges, cottages, and a large lake with a park for swimming and relaxation.
A picturesque old town with a unique landmark of waterfalls. We parked further in town, but we had a lovely walk through the old center of Jajce.
This is a view of the waterfalls from above. You can walk right up to the waterfall, but you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 KM per person.
Beautiful bridge over the river with waterfalls underneath. Short stop. You can park right next to it on the road.
A picturesque, old, but no longer inhabited village with mini houses built on an extensive system of streams.
It's a great place to cool off and swim on hot days, or just take a walk in the park. There is also a diving board by the lake, which we really enjoyed.
The last day is reserved only for the trip to the airport, but only if you have an afternoon/evening flight. You can visit what you missed in Sarajevo.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Have a comfortable flight home.
itinerary by Filip Gronich
The adventure awaits
You definitely won't be bored on this trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Don't expect history, long days in cities and restaurants. Get ready for a journey full of adventure, exploring diverse places from cities to mountains, beaches and waterfalls. I try to visit less touristy places, but also not to miss the top places you see on Instagram. There are a few hikes waiting for you on the way, and one of them is slightly more challenging. The journey starts in the capital city of Sarajevo with incredible views, continues to the mountains and the highest village in Bosnia, Lukomir, with the local culture of the locals, you will pass through mountain passes with incredible scenery to the most famous waterfalls in Bosnia - Kravica. You will also see the sea and the most beautiful city in Bosnia, Mostar, and you will leave tired but full of experiences and memories.
I planned the whole trip and bought the tickets as a gift for my mom and brother and we traveled the whole country together. They had never been on a similar trip or in a similar country. On the last day, they still didn't understand what they had experienced and it was the best and most adventurous trip they had ever had. So I hope that I will be able to pass on a similar experience to you through this travel plan.
Welcome to Bosnia! Pick up your car at the airport and head out for an adventure. All stops on this day are optional and extra. It depends on what time you arrive and what you are in the mood for and have time for. I will leave more options here - choose what you can manage and what you like.
At the airport, pick up your rental car (according to the instructions you will receive before departure) and hit the road.
Just keep in mind that in Bosnia, drivers can be unpredictable at times, and rules that work elsewhere may not work here. Also, in Sarajevo, watch out for narrow streets, turns, and steep hills. You may have to search for a while to find parking in the center. You can try consulting directly with your accommodation.
For those who love nature but don't feel like walking or hiking after the flight, this is a beautiful place with the source of the river, and you can park nearby.
For those who love nature, would like to take a bit of a walk and a small hike to stretch their legs after the flight, there is a marked hiking trail from here to the beautiful Skakavec waterfall. The route is 9 km round trip and takes about 3 hours, it is not particularly difficult.
For those who prefer a city atmosphere and exploring local culture, this is the old center with an amazing marketplace, shops, restaurants, etc...
If I were to recommend a local restaurant, stop by here.
Sarajevo and surroundings. Discover the beauty of the historical marketplace, the abandoned Olympic area, and end with a beautiful view of the sunset (weather permitting).
This place is TOP! For me, it's definitely worth the hike, even though it's really uphill (I'm adding a link to the hiking trail at the end). Alternatively, you can get to the top by cable car or car, but we didn't use this option.
On the hill you will find a vast abandoned area from the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. You can walk along the old bobsleigh track, which has basically become an art wall, and you will find a lot of really great graffiti there. There are many abandoned buildings that used to serve for the purposes of the Olympics and the Olympic rings at the top.
- Hiking route - The route is from the historical center of Baščaršija
A little further from the peak, there is this top view of the whole of Sarajevo, with a bench to enjoy the view.
After the hike and views, you can stop at the old marketplace and have something good to eat, or walk through all the nooks and small streets, or buy souvenirs. You will also find many bars or places with hookah.
Amazing place to watch the sunset over the entire Sarajevo. There is also a cafe at the top, if you want to sit in chairs and at a table, you have to buy something. But you can also sit on the grass, wall, etc... It's quite a popular spot though.
This day is the best in terms of intense experiences and local culture. This day depends on you and the weather. I will attach several different route options, according to difficulty. Choose what you like.
I recommend not sleeping in and leaving Sarajevo early, you have a long and relatively challenging day ahead. But you will be rewarded in Lukomir with beautiful natural scenery and a local pub. We hiked from Umoljani to Lukomir. However, it is a slightly more challenging climb and in the summer we caught extreme wind and about 13 °C. In case of rain or if you don't feel like it, you can also drive to Lukomir, but it is an unpaved dirt road with stones, etc... I don't recommend driving. But the hike is great, you go over the top of Obalj 1896 and there is a wonderful view of the whole village and the mountains in the background. Alternatively, it can be shortened and you go under the peak.
The closer you get to the village of Umoljani, the narrower and worse the road becomes. It is better to allow extra time than what the maps say (I recommend driving according to Google Maps, but even they were occasionally inaccurate in these corners of Bosnia). Then continue on foot.
From the car, continue for a while on the asphalt road until you reach mini-huts that are put together from everything the locals have found. There are many fences and livestock around. Here you will come to a fork in the road. Both roads lead to Lukomir, but I recommend going straight towards the ridge of the mountains (I am attaching maps with the hiking trail at the end), the route is a bit longer and with a greater ascent, but you then descend down the second easier route. If you just want to see the beautiful nature and don't feel like a longer hike, feel free to just come here and walk around the area.
From here, continue along mountain paths - CAUTION! It is quite easy to miss the hiking trail after this fork in the road, as the road for cars continues straight and the hiking trail is not very well marked. So you need to get off the car road and take a small, well-trodden path towards the ridge (use the map!). Here, breathtaking scenery, views and mountain peaks await you. If the visibility is good, as soon as you reach the top of Obalj or slightly below it, you should see Lukomir. Once you get here, there is only one pub where you can eat and drink.
- ROUTE 1 - The route is for the whole day (approx. 6-7 h and 16.1 km with 769 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 2 - The route is for the whole day, but an easier version with less elevation gain (approx. 5-6 h and 16 km with 530 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 3 - A shorter hike only to the foothills of the mountains (approx. 2 h and 6 km with 211 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 4 - Just a short walk from the car to the crossroads and a view of the mountains
If you have the time and inclination to make it all the way to Lukomir, here's a beautiful view of both Lukomir and the local landscape and mountains. My brother and I compared the landscape to something out of Jurassic Park.
Then you return to the car via the lower and easier path. You walk for a while under the ridge of the mountains.
ATTENTION! - The path splits again several times. The first intersection is shortly after the start, keep to the left. The second intersection is already on the flat part of the ascent, again keep to the left (follow the map). Then you will walk through the valley next to the stream bed and you will reach the intersection where you have already been.
You have a longer car journey ahead. There are several possible stops along the way, I'll leave it up to you to choose. However, if you have enough time and energy, I recommend the Trnovačko Lake option. It is a place just across the border of Bosnia in Montenegro, but there is a beautiful hiking trail around the highest mountain Bosanski Maglić (take your passport with you - more information about this directly at the location below). Alternatively, you can just drive to Maglić and not take the hiking trail to the lake.
At first glance, this place seems like just a quick stop at the sand pyramids. They are nice, but there isn't much else to see in 5 minutes. However, we found a hidden path to another part of these pyramids hidden in the forest. This part is much bigger and nicer, I'm also attaching photos. Not many people know about this place and there isn't even a path to it on the maps, so I'm adding a map with the approximate route below.
I'll try to describe the route as best as possible here. From the parking lot, head about 50-100m along the road you came by car
The road to the place and parking lot is very bumpy and broken, so allow for more time than the maps say. Halfway there is a barrier where a man collects the entrance fee to the national park - it was 10KM per person. You will arrive at the parking lot under Maglić.
ATTENTION! - Take your travel documents with you for a possible border control.
This is a parking lot and the start of the hike to the lake.
Beautiful heart-shaped mountain lake.
A short stop on the way to rest after a long car journey. It's a walk to the monument and the whole place takes about 15-25 minutes.
The next day involves a bit longer drive, but it's definitely worth it because you'll see Bosnia's most famous waterfalls, Kravica, and end with relaxation by the sea.
A stop along the way at a beautiful lake with a view.
These are truly beautiful waterfalls where you can even swim. However, it is a very touristy place and there are quite a few people. If you want to lie on a sunbed, you have to pay for it, but there are a few spots on the beach to put a towel down - that's what we did.
This part of Bosnia actually resembles Croatia a lot. The town is very hilly, and getting to the beaches can be a bit confusing. Some accommodations state 500m from the beach, but that's as the crow flies. The actual distance can easily be twice that, if not more. So, unless the accommodation is right by the beach, you'll probably need to drive. Otherwise, nothing special, more for an evening rest and then move on to another place the next day.
- We parked here, or there's parking right at the entrance to the beaches, which are marked here.
If you're in the mood for another swim in the sea in the morning and don't get up at 10 a.m., there's definitely time for that. For the rest of the day, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Bosnia is Mostar, where you can walk through the historic center, the Old Bridge, the remains of the war, and in the evening, the old monastery set in a huge rock - Blagaj.
This is a beautiful historic city in Bosnia. Here you can already tell that it is quite touristy. There are plenty of people and shops here. The biggest landmark is probably the historic pedestrian bridge over the fast-flowing river, in which you can swim and I highly recommend it. You may even be able to time your visit well and one of the locals will be jumping into the water from the bridge. It's really high. In other parts of the city, you can see the remains of the war and bullet holes on many buildings. But the city has an incredible atmosphere that won us over.
We were lucky with parking and found a free spot right next to the main road.
From here is a beautiful view of the Old Bridge of Mostar.
Great cafe with a terrace and a view directly onto the old bridge.
Marketplace with lots of shops.
Old marketplace with lots of shops.
The most beautiful place in all of Mostar is definitely this. It is the dominant feature of the whole city. If you see photos of Mostar anywhere, this bridge will be in them.
A small bridge inside the alleyways.
Around the roundabout, there are many remnants of the war and ruined buildings that are deliberately left there to highlight the horrors that people experienced here. It has a very strong and sad atmosphere, but it's worth seeing.
Whether you want to swim in the river or not, I recommend you come here. It is a beautiful beach overlooking the Old Bridge and the water is completely clear. For good swimmers and adrenaline enthusiasts, I must recommend swimming to the other side of the river and trying the diving board. But really consider your strength, the river current is very strong.
If you have any strength left, this place is a beautiful ancient building carved into the rock, with a river flowing from a cave underneath. If you want to go inside the building, there is an entrance fee. We didn't find it necessary and walked around the building from the other side and got right to the water. It's a very unique structure.
We parked on the street a little further from the entrance. You can also park closer in a paid parking lot.
For those interested, there is also the possibility to set up via ferratas on the high rock above the building.
A slightly longer journey awaits you again, but it's worth it. Jajce with waterfalls in the middle of the city, beautiful walkways, bridges, cottages, and a large lake with a park for swimming and relaxation.
A picturesque old town with a unique landmark of waterfalls. We parked further in town, but we had a lovely walk through the old center of Jajce.
This is a view of the waterfalls from above. You can walk right up to the waterfall, but you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 KM per person.
Beautiful bridge over the river with waterfalls underneath. Short stop. You can park right next to it on the road.
A picturesque, old, but no longer inhabited village with mini houses built on an extensive system of streams.
It's a great place to cool off and swim on hot days, or just take a walk in the park. There is also a diving board by the lake, which we really enjoyed.
The last day is reserved only for the trip to the airport, but only if you have an afternoon/evening flight. You can visit what you missed in Sarajevo.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Have a comfortable flight home.
You definitely won't be bored on this trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Don't expect history, long days in cities and restaurants. Get ready for a journey full of adventure, exploring diverse places from cities to mountains, beaches and waterfalls. I try to visit less touristy places, but also not to miss the top places you see on Instagram. There are a few hikes waiting for you on the way, and one of them is slightly more challenging. The journey starts in the capital city of Sarajevo with incredible views, continues to the mountains and the highest village in Bosnia, Lukomir, with the local culture of the locals, you will pass through mountain passes with incredible scenery to the most famous waterfalls in Bosnia - Kravica. You will also see the sea and the most beautiful city in Bosnia, Mostar, and you will leave tired but full of experiences and memories.
I planned the whole trip and bought the tickets as a gift for my mom and brother and we traveled the whole country together. They had never been on a similar trip or in a similar country. On the last day, they still didn't understand what they had experienced and it was the best and most adventurous trip they had ever had. So I hope that I will be able to pass on a similar experience to you through this travel plan.
Welcome to Bosnia! Pick up your car at the airport and head out for an adventure. All stops on this day are optional and extra. It depends on what time you arrive and what you are in the mood for and have time for. I will leave more options here - choose what you can manage and what you like.
At the airport, pick up your rental car (according to the instructions you will receive before departure) and hit the road.
Just keep in mind that in Bosnia, drivers can be unpredictable at times, and rules that work elsewhere may not work here. Also, in Sarajevo, watch out for narrow streets, turns, and steep hills. You may have to search for a while to find parking in the center. You can try consulting directly with your accommodation.
For those who love nature but don't feel like walking or hiking after the flight, this is a beautiful place with the source of the river, and you can park nearby.
For those who love nature, would like to take a bit of a walk and a small hike to stretch their legs after the flight, there is a marked hiking trail from here to the beautiful Skakavec waterfall. The route is 9 km round trip and takes about 3 hours, it is not particularly difficult.
For those who prefer a city atmosphere and exploring local culture, this is the old center with an amazing marketplace, shops, restaurants, etc...
If I were to recommend a local restaurant, stop by here.
Sarajevo and surroundings. Discover the beauty of the historical marketplace, the abandoned Olympic area, and end with a beautiful view of the sunset (weather permitting).
This place is TOP! For me, it's definitely worth the hike, even though it's really uphill (I'm adding a link to the hiking trail at the end). Alternatively, you can get to the top by cable car or car, but we didn't use this option.
On the hill you will find a vast abandoned area from the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. You can walk along the old bobsleigh track, which has basically become an art wall, and you will find a lot of really great graffiti there. There are many abandoned buildings that used to serve for the purposes of the Olympics and the Olympic rings at the top.
- Hiking route - The route is from the historical center of Baščaršija
A little further from the peak, there is this top view of the whole of Sarajevo, with a bench to enjoy the view.
After the hike and views, you can stop at the old marketplace and have something good to eat, or walk through all the nooks and small streets, or buy souvenirs. You will also find many bars or places with hookah.
Amazing place to watch the sunset over the entire Sarajevo. There is also a cafe at the top, if you want to sit in chairs and at a table, you have to buy something. But you can also sit on the grass, wall, etc... It's quite a popular spot though.
This day is the best in terms of intense experiences and local culture. This day depends on you and the weather. I will attach several different route options, according to difficulty. Choose what you like.
I recommend not sleeping in and leaving Sarajevo early, you have a long and relatively challenging day ahead. But you will be rewarded in Lukomir with beautiful natural scenery and a local pub. We hiked from Umoljani to Lukomir. However, it is a slightly more challenging climb and in the summer we caught extreme wind and about 13 °C. In case of rain or if you don't feel like it, you can also drive to Lukomir, but it is an unpaved dirt road with stones, etc... I don't recommend driving. But the hike is great, you go over the top of Obalj 1896 and there is a wonderful view of the whole village and the mountains in the background. Alternatively, it can be shortened and you go under the peak.
The closer you get to the village of Umoljani, the narrower and worse the road becomes. It is better to allow extra time than what the maps say (I recommend driving according to Google Maps, but even they were occasionally inaccurate in these corners of Bosnia). Then continue on foot.
From the car, continue for a while on the asphalt road until you reach mini-huts that are put together from everything the locals have found. There are many fences and livestock around. Here you will come to a fork in the road. Both roads lead to Lukomir, but I recommend going straight towards the ridge of the mountains (I am attaching maps with the hiking trail at the end), the route is a bit longer and with a greater ascent, but you then descend down the second easier route. If you just want to see the beautiful nature and don't feel like a longer hike, feel free to just come here and walk around the area.
From here, continue along mountain paths - CAUTION! It is quite easy to miss the hiking trail after this fork in the road, as the road for cars continues straight and the hiking trail is not very well marked. So you need to get off the car road and take a small, well-trodden path towards the ridge (use the map!). Here, breathtaking scenery, views and mountain peaks await you. If the visibility is good, as soon as you reach the top of Obalj or slightly below it, you should see Lukomir. Once you get here, there is only one pub where you can eat and drink.
- ROUTE 1 - The route is for the whole day (approx. 6-7 h and 16.1 km with 769 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 2 - The route is for the whole day, but an easier version with less elevation gain (approx. 5-6 h and 16 km with 530 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 3 - A shorter hike only to the foothills of the mountains (approx. 2 h and 6 km with 211 m elevation gain).
- ROUTE 4 - Just a short walk from the car to the crossroads and a view of the mountains
If you have the time and inclination to make it all the way to Lukomir, here's a beautiful view of both Lukomir and the local landscape and mountains. My brother and I compared the landscape to something out of Jurassic Park.
Then you return to the car via the lower and easier path. You walk for a while under the ridge of the mountains.
ATTENTION! - The path splits again several times. The first intersection is shortly after the start, keep to the left. The second intersection is already on the flat part of the ascent, again keep to the left (follow the map). Then you will walk through the valley next to the stream bed and you will reach the intersection where you have already been.
You have a longer car journey ahead. There are several possible stops along the way, I'll leave it up to you to choose. However, if you have enough time and energy, I recommend the Trnovačko Lake option. It is a place just across the border of Bosnia in Montenegro, but there is a beautiful hiking trail around the highest mountain Bosanski Maglić (take your passport with you - more information about this directly at the location below). Alternatively, you can just drive to Maglić and not take the hiking trail to the lake.
At first glance, this place seems like just a quick stop at the sand pyramids. They are nice, but there isn't much else to see in 5 minutes. However, we found a hidden path to another part of these pyramids hidden in the forest. This part is much bigger and nicer, I'm also attaching photos. Not many people know about this place and there isn't even a path to it on the maps, so I'm adding a map with the approximate route below.
I'll try to describe the route as best as possible here. From the parking lot, head about 50-100m along the road you came by car
The road to the place and parking lot is very bumpy and broken, so allow for more time than the maps say. Halfway there is a barrier where a man collects the entrance fee to the national park - it was 10KM per person. You will arrive at the parking lot under Maglić.
ATTENTION! - Take your travel documents with you for a possible border control.
This is a parking lot and the start of the hike to the lake.
Beautiful heart-shaped mountain lake.
A short stop on the way to rest after a long car journey. It's a walk to the monument and the whole place takes about 15-25 minutes.
The next day involves a bit longer drive, but it's definitely worth it because you'll see Bosnia's most famous waterfalls, Kravica, and end with relaxation by the sea.
A stop along the way at a beautiful lake with a view.
These are truly beautiful waterfalls where you can even swim. However, it is a very touristy place and there are quite a few people. If you want to lie on a sunbed, you have to pay for it, but there are a few spots on the beach to put a towel down - that's what we did.
This part of Bosnia actually resembles Croatia a lot. The town is very hilly, and getting to the beaches can be a bit confusing. Some accommodations state 500m from the beach, but that's as the crow flies. The actual distance can easily be twice that, if not more. So, unless the accommodation is right by the beach, you'll probably need to drive. Otherwise, nothing special, more for an evening rest and then move on to another place the next day.
- We parked here, or there's parking right at the entrance to the beaches, which are marked here.
If you're in the mood for another swim in the sea in the morning and don't get up at 10 a.m., there's definitely time for that. For the rest of the day, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Bosnia is Mostar, where you can walk through the historic center, the Old Bridge, the remains of the war, and in the evening, the old monastery set in a huge rock - Blagaj.
This is a beautiful historic city in Bosnia. Here you can already tell that it is quite touristy. There are plenty of people and shops here. The biggest landmark is probably the historic pedestrian bridge over the fast-flowing river, in which you can swim and I highly recommend it. You may even be able to time your visit well and one of the locals will be jumping into the water from the bridge. It's really high. In other parts of the city, you can see the remains of the war and bullet holes on many buildings. But the city has an incredible atmosphere that won us over.
We were lucky with parking and found a free spot right next to the main road.
From here is a beautiful view of the Old Bridge of Mostar.
Great cafe with a terrace and a view directly onto the old bridge.
Marketplace with lots of shops.
Old marketplace with lots of shops.
The most beautiful place in all of Mostar is definitely this. It is the dominant feature of the whole city. If you see photos of Mostar anywhere, this bridge will be in them.
A small bridge inside the alleyways.
Around the roundabout, there are many remnants of the war and ruined buildings that are deliberately left there to highlight the horrors that people experienced here. It has a very strong and sad atmosphere, but it's worth seeing.
Whether you want to swim in the river or not, I recommend you come here. It is a beautiful beach overlooking the Old Bridge and the water is completely clear. For good swimmers and adrenaline enthusiasts, I must recommend swimming to the other side of the river and trying the diving board. But really consider your strength, the river current is very strong.
If you have any strength left, this place is a beautiful ancient building carved into the rock, with a river flowing from a cave underneath. If you want to go inside the building, there is an entrance fee. We didn't find it necessary and walked around the building from the other side and got right to the water. It's a very unique structure.
We parked on the street a little further from the entrance. You can also park closer in a paid parking lot.
For those interested, there is also the possibility to set up via ferratas on the high rock above the building.
A slightly longer journey awaits you again, but it's worth it. Jajce with waterfalls in the middle of the city, beautiful walkways, bridges, cottages, and a large lake with a park for swimming and relaxation.
A picturesque old town with a unique landmark of waterfalls. We parked further in town, but we had a lovely walk through the old center of Jajce.
This is a view of the waterfalls from above. You can walk right up to the waterfall, but you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 KM per person.
Beautiful bridge over the river with waterfalls underneath. Short stop. You can park right next to it on the road.
A picturesque, old, but no longer inhabited village with mini houses built on an extensive system of streams.
It's a great place to cool off and swim on hot days, or just take a walk in the park. There is also a diving board by the lake, which we really enjoyed.
The last day is reserved only for the trip to the airport, but only if you have an afternoon/evening flight. You can visit what you missed in Sarajevo.
Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Have a comfortable flight home.
