But safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina is more complicated than a simple yes or no answer.

With the Bosnian War still a part of the collective memory, it is understandable that many visitors have concerns about safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But those who hope to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina need not stress about safety.

While there are a few common scams and safety precautions to consider, for the most part crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina is low and Bosnians are incredibly friendly.

Nevertheless, here are all the safety concerns to keep in mind when travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of my favourite Balkan countries to visit!

Political Tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This is incredibly complicated, especially without an in-depth history lesson.

What you mainly need to know to stay safe is that Bosnia has, what they call, two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Republika Srpska (Serbian entity).

Although there is one government, there are representatives from both entities looking after their own interests.

It is often referred to locally as the most complicated political system in the world.

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For your own safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is unwise to share your political feelings, especially if it is in favour of the entity you are not in at the time.

While this is unlikely to cause any extreme safety concerns it won’t make you any friends and it just isn’t worth risking a fight!

Landmines in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Don’t worry, safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina really is not an issue.

However, for those hoping to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and discover untouched regions might want to reconsider.

After the Bosnian War landmines covered the country, and many died as a result.

The government prioritised clearing residential areas first, then roads, popular tourist areas, hiking routes and other frequented places.

Sadly, the truly off the beaten path spots, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wilderness, have never been completely cleared.

This does not mean that hiking is not safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina!

But those hoping to do so will need to stick to the marked paths.

Alternatively you can arrange to go with a guide.

Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina

There is very little crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina and even less violent crime.

However, tourists need to be careful and use common sense as with anywhere.

Most crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina that affects visitors is pickpocketing and petty theft in the major cities of Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka.

While violent crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely rare, there have been several incidents of disputes being handled using hand grenades and rifles in the past two decades.

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Luckily these numbers decrease every year and the last recorded incidents were in 2017.

It is also rare for tourists to be involved in these violent confrontations.

These weapons are left over from the Bosnian War when they were handed out indiscriminately to the general population, including children.

Common Scams in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The main crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina is pickpocketing.

In any major city, tourists need to be vigilant and aware, as with any popular European city.

Although some pickpockets in Bosnia and Herzegovina work alone, many work together and employ scams to trick people.

A common scam to look out for is beggars trying to sell you something or asking for money while one of their associates robs you.

Another popular scam that has popped up in Europe is when you’re eating at a cafe or restaurant outside and someone will appear with a clipboard and place it in front of your phone or wallet on the table.

While they are talking and distracting with you they will slip their other hand under the clipboard and take your belongings.

Aside from keeping an eye on your possessions at all times, the best way to prevent this from happening is to avoid using large backpacks and standing out in a crowd whenever possible.

Tourists also need to be vigilant on trains and other public transport.

These are where they are most likely to be targeted.

Taxi scams are common in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Always get in taxis marked with a “TA” as these are official.

Non-official taxis will sometimes quote inflated prices, or use a rigged metre that jumps up faster than a normal metre.

Road Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffers from poorly maintained roads which is only exacerbated by old vehicles and harsh weather.

In cities, pedestrians need to take extra care crossing the street.

Those hoping to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina might be unprepared for the condition of roads in rural areas.

Many visitors to the country consider drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be reckless.

To stay safe on the road, be on the lookout for people passing on blind curves and in no-passing zones.

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In rural areas, be careful of pedestrians walking on roads without sidewalks.

This is very common in a lot of the Balkan countries.

In the winter the roads can get exceptionally icy.

Coupled with early sunsets and poorly lit streets outside of the cities, road safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the winter can be difficult.

Natural Disasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina

When it comes to natural disasters, Bosnia and Herzegovina gets hit by everything.

Earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, floods, droughts and heavy snowfall are not unheard of.

Although these events aren’t common and are unlikely to be dangerous, it is best to avoid rural areas during harsh weather.

Herzegovina (the south of the country) is most likely to be affected by droughts and forest fires during summer heat waves.

If you visit during a heat wave, check local warnings before going hiking.

Pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina

One safety concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina that often gets overlooked by visitors is pollution.

Although the country is relatively unpolluted most of the year, during the winter months the air fills up with PM 2.5 particles and can become toxic.

The main source of pollution is coal-power plants and industry.

However, this is exacerbated during the winters when people burn even more coal to stay warm (not all homes have electric heating).

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Many towns and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina are nestled within valleys with low winds and the air gets trapped.

A brief visit to the country will not do any lasting damage to a healthy person.

However it can make for a miserable holiday for those with respiratory problems, chronic illnesses or other vulnerable groups.

If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the winter and fall into one of these groups, consider bringing a surgical mask designed to protect from PM 2.5.

So is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe?

On the whole, yes – Bosnia and Herzegovina is completely safe!

Despite all these warnings and the small chance of crime, there is no real reason to worry about your safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnians are kind and welcoming and eager to share their culture with visitors.

Other than wandering unaccompanied into the wilderness, you really only need to take the same precautions you would anywhere and use common sense.

But do not let this deter you from travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina because it is just as safe as anywhere else!

The post Is Bosnia safe? The lowdown on safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared first on Travelling Balkans.

Over 1 million tourists visit every year, many of which come from within the Balkan region.

But visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Although the country benefits from year-round tourism, choosing the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is entirely dependent on what you want to do while there.

Like many places, it is busiest in the summer, but Bosnia in spring or autumn is the ideal time to visit for those looking to go hiking.

In the spring, head to one of the country’s national parks, take a dip in Kravice waterfall or cool off underground in Vjetrenica cave.

Whether you come for culture, hiking, history or delicious food, Bosnia and Herzegovina will not disappoint.

Here is a more in-depth look at what each season has to offer to help you decide the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Spring

Outdoor activities are the order of the day during springtime in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As the cold recedes, the weather becomes most pleasant for hiking and bicycling.

If your accommodation is near one of Bosnia’s beautiful lakes, or close to Neum on the Adriatic Sea, there is also the option for swimming.

Swimming season officially begins in late May.

But for those who enjoy the rush of colder water you can go swimming as early as April.

If you happen to be city-based, like visiting Mostar or Sarajevo, then you can take advantage of the many walking tours available.

Bosnians will take to the streets with picnic blankets, music and outdoor barbecues to celebrate. Plus, there will be a lot of alcohol flowing!

Spring is also an excellent season to visit Mostar – the heart of Herzegovina.

Here you can enjoy, among other things, the Kravice Falls, the Dervish Monastery and Start Most – an Ottoman-style 16th century bridge that sits astride the Neretva river.

It’s safe to say that spring is one of the best times to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for those wanting to get out and explore this beautiful country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Summer

If you’re looking to soak up some sun, then Bosnia has one of the best summer climates to take advantage of.

There are very few rainy days during this time, with long periods of relative drought between them, and temperatures can reach up to 35-40°C (95-104°F) or higher.

Naturally, these are the busiest times for tourism in the country, so you also need to take care of safety as there are more cars on the road and more chaos.

So make sure to book at least a couple of months in advance if you plan on visiting Bosnia for the summer heat, as accommodations book up fast!

As with spring, Bosnia in summer is all about exhilarating outdoor sports.

River kayaking and whitewater rafting now become available in addition to mountain climbing and hiking.

For those who love to grab their paddles and dive right in, Bosnia is home to the Tara River Canyon – the deepest river canyon in Europe.

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If you’re in the nation’s capital and you’re feeling cultured, there’s also the Sarajevo Film Festival in July/August.

It is considered by some to be the most honoured festival in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo is a UNESCO City of Film, and this event has been held annually for over 25 years. It’s the perfect place to mingle with local and international stars alike!

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Autumn

This is the best time to visit Bosnia if you want to stay dry and avoid the snow and rain.

That does come at a price, however.

Bosnia in autumn can get very warm during the day, followed by brutally cold nights.

Make sure you prepare a full range of possibilities for Bosnia weather.

That being said, fewer people tend to visit Bosnia in autumn.

So accommodation options will be more varied, accessible and cheaper than in the summer months.

With so much forestry and mountainous areas, the changing of the colours of leaves almost takes on a new meaning.

Bosnia in Autumn is a botanical cornucopia on display.

However, as the nights start drawing in, autumn in Bosnia also becomes the perfect time to visit the country’s wealth of museums.

Enjoy the Historical Museum, the Tunnel Museum, the National Gallery and more.

All of which provide a fully comprehensive view of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historical background.

If you visit Bosnia in the month of November, you can experience the annual Sarajevo Jazz Festival.

Begun in 1997, this annual celebration of all things jazz has grown in popularity over the years, but it has managed to keep its grassroots vibe nonetheless.

During this week-long festival, both classic and innovative styles can be heard late into the night in many venues throughout the city.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Winter

Fun fact: Bosnia in winter is really not that cold!

The country benefits from a milder climate than many of its other Slavic peers, with daytime highs of 8-10°C (46-50°F).

It is, of course, cooler in the mountains.

Here the snow and the allure of smooth slopes brings in one of Bosnia’s main tourist groups: skiers.

Skiing and snowboarding in the Olympic Mountains is on a par with skiing in the Alps.

So the majority of tourists leave the cities (which can have some difficulties with air pollution during winter, especially Sarajevo) for the peaks of Jahorina, Vlašić, and Bjelašnica.

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There are many delightful log cabins available to tourists, with inviting wood fires to keep you warm and cosy after a long day of sliding around.

Of course, as with many places, winter here means Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations. But in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are two of each!

The more globally celebrated dates of December 25th and January 1st are joined by the Orthodox Christmas Day and New Year on January 7th and January 14th respectively, so there are plenty of days of festivities.

The post When is the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina? appeared first on Travelling Balkans.

Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t often somewhere people consider when they’re looking for an outdoor-friendly holiday but it’s one of my favourite Balkan countries to visit.

But nature lovers will be blown away by the beauty of this relatively unknown Balkan gem.

In fact, few people realise that the country’s terrain is predominantly mountains and valleys; the mountains are even considered an undiscovered pearl in Eastern Europe.

The options for hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina will have any avid hiker booking a ticket!

Best time for hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Before you decide where to go hiking, you probably want to know when to visit.

It’s best to avoid the harsh winter months.

Spring and autumn can be great weather for hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina; however some months are still quite chilly for the higher altitudes.

Alternatively, snowshoeing is quite popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is offered throughout the country during the winter months.

As are winter hiking tours if that’s your cup of tea.

Guided Hikes in Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of the most frequently asked questions about hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina is whether or not a guided hike is needed.

Technically, no.

However, it is extremely important to note that there are still active landmines in some of the forested areas within the country.

If you plan on exploring off of the official hiking trails, or are prone to wandering off path, then you need to go on a guided hike in Bosnia and Herzegovina for your own safety.

This is not the place for discovering unknown spots by yourself.

But for the most part, hiking here is completely safe.

All the official hiking trails in the country have been cleared of landmines – or they never had any to begin with.

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So long as you plan on visiting the more popular hiking trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and you stick to the trails, you will be fine.

Hiking trails are well marked, and locals are always friendly if you’re a little turned around.

So ironically, if you’re more independent and adventurous, a guide is highly recommended to help you discover more hidden gems.

But also they likely will take care of bringing some yummy Bosnian cuisine on the hike so you don’t have to really prepare much.

One of the best tour companies for guided hikes in Bosnia is Green Visions.

They are a team of passionate and avid hikers, climbers, rafters, etc and they will work to ensure you have the best trip possible.

The Best Hiking Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an excellent choice for hikers.

There are 197 hiking trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina and over 60 mountain ranges that are 1,500 meters or higher.

Additionally, there are four national parks and eight nature parks considered protected land.

Whether you are looking for an easy 45-minute casual hike, or a more difficult multi-day trek, there is a hiking trail in Bosnia and Herzegovina for you.

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Sutjeska National Park

One of the most popular hiking spots is Sutjeska National Park, near the border with Montenegro.

Sutjeska National Park was established in 1962.

It is not only the oldest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but home to the highest mountain peak in the country – Maglić Mountain.

Maglić Mountain, which stands at 2,388 meters, is perfect for hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are several options for multi-day hikes up the mountain, which offers captivating views of Trnovačko Lake (in Montenegro) and Perućica.

Perućica is one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests, and contains Skakavac, a 70 metre high waterfall.

It can only be explored in the company of park rangers, although this can normally be arranged as part of a guided tour.

Visiting Perućica is a truly unique experience, and worth including in any hiking itinerary of Bosnia and Herzegovina

While you’re in Sutjeska National Park make sure to visit the famous Tjentište Spomenik.

This WWII monument commemorates those that died during the Battle of Sutjeska in 1943.

Hiking Near Mostar

There are several popular hiking trails near the city of Mostar.

A hike that’s suitable for beginners is Mostarska Bijela.

This hidden canyon along the Bijela River is a real gem.

It has old abandoned villages and a beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip and cool off.

Outside of the city is Mount Velež. This peak overlooks Mostar and is a symbol of the city.

Mount Velež used to be a communications base for the Yugoslav National Army, but today boasts breathtaking views of Mostar, Buna River and Neretva River.

The mountain’s western side is the easiest way up, with other routes only suggested for more experienced climbers with proper climbing equipment.

In the other direction is Blidinje Nature Park and the Čvrsnica Mountain range.

The main attractions here are the Roman trails and the Hajdučka Vrata arch; a stunning natural monument that overlooks the valley.

Alternatively, Velika Vlajna on Čabulja Mountain stands at a modest altitude of 1,786 meters.

It is not an easy climb, but as you descend you might come across wild horses, which makes the hike worthwhile.

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Bosnian Himalayas

The Prenj mountain range (also known as the Bosnian Himalayas) is nestled in the Dinaric Alps, which stretch from Italy across the entire Balkan region.

They are also referred to as the Dinarides.

A great hiking trail to start with here is the Old Tobacco Road, a rugged path once used for illegal tobacco transportation.

This route is by no means easy, but it’s worth doing for the historical significance alone.

For this reason, it is best to go on a guided hike so they can regale you with the stories of smugglers travelling by cover of moonlight to transport illegal goods such as tobacco across the mountains.

Overall, hiking in Bosnia is fun and adventurous.

Just make sure you always keep safe and take some yummy Bosnian food with you so you don’t get stuck without it while on your hike!

The post Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Everything You Need! appeared first on Travelling Balkans.

Traditional Bosnian cuisine is full of flavour, fresh vegetables and lots of meat.

Bosnian dishes are often built around meat, but they also love fresh salads and cheese.

In fact, you’ll find lots of local cheeses wherever you go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also within most Balkan countries they visit.

A few of the most popular are Livanjski, Travnički and Bosnian smoked cheese.

It is difficult – though not impossible – to be a vegetarian in Bosnia.

Veganism, however, is much more difficult if you are interested in eating local foods.

However, there are more and more vegan shops opening up, some of which offer meat free versions of tradition Bosnian food.

There is a lot of crossover in the cuisine of the Balkans.

A lot of dishes found in Bosnia can be found in neighbouring countries, as well.

This is fantastic if you fall in love with a dish (or five!) and want to keep travelling around.

But if you’re only visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, or starting your Balkan travel here, you probably want to know what’s available.

There are also several traditional meals unique to the cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Here are all the best tradtional Bosnian food you’ll want to eat during your next trip.

Image by Alanyadk from Pixabay 

1. Pita

If you love bread stuffed with delicious filling then you’re in luck.

Pita (Bosnian for pie) is one of the most common Bosnian street foods, and can be found in any bakery throughout the country.

The most popular type of pita is Burek. a meat filled pastry that is rolled into a spiral and cut into servings like a pie.

In Bosnia, burek refers specifically to a meat filled pastry, but there are several other similar pastries that are collectively called pita with different fillings.

Variants include cheese (sirnica), potato (krumpiruša), pumpkin (tikvenjača) and spinach and cheese (zeljanica).

Both krumpiruša and tikvenjača are typically vegan, but it’s worth asking double checking with the bakery.

2. Somun

People say that the smell of somun is the smell of Ramadan.

These small, spongy breads are traditionally baked in wood fires, and for Ramadan are sprinkled with a special black seed (Habbatul barakah – “the blessed seed”) which both gives them their alluring scent and is believed to bring prosperity and luck.

3. Bosanski Lonac

As the name suggests, this one is specific to Bosnian cuisine!

Bosanski Lonac (or “Bosnian Pot”) is a rich Bosnian stew made by filling a large pot with alternating layers of meat and vegetables in water and cooking it for four hours.

The strength of this dish lies in its flexibility; the rich used to use many different fine meats whilst the poor made do with whatever they had.

So no matter what your tastes, you can’t go wrong!

This is definitely a seasonal dish so if you visit Bosnia in winter, this will be a popular dish to try.

Image by thoha from Pixabay

4. Ćevapi

Ćevapi is a staple of Bosnian cuisine, and a must try, unless you’re vegetarian.

It is made of grilled minced meat rolled into sausage shape.

Typically five to ten ćevapi are served in flatbreads (somun) with different relishes, most commonly onion, ajvar (a red pepper and olive oil condiment), sour cream and different Bosnian cheeses.

Bosnians normally eat this for lunch, dinner or snack, although dinner isn’t entirely out of the question.

5. Ćutfe

One of the most hearty dishes of Bosnian cuisine, Ćutfe are traditional meatballs served in a thick tomato-based sauce.

The sauce can be spiced according to taste, and the meatballs themselves are a simple combination of minced meat, eggs, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs.

Best served with mashed potatoes, some crunchy bread, or even on their own.

6. Klepe

This traditional Bosnian food is often compared to a dumpling or pierogi.

Klepe are made by stuffing dough with sharp cheese or minced meat (beef or lamb) and then steaming it.

Once ready, they are doused in pavlaka (a sour cream sauce) or garlic sauce.

Image by Alanyadk from Pixabay 

7. Sarma/Japrak/Dolma/Punjena paprika

This very filling Bosnian dish has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, though it has made its way through the Balkans and beyond.

Sarma are stuffed rolls, made by wrapping a filling of some kind (usually ground meat, rice and spices) with a leafy vegetable, most often cabbage, though there are variations all across the Balkans.

Dolma and japrak are similar, but use grape leaves.

Dolma is only filled with rice, while japrak has rice and minced rice.

There is also a traditional Bosnian food called Soğan dolması which is onions stuffed with rice and minced meat.

You’ll find this dish to try all over Mostar and other popular cities in Bosnia.

Lastly, punjena paprika is another similar traditional Bosnian food.

It is made by stuffing bell peppers with meat and rice in a bed of tomato sauce.

8. Suho meso (dried meat)

As previously mentioned, meat is an essential part of Bosnian cuisine.

Well, this one-ingredient dish goes a long way!

Suho meso literally means “dried meat”, and is prepared by curing smoked beef or pork in salt for several days before leaving it to dry under a fire for even longer, sometimes for weeks.

As with many dried meat dishes, it was originally intended to make sure the meat didn’t spoil over the winter months, and the correct process takes a lot of skill and expertise to perfect.

9. Begova Čorba (Bey’s stew)

Begova Čorba is one of the dishes specific to Bosnia and Herzegovina cuisine.

Although it has origins in the Ottoman Empire.

It is a hearty stew made of slow cooked chicken and vegetables, served in a clay bowl with sour cream garnish.

This dish is most popular during holidays and other festivities.

10. Tufahija

Originally a Persian dish that the Ottomans added to Bosnia and Herzegovina cuisine, these apples stewed in sugar water are then filled with walnuts and cream, then baked and, as with many Bosnian desserts, doused in sugar syrup.

Each portion is traditionally served chilled in its own large glass.

Image by Baklava7_de from Pixabay

11. Baklava

One for the sticky dessert lovers out there!

Baklava is a popular Bosnian dessert made from layers of filo pastry intertwined with chopped walnuts and agda – a cooked mixture of sugar and water.

These are then cut into diamond shapes for serving.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, baklava is considered a special occasion delicacy, and is often served at Christmas, Eid and other such holidays.

12. Tulumba

If you’ve ever eaten a churro, then you’ll be somewhat familiar with Tulumba.

Dough is deep fried and dipped in sugar syrup while still hot, then consumed once cooled.

Tulumba is often consumed at Iftar, the daily evening meal for Muslim families during Ramadan, though today it has become one of the most popular Bosnian street foods.

13. Krofne

These will be familiar, at least in principle, to many people around the world. Krofne are large, airy doughnuts that are filled with marmalade, chocolate, jam, jelly and all manner of other sweet substances.

They are similar to Berliner pastries from Central Europe, and for extra decadence can be finished with a dusting of icing sugar.

14. Smokvara

This Herzegovinian dish derives its name from “smokve”, the local term for figs.

There are no figs in Bosnia, so this dish is considered one of the most Herzegovinian of them all.

To make it, dough is combined with a fig-syrup and baked into little flat discs that are doused in a sherbet concoction.

Smokvara is very sweet, and is best accompanied by a cup of strong Bosnian coffee to take the edge off.

Image by Serdar Dinç from Pixabay 

15. Kahva

Coffee in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a big deal.

It is part of the country’s cultural identity!

This makes it an essential part of Bosnian cuisine.

Proper kahva (Bosnian coffee) should be made by first roasting coffee beans, then manually grinding them.

The powder is then put into a džezva – a long-handled metal pot, which is heated beforehand – and boiled water is added.

Your kahva should be served alongside a ceramic cup of hot water.

To drink it, first add the hot water to the džezva, then take a spoonful of the foam from the top and add the coffee to your cup, then place the spoonful of foam on top.

Each kahva should be served with a glass of water to sip from before tasting the coffee, which serves as a palate cleanser.

Sip first, then enjoy the rich notes of your coffee!

The post Bosnian Cuisine: The Most Delicious Dishes to Try! appeared first on Travelling Balkans.

The bus from Mostar to Dubrovnik is relatively easy and affordable but as there is not a lot of information on the route, I am going to give you my tips and experiences on this bus.

Mostar bus station

Getting a ticket

The best way to get your ticket is from the physical bus station.

The bus station is located not far from the city centre.

It’s only about a 15-minute walk (if that) from the famous bridge so there is no need to catch a taxi there unless you have a lot of baggage, then it might be safer to catch a taxi.

The ticket prices vary, but mine was around 20.

You also have the option to get your ticket online from sites like Getbybus, but the best way is to go to the ticket office because sometimes timetables can change.

Also, it’s most likely that they won’t accept mobile tickets so you would need to print off your ticket somewhere.

It’s easier to just buy your ticket the day before to avoid hassles!

The bus leaves Mostar around 3 times a day and usually in the morning/ lunchtime.

You don’t have to get a ticket in advance but in the peak season, it might be a good idea to.

You could always ask your accommodation supplier to ask to put a ticket on hold if you were worried.

I did this bus trip in March/April, so my bus wasn’t full at all!

Travel time

Travel time is around 3.5 hours, but you must consider the time it takes to cross the border.

This can add another 30 mins – 1.5 hours depending on if anyone on the bus has a problem with their passport or visa.

However, saying that, my bus breezed through security and immigration and it probably only took 30 minutes.

This will also depend on when you’re visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina because it can take longer in the summer months.

It’s a lovely drive. I was so impressed by the views when reaching the Croatian coastline.

Plus if you have 7 days in Croatia or less, it makes sense to get there faster with a car.

That way you also get the freedom to visit some beautiful waterfalls along the way such as Ombla river spring.

You will want to have your camera out and ready for some awesome shots.

Reaching Dubrovnik

What I didn’t realise about the bus is that the Dubrovnik bus station is located a long way from the old town, just outside the city.

So, from there you must catch a local bus which only costs a couple of euros.

It was easy enough to figure out as there was a little booth to get your ticket and ask about the timetable.

Otherwise, you can catch a taxi which costs roughly €9 to the old town.

Top tips

1. Have 1 euro handy so you can store your luggage in the under-compartment of the bus.

I had to pay 1 euro, but some people said they didn’t, so I guess it depends on what your bus driver is like but from the reviews, most people had to pay.

This is very common in the Balkan Countries.

What I found strange is that the driver only accepted euros so make sure you do have an extra euro lying around just in case!

2. Take a few Croatian or Bosnian snacks and water on the way just in case the bus doesn’t stop for a break.

The journey isn’t that long but if you do get stuck at the border for longer than expected, it’s a good idea to be prepared.

3. Be sure to have your luggage prepared to be looked through.

Make sure you have everything organised and anything that you need to show the border like medicines, are easily accessible.

Accommodation in Dubrovnik

There are plenty of great Airbnb’s and hotels within Dubrovnik.

One of the best I can personally recommend is Celenga studio apartment rooms.

This is located right within the walled city.

There are also plenty of Airbnbs to rent too.

The Mostar to Dubrovnik bus is super easy and one of the best rides within the Balkans.

I would recommend taking this bus rather than a private transfer or flying.

If you have any questions about this route from Bosnia and Herzegovina or vice versa, if you’re starting in Croatia, then make sure you leave them below so I can answer them for you.

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