Bosnia is one of the most beautiful and surprising Balkan countries to visit. Not only for the beauty of its landscapes, but also for its complex history. Bordering Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, it is a perfect destination to spend a few days discovering a unique culture and different customs. In this article, we show you the best road trip through Bosnia in 5 days.
Road trip through Bosnia: What to see in 5 days
Of course, you can spend as many days as you like in Bosnia, but we are going to show you a route designed for a 5-day trip that includes all the main tourist sites. The best way to get around is by renting a car, either in Sarajevo or in nearby capital cities, such as Dubrovnik. Let's get to it!
Days 1 and 2: Sarajevo
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the start and end point of our route, as it is where you can rent a car as soon as you land at the airport. Sarajevo is known as "the Jerusalem of Europe" because people of different religions live here. Among the most outstanding places to visit in Sarajevo you will find:
- City Hall. A building that, perhaps surprisingly, is similar to some monuments in Seville, since it has a Moorish style that is very recognizable in the south of Spain.
- Baščaršija. Commonly known as the Turkish neighborhood, since, when walking through its streets, it is like traveling there. Today it is one of the most popular neighborhoods, and its buildings maintain the architecture from the Ottoman Empire.
- Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque. This is the largest mosque in the city, and one of the best preserved despite its more than 500 years of history. Only Muslims can enter, but it is worth seeing the outer courtyard and the facade of the building.
- Sebilj Fountain. This is one of the most iconic fountains in Bosnia, located in Pigeon Square. Made of wood, it is said that if you drink its water, you will return to Sarajevo.
- Cathedrals. The Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos and the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are two of the most interesting buildings to see, and evidence of the coexistence of different religions in the same city.
Day 3: Mostar and the surrounding area
From Sarajevo, on the third and fourth day, you can head towards Mostar, one of the most touristic cities in the country, and spend the morning visiting the city. Among its main tourist attractions are the Lucky Most bridge, the old town and the Spanish Square. It is also interesting to see the Sniper tower, one of the few buildings that have not been restored since the Bosnian war, loaded with historical symbolism.
Near Mostar there are three places that we recommend you to visit if you have a rental car:
- Kravice waterfalls. Following the Trezibat River we find a set of beautiful waterfalls that form an unbeatable landscape. Some of them are 80 feet tall.
- Pocitelj. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Bosnia, Pocitelj has buildings that blend Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture following the course of the Neretva River. A postcard village.
- Blagaj. In this small village we find the source of the Buna River, right at the foot of a 650-foot karst mountain, flanked by the Derviche monastery and the Buna Spring.
Day 4: Sutjeska National Park
The fourth day can be devoted to visiting Sutjeska National Park, the oldest national park in Bosnia. In this park we can see one of the last old-growth forests in Europe. It is on the border with Montenegro and, on some of its highest peaks, the scenery is idyllic.
Here you can see waterfalls up to 320 feet tall, such as Skakavac, and monuments commemorating the victory of the battle of Sutjeska.
Day 5: Banja Luka
On the final day we suggest you go northwest, towards the town of Banja Luka. It is the second largest city in Bosnia, and you cannot miss the Orthodox Cathedral of Christ the Savior or the Ferhadija Mosque. It also has a very youthful atmosphere and a wide range of leisure activities.
Driving down from Banja Luka towards Sarajevo you can stop in Mlinčići, a small enclave where you can see a beautiful set of wooden windmills next to the Pliva lakes.
As you can see, Bosnia has a lot to offer, and is a perfect destination to unwind for 5 days. If you are thinking of making this trip, rent your car with OK Mobility in Sarajevo Airport… and enjoy the country!
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