Sarajevo sits at the heart of Bosnia & Herzegovina, making it an ideal base for some of the most scenic drives in the Balkans. Whether you have a weekend or a full week, renting a car opens up destinations that are simply unreachable by public transport.
Sarajevo to Mostar (130 km)
The drive south to Mostar is one of the most popular in the country, and for good reason. Follow the M17 along the Neretva river valley — the road winds through dramatic gorges, small villages, and past the Jablanica war museum. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) in Mostar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth every kilometre.
Drive time: ~2 hours
Best stop: Jablanica for grilled lamb (jagnjetina)
Sarajevo to Jajce (155 km)
Head northwest through the Bosnian highlands to Jajce, a medieval town with a waterfall that flows directly into the city centre. The drive takes you through Travnik — birthplace of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić — worth a quick stop for Bosnian coffee and ćevapi.
Drive time: ~2.5 hours
Best stop: Travnik fortress
Sarajevo to Sutjeska National Park (85 km)
Bosnia's oldest national park is home to Perućica, one of Europe's last primeval forests. The drive south-east via Foča is stunning, especially in autumn. Bring hiking shoes — the Skakavac waterfall trail is unmissable.
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Best stop: Skakavac waterfall (Bosnia's highest)
Sarajevo to Blagaj (145 km)
Just 12 km from Mostar, Blagaj is one of Bosnia's most magical spots. The Buna river springs directly from a cliff face at the foot of a 200-metre rock wall, and a 16th-century Dervish monastery (tekija) sits right at the source. The water is crystal clear and ice cold year-round. Easily combined with a Mostar day trip.
Drive time: ~2 hours
Best stop: The tekija at the Buna spring — one of the largest freshwater springs in Europe
Sarajevo to Bihać (280 km)
A longer day trip or overnight, this route takes you to the Una National Park in the northwest. The Una river is arguably Bosnia's most beautiful, with turquoise rapids and medieval watermills. Rafting is available in summer.
Drive time: ~3.5 hours
Best stop: Martin Brod waterfalls
All these routes are well-paved and manageable in a standard rental car. For mountain routes (especially Sutjeska in winter), an SUV or all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.