The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers roughly half of the country, including the capital Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Travnik, Konjic, Bihać and Neum on the Adriatic. Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards sit beside Herzegovinian stone villages, emerald rivers and the Bjelašnica and Prenj mountains. Prices are low by European standards, the Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the euro, and Sarajevo and Mostar are connected by a scenic road and a daily train.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Stari Most from Lučki Most
Best time: Golden hour
Tip: Use a 24-70 mm lens to keep the full arch and the river bank in one frame. · Mount a tripod and use 2 to 6 second exposures at blue hour to smooth the Neretva. · A polariser reduces glare on wet stone and deepens the water colour. · Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before golden hour to claim a rail position before the evening crowd. · Cafés in the Old Town lanes offer restrooms and drinking water.
Žuta Tabija Viewpoint
Best time: Sunset
Tip: A wide-angle lens of 16 to 24 mm captures the wall, roofs and skyline together. · Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to secure a place along the wall. · Bracket exposures for sunset, since the sky is far brighter than the shaded streets. · Bring a torch or phone light for the steep, dim descent. · Buy water in the Old Town before the climb, as the bastion has no facilities.
Sebilj Fountain, Baščaršija
Best time: Early morning
Tip: A 50 mm prime handles both architectural details and street portraits. · Arrive before 08:00 for an empty square and the best pigeon activity. · Overcast midday light is acceptable, but avoid direct overhead sun. · Use a higher ISO handheld rather than a tripod once the square fills. · Cafés on the square offer restrooms and the fountain provides free drinking water.
Jajce Waterfall
Best time: Morning
Tip: Use a 3 to 6 stop ND filter and a tripod for 1 to 4 second exposures of the falls. · A polariser reduces glare on the wet rock and deepens the foliage. · Carry a lens cloth, as spray from the base quickly covers the front element. · Arrive in the morning to avoid the mid-day day-trip groups. · Cafés near the falls offer restrooms and water.
Kravice Waterfalls
Best time: Morning
Tip: Use a 3 to 6 stop ND filter and a tripod for silky water. · A polariser cuts reflections on wet travertine and deepens the greens. · Keep gear in a waterproof bag, as spray and wet steps are constant. · Arrive at opening time to avoid summer weekend crowds. · Restrooms and cafés are near the entrance; carry water for the walk.
Blagaj Tekke and Buna Spring
Best time: Mid-morning
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens of 16 to 24 mm to combine the cliff, tekke and river. · A polariser reduces glare on the water and brings out the turquoise colour. · Arrive mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday tour groups. · Dress modestly and follow posted rules; interior photography may be restricted. · Riverside restaurants have restrooms and water.
Lukomir Village
Best time: Sunrise
Tip: Pack a wide-angle lens for the plateau and a telephoto of 70 to 200 mm for ridgelines. · Stay overnight or start before dawn to catch sunrise light. · Ask permission before photographing residents or entering fields. · Bring water, food and warm layers; services are minimal. · Check road conditions locally, as the route is rough and weather-dependent.
Martin Brod Waterfalls
Best time: Morning
Tip: Use a 3 to 6 stop ND filter and a tripod for silky water. · A polariser cuts glare on the foam and wet stone. · Wear grippy shoes, as walkways and rocks are slippery. · Shoot in the morning or under cloud for controlled highlights. · Bring water and snacks, as facilities in the village are limited.
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina's strengths.
Architecture photography
Landscape photography
Water photography
Street photography
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- Lukomir
- Golden Hour
- Stari Most
- Blue Hour
- Sarajevo from Žuta Tabija
- Midday
- Indoor and shade
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Ask permission before photographing people
Drone use needs a permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina; check with BH Directorate of Civil Aviation (bhdca.gov.ba)
Do not photograph prayers inside mosques
Carry a lens cloth near waterfalls