Travel to Sarajevo

Travel to Sarajevo

Sarajevo is close to the centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and lies in the Sarajevo Valley, which is located 500 metres above sea level. Much of the city itself is relatively flat though some of the outskirts and far Eastern parts of the city are hilly. Neighbourhoods in the Old Town are noted for their steep streets and hilly landscapes.

The River Miljacka flows through the city and is one of the city's main features, while it is also surrounded by five major mountains which form part of the Dinaric Alps range which winds across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. These mountains are becoming popular once again, though land mines leftover from the hostilities of the 1990s are still a serious concern.

Transportation to Sarajevo

There are several international flights to Sarajevo from European cities. The airport is still recovering from the Bosnian War, but traffic has now increased to nearly half a million passengers a year. It's also possible to travel to the city by train or bus, though these journeys are often very lengthy. There are bus and rail connections available to most countries in the region including Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro and Austria.

Some visitors may decide to travel by car, and the journey from Zagreb takes approximately 4 hours. However, it's not generally advised, as road conditions are poor in many areas and the country is still littered with land mines.

What to see

Bascarsija square is at the centre of Sarajevo and is the city's Turkish quarter, featuring cobbled streets, mosques and oriental-style shops. Though much destruction was caused during the war, there is still much of interest to see. Gazi-Husrevbey Mosque is one of the city's most noteworthy buildings, and is situated at the centre of Bascarsija. The grounds of the mosque include two tombs and an ornate fountain, and there are several other places of worship in the vicinity.

Jajce fortress is situated to the east of the city, where the streets lead sharply uphill to the now ruined fortress. Wonderful panoramas of the city can be enjoyed from this vantage point, and the fortress itself is a remarkable historical remnant of Sarajevo's coloured past.

World War I was triggered by an event that occurred at Latin Bridge, which crosses the Miljacka River. The city has played a pivotal role in world history, and much of the city's past is documented in the many excellent museums. The Museum of Sarajevo, National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Museum of Literature and Theatre Arts are all well-worth a visit.

The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum is a little farther from the city centre, but should be visited by anyone interested in the Sarajevo siege of the 1990s, when a tunnel running under part of the airport was used to channel food and supplies into the city.

Daytrips

Sarajevo is situated near the foot of five major mountains, and there are some fantastic views of the city from the surrounding countryside. Visitors wanting to explore can get a copy of a walking guide to Bosnia's 2,000 meter high peaks, though it's important to organise a local guide or seek local advice before venturing off any beaten trails as land mines are still an enormous problem in the country.

For those interested in the Bosnian War, a daytrip to Srebrenica is a poignant experience. Located around 2 hours drive from the city in a somewhat remote location, this was the scene of a deadly massacre in 1995. The spa town of Ilida, 10kms southwest of the city centre, retains a large area of parkland, with some wonderful walking trails.

There are numerous other excursions that can be taken in on a daytrip from Sarajevo. Mostar is not far away, but despite this city's small size, it is better to plan a few days here to properly appreciate its unique charm and history.

Activities and leisure

The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo, and in spite of the Bosnian War, many of the Olympic facilities have survived, including the Olympic Hall Zetra and the Asim Ferhatovic Stadium. Football is a leading sport in Sarajevo and the city is host to FK Sarajevo and FK Zeljeznicar, which both play in European and international cups, while other important teams in the city include FK Olimpik and SASK.

Basketball is also very popular in Sarajevo, and the local team KK Bosna Sarajevo won the European championship back in 1979. There is a wide selection of sports facilities located across the city, and just outside the city, rock climbers can enjoy the climbing crag Dariva.

Safety issues

Terrorism is a threat in Bosnia, and deep-rooted ethnic and religious tensions still exist in the country. Visitors are recommended to avoid protests and demonstrations as they may become violent and foreigners could be targeted. It's important to closely monitor the media and to avoid any potential trouble spots. Violent crime is on the rise in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and many of these incidents involve organised criminal gangs. However, casual visitors are unlikely to be affected by these developments.

Petty crime including pick-pocketing and bag-snatching is more of a concern. Be highly vigilant at all times and ensure that any valuables are stored at a hotel safe, or are carefully sequestered, out of the reach of opportunistic thieves. The city is generally safe to travel in, though you are advised not to stray off the beaten track as there are almost one million unexploded land mines in the country. It's important to take out full travel and health insurance before travelling to Sarajevo, as medical expenses can be high and cash payment may be required.