Bosnia and Herzegovina
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General Travel Guide: The Resilient Heart of the Balkans
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not just a destination, it is a profound journey to a land where the scars of history coexist with overwhelming natural beauty. It is here that Ottoman minarets and Catholic and Orthodox bell towers share the horizon, telling a story of centuries of coexistence. From the bustling alleys of Baščaršija in Sarajevo, where the aroma of coffee and grilled meat fill the air, to the iconic jump off the Stari Most in Mostar, this country captivates the traveler. Prepare to discover rivers of an unreal emerald color, people of immense warmth and an indomitable spirit who have managed to turn tragedy into a moving testimony of hope.
Capital
Sarajevo
Population
3.210.847
Langue
BS, Croata, Serbio
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
4
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Bosnia and Herzegovina
Expériences uniques
Have a Bosnian coffee with 'ćejf'
Bosnian coffee ('bosanska kafa') is an institution. It is served in a 'džezva' (a copper coffee pot) on a tray with a sugar bowl and a glass of water. Drinking it is an art that involves enjoying the moment without rushing, a concept known as 'ćejf'. Doing it in one of the cafes in Baščaršija is the quintessential Sarajevite experience.
See the jump from the Stari Most
Mostar's 'Old Bridge', rebuilt after the war, is the soul of the city. Watching members of the local jumping club jump from 24 meters high into the cold waters of the Neretva River is an impressive spectacle and a tradition that dates back centuries.
Tour the Tunnel of Hope
Visiting the preserved fragment of the tunnel that was Sarajevo's only lifeline during the nearly four-year siege in the 1990s. Walking through this narrow underground gallery is a powerful and humbling experience that provides insight into the resilience of the city's inhabitants.
Bathing in the Kravica Waterfalls
On a hot summer day, there is nothing like visiting the spectacular Kravica waterfalls. This natural amphitheater of waterfalls cascading over a lake of emerald waters is the perfect place to swim, have a picnic and relax in a paradisiacal setting.
Discover the peace of Blagaj Monastery
Visiting the 'Tekija' (dervish monastery) of Blagaj is a mystical experience. This 16th century building, nestled at the base of a 200-meter cliff, overlooks the source of the Buna River, which emerges from a cave with incredible force. The sound of the water and the serenity of the place are unforgettable.
Explore the abandoned Olympic bobsleigh
In the hills above Sarajevo, the bobsleigh track from the 1984 Winter Olympics lies abandoned, covered in graffiti. Walking through this concrete structure that winds through the forest is a surreal and photogenic experience, a remnant of the city's Olympic glory.
A Feast of Ottoman and Balkan Flavors
The cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the result of centuries of history: it is hearty, tasty and generous. With a clear Ottoman heritage and Austro-Hungarian and Slavic touches, it is based on grilled meats, savory pastries ('pita'), slow-cooked stews and fresh vegetables. Food is a fundamental part of hospitality.
The cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the result of centuries of history: it is hearty, tasty and generous. With a clear Ottoman heritage and Austro-Hungarian and Slavic touches, it is based on grilled meats, savory pastries ('pita'), slow-cooked stews and fresh vegetables. Food is a fundamental part of hospitality.
The Culture of 'Roštilj' (Grill)
Grilled meat is a religion. 'ćevabdžinica' (ćevapi restaurants) and 'aščinica' (traditional food restaurants) are the heart of the culinary scene. Dishes like ćevapi or pljeskavica are essential.
'Pita': The King of Savory Pastries
Thin phyllo pastries ('jufka') are a mainstay of the diet. 'Burek' is the most famous (stuffed with meat), but there are many varieties: 'sirnica' (cheese), 'zeljanica' (spinach) and 'krompiruša' (potato).
Plats Iconiques
Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići)
The undisputed national dish. They are small rolls of grilled minced beef, served inside a flatbread ('somun') with chopped raw onion and sometimes 'kajmak' (a heavy cream).
Burek
A spiral or layered cake made from filo dough and filled with minced meat. It is eaten at any time of the day and is the king of street food. Versions with other fillings are generically called 'pita'.
Begova Čorba (Bey's Soup)
A rich, creamy chicken and vegetable soup, thickened with egg and often with a hint of lemon. It is a traditional and delicious starter.
Bosanski Lonac (Bosnian Stew)
A hearty stew layered with large chunks of meat and vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage) that cooks slowly for hours in a crock pot. Each family has its own version.
Sarma
Sour cabbage leaf rolls (sauerkraut) filled with minced meat and rice, cooked over low heat. It is a very popular winter dish throughout the Balkan region.
Dolma
The term refers to stuffed vegetables, such as peppers ('punjene paprike'), onions ('sogan dolma') or zucchini, with a mixture of meat and rice.
Boissons typiques
Bosanska Kafa (Bosnian Coffee)
Prepared in a 'džezva' and served in small cups ('fildžani'), it is strong and drunk in slow sips. It is the center of social life.
Rakija
The powerful fruit brandy of the Balkans. The plum variety ('šljivovica') is the most common, but there are also grape, pear or apple varieties. It is drunk as an aperitif or digestive.
Pivo (Beer)
Local beers like Sarajevsko Pivo are light and refreshing lagers, perfect to accompany ćevapi.
Sok od Zove (Elderflower Juice)
A homemade elderflower syrup mixed with water. It is an incredibly popular and refreshing drink during spring and summer.
Desserts traditionnels
Baklava
Of clear Ottoman heritage, this sweet consists of thin layers of filo dough filled with crushed walnuts and bathed in a sugar and lemon syrup ('agda').
Tufadaughter
An elegant and delicious dessert. They are apples poached in sugar water, filled with a nut cream and topped with whipped cream.
Hurmasica
Small soft pastry cakes, often date-shaped, that are soaked in syrup after baking. They melt in your mouth.
Jabukovaca
A filo pastry cake, similar to strudel, filled with apple cubes, sugar and cinnamon, and also bathed in syrup.
Que voir par thème
The richness of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in its incredible mix of history, culture and nature. Next, we suggest you explore the country through different topics.
Sarajevo: The Jerusalem of Europe
The capital is a city where mosques, Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals and synagogues coexist just a few meters away. Explore the Ottoman bazaar of Baščaršija, visit the site of the assassination that sparked World War I, and feel the vibrant mix of cultures.
Herzegovina: Sun, Stone and Water
The southern region of the country has a Mediterranean feel. The essential tour includes Mostar and its bridge, the mystical oasis of Blagaj, the fortified village of Počitelj and the refreshing waterfalls of Kravica. This area is also known for its wines.
The Legacy of War and Hope
To understand the country it is essential to know its recent history. The Tunnel of Hope and the 07/11/95 Gallery in Sarajevo (about the Srebrenica massacre) are moving visits. The 'Sarajevo roses' (mortar marks on the asphalt filled with red resin) are a constant reminder.
Nature Adventure
Bosnia is a paradise for nature lovers. Una National Park is famous for its crystal clear waters and rafting. Sutjeska National Park is home to the last primary forest in Europe and the impressive monument of the Battle of Sutjeska. The Olympic mountains of Jahorina and Bjelašnica offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
In the Footprints of Kings and Viziers
Jajce, the last capital of the medieval Bosnian kingdom, impresses with its fortress and waterfall in the heart of the city. Travnik, the former capital of the Ottoman viziers, retains its charm with its fortress, colorful mosques and being the birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić.
The Atomic Secret of Yugoslavia
Near the city of Konjic hides the Tito bunker (ARK D-0), a huge underground complex built secretly to house the Yugoslav leadership in the event of a nuclear attack. Today it is a museum and a contemporary art space.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
The official currency is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM or KM). It has a fixed exchange rate with the euro (1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM). Euros are accepted in many tourist places, but it is advisable to use the local currency to get better prices.
Internal Transportation
The bus network is the most efficient and widespread way to travel between cities. Trains are less frequent but can be very scenic, such as the route from Sarajevo to Mostar. Renting a car gives more flexibility to explore rural areas.
Language
The official languages are Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian, which are mutually intelligible. In tourist areas, especially among young people, it is common to find people who speak English. German is also relatively widely spoken.
Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it is common to round up the bill or leave 10%. For tour guides and taxi drivers, it is also a welcome gesture.
This guide is just an introduction to the complexity and beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a country that challenges you, educates you and makes you fall in love in equal parts. We encourage you to explore without prejudice, to talk with its people and to let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of a nation that has a lot to tell. Sretan put! (Have a good trip!)
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