Considering an adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wondering whether it’s suitable for families? Well, we can tell you it absolutely is. The locals adore children and there’s lots of things to see, eat and do for all ages.
See our suggestions below which have been tried, tested and approved by the UB founders’ own offspring.
1. Sarajevo
Bosnia’s capital city boasts an amalgam of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian relics. The old quarter is the beating heart of the city and there’s lots there to interest families. Wander the old Ottoman bazaar for souvenirs, visit a traditional Bosnian coffee shop, and explore some of the museums and religious buildings there, such as the beautiful Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Don’t miss out on a walk down Copper Street (Kazandžiluk) to see artisans at work making copper plates, coffee sets et al. Kids love a live demonstration and the locals are all too happy to oblige. Pictured above are UB founders’ Ben and Emma’s children getting involved. Another simple yet fun thing to do with kids in the old town is feed the pigeons around the Sebilj Fountain.
If you’d like to learn about the 1990s conflict in Bosnia but you’re conscious that some of the museums might be a bit too grown-up for some, visit the War Childhood Museum. It’s dedicated completely to the experiences of children who grew up during armed conflict in that period, making it easier for your kids to relate. The collection of personal belongings and video testimonies really brings it to life .
Find more things to see and do in Sarajevo.
2. Mostar
Mostar is an enchanting city with its old Ottoman landmarks and there’s plenty that children will find fascinating. It’s best known for its Ottoman bridge, Stari Most (look out for daredevil divers!), and old town where you can shop for souvenirs in the Bazaar Kujundžiluk, take a boat ride on the Neretva flowing beneath Stari Most, and relax at one of its many restaurants serving a choice of local and international cuisines.
While the Museum of War and Genocide may be a bit heavy for younger travellers, there are other museums that bring the city’s history to life in a more child-friendly way. Step inside either Kajtaz House or Biscevic House, two remarkably preserved Ottoman homes, and discover what life would have been like there in the 15th century.
Mostar is known for being a melting pot of cultures and religions and within walking distance of each other you’ve got mosques, churches, cathedrals and synagogues. It’s definitely worth paying a visit to Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque (the large one with a blue dome you see from Stari Most) and kids will love climbing up the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the minaret, where there are some truly epic views of the city. No need to pack clothes for covering up, scarves are provided. You can also climb the bell tower next to the Church of St. Peter and Paul for more epic views. Tip: visit these places after 3:30pm when most of the day visitors have left to avoid overcrowding at the top.
3. The pyramid of the sun
What? Bosnia has pyramids? Yes it does and it’s a great place to visit with kids. It’s still hotly debated whether or not these prism-shaped hills, one named the ‘Pyramid of the Sun’ in Visoko are actually pyramids or just remarkable natural forms, but ruins have been discovered there and since Since 2005, Bosnian-American business man Semir Osmanagić, who now lives in Houston, Texas, has been adamant that they are the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth. We say go along and see for yourself. The site is just 12km outside of Sarajevo.
4. White water rafting on the Neretva River
The Neretva River is one of Europe’s cleanest rivers and (at risk of putting you off this next activity suggestion) it’s also one of the world’s coldest with water temperatures no higher than 8℃ in summer.
If that hasn’t got your teeth chattering too much, this mighty river has some fantastic rapids to ride. Our personal favourite rafting course is in the Neretva Canyon just outside of Sarajevo. IN between the bumpity-bumps, be sure to look into the crystal clear water as there’s a high chance of spotting one of the hundreds of fish species living in it. And on the banks, birds such as the European Crested Tit flit between the trees.
The rapids range from levels 2 to 4, guaranteeing an adrenaline rush to rafters big and small.
5. Blagaj
You’ve probably heard of Blagaj, the historic village just outside of Mostar known for its Dervish house teetering on the edge of the Bune river. But we bet you didn’t know there’s a via ferrate there? Once you’ve snapped some family photos and taken a peak inside the old house, strap up and get ready to see it from another perspective as you cling to the Vulin Potok (Blagaj ferrata) 200m above it (with a qualified guide of course). As well as a bird’s eye view of Blagaj, you’ll see the lesser-known fortress of Herceg Stjepan Kosaca, which dates back to the 15th Ccntury, while your youngsters will rave all day about completing the via ferrate.
6. Swim in Kravice waterfalls (and it’s lesser-known alternative)
We know kids are water babies and with temperatures known to hit 40℃ in summer around Mostar, a dip in an icy, spring-fed waterfall is guaranteed to cool you off.
Most tourists will head to Kravice Waterfalls as it’s well connected by tour buses from Mostar and it’s no doubt a great place for a refreshing dip and a bit to eat at the restaurants on its banks. However, if you want a quieter spot, come with us to enjoy wild swimming in idyllic waterfalls that are harder to reach, and a picnic without the crowds.
Related:
- How to pack light for an adventure holiday in the Balkans
- Emma’s top tips for adventure travel with kids
- Albania: 7 things to see and do with kids
- Meet Skender, our Bosnia and Herzegovina adventure guide
7. Visit Tito’s bunker
The Armijska Ratna Komanda D-0 – aka Tito’s bunker – is something that, despite advancements in technology since the 1950s, still amazes people today due to its sheer size and capacity – and cost (equivalent to $19.3bn in today’s money). Construction of this nuclear attack safe house started in 1953 as the Cold War was heating up and was completed in 1979 (good job there wasn’t a nuclear war in between). From the outside, it looks like three plain old houses and it’s only when you go in, the 6,854 m2 complex, opens up. Built to withstand a 20-kiloton blast and house 350 people, it’s the stuff of a Bond villain’s lair. The bunker is located in Konjic, 50 minutes’ drive from Sarajevo and 1 hour, 15 minutes from Mostar.
8. Hike in the Dinaric Alps
With the Dinaric Alps mountain range slicing through it, Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t short of scenic hikes to suit all abilities. You don’t have to drive far from your base in either Mostar or Sarajevo before being met by craggy limestone peaks adorned by evergreen forests and wildflower meadows. And if little legs need convincing of a hike, tell them you’re going “waterfall hunting” or “nature spotting,” says UB co-founder Emma.
If you’re staying in Sarajevo, the gentle ramble to Skakavac Waterfall, the country’s tallest falls at 98 metres high, is popular among tourists and locals alike. It’s quite the spectacular sight to see this mammoth fall cascading down into smaller falls – a great backdrop for a family photograph.
You don’t even need to leave Sarajevo though. Take the gondola to the top of Trebević mountain where you can explore the forests and hike along the old Olympic bobsled tracks. It’s great for picnics in the summer up there too.
9. Try new foods
Tasting the local cuisine is a really fun and immersive way of experiencing a new culture at any age. In Bosnia, it’s imperative you try ćevapi. While this can be found across the Balkans region, Bosnia claims it as its national dish. So, what is it? Ćevapi is small sausage-shaped grilled mincemeat which is usually accompanied by chopped, raw onion in a pitta-like bread. It’s a cheap and delicious lunch on-the-go for many and so it can be found in most local eateries.
Another must-try is burek, a savoury pastry creation made by layering up filo pastry with fillings like grilled meat, spinach and cheese and baking it. It’s found all over the Balkans and each country has its own spin on it. The name for it also varies and in Bosnia, it’s called Sirnica.
Finally (although we don’t advise this one too close to bedtime) parents can have a chuckle at their youngsters screwing their faces up at the taste of a traditional Bosnian coffee which is so thick and strong, you could chew it.
Bosnia and Herzegovina family holidays
7-Day Multi Activity Holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina
We start in Sarajevo before retreating to the glorious Dinaric Alps for hiking, kayaking and pottery making. And because you can’t visit Bosnia without seeing Mostar’s charming Ottoman bridge, we’ve pencilled in time for that too.
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