Meet a new story in the "Semi-finished Product" section: Olya Talantova, a writer from Samara, was inspired by Kusturica's films and set off on a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The short but intense route included the old town of Mostar, the monastery in Blagaj and the Kravice waterfalls.
Mostar
Mostar is the historical center of Herzegovina, a city with picturesque views, beautiful bridges across the Neretva River and good-natured locals (50% of whom are Croats, 40% are Bosnians and about 4% are Serbs). It is the fifth most populous city in the country. There are many mosques here: most of the inhabitants are Muslims.
How to get to Mostar?
Mostar is a major transport hub in the country, and there are several ways to get here. Easiest way to get here from: carrier buses Autoprevoz-bus make flights 7 times a day, the earliest is 06:00, the latest is 19:55. You can get there in two and a half hours, and one ticket will cost about 10 marks (€ 5). Electric trains from the capital to Mostar run 2 times a day - arrival times are 9:02 and 18:27. You can find the timetable at the railway ticket office. You can get to the city from: for example, buses from Budva to Mostar run 2 times a day, at 11:30 and at 22:40. You will pay € 24 for a ticket. The bus carrier Globtur Doo will take you from Tivat for € 23.5.
Our trip started from Montenegro, so we got to Mostar from Budva by evening bus. If you are planning to return to Montenegro again, there are lockers at the Budva bus station, where for € 2 you can leave your suitcases for a day. The road will take about 7 hours, and you may also be in for a surprise - instead of the huge bus drawn on the flyers, in most cases a regular minibus arrives, in which stretching your legs is a real problem. There is passport control on the border between Montenegro and Bosnia: the driver collects passports and hands them over to the post. In our case, the whole process took no more than 30 minutes. Bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor) Mostar is combined with the railway station: there are several coffee shops, one restaurant and a paid toilet for 1 mark (€ 0.5). The old town is a 10-minute walk from here.
You can pay in Bosnia and Herzegovina with both stamps and euros. Basically, they accept - we even called our trip "onlikash". It is worth considering that you can only pay with paper euro bills (there are no coins in circulation). If you hand over a large bill, then get ready for delivery in local currency. There are many exchange offices on the central streets, which can be recognized by yellow signs, but we did not use them: we simply paid in euros and received stamps for change. There are many apartments, hotels and hostels in the old town and near the train station. We stayed at a hostel Yellow House Hostel(Marsala Tita 60)- it looked more like an apartment without a kitchen and cost € 22 per day in a double room.
Shops, stalls, pastry shops and coffee houses in Mostar open early - many from 7 am. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in Mostar are "DM" and "Konzum" which work from 09:00 to 23:00. And many bakeries are located on Majdan and Marsala Tita streets: we chose Pekara Galeb and Old bridge bakkery. In the center of the old town there are many restaurants designed for tourists, however, in them the total bill for two will not exceed € 15. Large portions, free wi-fi, picturesque views of the mountains, the old town and bridges - what else do you need to be happy? Of the places we liked - Hindin Han Restaurant (Jusovina bb) , Sadrvan(Jusovina 11) , National Restaurant Cevabdzinica Tima - Irma, Kriva cuprija, Ascinica balkan and many cafes on the street Majdan.
Mostar's main beers are Mostarsko Pivo and PAN. Don't miss the opportunity to try it, it's worth it - and it is served in almost all cafes and restaurants. And if you want to experience the spirit of Mostar's bar life, check out the local pubs Duradzik, Black Dog Pub and Mostar Pub Crawl.
The city's attractions
The main attractions of each city are, of course, people. And in Mostar, these are people, as well as the bridges and mosques that they built. The most popular of the bridges is Old bridge(Stari Most)... Photos against its background tear Instagram, and the bridge itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is possible to find him naked (that is, without a crowd of tourists) in the early morning and after 23:00. In the daytime, half-naked locals love to sunbathe on it, deftly clinging to the railing. In the evening it is a very atmospheric place: the bridge is beautifully illuminated. The second most important bridge - Crooked bridge(Kriva Cuprija)... This is an arched bridge, which is a crossing over the Radoble River (a tributary of the Neretva) and is located near the Old Bridge.
"The old city is a shop, bridges, mosques, destroyed buildings and even a monument to Bruce Lee."
The old town is an attraction in itself. These are narrow cobbled streets, shops, bridges, mosques, Catholic churches, ruined buildings and even a monument to Bruce Lee in Zrenjevac Park. Some of the most important mosques in Mostar are the Karadzhozbegov Mosque near the Old Bridge and the Koski Meshmed Pasha Mosque with a majestic minaret against the backdrop of the Balkan mountains. It is she who is the background of the Old Bridge in the photographs.
Blagai
The fastest and cheapest way to get from Mostar to Ćapljina is by rail. Sarajevo-Ćapljina trains with a stop in Mostar run 2 times a day (they arrive in Mostar at 09:02 and 18:27). The journey will take half an hour and will cost 10 marks (€ 5) for a seat in a class 2 carriage. Bonus - free wi-fi, sockets, comfortable seats and a wonderful view from the window. Another option is the Centrotrans-eurolines buses. Right next to the station, you will find a tourist information desk (it is easy to spot by the yellow signs), several cafes, bakeries and supermarkets - this is a good time to buy food and drinks on the way to the waterfalls.
Kravice waterfalls are located between the city Ćapljina and the village Ljubuški, not far from the village of Studenci. Buses run from Ćapljina to Ljubuški three times a day. We, having checked the distance between these settlements, decided to walk 12-13 kilometers on foot, having bought food for a picnic. The path led through amazing quiet villages: Ćapljina, Trebižat, Krča, Prćavci, Stubica, Studenci, Glavica, Treseljevina, Mahala Pirići, Pregrađe, Jurjevica, Ljubuški. The first 4 kilometers next to the road and houses are walking paths, but with the disappearance of houses and the appearance of gardens and vegetable gardens, the paths disappear. I had to walk along the side of the road. You had to be careful - in some places it is really dangerous, because the Bosnians love to polish and honk pedestrians heartily. But on the way, helpful local residents helped us, who encouraged us “A little more, another 4 kilometers, then to the left, and another 4 kilometers”. The Bosnians smile broadly, cheer loudly, and politely ask if help is needed. After 20 kilometers, we saw the long-awaited sign Waterfall Kravice on the road and tried to cover the remaining 4 kilometers as quickly as possible. And the sight of the waterfalls was worth the trip.
The entrance to the reserve costs 6 marks (€ 3). At the entrance there are parking lots for buses, cars, several apartments for living, a restaurant, grocery and souvenir shops. It is easy to navigate the territory of the reserve itself: there are many maps and pointers. We went to the largest waterfalls. Next to them there are 2 restaurants with rather biting prices for Bosnia. There are many tourists on the shore, and many tourists in restaurants. To get over to the side that is closer to the waterfalls, you need to pay € 5 per person so that a dude with a mustache, in a hat and leggings, and even with a yellow oar, will transport you across a stream just over 10 meters long (and € 5 in Bosnia is this is a full dinner). However, you can find bypass paths through the narrowed river bed. The path is trodden, and the noise of the waterfalls calls in the right direction. It is worth spending a few hours at the waterfalls and not rushing anywhere. The roar of the water is soothing and inspiring.
A few hours later, we headed towards the sign to try to return to Ćapljina by bus, but it turned out that the bus had a slightly different route, so it would not have been possible to get directly to the waterfalls by anything other than a taxi. We went to the village of Ljubiški (it is 8 km), where we spent the night (this overnight cost us € 39). The bus station was marked on the map: in fact, it turned out that it was a meter by meter booth and 4 dusty buses. On Sunday, there is no transport from Ljubuški to Ćapljina, so we took a taxi again - it cost € 10. After that, we returned to Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina remained for us a country with a wonderful climate, majestic mountains and smiling people.
The country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the Balkans, will delight tourists with beautiful mountain landscapes, unique colors, the opportunity to relax by the sea or go skiing.
As mentioned above, if you are attracted to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you do not need a visa to visit it recently. Naturally, if you eat for a period not exceeding 30 days. By the way, Ukrainians will also not need to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina if the trip is no more than 30 days.
Financial questions
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is called the convertible mark. Bargaining chips are pfennigams. The exchange rate of the mark in relation to the euro is: 1.9 marks for 1 euro (as of August 2016). It is recommended to conduct currency exchange only in specialized institutions and institutions:
- banks;
- exchange points;
- at the reception in hotels.
Of course, making an exchange on the street is attractive, since it is more profitable, but "money changers" often use the gullibility of naive tourists to deceive them.
After completing the currency exchange, the receipt should be carefully put into the wallet - it will be needed when leaving the country when you carry out the reverse exchange operation.
Credit cards are not very common, and therefore it will be quite difficult to pay with a card. Better still have some cash on hand, just in case. Although, of course, in Sarajevo itself, as in some large cities, you can pay with a card (if it is Visa and Mastercard), as well as withdraw money from it, in many places.
It is noteworthy that the exchange, if you are carrying euros with you, need not be carried out. Because here they gladly accept the currency of the European Union - be it hotels or ordinary shops. But the US dollars, most likely, will have to be changed - they are not accepted so happily and not everywhere.
Attractions and entertainment
In a country like Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is something for every taste. Starting from natural and ending with architectural, historical.
If we talk about the latter, then it is definitely worth highlighting:
- narrow streets ;
- in Sarajevo;
- a caravanserai in Sarajevo;
- included in the UNESCO World Heritage List;
- numerous temples and mosques;
- the church in Trebinje;
- and many others.
Noteworthy are the castles of Bosnia and Herzegovina. First of all, this is the Blagai fortress, the Vranduk fortress, etc.
If you are interested in what to see in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we recommend visiting the village, where about one million pilgrims come every year from all over Europe and beyond. It was here that in 1981 the Virgin Mary appeared to six local children and communicated with them several times.
Mandatory to visit, if possible, are the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as:
- and etc.
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We have listed the main Bosnia and Herzegovina, but there are many other attractive places in the country. In particular, we are talking about natural attractions.
Nature
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mountainous country, and therefore the flora and fauna are appropriate. Approximately 40% of all areas of the country are covered with forests. They differ depending on the part of the state:
- in the central zone, these are mainly beech forests;
- in the north, oaks and hornbeams prevail;
- in the mountains - fir;
- in the southwest, where the climate is close to subtropical, evergreen trees grow.
The fauna will also delight you with its diversity - here are found in abundance:
- wild boars;
- deer;
- chamois;
- lizards;
- golden eagles;
- herons;
- otters;
- turtles;
- and many others.
Naturally, one cannot but say a few words about the landscape of this country. The mountains themselves look beautiful, but here they are also interspersed with many rivers. Waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina are quite common, but the most beautiful and large-scale of them is, pouring out into the purest lake.
Culinary traditions
Quite unusual, because it was formed under the influence of several trends and culinary cultures. Meat and vegetables are especially appreciated here. There are many dishes made from:
- pork;
- beef;
- lamb.
Vegetables are added to almost all dishes - they can be used as a side dish, as a simple decoration, or as a salad.
The inhabitants of the country love a variety of dairy products. Fish is also held in high esteem, but for the most part river fish, since the narrow access to the sea does not allow full-fledged sea fishing. Various types of bakery products are presented in abundance on the tables.
Among the drinks, the championship is for black coffee. Alcohol - rakia, millet tincture or local wine, very tasty and unusual, with a special bouquet.
Sweets, mainly of Turkish origin - halva, baklava, puff pastry, etc. As you can see, food in Bosnia and Herzegovina is diverse and original, so it is definitely recommended to taste the local cuisine in order to finally feel the flavor of the country.
Climate
If you are attracted to Bosnia and Herzegovina, remember that the weather here is influenced by the temperate, continental climate. In summer, the temperature is cool and pleasant:
- an average of about +27 degrees in low-lying areas;
- in the range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in the mountains.
In winter, the thermometer shows about + 5 ... + 10 degrees, but in the mountains it is much colder, abundant snow falls. Which contributes to a full-fledged ski season.
Based on the above, we can conclude that the ideal time to visit the country would be:
- May, summer months and early September, if you want to enjoy nature and the sea;
- winter months if you go to ski resorts.
Souvenirs
Those who go to the country for the first time are interested in. We recommend purchasing ceramic products, not necessarily functional - beautiful, decorative plates that can become a real decoration of any kitchen, regardless of the style in which it is decorated, are also in demand.
If you do not know what to bring from Bosnia and Herzegovina as souvenirs to family and friends, we advise you to buy:
- home textiles, towels;
- small carpets;
- copper products, jewelry plated with real silver;
- leather clothing.
All this is considered a folk craft and many things are works of art. You can also buy for souvenirs:
- local wines - they are very tasty, although they are not well known in Europe;
- alcoholic drink brandy.
But be careful in the markets - traders quickly identify tourists in front of them or not. For travelers, the cost of goods is often infinitely high.
You can also buy souvenirs in regular shops. There are many of them on the streets of cities and they work from morning to night. Regular, "standard" shops open their doors at 9 am and close at 8 pm.
Other features of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In a separate article, we will briefly talk about Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in this section we will provide some more useful information.
Despite the fact that the war ended relatively long ago, and peace reigned in the country, it is still not recommended to openly demonstrate political views and sympathies. Especially when it comes to war - problems are possible! The people here love the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the conflict still lives on in their memory.
You need to be careful with photos and videos. In no case should you shoot where there is an image of a crossed-out camera. It is also forbidden to film:
- any military installations;
- port facilities;
- objects related to the transport, energy sector.
There are no flights within the country, they are focused only on international flights, but the state is small, and therefore it is easy to move along it by other means of transport. For example, by renting a car, you need to:
- be over 21 years old;
- get a driver's license at least a year ago.
For car rental, you will have to pay from 40 to 250 euros per week of using the vehicle - it all depends on its technical condition.
Do not exceed the speed of 50 kilometers per hour within the city and 80 kilometers per hour outside the city. It is not recommended to neglect seat belts - a substantial fine awaits for this. Since many roads are mountainous, you need to constantly be concentrated while driving in order to avoid serious trouble.
While traveling, no one is insured against force majeure and unforeseen situations, and therefore it is better to always have emergency telephone numbers at hand - write down and put a leaf with them in your wallet:
- Police - 122;
- Fire brigade - 123;
- Medical assistance - 124;
- General emergency assistance - 112.
How to get there?
Finally, let's talk about how to get to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is not so easy to do, although the country is located relatively close to Russia. There are no direct regular flights from Moscow. But in the season when Bosnia and Herzegovina is popular, charter flights open. At other times of the year, you will have to fly with transfers:
- in Istanbul (Turkey);
- in Vienna (Austria);
- or in Munich (Germany).
It all depends on which airline you prefer to travel with.
Another option is also possible, how to get to this country - to take a flight to other Balkan states, and from there get there by train or bus.
Now you know not only where Bosnia and Herzegovina is located, but also a lot of other interesting information about this country - what resorts there are, the sea, sights.
More recently, Soviet tourists were crazy about narrow streets, cozy restaurants and colorful mosques and churches in one of the most beautiful republics of Yugoslavia. During that glorious time, Bosnia received substantial income from numerous travelers from all over the continent. Then, when the Yugoslavian friendship of peoples crumbled like a paper boat on the waves of the Adriatic, the Balkans fought with each other and no one dreamed of tourism.
When the conflicts in the north of the Balkan Peninsula subsided, Bosnia's neighbors - and Montenegro - quickly rebuilt their entire tourist infrastructure, thanks to the sea coast and the absence of minefields. Bosnia and Herzegovina, where internal conflicts have lasted long enough and the sea coast is very small, had a much harder time. The war destroyed many monuments from the times of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, and even more historical sites had to be restored. All this laborious and unhappy business has thrown Bosnia away from its tourist-friendly neighbors for ten years.
Despite the difficulties, today Bosnia is ready to welcome tourists and offer them something special, which cannot be seen in other European countries:
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.- an amazing cultural mixture of Islam, Christianity of different denominations, despite the fact that people of all nationalities of the country are Slavs;
- beautiful nature and excellent ski resorts;
- hospitable residents who understand very well that only tourists can influence the speedy development of the country's economy;
- delicious and distinctive cuisine;
- low prices for accommodation, transport and food.
All these advantages of Bosnia and Herzegovina make this forgotten country very attractive, interesting and inexpensive for tourists.
Road
Russians are free from the hassle of obtaining a visa to Bosnia. But the travel costs are quite high. It's not about the cost of tickets, a flight from Moscow to Sarajevo and back costs no more than 200 euros, but the fact that there are no direct flights. All of them with a transfer (in Belgrade, Vienna, Munich, Istanbul, Zurich), and waiting at the intermediate airport can be 10 and 14 hours. Such a long stay at the airport is associated with food, which is not cheap in such places.
Way out: do not hesitate to take sandwiches with you in your hand luggage so that you can buy only water or coffee at the airport.
Where to live?
The most expensive housing in Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in the city of Neum - the only seaside resort in the country. Outside the high sea season, apartments, which can freely accommodate at least 4 people, cost no more than 25 EUR / day.
In other cities in Bosnia, it is easy to find accommodation for 12-15 euros. But the best way out is to rent an apartment. In this case, the costs will be very small, and complete freedom and the ability to cook on your own in a fully equipped kitchen will make your visit to the country truly carefree and convenient.
Renting a three-room apartment in the capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo - 300 euros / month (from 10 euros / day).
Where and what is there?
Bosnia and Herzegovina's cuisine is very special. Here you can find many cafes and restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine, halal (for Muslim believers), Italian, Greek and French establishments.
Pleskavitsa
Seafood in Bosnia is not the most interesting thing in the kitchen. But here they make amazing dishes from meat, with a special taste:
- shish - this is the name of the Bosnian kebab;
- gyuvech - a Slavic view of pilaf, an unusual and very tasty dish;
- pleskavitsa is a huge chopped cutlet.
Among the Bosnian sweets, the most interesting are:
- strukli - cheese casserole with nuts and plums;
- alva - nuts boiled in honey;
- a delicacy - sweet donuts.
Food prices in the city of Sarajevo or Trebinje are distributed as follows:
- breakfast costs 3-4 euros;
- lunch in a restaurant - 6-8 euros;
- dinner with wine no more than 10 euros per person.
If you buy groceries in supermarkets or in the market and eat on your own, the daily budget will not exceed 5-6 euros per person.
Where to visit and what to see?
Sarajevo
Academy of Arts in Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot boast of an abundance of international airports. Almost all tourists enter the country through Sarajevo, where it is necessary to see the following objects:
Tsar's Mosque
- The Latin Bridge is the most famous landmark in Bosnia, which is nothing special. If only Gavrila Princip had not come up with the idea at this very place to shoot the unfortunate heir to the Austrian throne. Now all the guides of the country make sure to stop at this small and unremarkable bridge and tell the heartbreaking history of the place. It is possible to enter the bridge for a few selfies, but there is nothing else here that would make an impression;
- Moricha Khan is much more interesting here. This is an old inn for caravans loaded with oriental goods heading west. Nothing remains of the original building of the 16th century, but the layout of the old inn has been perfectly preserved: it is a small town with micro-streets and courtyards. Now there is no hotel here, but basically all sorts of offices of religious organizations are located, but there is a cafe with a hookah and a restaurant of national cuisine here. Do not pass by the shop under the sign of "Isfahan", they sell amazing handmade Persian carpets;
- The Gazi-Khosrevbei Mosque is the oldest and most interesting in Bosnia. Anyone can enter (ticket - 1 euro), and tourists are interested in the interior of a Muslim prayer house of the Bosniaks (Muslim Slavs), mosaics, Mirhab (designation of the side where Mecca) with gilded quotes from the Koran, burials of great rulers and statesmen Bosnia. There is also a marble fountain and the remains of an old spiritual school;
- Markale Square is the noisiest and most fun place in the Bosnian capital. The history of this shopping area goes back to the earliest times in the history of Bosnia. Bosnians remember the events of the end of the 20th century, when a terrible explosion took place here, which took the lives of dozens of civilians, but on the square there are no monuments or signs telling about the tragedy. The richest bazaar in the country is now noisy in the square. Here are the best vegetables and fruits, meat delicacies and sweets;
- The National Museum is entertainment for amateurs, of course, but the institution is known for its rich collection of artifacts and works of art.
The city is located in the south of Bosnia and is popular with tourists due to its proximity to the Croatian border, which can be reached by regular bus. But the city itself will be of interest to travelers for its beauties:
- The Arslanagic Bridge is an example of 16th century Ottoman engineering. The fateful crossing, which contributed to the birth of the city, there was a collection point for the use of the stone crossing. The bridge was moved several times, and for some time it was completely under water. But every time the structure was restored very diligently. Even today this famous bridge looks quite old;
- The Cathedral Orthodox Church is the main center of Orthodoxy in a multi-confessional city. It is interesting to stop by to see the interiors and unique mosaic floors, so rarely found in Orthodox churches. The bright iconostasis and unusual placement of icons will surprise and make the most experienced travelers admire;
- Central square - to the market located here, they arrange trips from neighboring Croatia. Prices for souvenirs and wine, fruits and sweets are very low here, and the quality of goods is excellent;
- Tvrdos Monastery - 4 kilometers from the city. The oldest Christian monastery, founded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. After numerous reconstructions, the monastery has retained its ancient charm, rich wine cellars. The great associate Vasily Ostrozhsky was buried here.
Mostar
The "Old Bridge" over the Neretva River in Mostar.
Of all the cities in Bosnia, Mostar is probably the richest in the cultural sense. The multi-ethnic and multi-confessional environment of this city attracts tourists with its uniqueness and richness of cultural monuments of a very different kind:
- The historical center of the city - bridges, churches, mosques. An ancient Byzantine fortress, several picturesque markets, Tito's palace - all these are the main treasures of Mostar;
- Synagogue - destroyed during the war, has not yet been fully rebuilt;
- Turkish bath is an architectural monument of the last century. Today, it houses a spa center, the services of which are inexpensive;
- The outskirts of the city are just as interesting. In any tourist shop in the city, you can buy a tour of the surrounding towns, which have something special, unique, inimitable: Chaplina, Pochitel, Yablanitsa - all these are bright pearls in a necklace from the towns and villages of Mostar.
Neum is a seaside resort in Bosnia and the most popular destination for lovers of summer sea fun. In addition to the usual beaches and boarding houses on the Mediterranean coast, there are very few attractions here. Several markets, a dozen shops. In addition to the local population, a hundred or two tourists live here permanently.
The aromas of local cafes reach the Croatian border, which is located very close. For tourists, attractiveness in Neum is security, low prices for housing and food, original souvenirs, pebble beaches and a warm sea.
No mind. Coast of the Adriatic Sea.
From Bosnia to other countries
The easiest way to get from Bosnia to Croatia. In the first and in the second case, it makes sense to use regular buses: on the road no more than two hours, the cost of a one-way trip is 3-4 euros.
You can get to Dubrovnik or Split - excellent seaside resorts in Croatia. Explore the main attractions and return.
To avoid bureaucratic misunderstandings when crossing the border, it is better to book a one-day tour to Croatia or Montenegro at any agency in Bosnia (from 20 euros per person).
Unpleasant features of the local police and customs
No matter how attractive the country is for a budget tourist, you need to know about some of the features of local zealots of order:
- when crossing the border, Russian tourists may encounter inexplicable difficulties with border guards and customs officers. The law enforcers may turn out to be "incompetent" and require a "visa". In this case, feel free to demand the head of the money-loving officials. In this case, everything is resolved quickly and without delay;
- Bosnia's police are not averse to making money on naive travelers. In case your guard begins to demand a "fine", feel free to declare that you will pay only at the police station. In 99% of such cases, the interest of dishonest guards of public order disappears and you will be wished “a pleasant stay”.
The people of Bosnia are very friendly towards tourists. The level of security here is normal, European. But traveling unaccompanied in rural areas is not worth it. Alas, not all picturesque fields and hills of the country are completely free from mines. Use the services of travel agencies if you decide to explore the beauty of the "inner" Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia is perhaps the last European country to keep the level of prices for services unchanged since the 90s. Although there is no such level of comfort as in Italy or France, it will be pleasant to relax here both for those who cannot live without studying local cultural masterpieces, and for those who most of all love the sun, sea and delicious food.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European state located on the Balkan Peninsula bordering Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. The country has access to the Adriatic Sea.
The relief of the country is 90% mountainous. The highest point is Mount Maglich (2386 m).
Total area - 51,197 sq. km, the population is about 4 500 000 people. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most ethnically heterogeneous country in Europe. 31% of Serbs are Orthodox Christians, 15% of Croats are Catholic, 40% of both are Muslims. Official languages - Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian.
The capital is the city of Sarajevo.
It is best to start your acquaintance with Bosnia and Herzegovina from the capital - Sarajevo, founded in the distant 1263. In this city, Western and Eastern cultures coexist perfectly side by side, and the beautiful mountain landscape allows you to breathe deeply - Sarajevo is located at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. It should be noted that not far from the city there is one balneological resort and two ski resorts.
The town of Banja Luka ("Bath of St. Luke") is the capital of Serbia and the second largest in the country. Here you will find magnificent landscapes and many historical and architectural monuments. And not far from the city you can visit one of the best European balneological resorts.
The city of Mostar also has an interesting history and is divided into two parts - Croatian (Orthodox) and Bosnian (Muslim). One of the features of the city is that it is considered the hottest in the Balkan Peninsula.
How to get to Bosnia and Herzegovina
There is no direct flight between Belarus and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The best option would be a flight from Minsk to Sarajevo via Vienna by Austrian. Travel time is on average 10 hours, ticket price - from 300 euros.
If you are planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please contact the travel company "Thank you-travel" - our professional managers will make your trip unforgettable.
The territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina is influenced by a temperate continental climate. The mountainous terrain causes rapid weather changes during the day, and climatic conditions in neighboring areas can vary significantly.
The average summer air temperature in the plains is +16 - +27 degrees, in the mountains - +10 - +21 degrees, in Sarajevo - +21 degrees. Winter - on the plains - 0 degrees, in the mountains - -7 degrees, in Sarajevo - -1 degrees (maybe -16 degrees).
The average annual rainfall ranges from 400 mm to 1500 mm depending on the area.
The best time to travel around the country is from May to September, for skiing is from December to February.
The socialist past has left an imprint on the hotel base of the country. In general, the conditions in hotels from 2 * to 4 * are quite acceptable (you will hardly find 5 *). An alternative are private guesthouses with comfortable living conditions and delicious homemade food.
Picky tourists can spend the night in a hostel, hostel or motel (traveling by car).
Bosnia and Herzegovina beaches
Since the coastline of Bosnia and Herzegovina is just over 20 km, the beaches are located in the same town - Neum. The Adriatic Sea is warm, clean, transparent, the beaches are covered with pebbles. The prices in Neum are quite affordable, and the rest is calm and measured.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a convertible mark equal to 100 pfennings (fenigs). There are paper banknotes in denominations of 1.5,10,20,50,100,200 marks and coins of 1.2 marks, 10.20.50 pfennings in circulation. In the country, euros are almost universally accepted for payments (US dollars - only in large hotels).
Banking hours:
On weekdays - from 8.00 to 19.00
You can exchange currency at banks, specialized exchange offices and hotels. It is advisable to keep all exchange receipts before leaving the country - for the possibility of reverse exchange. ATMs only accept Visa and Maestro credit cards.
You can use a credit card only in banks, in some hotels, in shops, in restaurants, at the post offices of Sarajevo and Medugorje, in other settlements, non-cash transactions are difficult. Cashing travel checks is very time-consuming and is done only in banks.
Tipping is 10% of the total amount of the check. In a taxi, the fare is negotiated in advance - in this case, a tip is not required.
Tourist safety
The security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally calm, but the implementation of basic rules of conduct will save you and your loved ones from minor and major troubles:
- Valuables, large amounts of money and documents should preferably be left in the hotel safe
- In crowded places, beware of pickpockets and do not leave personal belongings unattended
- Religious topics should be avoided in conversations with locals
- It is not recommended to explore the sights and walk the streets alone at night
- You should not exchange currency at street "money changers"
Transport
There are no domestic flights in the country.
The railway connection is not very well developed, and only the most picky travelers will be able to use it.
The bus service is at a fairly good level and connects all the main settlements. The difficulty is that buses run only within national enclaves (you will have to make many changes). Very often, bus routes are out of schedule and arrive at their destination with a significant delay.
Public transport in Sarajevo includes buses, trolleybuses and trams.
You can rent a taxi at specialized taxi ranks or catch it right on the street. The cost of the trip should be negotiated in advance.
Those wishing to rent a car should know that this is only possible in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar, and the rental prices are significantly overpriced (from 40 euros per day). To complete the contract, you will need the following documents:
- International driving license (experience - from 1 year, age - from 21 years)
- Credit card or cash
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The main attractions of Sarajevo are concentrated, as in many other cities, in the Old Town. Here you can see the old houses of local celebrities, mosques, inns. It is worth noting that churches, mosques and synagogues coexist very well in this part of the city. Muslim architectural structures attract particular attention - the oldest caravan-shed of the 15th century, the Imperial Mosque, the Barcharshia tower, the Turkish fortress, the House-Museum of the Ottoman Svrzho family, the Kurshumli madrasah, where there is a unique collection of manuscripts and books of the Middle Ages. Further - the historical Latin bridge, Brus and Markale squares and museums - National, Historical, Jewish, Museum of the Tunnel.
Not far from Sarajevo, you can improve your health and rejuvenate in the Ilidze resort, and in the ski resorts of Belyashnitsa and Jahorina - get a shot of adrenaline. The ski resorts Vlašić and Kupres are no less famous.
Any excursion program in the town of Banja Luka begins with a visit to the ancient Roman fortress, and then to the building of the City Hall, the Governor's Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of Christ the Savior. The monasteries of Gomionitsa and Pivara attract a large number of tourists with their ... wines and cheeses of excellent quality. The Ferhata Pasha Mosque is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Fans of outdoor activities, in particular rock climbing, enjoy visiting the rock formation Kamenny Most, rafting - the canyons of the Vrbas, Svrakava and Tsvrtski rivers.
The hallmark of the city of Mostar is the Old Bridge of 1566 (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), built by the Turks and connecting the two parts of the city. The height of the bridge is 21 meters. Other historical sights to look out for are the Old Bridge Museum, Muslibegovits House, Koski Mehmet Pasha and Karadoz Bey Mosques and Revolution Boulevard. In the urban environs, it will be useful to visit the ancient town of Pochitel, the villages of Blagay and Medugorje (on June 24, 1981, the appearance of the Virgin Mary to six disciples took place here).
Cuisine and restaurants
The traditional cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on meat (beef, lamb, pork), vegetables and dairy products. The following are very popular with guests and locals:
"Bosanski - lonas" - roast meat with the addition of paprika, cabbage, vegetables and parsley
"Chevapchichi" - minced meat sausages
"Shish" - barbecue
"Dzhuvech" - meat stewed with rice and vegetables
burek with meat or cheese
"Srpska salad" - a salad of tomatoes, paprika, hot peppers, onions and herbs
"Sirnitsa" - cheese pie
Zelyanitsa - spinach pie
all kinds of fish dishes (goulash, pies, salads, just fried fish)
Turkish sweets
"Gibanitsa" - a pie with curd filling
Strukli - nuts and plums baked in cheese
"Tufahiya" - apple pie with whipped cream
"Alva" - nuts boiled in honey
puddings, rolls, cookies
Drinks - coffee, herbal tea, milk and juices
From alcohol - local beer and wine, "Buza" - a light drink, "Salep" (from tubers of wild orchids and orchids - they are drunk hot)
Shopping and shops
Store opening hours:
On weekdays - from 9.00 to 22.00
Private shops open 7 days a week
As a souvenir from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a rule, they bring ceramics, embroidered towels, carpets and blankets made of sheep's wool, copper products and covered with silver, leather clothes and shoes.
From edibles - sweets, local grape "Rakia" and wine.
In the markets, bargaining is quite appropriate.
Customs
It is possible to import and export foreign currency in unlimited quantities, it is only necessary to declare, as well as products made of gold and precious metals (excluding a reasonable amount of personal jewelry).
It is allowed to import and export local currency in quantities not exceeding 200 marks.
Allowed to import:
- Up to 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200 g tobacco
- Up to 1 liter of wine or spirits
- Up to 1 bottle of perfume or other perfumery
- Other goods for an amount not exceeding 76.7 euros
It is forbidden to import and export:
- Drugs
- Psychotropic substances
- Weapons and ammunition
- Works of art and antiques
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