Bosnia is becoming an internet hit, with TikTokers and tourists spreading the word about the country(Image: (Image: Getty))Bosnia and Herzegovina might not be the go-to choice for a spring or summer break, wrongfully ignored due to outdated beliefs about the region’s tumultuous history. Despite the stunning natural landscape, the rich historical sites, and awe-inspiring vistas within its borders, Bosnia often finds itself in the shadow of Croatia’s tourist magnetism.
Last year, while Croatia saw a whopping 21.3 million visitors, according to its National Tourist Board, Bosnia welcomed just 1.9 million – that’s a staggering 90% fewer. Yet, travellers are slowly uncovering the wonders of this underappreciated destination nearly three decades after the end of its tragic Bosnian War.
Today’s Bosnia has become a hotspot for TikTokers and tourists alike – and they’re spreading the word about this enchanting Balkan country. Key spots drawing attention from world explorers include Sarajevo, the stunning city of Mostar with the iconic Stari Most bridge, and the Kravice Waterfall near the border with Croatia.
One enthusiastic globetrotter even went as far as to proclaim Bosnia as “obscenely beautiful”. A traveller, only identified as Ikoke on Reddit’s r/travel board, has shared his awe for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to preserve its historic legacy while staying current.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is often a tourist destination forgotten about compared to Croatia (Image: (Image: Getty))“I went to Bosnia and Herzegovina in April. This was my first visit to the Balkans, long overdue,” he shared. “I chose B&H because I’m a history nerd and Bosnia seems to be an embodiment of the frontier between the East and the West (overused cliche phrase notwithstanding), has a fascinating heritage that’s a mix of south Slavic, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.”
He detailed his travel itinerary: “My itinerary was two nights in Sarajevo, one night in Konjic, two nights in Mostar and a last night back in Sarajevo. Sarajevo was chosen as the obvious entry/exit point because of the international airport and its rich history.”
Regarding why he picked Mostar, he explained it was “Because of the iconic bridge, and also as a base to explore Herzegovina. Konjic was kinda a last minute choice because I wanted to experience a smaller, less touristy town. The fact that it’s the access point for ARK D0 [the Cold War bunker built on the orders of former Yugoslav president Josep Broz Tito] was an added bonus.”
Sharing his snapshots from the trip on Reddit, Ikoke enthused over the picturesque scenery, stating: “It was like walking into a high saturation Insta[gram] filter”. Sarajevo seemingly captivated the traveller, attributed to it being “surprisingly green” and dotted with “a couple of hard hitting museums”, notably the Museum of War Childhood and the Gallery 11/07/95.
The significant Gallery is notably named after the grim inception of the Srebrenica Massacre, during which over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim males were mercilessly killed by Serbian forces – marking the gravest genocide on European soil post-World War II.
During his stay in Sarajevo, Ikoke mentioned: “The old town (Bascarsija) is well maintained and picturesque, if a bit touristy like old towns everywhere. As you walk through the town, you can literally see architectural styles changing from classic Mitteleuropean to old Ottoman or Cold War functional! The city is strewn with scars from the Civil War, still visible but thankfully fading!”
Upon arrival in Mostar for a two-night retreat, Ikoke was struck by the hordes of day trippers crowding the city, urging others to “spend at least one, preferably two nights in Mostar and enjoying the sights before/after tourists arrive”.
He later advised: “If possible, spend a day exploring Herzegovina. It had possibly the most dramatic sights in an already beautiful country. Blagaj, Kravice waterfalls and Pocitelj are amazing.”
Concluding his travel narrative, Ikoke drew up a list of six miscellaneous tips and pointers, cautioning holidaymakers against solely relying on bank cards for transactions.
One Reddit user recommended getting the train from Sarajevo to Mostar(Image: (Image: Getty))He reflected: “No safety concerns, cash is more widely used than any other European country I have been to, people are generally friendly, most people speak/understand some degree of English (younger people seem very comfortable with it), lots of loveable cats around, and take the train from Sarajevo to Mostar for amazing sights.”
One traveller remarked that Bosnia had a profound impact, commenting that the nation “captivated [them] more than basically any other country [they’ve] visited”.
They further explained: “The landscapes, the food, the architecture, the people, the culture and history, all of it felt very unique and interesting. Like you said, it feels like a mix of so many different cultures and influences but in a much older or I guess more integrated way than other ‘melting pot’ type places like the US or UK.”
Another visitor was enchanted by Bosnia’s natural wonders, noting: “One of the prettiest things I’ve seen was the sunset in Sarajevo from the hillside, sitting on a wooden bench.”
An enthusiast, fond of repeat visits affirmed: “My favourite country of all! I am simply in love with B&H! I visited five times in the last 1.5 years and already planning to go back. I will also share a couple of my photos sometime.”