Traveling Bosnia by Camper Van - Our Insider Tips
During our Balkan road trip, we of course made a stop in Bosnia – a country that we believe is an absolute must-see. In this post, we want to share the beauty of this country with you, along with all our tips and experiences from this journey.
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1. Essential Information for Your Camper Van Tour in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in the Balkans in Southeast Europe, bordering Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The country boasts a wonderfully diverse landscape with mountains, rivers, lakes, and fertile plains. The Dinaric Alps stretch along the Croatian border, offering breathtaking natural scenery.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo. The city has a rich history and is famously known as the location of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, which triggered the outbreak of World War I.
The official languages in Bosnia are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. These three languages are quite similar and all fall under the Serbo-Croatian language group. In tourist areas and among younger people, English is widely understood and spoken. And for other situations, Google Translate is your best friend! ;-)
Entry
If you want to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need either a passport or an ID card. If you’re driving into the country with your camper van, you will need a green insurance card. If you don’t have this, you’ll need to buy insurance at the border.
Currency
The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (KM). The Mark is pegged to the Euro, with 1 KM roughly equal to 0.5 Euros.
It’s typical to pay in the local currency, but Euros are also accepted in many areas, particularly in larger hotels or shops. Be sure to always have some cash with you, as smaller businesses, especially in rural areas, often only accept cash. You’ll find banks and exchange offices in the cities, as well as ATMs for withdrawing cash.
Sights to See
Bosnia offers a wide range of attractions. Some of the most famous include the old town of Sarajevo with its historic buildings and bazaar, the Old Bridge of Mostar, the historic town of Jajce with its waterfalls, Una National Park, Sutjeska National Park, and the pilgrimage site of Međugorje.
Safety
Overall, safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina is stable, but as in any country, there are a few things to keep in mind. While the crime rate isn’t particularly high, it's always wise to keep an eye on your valuables, especially in cities. During our stay, we were advised against visiting Sarajevo. However, the people in rural areas were incredibly friendly and helpful, and we always felt comfortable.
Road Conditions
Road conditions in Bosnia can vary depending on the region and type of road. The country has a developing highway network, and major roads in urban areas are generally well-maintained with good surface quality.
Smaller roads in rural areas can be in worse condition, with uneven surfaces or potholes. Extra caution is needed, especially when driving in rain or darkness.
In mountainous regions, particularly in the Dinaric Alps, roads can be winding and challenging.
2. Must-See: Exploring Mostar with Your Camper Van
One of Bosnia’s top attractions is the city of Mostar. Located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 130 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo, Mostar is nestled in the Neretva River Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
The old town of Mostar, known as "Stari Most," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hotspot for tourists. The city’s symbol is the Old Bridge, an impressive 16th-century arch bridge spanning the Neretva River. Although the bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993, it was meticulously rebuilt.
Mostar is a melting pot of cultures, home to Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The city reflects influences from the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian rule, and more recent history.
We recommend taking your time to explore the city by wandering through its narrow streets. You’ll discover charming shops and cozy restaurants that invite you to relax.
In the evening, head down to the riverbank below the bridge to see the beautifully lit city and bridge. We grabbed some beer and snacks from a small supermarket and enjoyed the sunset by the river – definitely one of our highlights!
Campingplatz in Mostar
Another highlight is the campsite located about 20-30 minutes by foot from the city center, even quicker by bike. This campsite is highly recommended – it’s relatively new, beautifully designed, and right on the riverbank.
You can go down to the river from the campsite to cool off or just relax. The owners are super friendly, and the whole place is spotless and very inviting.
3. Must-See: Una National Park with Your Camper Van
The Una River is one of the most famous rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and offers some spectacular sights.
The most famous waterfall in Una National Park is Strbacki Buk, standing about 25 meters tall and considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Balkans. Other stunning waterfalls in the park include Martin Brod and Javornik waterfalls.
During our stay in Bosnia, the park was nearly empty. We were able to peacefully enjoy the incredible nature.
If you’re heading to Martin Brod waterfall, you’ll pass through a small village where you can find very affordable restaurants offering traditional Bosnian food. We ate at a cozy little spot with a lovely terrace – the perfect lunch break.
Fun fact: the Una River also marks the natural border between Bosnia and Croatia. Prices are significantly higher on the Croatian side, so it’s well worth visiting Bosnia!
Camping in Una
There are plenty of camping options around Una National Park. We highly recommend "Camp Buk," a family-run campsite right on the river, just a few kilometers from the Martin Brod waterfall. We parked our camper van right by the river – pure relaxation!
The campsite offers delicious meals, and you’ll love the warm hospitality of the owners!
4. Bosnian Cuisine – Dishes You Must Try!
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich culinary tradition influenced by various cultures. Be sure to try these traditional dishes during your trip:
Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat rolls, typically served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar (a pepper and garlic sauce).
Burek: A savory pastry made from thin layers of dough, filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes.
Sirnica: A type of cheese-filled pastry – we had it for breakfast in Una, and it quickly became our favorite!
Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually cooked in sauerkraut and broth, especially popular in winter.
For dessert, don’t miss:
Tufahije: Cooked apples filled with ground walnuts, served with cream and chocolate sauce.
Baklava: A sweet pastry made of thin layers of filo dough filled with nuts and soaked in syrup – very sweet!
5. Costs: How Much Does a Trip to Bosnia Cost?
A holiday in Bosnia is incredibly affordable, with living costs significantly lower than in Germany. Prices can be 25-50% cheaper compared to home. Here’s a rough guide to costs:
Fuel: about €1.10 per liter
Eating out: €5-12 per person
National park entrance fees: €1.50-5 per person
Campsite stay: €25-30
Beer (0.5 liters): about €1.50
Want more insights into our Balkan road trip? Check out our post: 10 Days in the Balkans: Our Route and Costs.
For a closer look at our travels, follow us on Instagram: tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! Feel free to message us with any route questions!
