Bosnia & Herzegovina, a paradise in Europe
A hidden gem in the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina charms visitors with a unique blend of Eastern European and mediterranean cultures. The country offers spectacular nature, such as the majestic Dinaric Alps and serene river valleys, alongside historic cities such as Sarajevo and Mostar, where religious buildings bear witness to a rich and eventful past. This destination is also famous for its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine, with dishes such as ćevapi and sweet baklava. Small but enchanting, this country invites you to discover the diversity and richness of the Balkans, far off the beaten track.
Traveltips & highlights in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Food and drinks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian cuisine is known for dishes such as cevapi (meat rolls with onions and ajvar), sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice), and Bosanski Lonac (a slow braised pot). These culinary masterpieces bring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s traditions to your plate. Don’t forget to sample a glass of rakija, a potent plum brandy considered the national drink in the Balkans.
Good to know when you're planning to visit to Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Southeast Europe in the western Balkans, is divided into the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. It shares borders with Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Except for the coastal town of Neum, which has approximately 24 km of Adriatic coastline, the country is almost entirely surrounded by land.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have a continental climate with hot summers, often around 35°C, and harsh winters with a lot of snow. The south, including Mostar, has a mediterranean climate with milder winters. Neum is the only seaside resort. The mountainous central region offers winter sports opportunities, especially around Sarajevo with snow-sure locations like Jahorina and Bjelašnica.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has approximately 3.3 million inhabitants (2021) and covers an area of 51,209 km². Sarajevo is the capital and largest city. Major ethnic groups include the Muslim Bosniaks, Serbian Orthodox Serbs, and Roman Catholic Croats.
In major cities, you can use your debit card everywhere. However, It’s helpful to have enough cash with you, especially when traveling outside major cities.
The best way to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina is by car. Ensure you have a physical green card if traveling with your own car to avoid unnecessary waiting times and extra costs at the border. Public transportation is not well-developed everywhere, but in major cities, locals mainly use buses, trams, and taxis, which are affordable and well-regulated. There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Bosnia and Herzegovina, but you can fly with a layover from Schiphol. Car rental companies are available at airports (Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar), there might be extra charges (around 30 euros) for crossing borders.
Bosnia is outside the EU, so call and internet costs may not automatically be included in your bundle. It’s cheaper to buy a local SIM card, available at most airports.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, smoking is allowed in both cafes and dining establishments. Be aware of this if you are sensitive to smoke. Ask if you can sit outside when the weather allows or choose tables where smoking is not directly permitted.