UTAZÁS: Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Wondrous World of Mountains, Waterfalls and Water

Bosnia and Herzegovina, often referred to as just Bosnia, is a surprisingly beautiful country in the Balkans. According to its people the triangular shape of Bosnia and Herzegovina resembles a heart. The country is often labelled as “the green heart of the Balkans”. It is characterized by rolling hills, expansive meadows, and dense forests, making it one of the greenest regions in the Balkans. The Dinaric Alps, which extend through much of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are covered with lush vegetation, offering a striking contrast to the rugged mountains. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that captivates and inspires. Its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes make it a hidden gem of South-Eastern Europe. Whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of Sarajevo, hiking through the rugged mountains, or immersing yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to return.

Location and origins

The country borders Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast, and Croatia to the north and southwest. In the south it has a narrow coast on the Adriatic Sea within the Mediterranean, which is about 20 kilometres long and surrounds the town of Neum. The name of the land is believed to derive from the name of the river Bosna that courses through the Bosnian heartland. Herzegovina means “herzog’s land”, and “herzog” derives from the German word for “duke”. The country’s name comes from the two regions Bosnia and Herzegovina, which have a very vaguely defined border between them. Bosnia occupies the northern areas which are roughly four fifths of the entire country, while Herzegovina occupies the rest in the south part of the country. The capital is Sarajevo. Important regional cities include Mostar and Banja Luka.

Captivating natural beauty

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural landscapes are nothing short of breath-taking. The country has a largely mountainous terrain. The Dinaric Alps dominate the western border with Croatia and numerous ranges run through the country. The highest peak, reaching 2,386 metres, is Maglić, near the border with Montenegro. Elevations of more than 1,800 metres are common, and the plateaus descend abruptly toward the Adriatic Sea.  The country is blessed with picturesque rivers, and serene lakes. The principal rivers are the Sava, a tributary of the Danube, the Bosna, Vrbas, and Una, which flow north and empty into the Sava; the Drina, which flows north, forms part of the eastern boundary with Serbia and the Neretva, with its stunningly beautiful emerald green water. About two-fifths of the country is forested with pine, beech, and oak. The rich and varied wildlife includes bears, wolves, wild pigs, wildcats, chamois, otters, foxes, badgers, and falcons.

Waterfalls in Bosnia are one of the natural beauties that are truly amazing. Kravice Falls is called Bosnia’s mini Niagara Falls presenting a special vibe and offering a chance for people to swim in the water under the waterfall. Jajce waterfall is huge and emerald green and it’s quite common that a rainbow forms above the cascading water.

Sarajevo and Mostar

The capital city, Sarajevo, is called the “Jerusalem of Europe” due to its multicultural and multi-religious heritage. It is a melting pot of cultures. The city’s historic centre boasts an eclectic mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, with mosques, synagogues, churches, and museums standing side by side. The Sarajevo War Tunnel, a poignant reminder of the 1992-1995 Bosnian War, is a must-visit. This underground passageway, which connected the besieged city to the outside world, serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance for the people of Sarajevo.

The city of Mostar is one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most popular destinations. With cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and its beautiful bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River, the city looks like as if it was plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Mostar attracts thousands of visitors per year. Stari Most, the Old Bridge, is most definitely the highlight of a visit there. You can walk across it, take selfies with it, and enjoy the views of the Old Town from the bridge. If you are lucky you may even watch as divers leap from the bridge into the river.

Hospitality and culinary delights

Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for its warm hospitality, where guests are welcomed with love. The locals take pride in their traditions and are eager to share their customs and stories. Visitors can indulge in Bosnian cuisine, a delicious blend of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Eastern European flavours. Cevapi small, oblong-shaped kebabs from lamb and beef served in somun (Bosnian pita bread) with raw onions-, burek – a flaky pastry with a meat, cheese, or spinach filling -, and sogan dolma – beef-stuffed onions – are just a few of the mouth-watering dishes that will delight your taste buds.

Bosnia and Csontváry Kosztka Tivadar

Csontváry Kosztka Tivadar, the famous painter very much loved and appreciated by Hungarians had a significant connection to Bosnia. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he embarked on several journeys to various places in Europe and the Middle East, seeking inspiration for his art. One of his most notable trips was his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1903. This trip proved to be transformative for the artist and had a profound impact on his later works. During his time in Bosnia, Csontváry was captivated by the country’s landscapes, traditional architecture, and cultural diversity. The rugged mountains, lush forests, and serene lakes provided him with a wealth of natural beauty to portray in his paintings. The paintings inspired by Bosnia include Spring in Mostar, Roman Bridge in Mostar, The Electric Station of Jajce at Night, Waterfall at Jajce and Lighted Trees in Jajce.