Bosnia and Herzegovina has beautiful landscapes. Dotted across and streaming through these landscapes are lakes and rivers. One mustn't forget that Bosnia also has a coastline, though very short and squished inbetween Croatia on either side (apparently the second shortest coastline in the world). The lack of knowledge on this even sparked a meme and some internet backlash at one point.
There are glacial lakes, lakes filled by crashing waterfalls, and rivers fit for rafting. Then, of course, there are also spas and swimming pools. Below we take a look at some of the best spots for a swim - or to go rafting - in and around Sarajevo.
Boračko Lake
Boračko Lake
Boračko Lake is a glacial lake surrounded by steep and forested mountain slopes. Boračko Lake is genuninely beautiful: it has a very rich, elmerald green colour. It's a truly peacefull and relaxing location.
You can swim, kayak, pedalo, and fish there. The lake has campsites, lodgings, and BBQ friendly beaches dotted around it.
The lake is located just a short 1.5 hour drive from Sarajevo and is perfect for a day trip or for overnight camping. It's not a bad idea to visit Tito's bunker in Konjic early one morning, then head to Boračko to swim, BBQ, and camp overnight, before heading on to Mostar the next day (I do NOT recommend taking the road that goes via Humilišani).
Boračko Lake details
Glacial lake surrounded by forested mountain slopes
The Krevica waterfalls are magnificent. They are on the Trebižat River in a karstic region. Water floods from what feels like three sides into a pool with rich green waters that you can swim in.
Being a bit of a tourist destination, for locals too, some small places to get food an beer have sprung up directly around the lake and operate in the summer months. While they spoil the view somewhat, the convenience almost makes it worth it when you sip on that first beer in the sun.
One of the most spectactular ways to get there is by train. You can actually take the train to Čapljina from Sarajevo (it's quite an early train) and then take a taxi from Čapljina to the waterfalls. If you are driving, there is a massive car park.
Kravica waterfalls details
Dramatic waterfalls with a swimming area
There is a small entrance fee
Food and drink places available inside the park (during the summer months)
Neum is a small resort town (with a population of just over 3,000), and the only one on this stretch of coastline in Bosnia and Herzegovina which looks out on to the Adriatic. There are several large hotels and smaller options also.
The sea temperatures here, as is logical, are much the same as in Croatia. The temperature is pleasant enough, though chilly, in May, and perfectly pleasant from June until September.
Neum details
Bosnians seaside town
Adriatic sea
About 4 hours drive from Sarajevo
Located on the coast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just north of Dubrovnik
Given its mountains and lakes, there are a number of places you can go rafting in Bosnia and Herzegvina. In fact, the International Rafting Federation held its 2019 Euro Rafting Championship in the country. There is the Vrbas river (near Banja Luka), the Drina and Tara rivers (near Foča), the Neretva river (near Konjic), the Una river (near Bihać) . In terms of making these trips from Sarajevo, Konjic and Foča are the closest: realistically, you can get to either of these locations in under two hours by car. Banja Luka and Bihać are about twice as far away.
In each location you can easily find accommodation combined with rafting, or just rafting if you're passing through. Allot about four hours for a rafting session. Longer, obviously, if you're planning to stay the night. Many of the lodgings are on the river and offer relaxed outdoor spaces with typical Bosnian food.
Rafting details
Several rivers to choose from
The Drina, Tara, and Neretva are the closet to Sarajevo
Easy to find accommodation and rafting with a simple Google
Ramsko lake is quite astonishing. Located near a small town called Prozor, the lake hosts Franciscan Monastery Šćit on an island in its centre. The lake itself is surrounded by lush greenery. While the lake is artificial, created in 1968, the monastery has stood since the 15th century and houses an ethnography museum (which I must admit, I have not visited).
There is a hostel on the island where you can stay and around the lake you can find fishing, boats, hiking, and, as this title of this section would suggest, you can swim. I've camped down by the water until late and had a BBQ with friends.
Ramsko Lake details
A lake with an monastery on an island in the centre
Just over two hours drive from Sarajevo and near to Blidinje Nature park
There is an old turkish bath or hamam in Sarajevo which is first mentioned in 1462 and is Sarajevo's first and oldest public bath. Today's iteration is a reconstruction from 1891. You can book a session at the hamam. Note that there are separate time slots/days for men and women (which makes it tricky for some groups). Check out the Hotel Isa-begov hamam here.
Prokoško Lake
This lake is located at an altitude of 1,670 metres and after a relatively lengthy unpaved road. Not sure this is one for swimming, but lake and the surrounding village, comprised of old wooden Bosnian homes (originally built as a summer shepherd settlement), is beautiful. See the location of Prokoško Lake here.
Trnovačko lake
Technically in Montenegro, you can reach this stunning heart-shaped lake by hiking through Sutjeska national park from Bosnia and Herzegovina. See the location of Trnovačko Lake here.
