Archive for the ‘Bosnia’ Category

Doboj

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Doboj (Добој) is a city and municipality in north of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s one of the oldest cities in Bosnia, as well the most important urban center in the North of the country. The city is situated in the northern part of the Republika Srpska entity on the river Bosna. Doboj, is also the largest national railway junction within the country. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 90 thousand people.

When traveling to Dojob, the nearest international airport is Banja Luka, when arriving by plane you can travel via Beograd/Serbia, Sarajevo/Bosnia or Zagreb/Croatia. Dodoj can also be reached by bus through international and domestic destinations. Once arrived in Doboj you will notice it’s one of those Bosnian towns where you can find historic Orthodox and Catholic Churches and Mosques nearby city center and the downtown areas. The town itself is spread out wide, therefore it’s advised to make use of the local buses when going to see sightseeing’s, to a restaurant or to local convenient stores.

The city has very few, yet unique sightseeing available for locals and tourists. Including the Oboj Fortress, which is famous throughout the country. Enhanced in the 13th Century by the Bosnian aristocracy Kotromanic, today’s cultural fortress is still in tact, and it’s hilltop view worth the climb. Further more there’s a 13th century St. Nichola’s Monastery near Petrovo which is the best known in the city, and a beautiful lake around 5 miles outside city limits named Goransko lake where you can camp, swim, barbecue or simply relax outside city life.

Travelers to Doboj need a valid passport and return ticket. American citizens don’t need a visa to visit the city. The warmest time to visit Doboj is in July. The city has a continental climate with warm summers and harsh winters.

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Banja Luka

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the capital of the Republika Srpska entity. It is located in the northwestern part of the country. The city lies on the Vrbas River. Banja Luka is now a regional center of business, education, arts and culture. The population is estimated to be between 250 and 300 thousand people. The city is mostly know for its urban green areas; avenues, alleys and parks.

Although Banja Luka has suffered from an earthquake in 1969 and mosques being blown up in 1993, the city has some historic sights to visit, such as the Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure, the Governor’s Palace, the Ferhat-Pasha Monastry and the fortress Kastel. The fortress was built by Ancient Romans and is also used by Ottomans.

Banja Luka has a rich nightlife. It also has numerous cultural events. Most visited and popular are Banja Luka Theater Festival, Fashion Week and Summer Festival. In the summer you can enjoy live bands playing in outdoors venues. The region is filled with pools, thermal springs and spas. The Vrbas river is perfect for different water sports, including rafting and kayaking. You can also go fishing, rock climbing and hiking along the canyon of the Vrbas River.

Travelers to Banja Luka need a valid passport and return ticket. American citizens don’t need a visa to visit the city. The warmest time to visit Banja Luka is in July. The city has a continental climate with warm summers and harsh winters.

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Travnik

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Travnik is a small city in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located at the edge of the Vlasic mountains into a narrow wooded valley of the Lašva River. The city has a population of approximately 27 thousand people.  The city was the birth play of Nobel literature prize winning author Ivo Andric, who wrote about his city in The Travnik Chronicles.

Travnik is a picturesque city that has suffered from the war. This is still visible in the center, as well as signs of other historic times. The city was part of different occupations. Since 1995 Travnik is part of the Federal Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative center of central Bosnia. The old town of the city dates back to the early 15th century. There are structures dating to the Ottoman era that are in near perfect conditions. Take a look at numerous mosques, oriental homes, fountains and two clock towers.

Walking from one part of Travnik to another will take only 30 minutes. Walking is the best way to see all the historic sights. Highlights include the source Plava Voda, the oldest part Stari Grad, the traditional architecture of Osoje and The Ivo Andric House. You can also walk up to the old fortress of Travnik which has very impressive traditional homes. Adventurous people can enjoy hiking mountain sports on the Mountain Vlasic, 6560 feet.

Travelers to Travnik need a passport that is valid for longer than their stay and a return ticket. American citizens don’t require a visa. Travnik can be visited all year round. It has a continental climate with temperatures from 33 Fahrenheit in winter up to 64.8 Fahrenheit in summer. It snows every year.

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Sarajevo

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

It is city that is strongly associated to images of war and destruction. It was even witness to the assassination that sparked the First World War. The former Ottoman territory, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina, may have a bloody past but its present is that of recovery and of Old World village charm. Some tourists even regard the place as a romantic destination and not just a place for curiosity-driven adventure. The city’s population, according to the latest measurement, is estimated at a little over 300 thousand.

If you love historical places, Sarajevo is a must-visit. The city boasts several churches, mosques and cathedrals that represent various beliefs that have made their mark. While skyscrapers and other modern buildings mark the city’s being rebuilt, ancient haunts and war-brought ruins remain juxtaposed with modern Sarajevo. If tension used to rule the city, it has now been replaced with a very relaxed atmosphere. Though the people of Sarajevo are multi-ethnic and practicing various faiths, they no longer have to endure the uncertainties and dangers of war.

To reach Sarajevo, you may book a flight that will land you on Sarajevo International Airport. If you are passing from a nearby city, such as Montenegro or Serbia, you may reach the Bosnian city through bus. When within the city, you can go around by bus or train. On the other hand, you can also immerse yourself into the city’s culture by just walking; the city is easily explored on foot. Once the site for the Winter Olympics, the city can have below freezing temperature; the thermometer can take a dip to -15 degree Fahrenheit. It did experience a burning 104 degree Fahrenheit in 1942.

If you are visiting from the United States, you need to have a passport valid for at least a little longer than your planned stay in Sarajevo. The good news is that you do not really need a visa to go with your passport. Make sure, however, that you have your other travel documents handy for emergencies.

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