Let me introduce you to a country long overlooked by tourists.

Nearby countries of Croatia and Montenegro have become tourist hot spots, but Bosnia remains somewhat of a hidden gem.  It is slowly starting to get the spotlight it deserves, however its history is very tragic, and I urge you to read about it before you go so you can see what this country has overcome. Despite the events of the past, Bosnia is still a place of ethnic and religious diversity.  You will find the most beautiful Cathedrals and Mosques all over the country.

I can tell you so many reasons why Bosnia is worth visiting.

The Food

You haven’t had good Balkan food unless you’ve eaten in Bosnia. A must try are Cevapi which are grilled sausages made of a mixture or ground beef and pork, seasoned with lots of garlic and paprika and served on traditional flat bread. Another famous food in Bosnia is Pita which is a traditional  dish comprised of homemade phyllo dough with filling that is baked and served with sour cream. Fillings include cheese, spinach, meat, and potatoes. My favourite is the meat one which is called Burek. You will definitely leave this country a few pounds heavier but with no regrets.

If you are more into exploring the cities, then prepare yourself for beautiful olden cobble stone streets, charming old houses, amazing people, or if you’re more a nature fanatic than there is no shortage of beautiful scenery for you to see.
A few Must visit places are:

Sarajevo, the capital city

But it is much more then that. It’s where East meets West, where mountains meet city and where tradition meets modernity. However it’s the tragic parts of its past that have shaped how Sarajevo is today. To think of what has happened there during the siege , and to see how well they are thriving today is truly an underrating experience. Make sure while you’re there to stop by  Bascarsija  which is Sarajevo’s old bazaar and the historical and cultural centre of the city.

Old city of Mostar.

Next stop is the city of Mostar which translates to Old Bridge, and that is exactly what its famous for. In November 1993, during the Bosnian civil war, the bridge was destroyed by artillery fire from Bosnian Croat forces. A major rebuilding project was undertaken to restore the bridge and nearby buildings that had also been damaged and its been reopened in 2004.  The bridge and the surrounding area were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2005. And if you’re lucky, you may even see Mostar’s famous divers. This enchanting little medieval town is only about a two hour drive from Sarajevo.

Trip to Blagaj and Jaice

Located 20 minutes from Mostar you will find Blagaj, a little village-town is one of the most valuable mixed urban and rural structures in Bosnia. A must see is Blagaj Tekke which is a Dervish Monastery nearly 600 years old, and its built under a cliff. You can take a brief boat ride into the cave which is the source of the Buna river.

Next on your itinerary should be Jajce. The Walled City of Jajce is a medieval fortified nucleus , with a fortress high above town on top of a hill, enclosed with long defensive walls. It is one of the best preserved fortified capitals of the Bosnian Kingdom, the last stronghold before to kingdom dissolved under the pressure of military advancement.The ancient capital of the Bosnian kings fell to the Turks in 1461, when the last king was executed. The town became part of Yugoslavia after World War I and during World War II it was the base of operations for the Communist resistance forces under Marshal Tito. And if the fortress and history aren’t exciting enough for you right in the centre of the town you will find the Pliva waterfall.

Breathtaking Waterfalls

Another must visit place are the Kravice Waterfalls ,one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Herzegovinian region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located on the Trebizat river, it cascades off a particularly large tuff limestone deposit and onto the lake below in which you can swim. (Warning it is not wheelchair or stroller friendly as there are many stairs and uneven grounds).

I hope I have made you at least a little curious to see what more this beautiful country has to offer.