Tips for your holiday in Bosnia 2024
If you are a German traveler planning to visit my home country, in this post I will give you some Bosnia vacation tips for an enriching and smooth trip. Located in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich history, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
Holiday Bosnia Tips for accommodation and transport
When it comes to Bosnia vacation tips accommodation, you can choose between hotels, hostels and guesthouses, motels or apartments. Your choice may depend on your preferred level of comfort and the amenities you need, such as room service, in-house restaurants and daily housekeeping.
As for accommodation prices, if you come during peak season (summer and autumn), prices may be a bit higher compared to months with fewer tourists, so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. Also, accommodation is more expensive in big cities or tourist hotspots compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
Transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is pretty straightforward. Big cities are connected by buses and trains. But I must tell you that trains don't run that often. For example, the train from Sarajevo to Mostar leaves around 7 am and again around 5 pm. But despite that, it will be worth it, believe me. This train ride is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Buses run more frequently, but mainly to bigger cities. If you want to explore small towns in the country, that might not be the case.
As for inner-city transport, Sarajevo has trams and buses, other larger cities have buses, but smaller cities have nothing. In this case, you will have to resort to taxis.
As I said before, if you want to explore rural areas and national parks independently, one of my Bosnia vacation tips would be to rent a car. To rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Even though the rental car company may not ask for an international driver's license before giving you the car (they are not obliged to!), it is a good precaution to have it with you to ensure you comply with local regulations.
Also make sure you have the necessary driving and vehicle documents on hand. It is important to drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) as this serves as a translation of your own valid driving license. It is required for car rental and identification purposes.
In addition to the IDP, your own driving license, car insurance and an emergency kit with warning triangles, headlight converters, spare bulbs and winter tires for driving in snow are required.
Also remember that driving under the influence of alcohol is a danger to yourself and also to others and those around you. In Bosnia, there is a maximum blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, which means that even one glass of beer or wine can put you over the legal limit.
If you don't want to drive, I would recommend booking a tour that will take you to your desired destinations. You can book tours of Bosnia and Herzegovina through agencies that work with HolidaysInBosnia collaborate, discover or search for offers from others.
Costs and currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very affordable destination. For example, a delicious meal in a local restaurant will cost €5-€10, or a mid-priced three-course meal for two will cost around €20-€40.
If you want to know more about the cost of a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, here is a Link to one of my previous postswhere I talked about the prices of accommodation, transportation, food, sightseeing and more. In this post you will also find many Bosnia vacation tips to save money.
Although Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, make sure you have local currency for everyday purchases and exploring hidden gems in my home country.
Why is it important to have local currency? For example, small parking lots or shops often do not accept euros and it is always good to have it to avoid inconvenience.
Holiday Bosnia Tips for Health and Safety
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) do not cover Bosnia and Herzegovina. Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuations and be aware of any protocols. The number for an ambulance is 124 and you should contact your insurance or medical aid organization quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for tourists. However, as in many European countries, you should be cautious and watch your belongings in busy areas, especially in tourist areas.
The German Embassy in Sarajevo offers consular assistance to German citizens. Register your travel plans on their website for updates and alerts. Here is a Link to a websitewhich contains all the information you might need, such as the embassy address, phone number, etc.
Must try food and drinks
Bosnian cuisine is a delicious mix of Ottoman, Mediterranean and Eastern European influences and it is so tasty. When it comes to food and drink, one of my Bosnia vacation tips would be to start your culinary journey with dishes like Ćevapi, burek, japrak or sarma. Also try Vlašić cheese, which is one of the best white cheeses in brine.
Complete your dining experience with a cup of strong Bosnian coffee and delicious desserts such as baklava and tufahija. If you visit my home country, don't miss out on trying Bosnian wines.
The majority of vineyards and wineries in Bosnia and Herzegovina are located in the Mostar and Trebinje areas, producing globally popular varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as indigenous varieties such as Žilavka, Blatina and Trnjak, and varieties from Central Europe such as Vranac and Smederevka.
Here's a tidbit of knowledge for you, did you know that Bosnian water Oaza was served in the White House?
Tips for cultural considerations and social behavior
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very rich culture and many customs. I'm not saying you have to dress like locals, but it would be nice if you adopted some of them to appreciate Bosnia and Herzegovina's unique mix of tradition and modernity. Here are some Bosnia vacation tips for cultural considerations and social behavior:
- For example, when you arrive at your accommodation, especially if you have booked an apartment, it would be nice if you do not enter with your shoes.
- We are warm and hospitable people and like to greet everyone with a handshake, so accept it or even offer one.
- In Bosnia we have great respect for food, so please do not waste food if possible.
- If you are near religious objects, please do not make noise as people may be praying there.
- You might enjoy listening and learning about sevdalinkas. These are traditional Bosnian songs that express emotions and life stories.
- Learn about our history in museums and from locals. Bosnians are very talkative people and would not hesitate to share a piece of history with you. As you probably already know, Bosnia and Herzegovina has monuments related to the conflict in the 1990s. Respect these places and understand their importance in local history and identity.
Places you must visit in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country and I'm not just saying that because I was born there. There is a lot to see and enjoy and in the text below I've written some Bosnia holiday tips for places of interest that you absolutely must visit. I hope you'll consider them.
You can start your trip in Sarajevo, the capital city known for its diverse cultural heritage and bustling old bazaar Baščaršija. Then take a train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar. Explore the streets of Mostar and visit the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and atmospheric Old Town. While you're there, you might be lucky enough to see an iconic jump from the Stari Most. Between Sarajevo and Mostar lies the beautiful little town of Konjic. Konjic has a lot to offer you, rafting on the Neretva River, quad tours to the nearby mountains, swimming in the lake and many historical sights. Near Mostar there is the Blagaj Tekija, a dervish monastery located on the headwaters of the Buna River.
If you tire of the Herzegovina region, you can immerse yourself in history in Jajce, where a majestic waterfall cascades down beneath a medieval fortress. Explore the unspoiled beauty of Una National Park, visit Travnik, a beautiful town with plenty of history, or the city of Tuzla.
To better plan your vacation, be sure to read my previous posts where I wrote about hiking for beginners in Bosnia, a vacation away from the crowds, a vacation on a budget, 10 must-visit places, a beach vacation and more. You can find these posts in the blog section of the VacationInBosnia website.
Holiday Bosnia Tips on clothing for the seasons
During your visit, expect different weather conditions depending on the region and time of year. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate, so the seasons will affect what you bring.
If you are coming in summer (June to August), which is warm to hot, bring light clothing, use sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes. Summer is ideal for exploring Bosnia's natural beauty and outdoor attractions.
Winter, which lasts from December to February, can be very cold, especially in mountainous regions. Warm clothes, jackets, hats and sturdy boots will be your best friends. Winter is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
Although they can be unpredictable, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures. Bring clothes you can wear in multiple seasons.
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