Most Beautiful Villages of BiH

Ostrožac
Population : 2000
Altitude: 300 m.a.s.l.
Ostrožac, situated amidst the scenic splendor of a well-preserved castle and the river Una, provides a captivating ambiance reminiscent of a fairy tale. The town of Ostrožac is characterized by a complex of buildings that includes a medieval fort, an Ottoman fortress, a castle built during the Austro-Hungarian period by Lothar Von Berks, and a series of contemporary sculptures situated within the natural environment of the Old Town.
Martin Brod
Population : 124
Altitude: 329 m.a.s.l.
The numerous travertine barriers and waterfalls along the Una River are what make Martin Brod famous. Milančev buk, a waterfall with a height of 50 meters, is located on the most stunning and interesting section of the river Una. The Unac tributary enters the river Una at Martin Brod as well. There are a lot more pools, cascades, and waterfalls visible as well. Martin Brod has earned a reputation for building grain-grinding watermills on the Una River throughout history. Along with the mills, Martin Brod also owns several "bunica," or vintage eco-machines. There used to be more of them, but there are now just few. The Rmanj Monastery is visible at the town's entrance. It has a church and other buildings and was constructed in the fourteenth century. The enigmatic seal, which is the village's actual name, is named after the charming and young Marta from the story of forbidden love. She died as a result of her bravery in the struggle for love, which defied all conventions, leaving behind a fascinating tale that continues to captivate people today.
Guča Gora
Population : 511
Altitude: 686 m.a.s.l.
Guča Gora village is situated on the inclines of Vlašić mountain, which was designated as a nature park by the Travnik municipal council in 2007. In close proximity to the village lies the renowned "Carine" pine forest, which serves as a popular destination for picnicking among the locals. The primary point of interest in Guča Gora village is the Franciscan monastery, which was constructed in the architectural style of the 19th century. The Franciscan monastery in question was frequently visited by Ivo Andrić, the Nobel Prize laureate.
Pecka
Population : 224
Altitude: 400-600 m.a.s.l.
The Church of the Holy Prophet llija in Pecka is single-aisled with a five-sided apse. The current church was built by Bodo Simić, a merchant from the village of Čipuljići, not far from Bugojno. Above the church door there is an inscription stating that the church was built in 1858, and the bellfry was built later. On the walls of the church, a large number of windows are noticeable, which are decorated with carved rosettes and geometric ornaments. The interior of the church in the part of the nave and the altar are reinforced with columns with arched ends, while the floor is made of stone slabs. In the village of Pecka, there is the site "Gradina" as a remnant of a medieval fortification/watchtower above the village. The most significant object of folk architecture is the family house of Jela Đaković, which is assumed to have been built in the Ottoman period. It is well preserved but deserves more attention including the remains of dry walls, which are estimated to have been built in the village in a length of several tens of kilometers. All the meadows that were mowed or cultivated were surrounded by dry walls, which in some places have been perfectly preserved. The first canyon of the Sana River is also in the village of Pecka and up to it is reached through the hamlet of Tosić. The Misije viewpoint was marked this year and attracts a significant number of visitors.
Kraljeva Sutjeska
Population : 200-300
Altitude: 370 m.a.s.l.
The Franciscan monastery in Kraljeva Sutjeska is its most recognizable feature. In addition to the monastery, there is also the Dusper house, which dates back to the early 18th century and is the oldest home in central Bosnia. The home is a national monument and is protected by the state. The restoration is not yet complete, but the house is still accessible to the public and serves as an exceptional example of traditional Bosnian architecture. Next to this residence, at the entrance to the village, is one of the oldest mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, according to local legend, was constructed in a matter of days and has never been repaired or maintained since. On the Grgurevo hill, close to the monastery, you can discover the ruins of the Bosnian royal court from before the Ottoman conquest. The remains of a Gothic-style church, namely the palace chapel of St. Grgur, can be found adjacent to the royal residence. The monastery archive contains a wealth of resources for the study of church and cultural history. It contains registry records from 1641, which are also the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to a large number of manuscripts and chronicles. There are approximately 400,000 incunabula (the first printed books up to 1500) in the globe, but only 53 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which 31 are in Kraljeva Sutjeska.
Prokoško Jezero
Population : 2000
Altitude: 1670 m.a.s.l.
A nomadic village cut off from the world for 6 months of the year – Lake Prokoško is unique in its natural beauty. On the slope of the glacial lake, shepherds still come with their flocks, collect forest fruits and plants, and carefully guard the lake's endemic newt. The village is located at high altitudes of the Vranica mountain, with the nearest town 22 kilometers away - Fojnica. Due to its natural and ambient beauty, and its specific glacial formation, Lake Prokoško is often called the Eye of the Mountain. In 2005, the Prokoški Lake area was declared a natural monument. The tourist offer on Prokoško Lake is available in the second half of May to the end of October. Entrance fee is 10KM/per car, and 2KM per person.
Vranci
Population : 100
Altitude: 680 m.a.s.l.
Immersed in the rolling hills of central Bosnia near the town of Kreševo lies the hidden hamlet of Vranci, a place steeped in history and tradition. Here, the ancient arts of blacksmiths and craftsmen persist, their skills and knowledge a testament to the land’s mineral wealth, long-held secrets and hard-earned prosperity. Take a journey back in time and explore the past through the eyes of the locals!
Umoljani
Population : 120
Altitude: 1353 m.a.s.l.
The village of Umoljani, a climatic point of contact and conflict between two different influences (Mediterranean and Continental), a place where people have met and clashed for centuries, leaving behind something that has enriched the historical heritage, with natural potential, watermills on Sedrenik and the cattle-focused seasonal Katun settlement of Gradina, then Studeno polje with the meandering course of Studeno Potok, the waterfalls of Studeni stream whichThe ruins of previous towns are dispersed across the area, and there are several medieval tombstones high on the cliffs. The majority of the tombstones are made of local stone and take the shape of slabs, crates, and gables. A significant number of tombstones are decorated with realistic and symbolic features (twisted ribbon, double ribbon of zigzag lines, lines made in the form of relief protrusions and indentations, vine with trefoil, vine with spirals, stylized cross, Latin cross, shield, sword, circle and figural a representation of a dance formation, i.e. a posthumous cult dance, then a representation of a stylized tree with two pairs of symmetrically winding spirals and a rosette decoration.
Blagaj
Population : 2684
Altitude: 6210 m.a.s.l.
Blagaj - an oasis of peace and natural harmony, located on three rivers, is a place known for its rich cultural and historical heritage and natural beauty. One of the main attractions in Blagaj is the Old Town, which was the birthplace of Bosnian Queen Katarina Kosača-Kotromanić. The old town of Blagaj is one of the largest fortresses in the region, with impressive stone walls and typical medieval towers. From the top of the Old Town, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the River Buna and the surrounding landscape. Additional towers were built on the Old Town with the arrival of the Ottoman Empire, and from this period dates the Sultan Suleiman Mosque more than 500 years old. The heterogeneity of the Blagaj population throughout history is reflected in the active activities of three religious communities presented in places of worship that visitors will surely notice upon arrival at this tourist resort. Another popular attraction in Blagaj is the source of the Buna River, which is the largest source of clean and drinkable river in Europe, located under rocks several hundred meters high. Blagaj is the habitat of about 170 species of birds, and the climate favors the cultivation of Mediterranean crops such as strawberries, cherries, grapes, figs, peaches, apricots, pomegranates / pomegranates and kiwi. There are many restaurants serving traditional Bosnian food in the village, with fish restaurants particularly prominent. Cold Buna is ideal for growing the world-famous Californian trout, which is a specialty here. Next to the road there are many shops that sell local products such as honey, jam, dried figs and fresh fruit. Blagaj is an ideal place for visitors looking for a quiet holiday in beautiful nature, but also for those who want to explore cultural and historical sights and enjoy the rich gastronomic offer.
Ravno
Population : 500
Altitude: 370 m.a.s.l.
The Municipality of Ravno is a location characterized by exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It contains numerous remnants of past civilizations and their ways of life, providing valuable insights into the history of the region's former inhabitants. The region of southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina exudes a sense of opulence, showcasing the richness and mystery of its historical imprint. The area's proximity to the sea imbues it with the spirit of the Mediterranean. Ravno distinguishes itself from other regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina by showcasing a unique approach to utilizing natural resources. The local community has demonstrated a remarkable ability to harness the power of water penetrating the earth to operate technologically advanced mills for grinding grain. During the peak of the Trebišnjica's high-water level, fish were captured using silk nets. Subsequently, when the Trebišnjica receded to its subterranean abodes, quick-fruiting vegetable varieties such as vetch and grain were cultivated in the same vicinity. Vjetrenica is the largest and most renowned cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It boasts the highest level of biodiversity among all caves worldwide and is considered the most noteworthy karst hydrogeological feature in the Ravno municipality. The municipality of Ravno is replete with archaeological sites spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. The extensive expanse of Popovo polje, coupled with the plethora of karstic trails, antiquated thoroughfares, and repurposed railway systems that now serve as cycling routes, present an array of appealing opportunities for tourism. The geographical remoteness and limited vehicular traffic in the area have helped to maintain the region's authenticity, making it a worthwhile destination for exploration and discovery.
Mijakovići-Dragovići-Bobovac
Population : 200-300
Altitude: 650-800 m.a.s.l.
Bobovac, which is located near the village itself, is the cradle of the medieval rule of the Bosnian Banovina and the Bosnian Kingdom, and the final residence of Queen Katarina Kotromanić. The inspiring natural heritage is perhaps the most alluring aspect of this area today. Bobovac is situated on top of a ridge, surrounded by dense mountain forests and crystal clear torrents of water. The villages of Mijakovići-Dragovići are recognizable for their customs and traditions, as well as for the rich history of medieval Bosnia. According to old records and ancient reports, the medieval Bosnian royal town of Bobovac was mentioned for the first time in written documents dating back to 1350. The Bosnian royal crown was kept in Bobovac, and it is believed that three Bosnian monarchs, Stjepan Ostoja, Tvrtko II Kotromanić, and Stjepan Tomaš, were buried in the royal burial chapel in the town of Bobovac.
Stupe
Population : 400
Altitude: 720 m.a.s.l.
Livno offers one of its most prominent attractions in the form of semi-feral horses that inhabit the Krug plateau in close proximity to the town. We are referring to equine descendants that were previously utilized in agricultural practices, but were subsequently abandoned due to the emergence of contemporary mechanization. It is important to note that we are not discussing horses that were originally feral. Due to the lack of organized human care for nearly 50 years, these individuals traverse tens of kilometers daily to obtain sustenance and hydration. Despite harsh natural conditions, poaching, and wild animals, they have successfully survived and are now considered one of the most stunning attractions in the area. They are also legally protected. Based on 2015 data, the feral horse population was recorded at 418 individuals and has since experienced a steady increase, with current estimates nearing 1,000 individuals. The distance between the village of Stupe and the City of Livno is 4 kilometers.
Krupa na Vrbasu
Population : 1239
Altitude: from 210 to 680 m.a.s.l.
This little paradise is recognizable for its natural beauty, including the Krupa River, which hosts rafting competitions, which is one of the most popular activities. This is precisely why the biggest attraction of this village are the vivid waterfalls and mills on the Krupa River. While the medieval town of Greben offers the best panoramic view.
Bratač
Population : 247
Altitude: 848 – 1165 m.a.s.l.
Bratač boasts a remarkable abundance of historical heritage on the Nevesinje plateau, including ancient Roman remains, a medieval bridge known as Ovčiji brod, and the river Zalomka sinkhole, which has been declared a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bridge, which was constructed during the Ottoman rule, is believed to have existed even during the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the Roman road that leads to it. This region boasts a plethora of Illyrian architectural remnants, alongside medieval tombstone necropolises. The Nevesinje Olympics, a century-and-a-half-old event, features horse races and traditional knight games annually in August at Bratački lug. Bratač continues to produce traditional products that are widely recognized, including cheese in a sack, kaymak, and potatoes from Nevesinje.
Population: 1239
Altitude: from 210 to 680 m.a.s.l.
This little paradise is recognizable for its natural beauty, including the Krupa River, which hosts rafting competitions, which is one of the most popular activities. This is precisely why the biggest attraction of this village are the vivid waterfalls and mills on the Krupa River. While the medieval town of Greben offers the best panoramic view.