 TOURISM |
 Culture and arts |
Tombstones only to be seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina
BiH is a magic blend of influences from every corner of the globe. This makes culture and art here a mosaic and a melting pot - all with a delightful balance of the old and new. One can roam though the many museums in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Bihac and find Roman mosaics, Neolithic era poetry, Oriental architecture, ancient Catholic and Orthodox decoration, crosses, and paintings. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very specific local art culture and people are very attached to their origins. From these deep roots come the local beautiful poetry, paintings, romantic music, as well as Jazz festivals, Theatre, and the famous Film Festival held every year in Sarajevo. Culture and art have been a saving grace because these ignore nationality.
| The unique beauty of BiH |
One of the breathtaking rivers of Bosnia bordered by canyons
Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been at the crossroads of many civilizations and cultures. Centuries of cultural diversity have melded Bosnia and Herzegovina into one of the most fascinating, interesting, and beautiful countries in Europe. People are mostly of Slavic origin and those are Muslim, Orthodox, and Catholic. There are also small Albanian, Jewish, and mixed communities further enhancing the diversity as a magical mix of cultures, races, and nations. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a large rural population most of its special aspects are nature and rich towns and cities that have been erected in this pristine places. One cannot separate culture and traditions from the nature where these were born. Many unique and fascinating sites regarding geography, geology, biology, culture, history and environment terms can be found within these tiny 51.000 square kilometres called Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The nature in Bosnia inspires the idyllic image of a preserved Eden
It is a country made for ecotourism, tailored to the peoples' most basic needs and joys. Bosnia and Herzegovina has luckily succeeded in preserving many of its most precious natural and cultural heritages in their original form. Some of these gems of unique beauty, such as the Una River and its magical waterfalls, the wild canyon of the upper Neretva, or the pristine beauty of the River Sutjeska that flows trough our oldest National Park even meet the criteria of the world natural reserves.
The flow of its numerous rivers will take you to an unforgettable journey
Many a travellers who came in BiH have praised the beauty of it, and pointed out that this very beauty presents a comparative advantage for eco-friendly and sustainable development. Experts say that the time has come when the quality of tourism is assessed on the basis of its vicinity to nature. Being saturated with industrialized hotels, uniform boarding and entertainment, the visitors from highly developed nations are in pursuit of genuinely natural environments where they can experience the real meaning of the world, at least when they are on holidays. Many tourists alike would see a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina as an ideal tourist pilgrimage… but only for those who are motivated and inspired by imaginative and unusual tourist prospects. The most precious possession of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with its warm, hospitable people, is its unique beauty. Despite the fact that it is not a great power, neither politically nor economically, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a true natural super power, glittering with all the wonders that man and nature have created here.
| A sacred crossroads |
Season after season Bosnia reveals its sacred charms
In few places throughout the world, history has created out of a single geopolitical unit, such an unusual society with an ancestral tradition of contacts between different people, cultures and religions.
In the Illyrian-Classical, pre-Slavic period, the cults of the East, Roman Pantheon and young Christianity met in a very creative way. The wealth of archaeology, the shrine to the god Mitras, and the early Christian basilicas are the proof of it.
The middle Ages were an interesting and culturally prolific period in Bosnia. Elements of East and West met and intertwined: Catholicism and Orthodoxy versus the Bosnian Church and the Cyrillic, Latin, and Granolithic writings versus the Bosnian Cyrillic writing (Bosancica). Byzantine Serbian fine arts, Western European Romanesque and Gothicism art were brought via Croatia and met the native artistic traditions like hand - curved tombstones that line the countryside (stecci).
One of the most predominant spiritual characteristics of this time was the Bosnian Church. Research has not fully clarified theology, doctrines, rituals and organization of this church. However, the transition initiated by the Franciscan Order that started in 1291 illustrates the influence and strength that the Bosnian Church had instilled to Christian doctrines into the medieval Bosnia.
After the fall of the Bosnian Kingdom and the inclusion of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the Ottoman Empire, major structural changes occurred. The spread of Islam was the strongest characteristic. A completely new spiritual and cultural framework was created. In a small territory the three great Mediterranean civilizations met: Western European culture in the form of Catholicism, Byzantine culture in the form of Orthodoxy, and Islam in the form of the Ottoman Empire. When the Jews were banished from Spain and Portugal at the end of the 15th century, the Ottomans offered them asylum. They introduced a fourth cultural component in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
No matter the religious context, sacral places will draw stars in your eyes | Notwithstanding the fact that these human factors, inter-religious and inter-ethnic parameters sometimes opposed, the diverse cultural systems that were inherited throughout the generations have created a country where people have maintained a native consciousness and pride. Bosnia and Herzegovina's religious traditions are the testament to its rich cultural, religious and historical heritage. Here you can find Orthodox monasteries in pristine natural surroundings, Franciscan monks serving their communities in the tradition of their medieval predecessors, beautiful Ottoman-style mosques and minarets.
| Ecology, environment and tourism: a precious balance |
Winters in Bosnia may be cold but landscapes always reveal their beauty
Bosnia and Herzegovina is representative of the many countries that have to face the challenge of an eco-friendly development in times of transition. Rich in natural resources and beauty, Bosnia and Herzegovina must find out a responsible way of promoting and protecting its vast natural wealth. This is a magical land with amazingly diverse eco- and bio- systems. The key to eco-tourism is providing tourists with an unforgettable experience in the pristine wilderness while maintaining the precious natural balance. Trough eco-tourism Bosnia and Herzegovina can effectively protect its environment and develop a sustainable economy.
| Monuments and curiosities |
STECCI
Famous trademarks here in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stecci are ancient tombstones that line the Bosnian countryside. The ancient civilizations in the country left beautiful marks tucked on ridges and mountainsides wherever they may have settled. This type of medieval graveyards is specific to Bosnia and is a characteristic of the heretic "Bosnian Church" practices of the early Christianity. Ancient symbols are engraved and they are all connected to images such as the earth, family, sun moon, tribal warriors, dance and praises to the gods. Many of the stecci date back over 700 years and preserve a precious part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's past. You won't find these in other parts of the world … these tiny remnants of our history are a national symbol and an expression of the culture and art that have survived and thrived over the centuries.
SUTJESKA
The Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the oldest National Parks. Here you can find Europe's last primeval forest "Perucica" that has survived throughout the centuries. Sutjeska is also the host to Bosnia's highest peak at 2,386 meters. The Maglic Mountain borders Bosnia and Montenegro and is a great challenge for mountaineers, climbers and nature lovers. The Sutjeska River has carved its way trough a rugged canyon land over the millennia and flows trough the heart of this 17.500-hectare park. It is hard to measure the natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina but Sutjeska certainly offers one of the best parts of it. Its mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and thriving wildlife are amongst the most magnificent in Europe. Its rough terrain enabled the local people in defeating the advancing Germans in a crucial battle during the Second World War, adding cultural and historical value to this heritage site.
If you are looking to get lost into Robin Hood-like forests and fairytale lands of pristine, wild beauty, this is one place you have to see. There are campgrounds, mountain lodges, guided hiking, climbing, tour skiing, fishing activities, restaurants and cafes, youth group excursions and maybe the most amazing nature experience of your whole life. Peace, serenity, wild-untamed nature professional, safe guiding, and of course-warm and genuine Bosnian hospitality are guaranteed. Newly built mountain lodges provide with comfortable and affordable lodging with homemade food: fresh teas, herbs picked from mountain meadows, traditional cheese and milk, home-grown vegetables and fines tastes of homebrewed whiskies. Sutjeska is just a ticket to natural living and an unforgettable nature experience! The park is open all year long with a limited access during the winter months. The mountain lodges are operated all year long ad so do guided hiking, trekking and tour skiing tours. Campsites are open all year long and tent dwellers will find their cup of tea. If you are a climber and are interested in conquering the top of Bosnia, this is the place to be!
BJELAŠNICA
One of the Olympic Mountains
Just 20 minutes outside Sarajevo, the Bjelašnica mountain range towers up. An area loved by hikers and skiers, Bjelašnica hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. The mountain range stretches from Sarajevo to Konjic and includes a wide range of traditional Bogomil and Bosnian villages, watermills, canyons, waterfalls, lakes and mountain huts. While large tracts of lush forest hug the base of the mountain range, no forest will be found above 1,500 meters. Bjelašnica opens up into numerous bald peaks inhabited by wolves and bears. Numerous trails have been marked and are maintained by the various mountain clubs in the region.
Our national park and reserve for the hundreds spices of birds.
HUTOVO BLATO
In the south of Herzegovina, not far away from the ancient Roman settlement near Capljina, one can discover Hutovo Blato, the famous settlement place for migratory birds. The National Park is situated in an area of 7,000 hectares and is an ornithological paradise with swamp birds and a shelter for 240 species of birds. Its waters are rich in eels, carps and other fresh water fishes. Many of tourists visiting Mostar and Medugorje stop here for a photo-safari, to enjoy the magic of nature and the taste of its famous cuisine. The park is an ideal place for hunting and fishing, and fervent huntsmen from all over Europe come here for the hunting season.
| Traditional food |
Food for the one who wants to try the best of Bosnia
French cuisine is not the main characteristic of BiH and people take pride in the gourmet tastes of traditional foods. Meats, vegetables, wines, fruits, and cakes all come directly from their natural surroundings. There is a long tradition of Oriental sweets, Bosnian and Viennese meats and Herzegovinian wines. Free of techno-agriculture Bosnian foods and drinks are healthy and tasty.
If you try the famous cevapcici (a specialty made of "sausages" cooked over an open flame) in downtown Sarajevo, you will notice the incredible freshness of meat here. Coffee is the rule here - Turkish style or espresso- it doesn't matter. What does matter is that you will drink a lot of it! And of course, do not forget to pay a visit to the marvellous oriental sweet shops with Oriental specialties!
If you get a chance to stop by for some fresh goat or sheep grilled, you will just have the open fire right in front of you. From the mountainside to your dinner plate you will not be able find a fresher and tastier meat dish than this! Then there is also the traditional Pita (pie) dish made from meat, potatoes, spinach, or cheese. Many varieties of cheese are also available and served with the most of the meals. Mladi sir (young cheese) and Travnik cheese are the most popular.
PRIJATNO! |
