Bosnia and Herzegovina- A Heart Shaped Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. Bosnia covers the north and centre of the country with its name probably derived from 'bosana', an old Indo-European word meaning water, which Bosnia has no short of.
The southern region of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan (Duke Stjepan),was later named Herzegovina after the region was conquered by the invading Ottomans. Perhaps what is most important for the visitor to know today, though, is that Bosnia and Herzegovinais a stunningly beautiful country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. And as the old cliche goes 'people make the place' – and BiH prides itself on its hospitality and treating our guests as if they were family members. And family we take to heart.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. Bosnia covers the north and centre of the country with its name probably derived from 'bosana', an old Indo-European word meaning water, which Bosnia has no short of.
The southern region of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan (Duke Stjepan),was later named Herzegovina after the region was conquered by the invading Ottomans. Perhaps what is most important for the visitor to know today, though, is that Bosnia and Herzegovinais a stunningly beautiful country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. And as the old cliche goes 'people make the place' – and BiH prides itself on its hospitality and treating our guests as if they were family members. And family we take to heart.
Tourist Attractions
There are many fascinating destinations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina for every type of tourist. In BiH, one gets the best of both worlds. Here, the most interesting and attractive sites are a wonderful mix of this tiny country's cultural and natural heritage. It is almost impossible to separate them, for it is from this pristine nature that its cultures and traditions evolved.
Sarajevo's Bascarsija (Old Town)
The Old Town 'Bascarsija' may be hard to pronounce but it is certainly one of the most impressive and charming market centers in the country. Bascarsija has been a trading and meeting place since the 15th century as caravans from Asia minor, Dubrovnik and the west met here to trade their wares.
Mostar's Stari Most (Old Bridge)
The old bridge is perhaps the finest example of Ottoman ingenuity and Dalmatian masonry in the western Balkans. Not only does this precious stone structure bridge the east and west banks of the emerald Neretva River, it also symbolizes the crossroads of eastern and western civilizations.
Neum - the sunny Adriatic
Although its only a tiny strip of the gorgeous Adriatic, Neum has become a major seaside resort. Ideally located between Split and Dubrovnik and just a short distance to Mostar and Medugorje, Neum is an inexpensive holiday spot for fun and the sun.
Sutjeska National Park
Locally famous for the great battle of WWII when the partisans defeated a massive German army this park is also home to one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests in Perucica. Also home to Bosnia's highest peak (Maglic Mt. 2,386 m) its a paradise for hikers, walkers and nature lovers.
Medugorje
In the early 1980's several teenagers saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. Since then this sleepy Herzegovina village has been transformed into one of the largest Catholic pilgrimages in the world.
Tekija (Blagaj)
This 16th century dervish order monastery epitomizes the harmonious existence of man and nature. This stunning structure was built at the mouth of the largest source in Herzegovina which gushes from a cave at the base of a 200 meter cliff.
Jahorina Mountain
The XIV Winter Olympics are long gone, but the slopes still remain, and so does olympic style skiing. Jahorina has made a great comeback as southeast Europe's best ski resort. Great skiing. Great accommodation. Great fun. All just a short ride from the capital Sarajevo.
Bjelasnica Mountain
This Olympic mountain is also making a steady comeback. It was the site of the men’s slalom and is by far the most challenging ski trails in the country. Off the beaten track are ideal spots for cross country and tour skiing, as well as year round hiking, biking, and village tourism in the ancient highland villages.
Travnik
Famous for its Nobel Laureate writer Ivo Andric this Ottoman town still best represents what was once called the European Istanbul. This ancient mosque's and fortress that dot the skyline are as impressive as the original style Bosnian architecture that gives this town its charm. Not far from Travnik is the mountain ski resort of Vlasic - a paradise for snowboarders and a great nature break spot.
Kravica Waterfalls
The Trebizat River creates a wonderful green belt amidst the dry landscape of western Herzegovina. This stunning waterfall runs over 100 meters long and drops an impressive 25 meters. Kravica is an ideal place for a picnic or a swim and definitely provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in Herzegovina.
Tvrdos Monastery
Trvdos is a 14th century Orthodox monastery near the beautiful towns of Trebinje and Dubrovnik. The frescoes are amongst the finest in the region and the monastery itself is home to several 5th and 6th century icons.
Kraljeva Sutjeska
Locally acclaimed as being one of the last seats of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom this quaint town is a bastion of ancient Bosnian history. From the medieval fortress and Franciscan monastery to one of the oldest mosque's in the country it’s a wonderfully unique rural experience rarely found today in Europe.
Jajce and the Pliva Lake region
Jajce was the last stronghold of the Bosnian kings before it fell to the invading Ottomans in 1528. Known for the massive waterfall that blesses the heart of the city Jajce represents multiple layers of this regions long history - with traces of Illyrian and Roman finds as well as the distinct Bosnian and Ottoman features. The Pliva Lake region offer world class fly-fishing, as well as great water sports in the lake region.
Bosnian Kingdom Trail
Cajengrad (Visoko), Vranduk (Zenica), Bobovac (Varew), Kraljeva Sutjeska (Kakanj), Maglaj, Tewanj, Fojnica, Travnik, Prusac, Jajce
This is just a taste of the great destinations Bosnia and Herzegovina has to offer. Come see for yourself and discover the heart shaped land.
Sarajevo's Bascarsija (Old Town)
The Old Town 'Bascarsija' may be hard to pronounce but it is certainly one of the most impressive and charming market centers in the country. Bascarsija has been a trading and meeting place since the 15th century as caravans from Asia minor, Dubrovnik and the west met here to trade their wares.
Mostar's Stari Most (Old Bridge)
The old bridge is perhaps the finest example of Ottoman ingenuity and Dalmatian masonry in the western Balkans. Not only does this precious stone structure bridge the east and west banks of the emerald Neretva River, it also symbolizes the crossroads of eastern and western civilizations.
Neum - the sunny Adriatic
Although its only a tiny strip of the gorgeous Adriatic, Neum has become a major seaside resort. Ideally located between Split and Dubrovnik and just a short distance to Mostar and Medugorje, Neum is an inexpensive holiday spot for fun and the sun.
Sutjeska National Park
Locally famous for the great battle of WWII when the partisans defeated a massive German army this park is also home to one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests in Perucica. Also home to Bosnia's highest peak (Maglic Mt. 2,386 m) its a paradise for hikers, walkers and nature lovers.
Medugorje
In the early 1980's several teenagers saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. Since then this sleepy Herzegovina village has been transformed into one of the largest Catholic pilgrimages in the world.
Tekija (Blagaj)
This 16th century dervish order monastery epitomizes the harmonious existence of man and nature. This stunning structure was built at the mouth of the largest source in Herzegovina which gushes from a cave at the base of a 200 meter cliff.
Jahorina Mountain
The XIV Winter Olympics are long gone, but the slopes still remain, and so does olympic style skiing. Jahorina has made a great comeback as southeast Europe's best ski resort. Great skiing. Great accommodation. Great fun. All just a short ride from the capital Sarajevo.
Bjelasnica Mountain
This Olympic mountain is also making a steady comeback. It was the site of the men’s slalom and is by far the most challenging ski trails in the country. Off the beaten track are ideal spots for cross country and tour skiing, as well as year round hiking, biking, and village tourism in the ancient highland villages.
Travnik
Famous for its Nobel Laureate writer Ivo Andric this Ottoman town still best represents what was once called the European Istanbul. This ancient mosque's and fortress that dot the skyline are as impressive as the original style Bosnian architecture that gives this town its charm. Not far from Travnik is the mountain ski resort of Vlasic - a paradise for snowboarders and a great nature break spot.
Kravica Waterfalls
The Trebizat River creates a wonderful green belt amidst the dry landscape of western Herzegovina. This stunning waterfall runs over 100 meters long and drops an impressive 25 meters. Kravica is an ideal place for a picnic or a swim and definitely provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in Herzegovina.
Tvrdos Monastery
Trvdos is a 14th century Orthodox monastery near the beautiful towns of Trebinje and Dubrovnik. The frescoes are amongst the finest in the region and the monastery itself is home to several 5th and 6th century icons.
Kraljeva Sutjeska
Locally acclaimed as being one of the last seats of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom this quaint town is a bastion of ancient Bosnian history. From the medieval fortress and Franciscan monastery to one of the oldest mosque's in the country it’s a wonderfully unique rural experience rarely found today in Europe.
Jajce and the Pliva Lake region
Jajce was the last stronghold of the Bosnian kings before it fell to the invading Ottomans in 1528. Known for the massive waterfall that blesses the heart of the city Jajce represents multiple layers of this regions long history - with traces of Illyrian and Roman finds as well as the distinct Bosnian and Ottoman features. The Pliva Lake region offer world class fly-fishing, as well as great water sports in the lake region.
Bosnian Kingdom Trail
Cajengrad (Visoko), Vranduk (Zenica), Bobovac (Varew), Kraljeva Sutjeska (Kakanj), Maglaj, Tewanj, Fojnica, Travnik, Prusac, Jajce
This is just a taste of the great destinations Bosnia and Herzegovina has to offer. Come see for yourself and discover the heart shaped land.