Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a unique off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and diverse cultural influences. The country’s mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage is evident in …
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Backpacking Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a hidden gem for backpackers seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. Pros? Immerse in the charm of Sarajevo's old town, explore scenic landscapes, and enjoy budget-friendly travel. Locals' warmth adds to the experience. However, limited public transportation in rural areas can pose challenges. For backpackers desiring an offbeat European adventure, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a unique mix of history and outdoor wonders, where affordability and a rich tapestry of experiences await around every corner.Why to go?Why backpacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Uniqueness
Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively affordable. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $25-35 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or guesthouses, meals at local restaurants, and transportation …
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Scenery
Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes and sceneries for exploration. One of the must-visit destinations is the historic city of Mostar, known for its iconic Stari Most bridge and picturesque old town. The surrounding …
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People
The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture, and visitors are often greeted with open arms. Whether it's a neighbor, friend, or stranger, Bosnians are always …
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Architecture
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a number of fascinating ancient ruins and interesting architecture. One of the most famous sites is the Old Bridge in Mostar, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that dates back to the 16th century. The …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Explore Sarajevo: The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. Visit the historic Baščaršija district, the iconic Latin Bridge, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
- Discover Mostar: Known for its iconic Stari Most bridge, Mostar is a picturesque city with a rich history. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and witness the traditional diving competition.
- Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park: Located on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a natural wonder. Explore the stunning network of cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests.
- Explore the Kravica Waterfalls: Located near the town of Ljubuški, these magnificent waterfalls are a hidden gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear pools and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
- Experience the beauty of Blagaj: Visit the enchanting village of Blagaj, famous for its stunning Dervish monastery built into a cliffside. Explore the turquoise waters of the Buna River and enjoy a traditional Bosnian meal in a riverside restaurant.
But Bosnia and Herzegovina offers more...[click to explore]
unique sites
national parks
hikes
cities
festivals
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Bosnia and Herzegovina
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for backpacking is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). The landscapes are vibrant and colorful, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty.Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the crowds of tourists that flock to popular destinations during the peak summer months. This means you can enjoy popular attractions, such as the historic city of Mostar, the capital city of Sarajevo, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.
It's worth noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina can experience hot summers and cold winters. Summer months, especially July and August, can be quite hot with temperatures reaching up to 35 °C (95 °F). Winter, on the other hand, can be cold, especially in mountainous regions, with temperatures dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall.
🦜 How to communicate?Language in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The main language in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Bosnian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Bosnian skills have become a bit rusty.In Bosnia and Herzegovina, English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In urban areas, particularly in Sarajevo and Mostar, younger generations and those working in tourism, hospitality, or international business tend to speak English quite well. Many university students also have a good command of the language. However, in rural areas, English may be less commonly spoken, and older generations might have limited proficiency.
While navigating tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels, visitors are likely to encounter English-speaking staff, making communication relatively easy. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to learn a few basic phrases in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian to enhance interactions and show respect for local culture.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers will find sufficient opportunities to communicate in English, especially in more populated and tourist-friendly areas.
👛 A typical day in Bosnia and HerzegovinaAverage daily cost for backpacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Backpacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be quite affordable, with average daily costs ranging from $30 to $60, depending on your travel style and preferences.Accommodation: Dormitory beds in hostels typically cost between $10 to $20 per night, while budget hotels or guesthouses may range from $20 to $40.
Food: Eating at local restaurants can be very economical, with meals costing around $5 to $10. Street food and snacks are even cheaper, often under $5.
Transportation: Public transport is budget-friendly, with bus fares between cities costing around $5 to $15. Local transport within cities is usually less than $2.
Activities: Many cultural and natural attractions have low entrance fees, with some being free. Budget around $5 to $10 for activities like museum entries or guided tours.
Total Estimate: Combining these expenses, a backpacker can comfortably manage a daily budget of around $30 to $60, allowing for a mix of accommodation, meals, and activities. Adjustments can be made based on personal spending habits and preferences.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Unexploded landmines remain a danger. Stay on main roads and avoid isolated mountain areas. Travel in daylight.
- Terrorism is a worldwide threat. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats. Terrorists may target tourist areas or crowded places such as music and cultural events, festivals, LGBTQIA+ community events, tourist areas and other public areas. Take official warnings seriously. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.
- Ethnic and religious tensions may result in demonstrations. Stay away from protests as they could turn violent.
- Many locals have firearms. You might be caught in the wrong place. Monitor the media for updates on areas with gun violence.
- Petty crime, theft from vehicles and highway robberies can happen. Be careful on public transport, in tourist areas, petrol stations and highway parking areas. Use secure parking facilities.
- Earthquakes, flooding and landslides occur. Watch out for bush and forest fires in summer. Stick to marked slopes and trails when skiing. Follow the advice of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
Bosnia and HerzegovinaMy tips to get you on the way!
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Bosnia and Herzegovina may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Bosnia and Herzegovina may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Bosnia and Herzegovina, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Bosnia and Herzegovina, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”