Most people think of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a landlocked country but the country actually boasts a small outlet to Mediterranean Sea, which overlooks the Croatian peninsula of Peljesac.
If you’re traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the summer months, you’ll definitely have to visit the beach resort town of Neum to cool-off at the beach. Neum is about 70 miles south of Sarajevo and while it may be the only beach destination in the country Neum boasts lots of water rentals available and plenty of hotel accomodation to choose from.
Besides sunbathing, swimming and doing water sports, you’ll also be able to hop on one of the many excursion boats that sail to the Croatian island of Korkula.
From Neum, you'll also be able to take easy day trips to nearby Dubrovnik, which is just 60 minutes drive by car. A cheaper alternative to get to Dubrovnik, though, is by catching the “Split-Dubrovnik bus” that stops in Neum. A typical round-trip ticket will only cost you less than 10 EUR (60 KM).
Take a tour of Sarajevo Tunnel
One of the main reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first place is to learn about the infamous “Siege of Sarajevo” during the Bosnian War. One of the best ways to do this is, of course, by taking a tour of the Sarajevo War Tunnel, which played an important role in saving nearly half-a-million people escape the "inferno" in Sarajevo.
The Sarajevo War Tunnel tour consists of a short 20 minute-video intro about the Siege of Sarajevo and how the tunnel was constructed. Then, you get to walk through part of the tunnel and visit the museum that exhibits photos and other interesting war mementos about the Bosnian conflict.
The Sarajevo War tunnel is located just past the Sarajevo Airport so you can easily catch a taxi and be there in less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a tour of Sarajevo War Tunnel with one of the tour operators in Sarajevo (e.g. Sarajevo Funky Tours) who charge roughly 15EUR for this tour.
Spend a day in Vrelo Bosne
Vrelo Bosne is without a doubt, one of the most stunning natural areas in the Balkans region and it’s one of the best spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina to go for a pleasant day out not far from the capital. The natural area boasts dozens of lovely walking trails, waterfalls, and small lakes that are home to ducks and swans.
You can easily get to Vrelo Bosne by taxi, though the most popular way to get there is by hopping on the Sarajevo Tramway #3 towards Ilidza and then, catching a horse-drawn carriage ride (around 8 EUR) to Vrelo Bosne.
Day trip hike to Skakavac Waterfall
While in the country, you won’t want to miss the chance to take a day hike trip to the highest waterfall in the Bosnia and Herzegovina - the Skakavac Waterfall. The Skakavac Waterfall is located 6 miles from Sarajevo (just 3 miles from the village of Nahorevo), and it’s surrounded by the most picturesque forest hill scenery ever!
One of the best ways to enjoy a day trip hike to Skakavac Waterfall is by hiring a mountain bike to ride there. You’ll definitely need to allocate a good 5-6 hours for this day trip from Sarajevo but it’s totally worth it to enjoy the refreshing spray of the waterfall and, of course, take in the outstanding views from the top.
Take a walking tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town
Touring the capital city of Sarajevo is certainly one of the top six things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina and while you’re staying there you definitely can’t miss the opportunity to explore on foot the old town of the city.
As a history buff, you’ll love visiting Sarajevo’s Stari Grad to see Franz Ferdinand’s plaque on the Latin Bridge, which marks the spot where the emperor was assassinated triggering the start of the First World War.
The Old Town boasts is a lively place and as you walk the narrow cobblestone streets, you won’t be able to help but notice the Old Town’s interesting architectural blend that includes mosques, catholic churches and Jewish Synagogues such as the Old Temple Jewish Synagogue and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque - both constructed in the late 1500’s.
Besides marveling at the buildings and taking photos, the old town of Sarajevo is an excellent spot to shop for traditional Bosnian souvenirs such as handmade scarves, bags and sweaters.
Attend a festival
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fantastic place to visit all year-round, though one of the best times to travel to the country has to be during the summer months.
All through the months of June and August, you’ll be able to catch annual festivities and celebrations such as the Kozara Ethno Festival (June) in the village of Piskavica, the Summer Games (Aug) and Summer on the Vrbas (Jul 29- Aug 1) in Banja Luka.
The most popular events held in Sarajevo are the International Folklore Festival (Jul 17-23), the Film Festival (Jul 6-14), the Kid’s Festival, and Bascarsija Nights (Jul) which is held in the Turkish quarter of Sarajevo.
The Kid’s Festival (Jun 8-12) is definitely the biggest events in the calendar year because it features hundreds of fun activities for young and old such as bouncy castles, story telling, choir singing, magic shows, break dancing competitions and more.
The “Summer on the Vrbas” is another great festival in Bosnia and Herzegovina worth attending because of the boat racing and bridge jumping events.
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