Bosnia & Herzegovina – Travel Guide
Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, offers stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. Explore the cobblestone streets of Sarajevo, where East meets West in a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. Discover the iconic bridge of Mostar, symbolizing unity and resilience. Wander through picturesque countryside with serene lakes and charming villages. Indulge in traditional Bosnian cuisine, from savory cevapi to sweet baklava. With its warm hospitality and timeless charm, Bosnia and Herzegovina promises an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking both adventure and culture.
All about Bosnia Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina FAQ
What is Bosnia and Herzegovina known for?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its Ottoman-era history and architecture, such as its famed Old Bridge in Mostar and the Old Stone Bridge in Konjic. Due to its eventful history, including many wars and conquests, many ethnic groups live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, practicing many religions. Today`s Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the capital, Sarajevo, is committed to promoting multiculturalism.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is also known for its castles, although it has a smaller number than other countries in Eastern Europe. Be sure to visit Ostrozac, a beautiful castle built by the Hungarian Croatians in the 13th century. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also known for its great natural beauty, including many picturesque waterfalls. The rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina are also great places to enjoy such outdoor water activities as kayaking, white water rafting, and bridge jumping.
What are the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The most popular destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the capital, Sarajevo; the town of Mostar, with its Ottoman-designed Old Bridge; and Neum, on Bosnia and Herzegovina`s 12-mile coastline, the shortest of all the countries on the Adriatic Sea.
How many days should I spend in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Bosnia and Herzegovina?
We recommend seeing Bosnia and Herzegovina by private transfer. Tripmasters offers private transfer options which allow you to visit many cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with hotel-to-hotel pickup and dropoff in addition to airport pickups/drop-offs. Many of these transfers allow for stops at scenic attractions along the way. Let the private transfer drivers escort you in air-conditioned comfort from one city to another. It is also possible to see Bosnia and Herzegovina by car, combining it with nearby countries such as Croatia.
What is the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (written in shorthand as KM). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Be prepared with the correct currency on hand or exchange your dollars (or Euros if you are arriving from the Eurozone) for convertible marks upon arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are currency exchanges and ATMs at the airport, most high-end hotels, and in many other locations across the country.
Do people speak English in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian. Nearly all Bosnians under the age of 30 can speak at minimum conversational English, due to educational standards changing after the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Today students in Bosnia and Herzegovina learn English from the earliest grades, all the way through graduation from secondary school. It will be harder to find many older people who speak English, but not impossible. You will have the most success in finding English speakers in tourist areas, such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Neum, and to a lesser extent Konjic. Be prepared to learn basic Bosnian phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom, and the numbers from 1-10 and 50, 100, and 1,000. To say `Do you speak English?` in Bosnian, say `Govoris li engleski?`
Best time to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina
The climate in Bosnia-Herzegovina is determined by several factors and influenced by its geographic position, mostly mountainous, and the country’s proximity to the warm Mediterranean Sea.
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There is a relatively small area in the country that features a Mediterranean climate, the small stretch near Mostar with a very short stretch of 4 miles of coastline near Neum. During the winters the country sees its fair share of snow and cold weather, the best time of year to visit will be the spring and summer months from early May through to September before the cold kicks in. The clearest month is August with the least chance of rain, rain, and snow are common in December and January. Winter activities can be enjoyed in February and March when the sun is still shining and the skies are relatively clear allowing visitors to spend time outdoors and enjoy the countryside. Hiking can be best enjoyed in May, June, or September and snow can be present in the country for up to six months when skiing in the Mountains is a popular activity.
The climate in Bosnia-Herzegovina is similar to that of central Europe with warm, sunny summers and dry, cold winters and considerable snowfall. The mountainous areas create a climate of their own and where the Mediterranean and continental climates meet, it creates one of the most unique ecosystems in Europe. Summers in the Mediterranean Herzegovina region are hot with average temperatures averaging over 90 degrees, the warm weather starts in May and lasts until the end of September. October and November is the start of the cooler weather and a less crowded time to visit the country.
December – February – (Winter)
The winter months in Bosnia and Herzegovina are considerably cold with average temperatures of 39 degrees in the valleys and 23 degrees in the mountains. Cold waves of weather travel from the north and can result in snow and frost throughout most parts of the country. The winter months are a fantastic time to visit the country for its skiing and winter sports activities in the Olympic Mountains (Jahorina, Bjelasnica, and Vlasic). These are popular areas to visit in the winter with great accommodations and a growing tourism industry, the country offers one of the cheapest options for skiing in all of Europe. The winter months start in November and continue through March with heavy snowfall in the mountains of Bosnia, Herzegovina experiences a milder winter and experiences little snow. February is the coldest month of the year when temperatures frequently fall below zero. The winter months are a time for many holidays and celebrations including Christmas, New Years’’’ and the International Sarajevo Winter festival held in February.
Events and Festivals
-Christmas Eve – December 24th
-Christmas Day – December 25th
-Boxing Day – December 26th
-New Year’s Eve – December 31st (Large parties in the capital city)
-New Year’s Day – January 1st
-Second New Year’s Day – January 2nd
March – May (Springtime)
Average temperatures during the springtime can be moderately cold with a range from 49-74 degrees. However, spring is a busy time of year for tourism in the country offering visitors great hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities to enjoy. The country celebrates Bosnian Labor Day on May 1st a huge celebration and official holiday throughout the country with public events, great food, and loud music. Rain can be a common occurrence during the springtime with around 6 days of precipitation per month. This time of year is wonderful for checking out the countryside with blooming wildflowers and verdant green landscapes.
Events and Festivals
-Sarajevo Winter Arts Festival – February 6th – March 19th
-Western Easter Weekend – Good Friday through Easter Monday
-Orthodox Easter Weekend – Good Friday through Easter Monday
-Ramadan – April 23rd – May 23rd
-Labor Day – May 1st – National holiday
June – August – (Summer)
Summertime is the warmest time of year to visit the country with July, August, then June having the highest temperatures around 87 degrees during the day and rarely dropping below 62 in the evenings. The summer months are the driest time of year with little to no rainfall, its a great time of year to visit for outdoor activities like river rafting, hiking in the mountains, and kayaking, along with visiting lakes for swimming and summer nights in Sarajevo. Neum is on the Adriatic Sea and is a busy place during the summer months, things can get quite crowded this time of year, so it is highly recommended to book your trip and accommodations well in advance. The summer months in Herzegovina are from April through the end of November, with high daytime temperatures and cool nights. Prices are very high during the summer months in all the cities with very low availability. Bosnia features a shorter summer starting in May and lasting through October, the weather however can be unpredictable.
Events and Festivals
-Kid’s Festival – June – Children friendly entertainment, workshops, magicians, jugglers, and dancing with different types of art to keep them entertained.
-Bascarsiji Nights – July – The month-long event features some 40-50 different events that honor the rich culture of Bosnia with literary events, film showings, classical music, opera, and ballet.
-Mostar Summer Festival – June 25-27th – Open-air music festival featuring local rock bands.
-Mostar Blues and Rock Festival – July 18-19
-Sarajevo Film Festival – August – Long and short regional films are shown
-Summer Games – August – crowds gather from all over the world to celebrate in the historic town of Kastel.
September – November – (Autumn)
The autumn months in Bosnia-Herzegovina begin in late September in the northern part of the country with average temperatures around 48 degrees. The weather gets much colder in November when temperatures drop to around 36 degrees and brings in the wintery feel. The autumn climate is pretty mild and winter activities start to gear up during these months in the Olympic mountains. This is a less crowded time of year to visit with available accommodations and lower prices. The country transforms in autumn with leaves turning stunning colors of red, orange, and yellow creating spectacular scenery. Rain and snow are common during this time with an average of 5-6 days of precipitation per month.
Events and Festivals
-International Theater Festival – September 26th – October 3rd – Sarajevo
-Sarajevo Jazz Festival – November 5th-8th
Tipping in Bosnia & Herzegovina
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Bosnia Herzegovina
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Bosnian Convertible Mark?
The currency of Bosnia is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM or KM). Euro area accepted in some places, however, you will not receive the best exchange rate unless using the local currency. You will need to exchange your currency for the Euro which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks of banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.
A VAT percentage is a service fee for the state used in Western Europe and American countries, you are obliged to pay the service fee. The fee will be automatically included in your bill and can range from 12-15%.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping in restaurants is usually expected, if you received good service leaving a tip between 10-15% is a nice gesture for the waitstaff. Be sure to check your bill as many establishments may already have added a service charge and then there is no need to tip anything additionals. Tipping amounts are determined by the level of service given.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping at hotels in Montenegro is a common practice, Bell boys should receive a few euros per bag and the maid service 2-3 euros a night. Hotel staff will be very grateful for a tip, how much to leave is up to you, but this is a general suggestion.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
When taking a taxi ride in Bosnia and Herzegovina it is common to round up the fare and leave the extra change for the driver. The tipping percentage for a driver runs anywhere between 8-20% and is determined by the level of service received. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
When taking an organized tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina it is recommended to tip about 10% to your tour guides.
Final Thoughts
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Albania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Driving in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. This remarkable country has embraced tourism in recent years and is a great destination to explore by car. The verdant, varied landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, historic sights, and friendly locals make it a wonderful adventure for travelers.
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The main highways in Bosnia-Herzegovina are in excellent condition without any toll booths, many visitors begin their country tour in the capital city of Sarajevo filled with ample historical sights. Mostar is a charming historic city with its symbolic bridge, Jajce featuring its massive and famous waterfall, Telic for its huge spa resort, and Bihac, the border town know for Una National Park. Distances in the country can be quite significant, so hiring a car is great allowing you to visit off-the-beaten-track destinations and passing through beautiful verdant landscapes.
In Bosnia-Herzegovina, they drive on the right-hand side and overtake (pass) on the left. It is compulsory to wear seat belts in front and back seats. Dipped headlights are obligatory for 24 hours a day all year round. Using mobile phones is prohibited unless a hands-free device is present. The use of winter tires is required between November 15th the April 15th, and during winter conditions drivers are required to remove all snow and ice from their vehicle or they will be fined.
Road Conditions
There are less than 24 miles of four-lane highway in the entire country. Most of the roads throughout the country are single lanes and some are not in great condition. Roads are often narrow and winding in places with a lack of guardrails along with lack of visibility. There are dirt tracks and side roads in rural areas which should not be explored as there are still hundreds of landmines that remain around the country.
Road Signs
Police are present all around Bosnia-Herzegovina, so obey the law and speed limits when driving. Street lights are lacking when traveling outside of the major city center.
Speed Limits
The national speed limit on the Bosnia motorways is 130 km/h (80 mph), 100 km/h on dual carriageways, 80 km/h on open roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas.
Documents and Laws
Be sure to have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and rental car paperwork including insurance when driving. If you are crossing borders this is extremely important along with your passport.
Dipped headlights are required 24 hours a day all year round. It is a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for headlights).
Dialing 112 from anywhere in Europe will connect you to an operator that will connect you with emergency services in the country you are visiting. The operators can speak English or French.
The alcohol limit when driving in Bosnia-Herzegovina is much lower than in most other countries, at 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03%). Avoid drinking completely when you are diving, if anyone in the car has been drinking or is under the influence of alcohol they are not permitted to travel in the front seat of the vehicle.
Car Rentals
The minimum age to rent a car in Bosnia-Herzegovina is 21. Drivers need a full, valid driver’s license and usually a second form of proof of identification. Most rental car companies will require you to use a credit card for a deposit. Check with the rental car company first if you plan to travel outside of the Bosnia-Herzegovina borders.
Gas Stations/Petrol Stations
Petrol stations are readily available around cities and villages, but once you get outside of the main cities petrol stations are rare, be sure to fill up when you see a petrol station as you don’t want to run out of petrol in the middle of Bosnia.
Top cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina
What to expect while traveling
