Bosnia and Herzegovina: Heaven on Earth Waiting to Be Discovered

Red currant fields and square-shaped houses resembling toy blocks slowly disappearing in the distance, an occasional fruit merchant perched by the roadside…

If you’re entering Bosnia and Herzegovina through its Croatian border with Dubrovnik, there isn’t much that will prepare you for its beauty. The country’s charm catches you off guard. As soon as your heart sinks at the sight of bullet marks still visible in some buildings or at the concrete walls of housing estates marking the war and post war-period, Bosnia and Herzegovina surprises you with a sight so stunning that it makes you look twice, wishing that you wouldn’t have to leave. Emerald rivers, waterfalls, rolling hills overlooking the country’s many lakes, the ottoman heritage which makes you feel as if you suddenly found yourself in Turkey… Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mosaic of natural beauty and fascinating culture. The best thing about it? It’s still very much a road less travelled amongst Europe’s popular routes which means that you can have a piece of this green paradise (almost) all to yourself. Without further ado, let’s find out what makes this charming little country so unique and why you should visit this summer!

LANDSCAPES AND NATURE

I am yet to visit a country in Europe where every river is emerald in colour and so crystal clear that it’s practically see-through.  From the charming Vrelo Bosne park in Sarajevo, the mirror-like riverside in Republika Srpska’s Trebinje to Kravice waterfalls, the list of BiH’s natural wonders seems to have no end.

ARCHITECTURE

Stari Most in Mostar is the country’s most recognisible landmark but certainly not the only one worth visiting. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina has suffered significant damages during the war, it’s home to fascinating architecture, where Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influence mix with its modern-day identity.

GREAT FOOD

Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a perfect reflection of the country’s historical heritage – just like the buildings in Sarajevo, the local cuisine combines its Western roots with Turkish and Middle Eastern influence. This is great news for all  fellow sweet toothers – baklava, halva and Turkish delight are available in opulence, and the ever-present smell of freshly brewed coffee is a reminder of the country’s coffee culture, dating back to the Ottoman times. Vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet may be slightly disappointed – aside from the sweets,  the local cuisine consists mainly of meat and bread. The good news is, most dishes are organic and produced locally. Not only that, food in BiH is very cheap by the Western European standards – you can indulge in the country’s culinary staples for less than €10 a day!

FRIENDLY LOCALS

It’s not just the sights that make a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina such an unforgettable experience – the country’s beauty and undeniable charm lies in the smiles of the locals and their genuine friendliness. There are only two places in the world where, within just of couple of hours of my arrival, I felt completely at home – New York City and Mostar, the first town I visited in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NYC and the quiet, centuries old Mostar couldn’t seem to have less in common and yet, that feeling of being unjudgementally welcome which I experienced in both, puts Bosnia and Herzegovina on top of my travel favourites list. During my solo travels through BiH, complete strangers would invite me for coffee to then share their stories, often involving their memories of the 1992 war. I would get shown around hidden nooks and crannies by people who were not only kind enough to spend their time with a stranger, but also didn’t expect any payment in return.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST… IT’S CHEAP!

Unlike most places in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers sights to behold without going too hard on your wallet. It’s basically a solo traveller’s paradise – you can easily find accommodation for as little as €10/room in the off-season (this includes even the popular cities like Mostar) while dining out costs as little as 3.5 – 10KM (€2-5). Book your hotel in Bosnia and Herzegovina here! Public transport is also surprisingly affordable – to give you an idea, a bus ride from Mostar to Sarajevo will cost €10, while a train ride on the same route will set you back a mere €5. Sounds too good to be true? All the more reasons to see for yourself…
Over to you – have you been to Bosnia and Herzegovina, or perhaps you’re planning a visit? If it’s the latter then I hope you found this post helpful!