Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina through these 16 most beautiful sights to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina! These are the top places to visit that are as pretty in digital photography as in the real world. For decades these waterfalls, villages, towns, and UNESCO sights have represented the best of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and below you have it summarized in a list of 16 sights! Scroll down and tell us if you knew these would be included at the top!
1. Kravice Waterfall
The first on the list will be one of the most photographed sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Kravice Waterfall. This waterfall is made of 20 smaller falls that pool down in an amphitheatre of 120 meters. This makes it perfect for swimming during the summer months, making it a popular beach spot. Not only does it get refreshing, but it is unmatched in terms of the most scenic backgrounds you can find in the Balkans.
2. Pliva Watefall in Jajce
This town is one of the most essential places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina if you want to learn about the Bosnian Kingdom period. Many people do not realize that this Kingdom was unique in its own manner. With Jajce as its capital, the Bosnian Kingdom left an indelible mark on the Balkans. Known for having a small-town charm, you may explore the remains of the Bosnian Kingdom, including the Jajce Fortress and Jajce Catacombs in one day! You will even witness the Pliva Waterfall in the middle of town, making Jajce one of the few European cities with a waterfall in its center.
3. Štrbački Buk
There can’t be “16 most beautiful sights to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina” without mentioning Štrbački Buk in the Una National Park. Located near Bihać, in the northwest region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Una National Park offers many things to do and sights to see besides the iconic Štrbački Buk. Martin Brod is also found in the vicinity, and it is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. And if you’re looking for more photo ops in the park, make sure not to miss Japodski Otoci – these are incredible little islands that make a heart-shaped idyllic landscape from the sky.
4. Trebinje Old Town
The southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of pockets of surprises. One of those is surely Trebinje, the southernmost town in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most romantic towns as well. This town is recognizable by its old walls which bear the imprints of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences, making it a uniquely engaging town. As it sits on the crystal Trebišnjica River, the town can be enjoyed from multiple viewpoints. Do not forget to make your stay even more memorable by making a visit to the Tvrdoš Monastery and seeing the Arslanagića Bridge in person!
5. Stolac
Stolac is a cozy town hidden in the Herzegovina landscape. This town is meshed with waterfalls and small rivers throughout the whole town making it a unique visit. Stolac boasts a blend of ancient and medieval architecture, including the impressive Stećci medieval tombstones in the Radimlja Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ancient Daorson fortress, remnants of the Hellenistic civilization. The scenic Bregava River, with its clear waters and charming stone bridges, adds to the town’s allure. Stolac’s historical significance and natural beauty make it a must-see destination, offering a captivating glimpse into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s past.
6. Hajdučka vrata, Čvrsnica – Blidinje Nature Park
This is a naturally shaped stone arch and a favourite mount of many hikers. This viewpoint is found on the Čvrsnica Mountain in the Blidinje Nature Park. This mountain is a 2-hour drive from the capital city, Sarajevo, and provides a ton of fun for nature lovers. This hike ends at an altitude of 2.000 meters at the Outlaws Door (Hajdučka vrata).
Credit: U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Michael J. Murphy
7. Srebrenik Fortress
After scrolling social media for some content on Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will soon realize that throughout the country there is a myriad of fortresses. But a few can be compared to the Srebrenik Fortress, near Tuzla. The Fortress sits on an almost inaccessible rocky hill except for the small wooden bridge that gives access to the entrance. This Fortress was so important that it changed rulers often throughout the 14th century.
8. Mostar
The list of the“ 1st beautiful sights to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is not complete without the ultimate gem – The Old Bridge in Mostar. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina withstanding the test of time. Travellers who see it in real life are mesmerized by its one-arced architecture and unchanging beauty. Not only is this a UNESCO World Heritage Site but it is a sight that will make you remember it forever.
9.Blagaj Tekke
Blagaj Tekke, a serene Dervish monastery found near the Buna River, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most enchanting sights. Built onto a cliffside, this 16th-century Tekke offers a unique blend of spiritual tranquillity and natural beauty. The turquoise waters of the Buna River Spring from beneath the towering rock, creating a picturesque setting that feels almost otherworldly. Visitors can explore Tekke’s rich history, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Its serene ambience, combined with its historical and cultural significance, makes Blagaj Tekke a must-see destination that leaves an impression on all who visit.
10. Krupa na Vrbasu
Make sure to visit Krupa na Vrbasu, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Most Beautiful Villages. This charming village offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with picturesque walking areas and historic wooden mills that still operate today. A visit to Krupa na Vrbasu promises a delightful day trip, highlighting the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Truly a must-see destination on your itinerary!
11. Janj Primeval Forest
Hidden within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Janj Primeval Forest is a pristine wilderness that offers an untouched glimpse into the natural world. This ancient forest, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, is renowned for its towering beech and fir trees, some of which are over 300 years old. Exploring Janj feels like stepping back in time with its rich biodiversity and serene atmosphere. The forest is home to various wildlife species, including deer, bears, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. Keep in mind: to visit the Janj Forest, you have to schedule it with an agency at least 7 days in advance.
Credit: furaj.ba
12. Sarajevo Old Town
Enter this 15th century portal that will take you to Sarajevo’s life back during the Ottoman period. The buildings and streets are made from stone and shaped in an Oriental architectural style. Named Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s Old Town used to be the centre of trade, and it continues this tradition of hosting the traditional coppersmith stores. In Baščaršija, you’ll also find Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the first mosque with electric lights, Sarajevo Clock Tower, one of the rare public clocks still showing lunar time. One of the most recognizable historic monuments in Baščaršija is Sebilj – a wooden fountain. The legend says that if you drink water from Sebilj, you must return to Sarajevo and see this beauty for yourself once again!
13. Lukomir
It only makes sense to include at least one village on this list from The Most Beautiful Villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Why Lukomir? This unique village is the highest remaining village in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the highest on the Balkan peninsula. How many inhabitants does it have today? Less than 15 inhabitants form this village, which retains its original looks. Lukomir is in fact a nomadic village. This means that the inhabitants choose to move to a lower level during the winter months to the area of Donji Lukomir. Then, during the summer months, they return home and enjoy the mountainous landscapes. Not only are they extremely welcoming, but no traveller returned from Lukomir without having the most interesting stories to retell!
14. Livno Wild Horses
It’s a rare sight to spot a wild horse, and today it almost only happens in fairytales. But would you believe us if we told you that fairytales are true in Bosnia and Herzegovina? One such example is Livno, where you can find not one horse but a herd of 800 wild horses! This is their natural habitat which they have been calling home for a few decades now. These horses have their own groups and families in between them and are such a fascinating sight to see in real life. Together, they adapt to survive the harsh winter conditions and find food. You can visit them with a tour guide for the most time during the year.
15. Vjetrenica Cave
The most recent Bosnian-Herzegovinian addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage List cannot be excluded from the 16 most beautiful sights to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina! This is the largest cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most biodiverse as well! There are over 200 different animalistic varieties in the cave and still more to explore these days. Even more interesting, in this cave, archeologists have found drawings on the cave walls that stem from the Stone Age. This further testifies to the importance of the cave for further archeological excavations.
Credit: Adnan Bubalo
16. Počitelj
Finally on the list of the most beautiful sights in Bosnia and Herzegovina that you can see is Počitelj. If you’re in the southern region of the country, it is hard to miss this idyllic small village. Počitelj has been mentioned since the medieval days of the Bosnian Kingdom. But what has really influenced its architectural look is the mix of Mediterranean construction styles with Ottoman influences. Hence, in Počitelj you can see many attractions such as the mosque and fortress that are its symbols today.
