IN THE ARMS OF A RIVER
A small bazaar, a small town, yet not enough space to describe all the beauties of Konjic. Halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar, Konjic represents the “and” in the name of our country, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Embraced by mountains, it sleeps in the arms of a river and two lakes.
Kamena ćuprija (the Stone Bridge), built in 1682, welcomes you at the city entrance. Of the once intricate stone lace, only the pillars remain, but this six-arch bridge was restored in 2009 and ranks among the most beautiful bridges of the Ottoman era in the country. No matter which way you turn, there is something to see.
Dženad Džino
Take a stroll through the old quarter of the city, peek into the Zuko Džumhur’s house, and stop by the Dom kulture (House of Culture) — the most attractive building from the time of the former Yugoslavia. Woodcarving has been recognized on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Find out why in the woodcarving museum. Konjic also holds the most tightly kept secret of former Yugoslavia, known as Tito’s Bunker. This nuclear shelter could accommodate 350 people for three to six months, with all the necessary elements for life — supplies of oil, water, food, medicine, bedrooms, conference halls, and air conditioning.
Konjic is a treasure trove of stećci necropolises. With an impressive 3,018 tombstones, next to Nevesinje, it is the municipality with the highest number of stećci in our country.
Down the Emerald Rapids
Don’t miss the opportunity to try uštipci (traditional fried dough) and cheese in the nearby eco-villages, nor to take on the challenge of paddling from Glavatičevo to Konjic down the Neretva River. Fast, green, and clear, yet cold as ice, in the canyon upstream from Konjic, rafting offers an unforgettable experience. The most common route, spanning 23 kilometers, requires about five hours of navigation through the stunning canyon and waterfalls. The magical sights of untouched nature in the Small and Large Canyons can only be seen and experienced this way, along with facing four adrenaline-packed rapids, each more intense than the last.
Dado Ruvić
Rafting isn’t always an adrenaline sport. It all depends on how willing one is to step out of their comfort zone. For those seeking more excitement, the best time for rafting is in April and May when the Neretva River has high water levels. When the sun is scorching, this can turn into a more relaxed route, perfect for those who just want to relish the stunning canyon and cool down in one of the world’s coldest rivers.
Favorite Retreat
Situated at an altitude of 405 meters, in the green paradise of coniferous and deciduous forests, is Boračko Lake. Fed by the Boračko Stream, it flows out through the Šištica River, creating an over 30-meter-high waterfall. Carp, brook, and lake trout, along with river crayfish, are the treasures hidden in the lake, attracting anglers prepared to tell fisherman’s tales if luck doesn’t serve them.
Sanjin Bubalo
The water of Boračko Lake is perfect for swimming, relaxation, and recreation. This is where sports teams train, and it stands out as a favored destination and retreat for Bosnians and Herzegovinians. Accommodation is available in camps, private facilities, and even in the ethno village. The lake is located 20 kilometers from the center of Konjic.
LUKOMIR
Where Time Stood Still
In a place where the sky meets the horizon and where life still unfolds as it once did, in stone houses covered with cherry wood shingles, lies the highest and most secluded village in Bosnia and Herzegovina — Lukomir. Proudly perched on the cliff of the Rakitnica Canyon, plunging to a depth of 800 meters, at an altitude of 1,472 meters, between two peaks — Lovnica (1,856 meters) and Obalj (1,896 meters)..
Dado Ruvić
A visit to this village allows you to experience the authentic way of life of the Bjelašnica highlanders, who have inhabited this area for centuries. Amidst the enchanting scenery and archaic houses, the village features a cemetery, a stećci necropolis, a mosque, and a school. The inhabitants still wear traditional clothing, graze livestock in the summer, and live as if time stood still. They warmly welcome guests into their homes with coffee and homemade food, and the option for overnight stays. Upon departure, guests are presented with handwoven crafts, as the locals know best how wool protects you from the cold and cools you down when it’s hot. And when winter makes Bjelašnica unforgiving and buries the houses with snow, they descend to lower regions.
The village of Lukomir, listed as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2009, recently earned the title of the Most Beautiful Village in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Enhad Goralija
The famous Bosnian comedy Nebo iznad krajolika (Sky Over the Horizon) was filmed in Lukomir. During the summer, the village hosts the Summer Photography School.