Get To Know The Real Bosnia And Herzegovina On A Road Trip

If you’re looking at planning your next driving holiday, why not consider Bosnia and Herzegovina? This lovely Balkan country may not be top of everyone’s hit list, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be front and centre of yours! It’s actually almost tailor made for a road trip because, for somewhere you may not know too much about, it’s also surprisingly accessible. 

Whether you’re off on a solo adventure, holidaying with a group of friends or travelling with the family in tow, here are some of the highlights of this beautiful country that are yours for the taking when you’ve got a set of wheels. 

Don’t Miss Sarajevo

If you’re a U2 fan you’ll love what we did there, but if not, just make sure you don’t miss Sarajevo! As the country’s capital, this is more than likely where you’ll rent your vehicle and begin your trip, but don’t be in such a hurry to get on the road that you don’t take some time to explore first. While the city will never be separated from its turbulent war heritage, today it has an almost tranquil ambience, with plenty of historic attractions like the Latin Bridge, the Tunnel Museum, the Memorial cemetery and the Old Town.

Make Tracks to Mostar

The mountainous route from Sarajevo to Mostar is, in a word, spectacular. Defined by its plethora of tunnels, bridges and dramatic gorges, it certainly pays to be the passenger on this part of the drive! If you’re on your own, though, just make sure you leave plenty of time to stop and admire the jaw-dropping views as the road hugs the mountains alongside the endless ribbon of the river. Mostar itself is picture-postcard perfect, with a network of quaint cobble-stoned streets and pastel coloured houses, as well as its main claim to fame: its instantly recognisable arched bridge.  

Explore the Beauty of Blagaj

This is another stop you won’t want to miss on your road trip and, even though it’s quite well known, being ‘touristy’ in this country is not enough to be a deterrent. The scenery takes in soaring granite cliffs rising up from both sides of the partially underground River Buna, and there are plenty of hikes and walks to take on. The main draw here is the Dervish monastery, which is ingeniously built right into the side of the cliffs where the river first makes its way above ground, by way of a small waterfall.

Picturesque Pocitelj

This could be the most beautiful little village nobody’s ever heard of! Not too far from the better-known site of Kravice (famous for its stunning waterfalls, so, yes, you need to go there as well), this tiny little village is nestled into the mountains and presided over by an historic castle. It’s utterly charming, with steep, curving streets filled with tiny cafes, restaurants and shops and if you’re up for the walk up to the castle you’ll be treated to panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. 

A Final Word: Get Car Hire Excess Insurance Before You Go

Insurance is a word that should go without saying when it comes to a holiday at home or abroad, but when you’re renting a vehicle it’s particularly important to make sure you take out car hire excess insurance as well. What car hire excess insurance gives you is priceless: the peace of mind that, should you need to make a claim, you won’t be hit with a huge excess bill to put a dent in your holiday budget. 

If Bosnia and Herzegovina sounds like your new favourite destination, book a flight, hire a car and get ready to prove it to yourself!

Author Plate

Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car hire excess insurance policies. Travellers can rest easy knowing they will be fully protected against any hidden hire car costs and look forward to a stress-free rental experience.