10-Day Itinerary to Explore Bosnia & Herzegovina: From Sarajevo to Mostar

Day 1: Arrival in Sarajevo

We set off from Amsterdam, with a layover in Belgrade, and landed in Sarajevo in the morning, ready to kick off an exciting day of exploration. If your schedule allows, you can also fly directly from Vienna.

Exploring Sarajevo's Old Town

Sarajevo is truly a unique city, unlike any other place I've visited in Europe. Here, you'll witness the blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian cultures. The scars of the 1990s war are still etched into the walls of the apartment buildings.

We highly recommend taking a war tour to gain a deeper understanding of this tragic period in history. In the afternoon, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Baščaršija, where artisans still hand-hammer copper. You can also enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee (similar to Turkish coffee) in the sacred atmosphere as the call to prayer echoes around you.

Where to Stay in Sarajevo

We stayed at Hotel Baškuća, a newly opened hotel with beautifully decorated spaces, just a minute's walk from Kovači Street. It was our favorite hotel throughout the trip.

Day 2: Sarajevo to Lukomir

Morning in Sarajevo: Bike Tour and Bobsled Track

Before leaving the city, we joined a bike tour up to the mountain where the Olympic bobsled track on Trebević is located. At first, controlling the sled seemed challenging, but soon we were gliding down the track with ease.

Tip: If you prefer not to bike, you can take the cable car to the mountain top for about 20 KM (approximately 100,000 VND) for a round-trip ticket.

The Village of Lukomir

We left Sarajevo mid-morning, heading towards Lukomir, the highest and most remote village in the country. The journey took about two hours, but the last 11 km were on gravel roads, so if you're renting a car, take it slow.

It felt like stepping back in time, with ancient stone houses and local women still wearing traditional costumes. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Where to Stay in Lukomir

If possible, spend the night in Lukomir; the experience is completely different once the day-trippers leave. The sunset here is truly mesmerizing.

Day 3: Sutjeska National Park

The third day of this journey is packed with activities but incredibly rewarding! You need to set off around 8 AM and it takes about two hours to reach Sutjeska National Park.

Before entering the park, stop by Restoran Tentorium for a traditional Bosnian meal, as you'll be hiking afterward. The entrance fee for the park is 10 KM (about 50,000 VND) per person.

Hiking to Trnovačko Lake

From the parking lot, enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view before starting the hike to Trnovačko Lake, famous for its heart shape and glacial blue water. The hike takes about 5 hours and is not too difficult. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as the lake, while cold, is swimmable in summer.

Where to Stay in Sutjeska

We stayed overnight in Tjentište, which has several affordable accommodation options. We booked a room at Green Villas Tjentiste.

Day 4: River Rafting on the Neretva (Konjic)

On the fourth day, try your hand at rafting in the afternoon and stay overnight in Konjic. If you’ve booked accommodation in Tjentište, make sure to visit the memorial located about 1 km from the village for some exploration.

Rafting on the Neretva River was one of the highlights of our trip. We had a thrilling 4-hour ride, weaving through rocky cliffs and stopping for a swim.

Where to Stay in Konjic

After a day on the river, choose a riverside hotel in Konjic, a charming town and an ideal stop between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Days 5-6: Mostar

Wake up early and drive about an hour from Konjic to Mostar, a route filled with beautiful scenery. The landscape shifts from lush greenery to the arid Mediterranean. While there aren't many official stops, it's worth pausing to take in the views.

Exploring Mostar's Old Town and the Famous Bridge

Mostar is certainly bustling with tourists, but we still found the city to be quite charming. The stone streets here are genuinely beautiful, even with the presence of souvenir shops. You can enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants while soaking in the views.

We visited the Old Bridge in the late afternoon when the crowds had thinned, where we could watch the stunning diving performances by professional jumpers.

Other Nearby Activities

Close to Mostar, there are several interesting spots like Blagaj and the Dervish House, just a 15-minute drive away, along with Bunski Kanal, where the Buna River meets the Neretva. You definitely won’t want to miss the chance to experience these places!

Article adapted and edited from: Salt in Our Hair