Banja Luka – Geheimtipp für Südosteuropa
Banja Luka – Geheimtipp für Südosteuropa

Banja Luka

Insider Tip for Southeast Europe 

Published: 28 April 2023, 10:00

Banja Luka

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a real insider tip among the holiday destinations in Southeast Europe. The relatively unknown travel destination is easily discovered from Banja Luka, which is well connected to the capital region of Berlin-Brandenburg by direct flight from BER Airport. With around 225,000 inhabitants, Banja Luka is the largest city and seat of government in the Republic of Srpska, which is considered an independent entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Naresim/Wirestock / Adobe Stock

Located on both banks of the Vrbas River, Banja Luka is often referred to as the “Green Pearl of Bosnia”. This is due to the many pretty parks, gardens and tree-lined avenues that give the small town a charming appeal. The second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its history and heritage, and in particular for its rich mix of cultural sites and monuments. Worth seeing are the fort, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Ferhadija Mosque. 

@ Naresim/Wirestock / Adobe Stock

What Is There to Discover?

Once destroyed and then rebuilt: the Ferhadija Mosque is an imposing structure of Ottoman-Islamic architecture from the 16th century. @MS_2020/AdobeStocks
Once destroyed and then rebuilt: the Ferhadija Mosque is an imposing structure of Ottoman-Islamic architecture from the 16th century. @MS_2020/AdobeStocks
Banja Luka has a very well-maintained city centre with pretty streets to stroll through. The most popular among locals is Gospodska Street. @utamaria1/AdobeStocks
Banja Luka has a very well-maintained city centre with pretty streets to stroll through. The most popular among locals is Gospodska Street. @utamaria1/AdobeStocks
Located on the picturesque banks of the Vrbas: The Kastel, built by the Romans, Ottomans and Austrians, is an extensive fortress complex that also includes a park. @slobodan/AdobeStocks
Located on the picturesque banks of the Vrbas: The Kastel, built by the Romans, Ottomans and Austrians, is an extensive fortress complex that also includes a park. @slobodan/AdobeStocks
The golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in the city centre is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Bosnia. @Naresim/Wirekstock/AdobeStocks
The golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in the city centre is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Bosnia. @Naresim/Wirekstock/AdobeStocks
The Palace of the Republic is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Srpska. It is located right in the city centre near the Gospodska shopping street. @Julius Lakatos/AdobeStocks
The Palace of the Republic is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Srpska. It is located right in the city centre near the Gospodska shopping street. @Julius Lakatos/AdobeStocks
Next to the Palace of the Republic is the Banksy Dvor, the cultural centre of Banja Luka. Concerts and festivals are held here. @bennian_1/AdobeStocks
Next to the Palace of the Republic is the Banksy Dvor, the cultural centre of Banja Luka. Concerts and festivals are held here. @bennian_1/AdobeStocks

Around Banja Luka – Unspoilt Nature

Nature lovers with a thirst for exercise and adventure will enjoy the area around Banja Luka. If you are looking for peace and relaxation, this is the place for you. In the fairytale-like forests and extensive landscapes, you can relax and recharge your batteries on walks and hikes. Those looking for a little more adventure can get an adrenaline rush with rafting on the popular Vrbas River. The area around Krupa na Vrbasu is a little bit of heaven on Earth. Its waterfalls and wooden houses will transport you back in time.

The picturesque landscape around Krupa na Vrbasu is known for its waterfalls, wooden houses and mills. © Ajdin Kamber/AdobeStocks
The picturesque landscape around Krupa na Vrbasu is known for its waterfalls, wooden houses and mills. © Ajdin Kamber/AdobeStocks
The Ljubačke doline ethno-village is an open-air museum near Banja Luka. It shows traditional life at the end of the 19th century. © MS_2020/AdobeStocks
The Ljubačke doline ethno-village is an open-air museum near Banja Luka. It shows traditional life at the end of the 19th century. © MS_2020/AdobeStocks
Recharge your batteries and build your strength: with its interesting rock formations, the natural beauty around Banja Luka is ideal for hiking and walking. © Andrew/AdobeStocks
Recharge your batteries and build your strength: with its interesting rock formations, the natural beauty around Banja Luka is ideal for hiking and walking. © Andrew/AdobeStocks
The Banj Brdo monument is located in the middle of the forest at the gates of Banja Luka. Like a mausoleum, it sits enthroned on top of a mountain © Overflightstock/AdobeStocks
The Banj Brdo monument is located in the middle of the forest at the gates of Banja Luka. Like a mausoleum, it sits enthroned on top of a mountain © Overflightstock/AdobeStocks
With its many fast sections, the Vrbas offers excellent conditions for mountain river rafting and is becoming increasingly popular locally. © evron.info/AdobeStocks
With its many fast sections, the Vrbas offers excellent conditions for mountain river rafting and is becoming increasingly popular locally. © evron.info/AdobeStocks
A two-hour drive from Banja Luka is the Una National Park, home to a river of the same name as well as spectacular waterfalls. © Novadoa/AdobeStocks
A two-hour drive from Banja Luka is the Una National Park, home to a river of the same name as well as spectacular waterfalls. © Novadoa/AdobeStocks

Figures, dates, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Inhabitants: 200,000
  • Official languages: Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian
  • Currency: convertible mark
Ryanair

Banja Luka from BER

With Ryanair to Banja Luka (BNX)

Ryanair

Five Travel Tips …

  • Try the original Banjalučki ćevap (local speciality Ćevapčići)
  • Have a Bosanski Lonac (Bosnian stew) for lunch
  • Buy fresh fruit and vegetables at one of the markets (e.g. Gradska Tržnica).
  • Those with a sweet tooth will love the sweet rahat lokum
  • Have a mojito in one of the stylish bars and hit the nightlife

  • Walk along the Vrbas River bank at sunset  
  • Have a picnic in the park of the Kastel Fortress
  • Buy small souvenirs on Gospodarska Ulica (Men's Street).
  • Take a ride on the Dayak on the river (a kind of gondola)
  • Listen to the sounds of water in Krupa na Vrbasu

  • Visit the Trappist Monastery by bike
  • Join a rafting tour on the Vrbas
  • Take a hike on the Cherry Trail
  • Try cave diving and mountain bike tours in Una National Park
  • Jump into the cool water at the Krupa Waterfalls 

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