If there is one country that we fell in love with during our Balkan summer, it is without a doubt Bosnia. After we spent two months in Macedonia, and then considerate time on the road in Albania and Montenegro, we were looking forward to spending some time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ‘Some time’ then turned into two months, but we easily could have stayed!
If you’ve ever dreamed of a road trip where every turn brings a new story, Bosnia and Herzegovina is it. This is a country of contrasts: charming old towns, quiet mountain roads, a very recent war history and the kindest people you’ll meet. Bosnia feels like Europe’s best kept secret, but our advice is not to put your visit off for too long!
We have put together this Bosnia road trip itinerary to take you along for a fantastic impression of the entire country, so strap in!
A brief history lesson
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recent history is both tragic and resilient. In the 1990s, the country was engulfed in a brutal conflict following the breakup of Yugoslavia, which left deep scars on its cities, towns, and communities. Sarajevo endured a nearly four-year siege, and places like Mostar still bear the marks of war in their buildings and bridges. Today, visiting these sites is a powerful reminder of Bosnia’s past, but also of its resilience: communities have rebuilt, life flows again along its rivers, and travelers are welcomed with warmth that speaks to a nation determined to move forward.
The best time for a Bosnia road trip
While there’s technically no bad time to visit Bosnia (it’s beautiful year round) timing it to your preference is always best. The shoulder seasons on May – June and September – October have comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, while the summer months can be scorching hot and busier. The winter (November – February) often sees snow and offers plenty of sports opportunities.
Bosnia road trip itinerary: 10 day route
Day 1 – Sarajevo arrival
Sarajevo is a city of layers, where Ottoman bazaars meet Austro-Hungarian elegance and reminders of the war sit beside lively cafés. It feels both heavy with history and full of life.
- Explore Baščaršija old town
- Stroll across the Latin Bridge
- Cable car up Trebević Mountain for the best city views
- Evening: sample the best ćevapi at Ćevabdžinica Beg and Bosnian coffee at Ministry of Cejf
Day 2 – Sarajevo in depth
- Visit the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide or the Siege of Sarajevo Museum
- Take some down time after this with lunch or a coffee break in the old town
- Visit the Gazi Husrev Beg mosque
- Walk along the Miljacka River
- Sunset at Yellow Fortress
Sarajevo has so much to see and learn about that getting a guide or walking tour will truly help you understand more about this fascinating city and its history.
Check our full Sarajevo guide, as well as our guide on where exactly to stay in Sarajevo!
🛏 Hotel tip: Apartments Artee has beautiful rooms and studios right in the old town of Baščaršija with the fantastic feature of free parking.
Day 3 – Sarajevo → Jablanica → Mostar
Jablanica, a small mountain town, is famous for its slow-roasted lamb, a roadside tradition that’s worth the stop. Choose a riverside restaurant and you’ll understand why locals swear by it.
The road from Jablanica to Mostar is the most beautiful road in Bosnia, and you’ll want to take your time!
- Explore Mostar old town in the afternoon and see if there are divers at Stari Most
- Dinner at Hindan Han and enjoy the evening charm of the bazar
Day 4 – Mostar
Mostar’s iconic Stari Most bridge arches gracefully over the emerald Neretva river, but its charm goes beyond the postcard view. Wander the cobbled streets and you’ll find a mix of history, craft shops, and riverside cafés.
- If you missed the genocide museum in Sarajevo, you can visit the one here in Mostar
- Mostar’s surroundings are as, if not even more, beautiful than Mostar itself:
- Blagaj Tekke monastery
- Kravica Waterfalls
- Počitelj village
We chose to drive to the above three sights, but if you want to be hassle free and save time, there are many great tours that will take you to all three in a day as well. We recommend this one!
🛏 Hotel tip: Villa Sunset Mostar has very well priced, beautiful apartments with rooftop terrace that has fantastic (you guessed it) sunset views.
Day 5 – Mostar → Jajce
We went to Jajce for the sole purpose of seeing the Jajce watermills, and they did not disappoint. Jajce itself is a tiny town where a waterfall crashes right into the heart of the old town. Add its medieval fortress and it feels like stepping back in time.
- Stop by the Jajce watermills on your way up from Mostar
- Visit the old town and the Pliva waterfall
- Tour the old fortress on the hill
One afternoon is enough to see Jajce in its entirety.
Day 6 – Jajce → Krupa na Vrbasu
Just outside Banja Luka lies Krupa na Vrbasu, and is all cascades, wooden mills, and emerald pools. It’s a peaceful spot that feels like a hidden gem. We decided to spend a night here as we wanted some nature vs city; but you could visit this on your way to Banja Luka as well.
The cascades are beautiful, there is a little cafe for drinks, and you can take a stroll along the river through the forest. We loved taking an afternoon ‘off’ and dipping our feet in the cold waters.
🛏 Stay here if you decide to build some peace into your Bosnia road trip itinerary: Villa Natasa is a gorgeous, wooden house by the river that will leave you speechless.
Day 7 – Krupa na Vrbasu → Banja Luka
From Krupa, it is only a short drive to Banja Luka. Bosnia’s laid-back second city is all about riverside strolls, leafy parks, and lively kafanas. It’s (much less) less touristy than Sarajevo but just as warm and welcoming.
- Afternoon visit to the Kastell Fortress
- Dinner at Kazamat right next door. Their ‘under the bell’ meats are fantastic!
Day 8 – Banja Luka → Travnik → Sarajevo
Visit Banja Luka’s Ferhat Pasha Mosque or Cathedral of Christ the Saviour before getting in your car again to drive to Travnik. Travnik, once an Ottoman capital, charms with colorful mosques, a hilltop fortress, and its famously smoky ćevapi. It’s a perfect cultural stop between Banja Luka and Sarajevo.
🛏 Hotel tip: Hotel Ideja in Banja Luka is right by the center, with parking!
Day 9 – Sarajevo
This is your day to catch up on anything you missed in the city during the first two days, or, you could take a day trip to Srebrenica.
Srebrenica is a place of reflection and remembrance, known worldwide for the tragic events of 1995. Visiting the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery is a sobering but important experience that gives context to Bosnia’s recent history. While the day can feel heavy, it’s also a chance to witness the resilience of local communities and pay respects, making it a meaningful addition to your Bosnia road trip itinerary.
There are several companies that offer complete round trips; this one gets the best ratings.
Day 1o – Sarajevo departure
Get your last souvenirs and pictures before you leave, and enjoy a last burek breakfast at Buregdžinica Bećiri if you can! Most guides will tell you Buregdžinica Sač is the best. We have tried and tested, and if you ask us, the latter doesn’t even make it in the top three!
Planning and driving tips
- Do not forget your car’s green card (driving insurance card!) if you’re crossing borders. We did, and it will cost you. Your insurance should issue you this.
- If you’re in a rental car; make sure you’re allowed to take it across borders if that’s your plan!
- Road conditions are medium, and people are not the best drivers. Stay alert and use your indicators
- Driving at night is perfectly fine; but if you’re not a confident driver to begin with; stick with daytime driving
- If you’re crossing into Croatia after, which we did, prepare for a long line. Going from a non-EU country to a EU country requires some bureaucracy.
- If you run into car trouble on the road; first call your rental car’s emergency line. BIHAMK (Bosnia and Herzegovina Automobile and Motorcycle Club) delivers the primary roadside assistance. Call them at 1282 or +387 033 282 100.
- Fuel costs will likely be cheaper than in your home country; we paid around €1.10 per liter.
🚙 Compare rental cars here!
What to pack for a Bosnia road trip
Clothing:
- Layers are key; Bosnia’s weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Pack T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, a warm fleece, and a waterproof jacket. For summer, sun screen is a must.
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and hiking shoes if you plan to explore waterfalls or mountains.
- Swimwear if you want to take a dip at rivers or waterfalls like Kravice.
Travel Essentials:
- Passport, driver’s license, and car rental documents
- Cash in BAM (Bosnia’s currency), many smaller towns don’t accept cards
- Power adapter (Bosnia uses type C and F plugs, 230V)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
- Airalo e-SIM for internet access
Optional / Nice-to-Have:
- Camera or GoPro for rivers, waterfalls, and old towns
- Travel guidebook or offline maps (Google Maps offline mode works well)
- Snacks for long drives between towns
- Small daypack for hikes or exploring villages
Tips:
- Pack light if possible; parking in old towns can be tight.
- Keep a waterproof bag or pouch for electronics near rivers or waterfalls.
- Bring layers even in summer, nights can be chilly in the mountains.
A Bosnia road trip itinerary like this one is more than just a route from town to town; it’s a chance to really experience the heart of the Balkans. From Sarajevo’s layered history and lively cafés to Mostar’s iconic Stari Most, the medieval charm of Jajce, and the peaceful rivers and waterfalls around Krupa and Blagaj, every day offers a new story and a new view.
Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, taste roadside lamb in Jablanica, and meet locals whose warmth makes every stop feel like home. Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or just the thrill of winding mountain roads, this Bosnia road trip itinerary lets you take it all in at your own pace. By the end, you’ll leave with more than memories, you’ll leave with a real sense of Bosnia’s resilience, beauty, and the kind of adventures that stay with you long after the last stop.
Bosnia road trip itinerary FAQ
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3 comments
Bosnia is indeed a beautiful country. We included Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls in a Balakn road trip in 2017 and it was a new experience. The beauty of the bridge and the falls, but also the clear visibilty still of the war of the nineties.
I just returned from a 10-day trip to Albania. As you wrote, it was wonderful to get into the country, visit the small villages and meet local people. You are inspiring me to visit Bosnia.
Oh wow, Bosnia looks so beautiful! I’ve also been having a Balkan summer: Bulgaria, Macedonia, Kosovo and next Albania. Haven’t made it to Bosnia yet but it’s on the list for sure! Thanks for this great guide.