Despite witnessing so much violence and injustice during the recent Bosnian War, the country now teems proudly with life. People of all religions and ethnicities fill the streets, drinking coffees and meeting up with friends. Even when the crowds die down, however, Bosnia’s beautiful nature and greenery engulfs the country.
The Mountains of Sarajevo
Before landing in Sarajevo, I gazed out the airplane windows to see vast stretches of lush mountains on either side. Even upon arriving in the center, greenery followed us wherever we went. Walking through the Old Town, the view from any street included majestic hills and mountains in every direction.
Towards the end of our stay in Sarajevo, we ventured up the Trebević mountain via cable car. The view while ascending was magnificent, contrasting the towering hills with the dotted houses below. The sun hit the slopes perfectly, showing off the deep green treetops and soft grass.
Did you know? Trebević was one of the four mountains used during Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Olympics
Once at the top, we descended through the windy paths, passing by the now abandoned former Olympic bobsled track. We met some friendly horses along the way and eventually reached the narrow cobblestone streets heading into the Old Town. Although the hike lasted over 2 hours, finishing well after sunset, it was a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city’s flora and fauna.
Blue Waters & Abundant Nature
Once we arrived in Mostar, a city to the south, we were immediately entranced by the piercing blue color of the river that ran through it. Passing directly under the town’s famous Old Bridge and snaking through the remaining city, the clear water and surrounding nature was surreal.
Did you know? “Bosnia” comes from the Indo-European word “Bosana”, meaning water.
Along the banks of the river, locals stood to fish, as others drifted down the stream in small boats. Close to the Old Bridge, a string of restaurants offered a stunning view of the surrounding scenery.
Bosnia’s Kravica Waterfalls
During our stay in Mostar, we took a day trip to see the majestic Kravica Waterfalls, an hour-long drive from the center. Although completely overpacked, the hair-like strands of water flowing from the foliage above was an incredible sight.
Did you know? “Kravica” means “baby cow” in Bosnian, named after the cows that used to come to drink the cool water.
To reach this secluded paradise, we walked down hundreds of steep stairs, hearing the calming sounds of rushing water from above. Upon arriving, we noticed a crowded restaurant serving food right by the water. In the distance, families had laid out towels on the pebble strip of land.
Although alluring in the intense heat that we had endured the entire day, the crystal-clear waters were deceivingly cold. Aside from the interesting history and beautiful people we encountered in Bosnia, the boundless nature that sprung up in every direction left a lasting impression. From rivers to mountains, the country’s green and blue landscapes are one of the best sides of Bosnia & Herzegovina.
