Bosnia with children
A unique family road trip through this unspoiled country
Be open to an unforgettable adventure as you explore this beautiful country on a road trip in Bosnia with children, a destination that has not yet been overwhelmed by mass tourism. With its unspoiled nature, impressive history, breathtaking architecture, and welcoming people, Bosnia is the ideal destination for your next summer vacation. Moreover, it is still affordable, and you can enjoy delicious dishes like Δevapi. Let me take you on a captivating journey through some highlights of this beautiful destination.
Here you can read all our information and articles about traveling to Bosnia with children.
Also fun: the still relatively unknown and unspoiled Oman with children. Or how about a road trip in Albania with children?
Bosnia with children - the most beautiful road trip
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Bosnia with children - Enchanting Banja Luka
Nestled among wooded mountains lies Banja Luka, the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This tranquil city has a lively shopping street and is traversed by the picturesque Vrbas River. A notable building in the city is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, built in a neo-Byzantine style. The impressive structure is characterized by red and yellow travertine and golden domes.
Here you will find the best family-friendly hotels in Banja Luka.
Bosnia with children - Jajce, a Paradise for Waterfall Lovers
For waterfall lovers, Jajce in Bosnia with children is an absolute must-visit. The Pliva River creates beautiful waterfalls in various spots. All the waterfalls are free to visit. For just 1 Bosnian Mark, equivalent to β¬0.50, you can park for an hour.
The first waterfall
The first waterfall is accessible from both banks via a walking path that runs over the waterfalls. You walk between small waterfalls that flow harmoniously into one another, surrounded by lush greenery. On sunny days, you can even swim here or rent a boat. Don’t forget to visit the trendy bar Bridge of Love, where you can swing and relax.
The second waterfall
The second waterfall, with a height of 22 meters, is located on the outskirts of Jajce. You can easily park across from the city (at ‘Autobusni kolodvor Jajce’). The parking lot is located at the coordinates 44Β°20β²17.19β³N 17Β°16β²07.43β³E. From here, you have a beautiful view of the waterfall. You can reach the other side via a pedestrian bridge, which also provides access to the city. Just before the city gate, you can take a staircase down and follow a walking path to view the waterfall from a different perspective.
The third waterfall
The third waterfall is located by the Pliva Lake. Here, the waterfall flows through a dozen watermills called ‘MlinΔiΔi.’ Along the mills, there is a wooden path where you can walk. In the surrounding park, there are several small playgrounds where the children can play.
Our accommodation was a wooden cabin by Pliva Lake, highly recommended! It offered the perfect setting for relaxing mornings, with an incredible view of the lake, the forests, and the mountains. The experience is somewhat comparable to staying overnight at the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake in Thailand.
Bosnia with children - Magical Mostar
Mostar seems straight out of a fairy tale. The narrow streets are filled with shops where you can admire handmade carpets, Eastern-style tea sets, colorful plates, and oil lamps. It is a feast for the eyes! Coffee lovers get the chance to enjoy a typical Bosnian coffee with a view of the iconic Stari Most bridge.
The history of Mostar
The history of Mostar is both sad and beautiful. During the Balkan War from 1992 to 1995, Mostar was the scene of fierce fighting between Bosnian Catholics and Bosnian Muslims. The city was completely destroyed and was nothing more than a ghost town in 1995. Even the famous ancient Stari Most bridge was completely demolished. After the war, there was a great need for stability and reconciliation. UNESCO committed to the reconstruction of both the old town and the Stari Most, which literally reconnects both parts of the city. Although the wounds of the war are still palpable, Mostar has managed to rebuild and become a symbol of resilience.
Excursions from Mostar
From Mostar, you can also visit several other special places. Additionally, you can hike in the mountains, go rafting, kayaking, canyoning, and swimming in the rivers. We went on a canyoning adventure to the ‘secret pools’ with local guide Julijana. After a walk of about twenty minutes, we reached the river, where we exchanged our hiking shoes for swimwear. Lucas and Marloes put on helmets, and then the adventure began.
We jumped into the cold water and swam to a quiet spot. From there, we jumped off the rocks into the water. We enjoyed every moment as we continued. Each stop was beautiful and unique, making Bosnia one of the most stunning destinations I have ever visited. We arrived at a small waterfall and followed the river upstream to a beautiful piece of nature. We saw water snakes and many frogs that kept the children entertained.
Bosnia with children - Picturesque PoΔitelj
PoΔitelj has rightly been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to legend, the village was built in the 14th century under the rule of a Bosnian king. In the following years, the town grew into a strategic location.
Just half an hour’s drive from Mostar and on the way to the Kravica Waterfalls, PoΔitelj is an ideal and not-to-be-missed destination. Do keep in mind that there are many stairs, so make sure to bring enough water.
Bosnia with children - Enchanting Blagaj
Not far from Mostar lies the village of Blagaj. We visited the Dervish House, a workshop from the 16th century with striking Ottoman influences. You can visit the house from the inside, but it is especially a gem to admire from the outside.
A bridge takes you across the river, where you can discover various cozy spots. You can rent a canoe to paddle down the Buna River. At the top of the mountain, you can find the abandoned Blagaj Castle, but we skipped the hike to the castle.
Bosnia with children - Charming Sarajevo
The capital, Sarajevo, offers a surprising mix of old and new. Although we were only here for one evening and visited the lively ‘old town’ up to BaΕ‘ΔarΕ‘ija, the city invites a return visit and is a great destination for a city trip. It is a wonderful destination to conclude your road trip through Bosnia with children.
More Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an enchanting country located in the heart of the Balkans, known for its beautiful nature and historical heritage. Covering an area of approximately 51,000 square kilometers, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a relatively small country but offers an abundance of beauty. It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro and has a coastline along the Adriatic Sea.
About Joke
We are a family of four: Joke (34), Cedric (35), Lucas (9), and Marloes (6). Together, we have visited more than twenty countries, with the most special trips being to Thailand, Bali, Cuba, Bosnia, a cruise in the Mediterranean, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
We would love to return to Asia and visit Cedric’s sister, who has been living in Australia for 10 years.
One of our recent trips was to Bosnia, a beautiful destination that is still not well-known to the general public. We saw stunning waterfalls, went canyoning, and visited the picturesque Mostar. It is a country marked by war but has impressive nature. Very similar to neighboring countries Slovenia and Montenegro, but still very unspoiled and affordable.
Follow Joke on Instagram: @ourtravels_withkids and read all about her adventures at ourtravelswithkids.blog
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HI, GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE!
Welkom op mijn blog! Ik ben Marlyn en samen met mijn man en twee kinderen (uit 2018 en 2020) een reislustig gezin uit de omgeving van Rotterdam.
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