Flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Getting around

A scenic railway runs between Sarajevo and Mostar through the Neretva gorge, and buses connect most towns. Hiring a car gives the most freedom for waterfalls, villages and national parks, though mountain roads are slow and winding. Traffic drives on the right. In rural areas, keep to paved roads and marked paths, as some land is still affected by mines from the 1990s.

History

The medieval Bosnian kingdom left carved stone tombstones known as stećci, now UNESCO-listed. Ottoman rule from the 15th century brought mosques, bazaars and bridges, followed by Austro-Hungarian rule from 1878. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 led to the First World War. Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the war of 1992 to 1995 ended with the Dayton Agreement, which shaped the country's present structure.

Bridges, waterfalls and mountains

Mostar's Old Bridge was destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt using original techniques, and divers still leap from it into the Neretva. Nearby, Blagaj's dervish house sits beside a river spring at the foot of a cliff, and the Kravica waterfalls are a summer swimming spot. Jajce has a waterfall in the middle of town, and Una National Park is known for rafting. Jahorina and Bjelašnica, the old Olympic mountains, are now ski resorts.

Entry, money and time

Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU and Schengen area, and British visitors can usually stay for up to 90 days without a visa. The currency is the convertible mark, and cash is useful outside the cities. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one hour ahead of the UK. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn are ideal, with warm days and fewer crowds in Mostar. Herzegovina is hot in July and August, while Sarajevo stays a little cooler. Skiing runs from December to March.

Thinking of flying into Sarajevo and out of Dubrovnik? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll check the options.