Bosnia and Herzegovina Car Hire

Guide of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Geography

Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in the western Balkans of Southeastern Europe. It shares 932 kilometres of its border with Croatia to the north and southwest, 357 kilometres with Serbia to the east, and 249 kilometres with Montenegro to the southeast. It also has a 20-kilometre coastline that borders the Adriatic Sea. The most notable elements of the surrounding topography are valleys and mountains that reach heights of up to 2,386 m (7,828 ft). The majority of the nation is mountainous, spanning the middle of the Dinaric Alps. The northeastern sections of the peninsula stretch into the Pannonian basin, while the south borders the Adriatic Sea.

Climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The climate of Bosnia and Herzegovina is broadly continental, with pleasant summers and freezing winters. However, the country's southwest enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 23°F to 81°F, with temperatures seldom falling below 10°F or rising over 92°F. The ideal months to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina are May, June, and early September, when the heat has subsided and the trekking is at its finest. The sun is out and the days are longer in February and March, making them ideal months for winter activities.

Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina has traditionally been recognized for its trade and commerce and, as a result, has a multicultural population. Today, you could hear mosques summoning people to prayer throughout the valleys, followed by church bells. Bosnians are also known for being upbeat, gregarious, and engaging. Expect to be greeted with amazing kindness and warmth.

Things To Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Raft the Tara Canyon

One of the world's longest and deepest canyons is the Tara Canyon. The border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro is formed by the Tara River. The canyon, which is 1,300 metres deep and 78 kilometres long, has steep cliffs, pebble and sand beaches, and more than 80 caves. It is one of the best locations in Europe for white water rafting because of the pure blue river, towering cliffs, and rapids. The ideal months are May and June. The adrenaline runs high here, and so do the waves.

Ski on the Dinaric slopes

Bosnia's slopes provide a welcome, more reasonable alternative to Europe's typical Alpine slopes, which are tremendously overcrowded and overpriced. The Dinaric Alps are home to five main ski resorts, each of which caters to skiers of all skill levels. Sarajevo is not far from Jahorina and Babin Do. In addition, Vlai in central Bosnia is well known for its vibrant nightlife and off-the-beaten-path excursions. Runs on Kupres are longer. With more than 13 kilometres of slopes, it attracts both novice and experienced skiers, as well as local Croatians from Dalmatia.

Visit a Dervish monastery in Blagaj

Blagaj Tekija is a Dervish Monastery hidden into the side of a cliff, overlooking the green waters of the Buna River, and is one of the most surrealistically beautiful places in the nation. The remarkable structure, which was constructed under the Ottoman Empire in 1520 but was damaged by rockslides and intentional human destruction, has been patched up and reconstructed. Here, Sufi Dervishes conducted ritual dances, and three evenings a week, praise chanting is still practised. Only seven kilometres separate Blagaj Tekija from Mostar, which is a popular tourist destination. The monastery welcomes visitors and features a mausoleum and an antique Turkish bath. Even if some of the wax figures have seen better days, they are nonetheless interesting.

Eating Out in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina's cuisine is robust, filling, and heavily inspired by the 400 years of Ottoman rule. The two most popular ingredients are lamb and beef. The recipes feature a lot of locally grown veggies, but the main attraction is almost always a grilled piece of meat. Try cevapi; an oblong-shaped kebab served as a snack with raw onions, local pita bread, and sour cream that is grilled in front of you. Another well-known dish is burek, a type of flaky pastry pie filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. Make sure to also try keep (minced beef dumplings), dolma (eggplant and pepper packed with mince), and bosanski lonac, a robust stew created from whatever is on hand and regarded as the national cuisine, for something a little more substantial. There are many delicious pastries made in the Turkish tradition, including baklava and ustipci. First, however, be sure to try a bowl of tufahije, which is a stuffed apple cooked in sugar and eaten with whipped cream and syrup. Pair it with a cup of industrial-strength Bosnia coffee and you’ve got yourself a picker-upper.

Transport

Airport

Bosnia and Herzegovina has 4 international airports, but the main one is Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ).

Getting Around Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Sarajevo, are walkable. Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Long-distance intercity and international buses are widely available. Autoprevoz, Globtour, and Centrotrans are the most popular bus companies. Trains run in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but they are antiquated and exceedingly sluggish. We do not suggest that you use them. Visitors travelling in big groups, with little children, or seeking more comfort and flexibility to explore the gorgeous countryside, often choose to hire a vehicle.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Research Beforehand: Before your trip, research different car rental companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina to find the best deals. Look for reviews and ratings to ensure reliability.

• Compare Prices: Compare prices from multiple cheap car hire companies to get the best deal. Keep in mind factors like insurance coverage, mileage limits, and additional fees.

• Book in Advance: To secure the best car hire deal, book your rental car in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak tourist seasons or to popular destinations like Sarajevo.

• Consider Pickup Locations: Look for car rental locations that are convenient for your itinerary. While major cities like Sarajevo offer multiple rental locations, smaller towns might have limited options. When it comes to Sarajevo car hire options, you'll not be limited at all.

• Check for Deals: Keep an eye out for special car hire deals and discounts offered by rental companies, especially for the most popular car hire locations like Sarajevo. Sometimes booking directly through the company's website can yield better deals.

• Choose the Right Car: Consider your travel needs when choosing a rental car. For example, if you're traveling with a group, you might need a van hire. If you're exploring cities, a medium car might be more practical than a large SUV.

• Ensure Proper Documentation: Make sure you have all necessary documents, including a valid driving license and, if required, an international driving permit (IDP). Bosnia and Herzegovina typically recognize IDPs along with your domestic driving license.

• Check Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance coverage offered by the car hire company. Consider purchasing additional insurance if needed, especially for comprehensive coverage and liability protection.

• Inspect the Car: Before driving off, inspect the rental car for any existing damages and make sure they're documented by the company to avoid being held responsible later.

• Fuel Policy: Pay attention to the fuel policy of the car hire company. Some may require you to return the rental cars with a full tank, while others offer options like prepaid fuel or returning the car rentals with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.