The Heart Shaped Land

Bosnia and Herzegovina is the heart shaped land that lies in the heart of southeast Europe. It is here that eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a long name for a country that measures just over 50,000 km2. Bosnia covers the north and centre of the country with its name probably derived from 'bosana', an old Indo-European word meaning water, which Bosnia has no
short of.

The southern region of ancient Hum, ruled by Herceg Stjepan (Duke Stjepan),was later named Herzegovina after the region was conquered by the invading Ottomans. Perhaps what is most important for the visitor to know today, though, is that Bosnia and Herzegovinais a stunningly beautiful country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, traditions and people. And as the old cliche goes 'people make the place' – and BiH prides itself on its hospitality and treating our guests as if they were family members. And family we take to heart.

Bridging East And West

Few lands can boast as the ancient crossroads of modern European civilization. The Balkan Peninsula itself is the bridge between Europe and Asia Minor, with BiH lying at the heart of it.

It is here that the Byzantines from the east met the Romans from the West. It was here that the Ottomans and the oriental cultures stayed for over 500 years before falling to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, each bringing the treasures of their cultures and customs.

The wonderful Ottoman bridges that span the mighty mountain rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina truly bridge the many civilizations and cultures that call their homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here you will find an amazing blend of east and west, allowing you to cross bridges you never thought possible.

 

Bosnia Adventures

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the last undiscovered regions of the southern Alps. Vast tracks of wild and untouched nature make it an ideal holiday destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

The central Dinaric Alps are a hikers and walkers paradise. Enchanted by both Mediterranean and Alpine climates, the range of diverse landscapes will stun and amaze you.

Whitewater rafting has become practically a national pastime with three adrenaline pumping rivers: Una in the Northwest, Neretva in Herzegovina and the deepest river canyon in Europe – the unforgettable Tara River near Sutjeska National Park.

Jahorina and Bjelasnica Mountains once hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. Now they host a new generation of skiers and snow-lovers, hitting the slopes with Olympic quality skiing without the outlandish prices and long waiting. Come discover southeast Europe’s most exciting ski destination!

Traitions

Experience Europe the way it once was. Old habits die hard in Bosnia and Herzegovina, preserving the ancient traditions of all the peoples of BiH.
Traditional music still echoes from the mountain valleys, with the highlanders still clad in century’s old traditional attire. One thing our forefathers have taught us is to respect the old ways – and that is to treat our guests as if they were one of our own. Perhaps is our most honoured trademark – the tradition of hospitality. Our Traditional cuisine is a fascinating mélange of western and eastern dishes, all with a special touch that is uniquely Bosnian.

 

About Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a city in which even strangers can feel at home. Neither geographically expansive nor characterised by large buildings, the city retains a particular, arresting charm with its abundance of busy café's and abiding tradition of hospitality.

The city's breathtaking backdrop of seemingly endless hills and towering mountains have in a sense always isolated the city, creating a timeless world, which despite its seclusion has always kept its doors open to the rest of the world. Although Sarajevo is a capital city typified by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it also possesses a unique ambience that seeps into the soul.

This city epitomizes a partial centuries-old struggle against outside influences combined with the absorption of these influences into one of the most diverse cultures in Europe. Indeed, few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue within easy walking distance of each other. If there were any city in Europe that effortlessly straddles east and west, it is Sarajevo. Here the Byzantine and Ottoman empires of the east and the Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires of the west left an indelible mark through culture, traditions and religions.A walk through Sarajevo is a walk through its past. From the oriental Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops, café's and handicraft workshops, to the administrative and cultural centre of Austro-Hungarian times, Sarajevo encompasses the very best of both worlds.

In Sarajevo, people have time for family and friends. It is often said that a man's wealth here is not measured in his material belongings but rather in his friendships.