Sarajevo -Mostar-Montenegro
Sarajevo city tour guided by .
spent 2 hours walking around in this interesting city.
Moving between „Orient“ and „Austria“.
Enjoying a typical Coffee.
Pigeons are a thing in Sarajevo…well, at least for the lady selling the seeds to tourists…..
Christian churches, Synagogues and Mosques in close neighborship.
A peaceful city for many hundred years.
Pigeons in Sarajevo
Sarajevo – A City Where Cultures Meet
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, Sarajevo is a city unlike any other in Europe. Its history, beauty, and spirit make it a place where East truly meets West. Walking through Sarajevo feels like stepping through layers of time — from Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian facades to reminders of the 20th century’s turbulent past. Yet what defines the city most today is not its scars, but its warmth and resilience.
The heart of Sarajevo is the Baščaršija, the old town built during the Ottoman era in the 15th century. Narrow cobblestone streets lead past tiny workshops, copperware stalls, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting from traditional cafés. At the center stands the Sebilj Fountain, one of Sarajevo’s most beloved landmarks. Legend says that anyone who drinks from its waters will one day return to the city. Around the fountain, flocks of pigeons gather, a symbol of the city’s peaceful and friendly soul.
Sarajevo has long been known as a crossroads of cultures and religions. Within a few minutes’ walk, you can see a mosque, a Catholic cathedral, an Orthodox church, and a synagogue—all standing together as silent witnesses to centuries of coexistence. This harmony gave Sarajevo its nickname: “The Jerusalem of Europe.” Despite the challenges of the past, this unique blend of faiths and traditions still defines the city’s identity and gives it an atmosphere of open-mindedness and acceptance.
The city’s history is deeply intertwined with global events. The Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, marks the spot that triggered World War I. Decades later, during the 1990s, Sarajevo endured the longest siege in modern history. But even through hardship, the city’s people remained known for their hospitality and humor. Visitors often speak of how warmly they are welcomed — as if they were old friends.
No visit to Sarajevo is complete without experiencing its coffee culture. Whether you prefer the rich, slow ritual of Turkish coffee, served in a copper pot with a cube of sugar, or the smoother Austrian-style espresso, coffee here is more than a drink — it’s a way of connecting. Sitting in a café near the Sebilj, surrounded by pigeons and laughter, you feel the true essence of Sarajevo: a city that embraces its past, celebrates its diversity, and invites everyone to share in its story.
Sarajevo Twist Tower
Neue Bibliothek Sarajevo
Stari Most, Mostar
In the centre of Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the 16th-century stone arch bridge known as Stari Most stands out as the defining landmark of the old town. It spans the emerald green waters of the Neretva River and links the two riverbanks of the city, historically bridging east and west. The immediate area around the bridge is part of the UNESCO-inscribed “Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar”. (UNESCO-Welterbezentrum)
History of the Bridge
Construction of Stari Most was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the architect Mimar Hayruddin, a pupil of the famous Mimar Sinan. Building began in 1557 and the bridge was completed in 1566. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
On 9 November 1993, during the Bosnian conflict, Stari Most was destroyed by artillery fire. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Reconstruction began in June 2001 and the rebuilt bridge officially reopened on 23 July 2004, after faithful restoration using original methods and materials. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
The Bridge & the Immediate Centre
The pedestrian area around the bridge is composed of narrow cobbled lanes, old Ottoman-era stone houses, riverside cafés and small craft shops. From a vantage point by the river or in one of the cafés, you can admire the graceful arch of the bridge rising about 24 m above the river. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Boarding points for boat tours along the Neretva are located just beside the old town centre, so you can get a unique view of the bridge from the water. (tourguidemostar.com)
For a different perspective, many visitors take a short boat tour beneath the arch of Stari Most. These tours typically last around one hour and depart from the river-bank close to the old town centre. On the water, you’ll float under the arch and gaze up at the stonework and the rock cliffs either side of the river—a popular way to photograph the bridge from the river level. (tourguidemostar.com)
The Bridge-Jumpers
„das ist doch keine genormte Treppe“ – please understand, this is a joke. check on TikTok
A dramatic and long-standing local tradition is the spring of brave divers from the bridge into the cold Neretva. The jump is approximately 24-27 m (80-90 ft) high. (OBC Transeuropa)
While casual tourists cannot simply jump from the bridge at will, you will regularly see the local diving club and arranged dives, particularly in the summer months when the tradition is most visible and often tied to special events or competitions. (fr.wikipedia.org)
Visitor Numbers
Since the reconstruction of the bridge, tourism in the city centre around Stari Most has risen sharply. In 2008, there were more than 1 million visitors; estimates suggest around 1.5 million annual visitors to the bridge area in recent years. (thedocs.worldbank.org)
When you visit, spend time on both banks of the river: on one side the lively river-front cafés and view of the arch, on the other side the old town’s maze of stone alleys, shops and vantage points. Try a boat ride under the arch for a memorable perspective—and if you’re lucky, time your visit to spot the high-divers in action.
Arriving late in our appartment in Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Driving just 300km in 6:30hours from Sarajevo to Montenegro
Leaving Bosnia and entering Montenegro.
Being awake from our last border and customs control, I declared at the Montenegroian Custom, that I have some radios and stuff. He asked, what radio ? I explained. He said, he has a friend that does something with radios. I said „Ranko“ ? he said „yes“. we both laughed.. no more problems……… small world.
We rented a small appartment in Herceg novi. must be great to be there in summer. No problems with antennas. QRV during the night….some CW, some more FT8.
Antenna: vertical directly at the sea. 100w.