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A historic stone arch bridge spans a river. Houses stand closely packed together on the left bank, with forested mountains visible in the background.
A historic stone arch bridge spans a river. Houses stand closely packed together on the left bank, with forested mountains visible in the background.

Sarajevo

Published: 07 May 2026, 17:00

Europe’s Underrated Gem

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has long been considered an exciting destination for culture and city travellers. History buffs will find it just as appealing as those who love nature and appreciate the finer things in life. The city is extremely diverse, blending oriental flair with European influences.

The Old Town of Baščaršija enchants visitors with its narrow alleys, traditional craft shops, and historic mosques. At the same time, buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era shape the cityscape. Surrounded by green hills and mountains, Sarajevo also offers numerous opportunities for excursions into nature.

The city’s turbulent history is visible in many places and lends it a special depth. A stay is rounded out by hearty Bosnian cuisine, which delights with specialties such as ćevapi, burek, and sweet desserts.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 291,000
  • Official language: Bosnian
  • Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM)

Five highlights

Historic stone mosque with a central dome and several slender minarets standing in a row in the background. The building is located in a courtyard area with green spaces and surrounding structures.
The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is one of Sarajevo’s most significant Ottoman structures, and its striking architecture shapes the historic cityscape. © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com
An underground wooden tunnel with support beams on the sides and a very narrow passageway leading into the darkness. The tunnel is dimly lit and appears narrow and low.
The Sarajevo Tunnel, the “Tunnel of Hope,” served as a vital link to the outside world during the siege in the 1990s and is now a museum. © pfeifferv/stock.adobe.com
Red cable car cabin above a wooded slope with a sweeping view of Sarajevo. Below, the city stretches out in a valley, surrounded by green mountains and a blue sky.
The cable car to Mount Trebević offers spectacular views over Sarajevo and connects the city centre with a popular recreational area. © ttinu/stock.adobe.com
A tall, modern glass tower with a twisted design in the city of Sarajevo. The building towers above the surrounding houses, with green hills and residential neighbourhoods visible in the background.
The Avaz Twist Tower, one of Sarajevo’s most striking landmarks, provides an architectural contrast to the historic old town with its twisted glass facade. © Fotokon/stock.adobe.com
Historic Museum building with a light-coloured façade and a symmetrical courtyard in the city of Sarajevo, surrounded by residential buildings and green spaces.
The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Sarajevo’s most important cultural institutions and impresses with its neoclassical architecture. © BreizhAtao/stock.adobe.com

Natural scenery around Sarajevo

Sarajevo is surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape that gives the city a distinctive atmosphere. Dense forests, rolling hills, and striking peaks frame the valley and shape the panorama in nearly every direction. Popular destinations include the local mountain Trebević and the Olympic mountains Bjelašnica and Jahorina.

Just a few minutes from the city center, hiking trails, lookout points, and green retreats begin, attracting both locals and visitors. In summer, the green hills invite walks, bike rides, and picnics with sweeping views of the city, while in winter the surrounding mountain ranges transform into popular winter sports destinations. This close connection between urban life and nature makes Sarajevo particularly charming and gives the capital an extraordinary character.

Clear, shimmering green spring water in a natural park area with still-bare trees, walking paths, and a small bridge with several people crossing it. Wooded hills rise in the background.
Vrelo Bosne on the outskirts of Sarajevo is a popular destination known for its clear springs, green shoreline landscapes, and idyllic walking paths. © Vedad Ceric/stock.adobe.com
Snow-covered mountain landscape with ski slopes, lifts, and forested slopes under a clear, blue sky. Mountain huts and winter sports facilities are scattered among the trees.
The Olympic Mountains surrounding Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Games and are now popular destinations for winter sports and nature experiences. © mirza77/stock.adobe.com
A tall, narrow waterfall plunging from a steep rock face into a forested valley. It is surrounded by dense, green deciduous forest and rocky mountain slopes.
The Skakavac Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina and impresses with its spectacular location amidst dense forests near Sarajevo. © Novak/stock.adobe.com
Stone houses, some with dark roofs, in a remote mountain village, surrounded by vast mountain landscapes.
Lukomir is the highest traditional village in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is known for its stone houses in a spectacular mountain setting. © Christophe Cappelli/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of a forested mountainside with dense tree cover. The dark entrance to a cave can be seen in the rock face, nestled in the green landscape.
The Bijambare Caves are a popular nature destination near Sarajevo and known for their extensive cave systems amidst dense forests. © Light&Lens/stock.adobe.com

Sarajevo from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Eurowings

Piktogramm Info-i

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)

Five tips for ...

1. Ćevapčići (Ćevapi): Probably the city’s most famous dish—small grilled meatballs served in flatbread

2. Bosnian coffee: Strong, aromatic, and traditionally served in a copper pot—a true ritual

3. Tufahija: Poached apple, filled with ground walnuts and drizzled with sweet sugar syrup

4. Begova Čorba: Creamy chicken soup with vegetables and okra—a classic of Bosnian cuisine 

5. Sarajevsko Pivo: Local beer, traditionally brewed 

1. National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: The country’s most important museum, featuring extensive collections on archaeology, ethnology, and the famous Sarajevo Haggadah.

2. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: A moving museum about the siege of the city in the 1990s, partially located in the original, preserved tunnel area.

3. Sarajevo Winter Olympics Museum: The museum is dedicated to the history of the 1984 Winter Olympics and is a must-see for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

4. Svrzo House: A traditional Ottoman residence that offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Sarajevo in the past.

5. War Childhood Museum: The museum displays personal stories and artifacts from children who lived through the Bosnian War. 

1. Safet Zajko Park: A popular retreat with extensive walking paths, playgrounds, and sports fields.

2. Pionirska dolina: The oldest zoo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ideal for family outings.

3. Ilidža Thermal Riviera: A large water and thermal park located just a few kilometres from Sarajevo.

4. Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track: An intriguing abandoned site and a historic relic of the 1984 Winter Olympics.

5. Sunnyland: An adventure park on Mount Trebević featuring a summer toboggan run and other recreational activities. 

Picture source title:
© dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com  

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