10 Awesome Adventure Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Updated: 12th March 2019
Underrated and thus relatively undisturbed, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a treasure trove for adrenaline junkies seeking adventure activities in the Balkans. Right now, with still a pretty much under-the-radar status beyond Mostar, that means epic hikes into crowd-free wilderness and white water rafting with friendly price tags.
Sure, the Albanian Riviera is touted as the next big beach destination, and Kotor in Montenegro seems on the path to becoming the next Dubrovnik, yet Bosnia and Herzegovina so far seems to have avoided most of the spotlight.
Trust me when I say, though, it won’t be long until all of this country’s best bits are discovered. I’ve made no secret that BiH is one of my favourite countries in the world, and I really hope you’ll make the visit to discover why.
Ten adventure activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Don’t get me wrong, there are many reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the unspoilt nature, but if you’re addicted to adrenaline or craving fresh mountain air with a touch of history and culture thrown in, then perhaps this Balkan nation should be your next adventure holiday. Here’s what to expect.
1. White water rafting on crystal clear waters
What better place to start your Bosnia and Herzegovina adventure than in my favourite small town of the Balkans: Konjic?
Lining the riverbanks that cut through Konjic are a handful of guest houses and a couple of beautiful mosques. Yet, just moments away along the Neretva River, you’ll find raging white water rapids that then relax into tranquil waters. The waters are so clear you can see the bottom and so clean, I’d say it’s drinkable.
Visit Konjic has fast become one of the premier adventure activity suppliers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I highly recommend the half-day rafting with a BBQ lunch en route. You’ll enjoy a mix of adrenaline and relaxation, and the views on the way down the river back to Konjic are seriously dreamy, as these photos prove.
2. Skiing without breaking the bank
Bosnia and Herzegovina is, in my opinion, a fantastic ski destination for numerous reasons.
One, the nearest ski resort to Sarajevo, is just over 40 minutes drive away. Two, the cost is a lot more palatable here than in central Europe. This makes it appealing for both those who want to hit the slopes and those who just want a snowy mountain air getaway.
The two largest resorts in the county are Jahorina and Bjelasnica, hitting a peak altitude of around 2000 metres.
3. Mountain hiking and ethnic villages
The mountains throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina are jaw-droppingly magnificent, and I found them to be surprisingly devoid of hikers even in the summer.
Sticking to the semi-beaten path is the best idea here, though, as landmines are still being discovered in parts of the country. A tragic reminder of the nation’s relatively recent past. If you want to really work your boots out, hire a local guide to enjoy the best roots.
Again, I went with Visit Konjic along the route through Lukomir, one of the last remaining ethnic villages in the country. Not far from Sarajevo, the simple stone houses and farming way of life in the mountains offer an insight into a more traditional way of life.
4. Cycling across borders and ancient train lines
The CIRO cycling route is an impressive project, and I’m seriously surprised it hasn’t had more coverage in European news.
The old Austria-Hungarian railway, which ran through the country, is long gone. But the route it followed now links Mostar with Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia. If you don’t want to pedal across the two borders, you should aim to do at least part of the route, which takes you past hidden gems and stunning countryside.
My personal favourite part of the cycling trail runs through Zavala. You can likely count the population here on one hand, but the old train station has been converted into a boutique B&B and between the monastery on the hill, incredible star gazing, local wine and the Vjetrenica caves, it makes for a great overnight cycle stop.
5. Exploring caves with unique biology
Located in Zavala, the Vjetrenica caves are a must-visit if you find yourself travelling nearby.
The Vjetrencia caves are the largest in the country, stretching over 7000 metres into the rock face, but with only around 2000 metres open to the public. The formations of these caves have a few important qualities. Firstly, the chimney-like holes throughout the caves create a micro-ecosystem and constant breeze and wind, while unique wildlife, such as the ‘human fish’ with four legs, lives in the cave’s waters.
6. Canyoning lesser explored lands
During the summer months, the Rakitnica River plays host to groups of adventure lovers who want to head Canyoning into its rocky waters.
Heading off from the village of Kašići, you can float along the angry waves through tiny rocky gaps and canyons. Professional gear and guides are a must here.
The deep rocky gorges, with green mossy sides, make for an epic setting, and while the water is reasonably cold all year round, a wet suit and a sense of adrenaline will keep the chills away.
7. Crazy bridge jumping in the name of tradition
Mosta’s famed Stari Most, the old bridge, which was reconstructed around twenty years ago, plays host to a pretty unique tradition.
For hundreds of years, young men have taken the nearly 25-metre leap from the top of the bridge with the intention of impressing girls. Nowadays, that tradition has subsided, and you’ll more often see people taking the jump for money, with hat collections taking place before locals plunge into the water below.
For those who are brave enough, you can take on this (dangerous) Mostar bridge jump yourself. The Mostar Diving Club can provide assistance and training before the jump, given some people cause serious injury, and deaths have been reported, doing this under local supervision is obviously recommended. While it will be over in moments, it’s a pretty cool adrenaline rush and story to remember your trip to Mostar by and perhaps even with adding to your Croatia itinerary as a detour.
8. Mountain Biking epic landscapes
Taking it a level up from the more casual CIRO cycling route, those who want a bit of an adventure challenge can explore the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina on more heavy-hitting bikes.
There are plenty of places to head Mount Biking, popular locations include Bitovinja and Zlatar, although the route around Bjelašnica and the village of Lukomir I mentioned above is perhaps one of the most scenic in the country and also blends in that cultural and historical touch.
9. Tubing, boating and jet skiing
With so many incredible lakes, rivers and waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can tailor your adventure activities to suit your level of chill or thrill.
Kravica Waterfall provides a relaxing setting to lounge around in the water, while Scit Lake, with its monastery in the middle, is a gorgeous spot to hire one of the few local Jet Skis.
Seriously, road-tripping this country will take you through many unbelievably coloured water spots, so although the coastline of Neum is tiny in Bosnia and Herzegovina, water adventures are most certainly in.
10. Skydiving at Banja Luka
If you fancy taking to the skies and getting an aerial view of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are a few places you can do this.
One of the most popular is Banja Luka skydiving club, and given the spectacular countryside you’ll be high above, it is not surprising.
The club has been around for decades and was where the first skydive in Bosnia and Herzegovina took place. Your jump will provide a birds-eye view of the lush green countryside and multi-coloured hues of greens and blues from the many lakes throughout the mountains.
Bonus: Continue the canyon road trip to Montenegro
If you are road-tripping through the Balkans, I highly recommend continuing your journey to Montenegro, especially the stunning north of the country. Shortly across the border is Pluzine, and the route linking the two countries takes in some stunning rafting locations, including the impressive Tara Canyon. To find out more about exploring Montenegro, read my Montenegro Road Trip guide.
Great info, thank for sharing !
beautiful locations , very informative about the location
OMG, I am amazed! I will visit Bosnia next year thanks to you!
After reading this post, I am excited to go Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The images are really good to see thanks for posting this.
Really amazing place if i have vacation i want to visit this place for rafting which is also same Nepal Rafting.
Brilliant photos – thanks for sharing!
Absolutely loved white water rafting in Bosnia & Herzegovina! We used Transport rafting and had the most awesome day, they even treated us to a spot of lunch. Well recommended to anyone visiting.
Lovely post Dan!
Thank you for promoting my country Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Suggestions for your next visit…go to waterfall Pliva in Jajce city and visit National park Una -Strbacki buk near Bihac.
More on:
http://www.visitjajce.com/index.php/en/heritage/pliva-waterfall
http://nationalpark-una.ba/en/lokacija.php?id=6
Thanks for the tips, can’t wait to come back!
Bungee jumping is my one of the most favorite activity. All the other activities that you have mentioned is also pretty cool. Thanks mate for your kind info, really excited to explore these also.
Hey Dan,
This an incredible post about adventures in Bosnia. What attracted me when I was there are the spectacular waterfalls and beautiful scenery.
Your posts are incredibly well written to hold my attention throughout, definitely part of my inspiration heading forward to slow down and add more thought to my writing!
Keep up the good reads
White water rafting sounds exciting. I’m actually very shocked that in just one place, there are tons of amazing sights that you can see. If anything, this is really worth it. One destination and you have about 5 sights that are breathtaking, you won’t have this anywhere else.
I love Bosnia.
Read your article with interests. Never realized such a beautiful country B&H exists. It is a part of the world I have never been to. Thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful photos.
Thanks Mike. BiH is truly one of those special yet still pretty undiscovered gems. Hope you get there sometime.
Waoo,
Following you from 6 months and every time getting something new from your site.
Brother i’m having to many questions about travel can you please share little bit that how you are affording all these expenses for your travel.
And how can i afford my travel and start travelling because i wanted to start my book about my journey of traveling.
Regards, Domnick
Thanks Man. I started my travel off my savings from pulling overtime from my old job.
The place looks beautiful! I would really like to visit there!
Amazing photography Dan you can really capture some more images and the places you are visited is really amazing
Thank you!
Content with images is always a good scroll.
Great article,thanks for sharing.keep the good work.
Loved this post! So many great things
Thanks for sharing this
I had no idea B&H had quite so much to offer outside Mostar. I travelled from Croatia in 2018 for a quick visit and the people there were wonderful.
I don’t think many people do, surprisingly it just does not get that much attention highlight how much is on offer. I love it!
New thing I go that is bridge jumping. Something new always inspire me.
Really interesting. I wish I were there.
There are plenty of places to head Mount Biking, popular locations include Bitovinja and Zlatar, although the route, Seriously, road-tripping this country will take us through many unbelievably coloured water spots.