Bosnia and Herzegovina
At the Crossroads of Southern and Eastern Europe…
Bosnia and Herzegovina, often referred to as Bosnia, has several major tourist attractions. Significantly, there are three cultural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List:
- Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
- Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
- Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards (with Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia)
Additionally, Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar, is the historical and cultural center of the capital city.
U.S. citizens visiting Bosnia for tourism do not require visas if their stay is shorter than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for three months after your departure date.
We spent a month in Mostar and a month in Sarajevo during our first year of full-time travel.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Future Destinations
We have enjoyed our time in Bosnia and look forward to returning soon.
Banja Luka
Summer 2024
Bosnia Food
Local Food Products
According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are 12 food products that have applied for a national geographical indication or designation of origin, but none of them have been granted so far. These products are:
- Sarajevski sudžuk (a type of dry sausage)
- Visočka pečenica (a type of smoked pork loin)
- Banjalučki ćevap (a type of grilled minced meat)
- Travnički sir (a type of cheese)
- Livanjski sir (a type of cheese)
- Kupreški sir (a type of cheese)
- Hercegovački sir iz mijeha (a type of cheese made in a sheepskin bag)
- Hercegovački pršut (a type of dry-cured ham)
- Hercegovački med (honey from Herzegovina)
- Hercegovačka smokva (figs from Herzegovina)
These products reflect the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, influenced by various cultures and regions. The country is also working with FAO and other partners to improve the quality and competitiveness of its agri-food sector, as well as to enhance its resilience to climate change and other challenges.
Bosnia Wine
Bosnia Wine
Red Wine
Red wines are typically made from Blatina and Vranac grapes.
White Wine
Most white wines are made from Zilavka grapes.
Check out our Bosnia Wine page for more information about these wines.
Bosnia Architecture
The architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina is primarily influenced by four significant periods when political and social changes created distinct architectural styles in the region.
Medieval Period
The medieval period in Bosnia lasted until the invasion of the Ottoman Empire.
Most of the military fortresses were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The structures were built out of rough-cut stone on hills overlooking a river, route, or town. Today there are around 300 remaining, but most are in ruins.
Ottoman Period
In the late 15th century, the Ottoman Empire came to the Balkans. They brought imperial Islamic architecture to the region and developed urban areas and cities.
Austro-Hungarian Period
In 1878, Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under Austro-Hungarian rule. During the next 40 years, the conquerors greatly influenced urban planning and architecture. Some of the changes included the introduction of new building codes and urban planning regulations, including requirements relating to harmonious design with immediate surroundings and the overall plan.
Stylistically, Bosnia was assimilated into the European mainstream except for the pseudo-Moorish style. The aim was to promote the Bosnian national identity while avoiding its association with the Ottoman Empire.
Yugoslav Period
Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918. The national authority sought to establish a unified state identity, and, as a result, it began to dictate the official architecture more and more.
Following World War II, modernist architecture symbolized the nation’s break from the USSR.
FAQs About Bosnia and Herzegovina
What are the Regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina, like many countries, is made of geographical, historical, and political regions.
Bosnia
- Western Bosnia (Bosanska Krajina)
- Bosnian Sava river basin (Bosanska Posavina)
- Semberija
- Eastern Bosnia (Bosnian Drina river basin) / Podrinje
- Central Bosnia / Srednja Bosna
- Tropolje
Herzegovina
- West Herzegovina
- East Herzegovina
What language is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnian is the official language of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Do I Need to Speak Bosnian to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?
No, speaking the local Bosnian language is not needed to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. A very large percentage of locals speak English.
What Currency is Used in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Do I Need a Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Do I Need an Electrical Adapter for Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It is the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe?
Yes, we stayed for two months in Mostar and Sarajevo and felt very safe.
Is It Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Bosnia?
Yes, it is very safe to rent a car and drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Be prepared for rural, narrow roads and the occasional herd of cows grazing on the side or standing in the road. Smaller is better when selecting your rental car as parking spots are tight.
What do I Need on My Bosnia and Herzegovina Packing List?
We recommend ladies bring their more conservative summer clothes for their stay in Bosnia. It’s not required, and you will be safe in a tube top and short skirt, but you will stick out.