BOSNIA i HERZEGOVINA - JUL/AUG 10

[jrhbonneville]

Hello,

First time I have placed a thread...

I am looking at a trip through and around Europe later this year (Jul/Aug) with an intent of travelling a short distance through Bosnia i Herzegovina, coming in from Croatia around Brcko and travelling down the Central and western side of Bosnia through Bijeljina, Srebrenica, Sarajevo, Mostar and Medugorje before heading north on the Croatian coast road.

I would appreciate any advice on border crossing, the local constabulary, Carnet (if required?), places to stay (I would prefer finding my own space for a tent) and any other appropriate/general advice?

Many thanks.

[morgan]

No Carnet needed, just green card and passport, border crossings are easy you may not be stopped at all at Metkovic just waved through. Dim lights on all the time, is the law so don’t get caught out on that one. Otherwise the local fuzz are mostly grand, if you are getting hit with a fine insisted on going to the bank to pay it there. Coast road is a bit of fun-mad locals, driving like lunatics! There a some camping sites also cheap accommodation/rooms in privet houses, are plentiful. Have a good trip

[buebo]

Just a quick reminder: Bosnia has still quite a bit of unexploded ordnance and landmines, so be careful with wild camping...

[jrhbonneville]

Thanks for the advice - mucho appreciated.

[SixDays06]

Originally Posted by jrhbonneville

Thanks for the advice - mucho appreciated.

Good that you're from the UK and not form Italy.

I am a big fan of Bosnia. It's a gorgeus country and we had a great time three years ago.

We took gravel roads from Sarajevo down to Foca (Srbinje) and to Tjentiste (famous for it's WWII battles). Then, second day, down south to Avtovac, Nevesinje, Mostar. AFAIK, mind the section Sarajevo - Mostar as it is very crowded and the trafic is intense.

Pocitelj (south down the road from Mostar) is also a nice place to see.

Pocitelj:

Further down to If you come from east, do not miss the section Visegrad - Foca.

[jrhbonneville]

Thanks for the advice - the phots look great.

I would appreciate your advice/thoughts on how you navigated around - map, GPS, nose, feel and instinct or all! I currently use a Garmin 660 (that is until my curiosity takes over), but it appears to cover only the main routes in Bosnia.

Did you hotel/guest house with accommodation or tent? I prefer the tented option, but mindful of the kind advice from above re ordance from the conflict.

Apologies if it appears to be a bombardment of questions.

Regards

[SixDays06]

Originally Posted by jrhbonneville

Thanks for the advice - the phots look great.

I would appreciate your advice/thoughts on how you navigated around - map, GPS, nose, feel and instinct or all! I currently use a Garmin 660 (that is until my curiosity takes over), but it appears to cover only the main routes in Bosnia.

Bosnia isn't a big place so yes, just use your instinct. At least that is what we've done. Western Bosnia is more open ie. the mountains are lacking of trees so spectacular views are regular.

One more thing: just don't leave the roads because of mines. Gravel roads are fine.

Originally Posted by jrhbonneville

Did you hotel/guest house with accommodation or tent? I prefer the tented option, but mindful of the kind advice from above re ordance from the conflict.

Apologies if it appears to be a bombardment of questions.

Regards

We did camp two nights but:

a) the camps are poor and old;
b) accomodation is cheap, just look for proper signs or ask for "SOBE", not "CAMERA".

[jrhbonneville]

Many thanks for the reply and information - looking forward to the trip

[raycopper]

If you going near Mostar, you could check out River Camp Aganovac. Small campsite, but very friendly & enthusiastic owner. Stayed there last year. Just don't jump into the river!! 5 deg C all year round.

Ray

[Laura Bennitt]

Bosnia is a brilliant country, my definite favourite from my trip, fascinating, beautiful, great people.

If you're going to Mostar and fancy a bit of an alternative view on the place, Bata at the Majdas Hostel Hostel Majdas (former Majdas Rooms) in Mostar | Hostelworld.com runs a very lively tour of Mostar and the surrounding areas.

It's aimed at backpackers, but Bata himself is a great character, and while you can get to everywhere he covers independently, the first part, round Mostar, with history of the war as told by someone who experienced it, is something you won't find every day.

Other than that, Jajce is a very pleasant little place, and Mostar and Sarajevo overwhelmed me with the mix of ancient history, history from my own lifetime, and great forward movement.

Enjoy!

Laura

[jrhbonneville]

Ray/Laura,

Many thanks for your info and replies. I have both Sarajevo and Mostar on the list to visit.

Regards - Jim

[doktor]

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an amasing country. I go there almost every year. Wherever you go is good. A lot of good roads to ride. No need for tent, cheap accomodation, good food and restauran, national specialities that you must try...

Sarajevo-Mostar(canyon of river Neretva and Jablanica lake), Trebinje, Jajce-Banja Luka(canyon of river Vrbas), Bos. Novi-Bihac(canyon of river Una), Visegrad-Foca (canyon of river Drina), Jablanica-Tomislav grad (Blidinje lake).......

[jrhbonneville]

Thanks Doktor, all and any advice always appreciated. Thanks.