This year, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina Named one of the must-visit cities of 2025 by National Geographic Travellerthat you should have seen. If that's not reason enough to plan a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina! But it's not just Sarajevo that's worth seeing - in my one and a half years there, I've discovered so many wonderful places and haven't explored everything yet. There is hardly a country in Europe that is more multi-faceted than this small, heart-shaped country in the Balkans.
Let's go! In this article you will find all the information you need to plan your trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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What travel options are there to BH?
By aeroplane
There are four international airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, Eurowings and Austrian Airlines fly to Sarajevo from Germany. WizzAir and RyanAir will be added in 2024.
- Tuzla International Airport (TZL): WizzAir and Ryanair fly to Tuzla from Germany
- Banja Luka International Airport (BNX): Ryanair, WizzAir and Air Serbia fly to Banja Luka from Germany
- Mostar International Airport (OMO)Mostar Airport is currently reserved for private charter flights only, but is soon to offer WizzAir connections as well
It is also possible to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina from Croatia - for example, if you are travelling to Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik and travelling on from there by train, bus or hire car.
With a hire car or your own car
If you're planning a round trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina, a vehicle is a good idea!
If you with your own car you will have to pay a toll on the Bosnian motorways - but you don't have to buy a toll sticker, it is charged according to distance at fixed toll stations, just like in Italy. The German driving licence is recognised. You can find more information on traffic rules and driving at ADAC.
Alternatively, you can hire a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is best to take out fully comprehensive insurance and in both cases - whether you are travelling with your own or a rented car - it is best to park the car in guarded car parks. If you hire a car in Croatia, make sure that you are allowed to leave the EU with it. This option usually has to be booked separately and costs a little more, depending on the provider. You can search for suitable hire cars directly here.
By bus or train
There are bus connections to Bosnia and Herzegovina from all major German cities. The journey times are generally long, the buses stop at every milk churn within Bosnia and you can expect long waiting times at the borders. Nevertheless, the bus is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative than travelling by plane.
Alternatively, you can take the night train to Split in Croatia and from there take the bus to Mostar or Sarajevo. There is also an additional connection from the Croatian harbour town of Ploče to Mostar and Sarajevo.
You can research various bus and train connections here and buy your tickets directly. Please note, however, that you often cannot buy tickets online for bus journeys within Bosnia and Herzegovina - it is best to go directly to the bus station and ask for the route you need.
What documents are required for entry?
German citizens do not require a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you want to stay longer, you will need a valid residence permit.
You can enter the country with your passport or identity card. However, you must ensure that your travel document is valid at the Departure must be valid for at least three months - i.e. longer when entering the country.
Which vaccinations are necessary for travelling to Bosnia-Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not require compulsory vaccinations for direct entry from Germany. A COVID vaccination or proof is also no longer required.
When is the best time to go on holiday to Bosnia-Herzegovina?
The best time to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for your holiday depends entirely on what you want to do. The country has several climate zones, from maritime to continental climate. In Bosnia, the temperature differences between summer and winter are large and the mountains are covered in snow. Herzegovina and the coast have a more Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
For skiers, this is definitely the Winter season between the beginning of December and the end of March, if you also want to go swimming, then the Summer months. However, temperatures in Herzegovina and Sarajevo can occasionally break the 40-degree mark in July and August. Slightly cooler temperatures and still plenty of sunny days can be found in Spring and autumn.
Which currency is used?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Convertible Mark abbreviated to KM or sometimes BAM. It was introduced as the official national currency in 1999 and pegged to the German mark. It is now pegged to the euro with a fixed conversion rate: One euro always corresponds to 1.95583 KM. So the conversion is super easy. Also funny: the copper coins are called fening, as they used to be in Germany.
Is Bosnia a safe destination?
Yes, Bosnia and Herzegovina is an absolutely safe country to travel to! Many people still only associate the country with the Bosnian war, but this small Balkan country is so much more!
The crime rate in Bosnia-Herzegovina is low, so you can go on holiday without any worries. At most, petty crime such as pickpocketing can of course occur in tourist hotspots such as Sarajevo or Mostar.
If you are travelling with your own car, I recommend parking it in a guarded car park and not leaving anything open in the back seat - it can happen that vehicles with foreign number plates become the target of car theft and break-ins. But that's about it.
So you see: The same safety precautions apply in Bosnia-Herzegovina that you would take for your safety anywhere else!
And what about mines?
Many areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina are now mine-free. Nevertheless, I recommend that you stay on designated hiking trails when hiking and, if you are travelling by camper or motorhome, don't just drive around wildly in the forest.
The same applies to ruins and crumbling buildings. Yes, they are exciting to explore - but they are not safe. Buildings that have been under sniper fire or bombardment are therefore entered at your own risk.
Are there any cultural particularities for the destination that I should be aware of?
Women in particular often ask me the question: Can I dress as I like in Bosnia? The answer is: Yes! Although the country is largely Muslim, it is very secular and there are no dress codes - women only have to cover their hair when visiting a mosque, but scarves are always provided.
Bosnians are generally Loud, sociable and joking people - You can definitely feel a southern influence. Community and friendship are important values in Bosnian society: as a regular customer, you will certainly be bought a drink in a restaurant or bar from time to time, and at the market you will almost always be given some fresh flowers, an apple or a mandarin to buy with your purchase.
I often have the feeling that Bosnians have no filter. So don't be surprised if even strangers ask you not only how you like it in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but also what your life is like in Germany, whether you are married or what job you do.
Around half of the Bosnian population is Muslim. For religious reasons, many people therefore do not eat pork - even if they are not strict believers. Alcohol can be bought in most restaurants, but sometimes there is none in the immediate vicinity of a mosque. However, the country is generally very secular, so you don't have to conform to any restrictions here. Travelling to Bosnia for Ramadan? I've summarised everything you need to know here.
And it should go without saying that the Bosnian war is still a sensitive, traumatising topic. So if you want to ask Bosnians about their past and the war, always remain tactful and understanding and don't pressurise anyone into talking to you if they don't want to.
What are the main sights and holiday destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
When travelling through the Balkans, you will discover diverse landscapes, cities and cultural sites. Although many holidaymakers focus on the border regions with Croatia, you should leave more time for the country. Be sure to explore the Herzegovina region during your holiday in Bosnia! Herzegovina is located in the south-east of the country and impresses with its magnificent wine region and Mediterranean climate.
the historical capital Sarajevo
Bosnia's capital Sarajevo should of course be on your travel list - you will most likely end up there if you arrive by plane.
The city's history began in 1462 and Sarajevo has since seen many rulers and conquerors and survived the longest siege of a city in modern war history. Sarajevo was under Ottoman rule for almost 400 years before Bosnia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century. The different eras are still clearly visible in the city's architecture.
Sarajevo is sometimes also called "Jerusalem of Europe" and in the old town you can see a mosque, cathedral, Orthodox church and synagogue just a few metres away from each other. This multiculturalism has always made the city a special destination.
Of course, Sarajevo is also the city where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the First World War. As you can see, there is plenty to discover here!
- You can read more about Sarajevo here
- Here you will also find a 4-day itinerary for your first visit to Sarajevo with hotel and restaurant suggestions
- You want to do a tour in Sarajevo? How about a City tour with coffee tasting or one Food Tour?
Mostar
Of course, the largest city in Herzegovina is not an insider tip, but Mostar is still definitely worth a visit.
Of course, you can't travel to Mostar without seeing the Stari Most Bridge, the symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completely destroyed during the Bosnian War, it was rebuilt after the end of the war and reopened in 2004. Even today, bridge jumpers still leap from the 19 metre high bridge into the River Neretva - the coldest river in the world! Surrounding the bridge is Mostar's charming old town centre with its bazaar and mosques.
In addition to the impressive Mostar Bridge, you will find a modern new town with parks and numerous restaurants in the western part of the city. Here you will find, for example, a statue of Bruce Lee or the so-called "Sniper Tower" - both reminders that peace in the city is fragile.
I would recommend staying overnight in Mostar or using the city as a base for your explorations in Herzegovina.
- Here's the perfect plan for 3 days in Mostar
- I have created an itinerary through Herzegovina, which also includes a few days in Mostar, here
The old dervish monastery in Blagaj
Directly at the The Tekija Blagaj - an old dervish monastery - lies at the source of the river Buna, a reminder of Ottoman rule. The monastery is impressive on its own as a photo opportunity, but you can also visit the museum to see how the Sufi monks, the dervishes, lived in the monastery back then. You can also eat fresh trout right by the water in one of the many restaurants.
Sutjeska National Park
The highest mountains in Bosnia-Herzegovina are located on the border with Montenegro - and the Sutjeska National Park with great hiking routeslakes, mountains and the last primeval forest in Europe. Nowhere else in Bosnia can you switch off so well.
Počitelj
The small Ottoman village is picturesquely built into the hills above the Neretva River. You can stroll through small alleyways up to the castle, past the Šišman Ibrahim-immersed Mosque, which is well worth seeing.
Počitelj used to be an architectural showpiece of Ottoman architecture, but today the village is almost uninhabited. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth a visit.
Kravica waterfalls
Kravica is also not an insider tip for your holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina - the waterfalls are known beyond the country's borders. However, they really are impressive! The water of the Trebizat River plunges 25 metres into the depths and forms a small lake at the foot of the waterfalls, where you can even swim.
I would recommend travelling to the waterfalls early in the morning, as it gets very crowded every day from 11.00 a.m. at the latest. You can find more tips and a guide to Kravica here.
Jajce
There are many cities worth visiting in Bosnia, even outside Sarajevo and Mostar. Although Bosnia is a small country, it combines an incredible amount of history and culture. If you have time, you should therefore also visit the medieval town of Jajce - former seat of the Bosnian kings and founding place of Yugoslavia.
Jajce is perhaps best known for the Pliva waterfall, which plunges into the centre of the town, creating a unique panorama of the town. You have the best view of the waterfall from this viewpoint, which I listed in my Bosnia travel guide.
The list could go on forever, so here are a few more posts about cities and places worth visiting in Bosnia-Herzegovina:
What are special excursion destinations and activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
I'm repeating myself, but: Bosnia and Herzegovina is simply a super diverse destination! In addition to all the Ottoman, medieval and Austro-Hungarian cities, you definitely won't be bored here if you're into adventure travel or outdoor activities: hiking, rafting, canyoning or kayaking - you're spoilt for choice.
Hiking
There are numerous hiking areas and excellent hiking trails throughout the country. For some of the more challenging routes, it is advisable to book a local hiking guide. However, many hikes, especially around the capital Sarajevo, can also be done on your own. Here are a few great routes:
- Hike to Skakavac waterfall in Sutjeska National Park or near Sarajevo (there are two waterfalls with the same name, the waterfall in Sutjeska is located in the nature reserve of the last primeval forest in Europe, the hike takes place with a certified guide).
- Hike to the Summit of Sarajevo's local mountain Trebević
- Hike to Lake Trnovačko
- Hike to the mountain village of Lukomir
- Hike to Hajdučka Vrata
Rafting
There are rafting opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for all levels of difficulty and adventure. From beginner-friendly to advanced. The three best rafting areas are:
- On the river Neretva (start in Konjic)
- On the river Tara (start in Foča)
- On the River Una (start in Bihać)
Kayking
In addition to rafting, you also have the opportunity to go kayaking on the rivers of Bosnia, for example on the Trebizat or Una rivers. You can also hire a picnic boat with a skipper and enjoy a relaxed river trip with food, for example in Trebinje.
Where can I find accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
How expensive is a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In general, Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. You can book many activities for less than 100 euros. A night in a mid-range hotel in a double room costs around 30 euros per person - guesthouses or flats are of course cheaper. A dinner with a drink will cost you 10 to 15 euros in the capital Sarajevo or in Mostar, elsewhere it is cheaper. As you can see, a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be as cheap or as expensive as you like.
I hope you are now well prepared for your next holiday in this underrated little country in the Balkans!
Still looking for an itinerary? Then take a look at my Bosnia travel guidein which I make specific route suggestions and share insider tips and the best restaurants with you.
book your trip to bosnia and herzegovina
I have been living in the heart-shaped country in the Balkans since May 2021, have explored it from the north down to the Croatian border, from the west to the wild east and can say that I now know Bosnia-Herzegovina like the back of my hand.
And not only that: I also want to make it an experience for everyone who is in the mood for adventure, authenticity, nature and hospitality. That's why I founded Cheyf Reisen with my Bosnian husband - a boutique travel agency for #mindfultravel in Bosnia-Herzegovina! Have a look at our website 😊
