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My Complete Trebinje Travel Guide – A Hidden Gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this Trebinje Travel Guide, you will learn why Trebinje is worth visiting for more than just one day and find out what are the best things to do in Trebinje, the charming hidden gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trebinje took me by surprise. After travelling around Bosnia and Herzegovina for 5 weeks, I chose this city to slow down, catch up on work, and wrap up my Bosnia trip. What an excellent choice this was.

I didn’t expect to find such a charming old town within the historic walls of Trebinje, and the beautiful surroundings stole my heart. Slow, and sleepy at times, Trebinje was a nice change from the hectic streets of Mostar. Don’t get me wrong, Mostar was a glorious town to stay in , but I was ready for Trebinje, and it came at the right time.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Trebinje, the southernmost city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is located in the valley of the Trebišnjica River in my favourite region of Herzegovina – a lush country of wine, breathtaking nature and Mediterranean weather.

A visit to Trebinje should be on everyone’s itinerary. Especially for those who want to get a full picture of the wonderful Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is so diverse in terms of nature and culture. In this post, I will list all the wonderful Trebinje attractions and provide you with everything you need to know for the most wonderful stay.

Table of Contents

What is Trebinje Known For?

Trebinje is mostly known for being “ the “City of the Sun” due to its geographical location and, you guessed it, sunny weather.

But Trebinje is also famous for its charming old town, close proximity to lush vineyards, as well as rich cultural and historical heritage. In fact, Trebinje is often called the most beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Is Trebinje Worth Visiting?

For travellers who want to explore the whole culturally and environmentally diverse country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trebinje is a must. There are more things to do in Trebinje than one would expect at first, and with its stunning surroundings, affordable prices, famous hospitality and cuisine, Trebinje is definitely worth a visit.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

How to Get to Trebinje

The best way of getting to Trebinje by public transport is by taking a bus from Mostar. If you are travelling from Montenegro, there are direct bus connections to Trebinje from many cities in Montenegro such as Herceg Novi, Kotor, Budva, Bar and even Ulcinj.

There are no direct buses to Trebinje from Croatia.   Although some websites claim that there are buses between Dubrovnik and Trebinje, I learned the hard way that this is not true.

I had to take an emergency flight back home from Dubrovnik, while in Trebinje and I was very firmly informed at the bus station that there were no buses to Dubrovnik and that I had to go via Mostar or Montenegro.

If you drive, however, you can easily reach Trebinje from Dubrovnik in less than an hour.

Where to Stay in Trebinje

You should definitely consider staying for a night or two in Trebinje and there is plenty of great accommodation options in town.

I recommend booking a room or apartment in one of the homestays for a complete experience. You can rent a lovely apartment with a terrace in the town centre like Tara or Apartments Tila for as little as €15 per night . I stayed at GM Apartment which is slightly outside of the centre but the price was unbeatable and the size of the apartment as well as the wifi were excellent. 

If you prefer something more modern you can consider staying at Apartman PORTO with access to the pool or at Kathisma Trebinje . 

Finally, if you prefer staying in the hotel, Platani Hotel offers an unbeatable location and Integra Hotel located within the old town is just beautiful. 

Things to Do in Trebinje

Although I didn’t visit Trebinje in order to tick off the items from the Trebinje must-see list, I still managed to explore quite a bit and discover some surprising hidden gems. 

There are a couple of places you shouldn’t miss in Trebinje but if you just give in to the town and stroll around, you will be equally satisfied. Trebinje is just a town like this. But if you are an active traveller and want to dig deep into the town, here is a list of all the awesome things to do in Trebinje.

Discover the Old Town / Best thing to do in Trebinje

This was the biggest surprise for me. I was lucky to have walked into the walled old town of Trebinje quite early in the day, and I was truly mesmerised.

They say it is the prettiest old town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I will not argue with that.

The old town of Trebinje is quite small but packs a lot of charm into its small size. Beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets, houses of prayer and lovely nooks and crannies are very charming and photogenic. Even the restaurants and bars seemed to adopt the magical theme.

During the day, the old town of Trebinje is pretty sleepy, which did not bother me at all. But in the afternoon and evening, it comes to life when many restaurants and bars are open. Strolling through the streets of the old town is definitely one of the best things to do in Trebinje.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Slow Down at the Trg Slobode Square

When you arrive in Trebinje, you inevitably come across Trg Slobode (Freedom Square) and the adjacent Jovana Dučića streets, where I enjoyed hanging out and having my morning coffee.

There are a few cafes and restaurants around Freedom Square and a small local market during the day. On Jovana Dučića you should not miss one of the prettiest water fountains I have seen in Bosnia.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Pop Into the Hercegovina Museum

This small but very interesting museum has few permanent exhibitions. It showcases Eastern Herzegovina’s history, as well as some local art, and archaeological findings as well as displays showcasing the life and culture of Serbs in East Herzegovina.

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Stroll by the River Towards Arslanagić Bridge

Time to venture a bit out of the city centre and take a walk along the Trebišnjica River. The promenade on both sides of the river invites you for a pleasant afternoon stroll, and as you approach the Arslanagić Bridge you will notice the surrounding mountains and the change of scenery.

Almost every town I have visited in Bosnia and Herzegovina has its historical/iconic bridge, and Trebinje is no different. Arslanagić Bridge is the third iconic bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina (after Mostar Bridge and Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad), and there is something very mysterious about it.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Climb to Hercegovačka Gračanica for the Best Sunset Views

The Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery stared at me from the top of the hill from the day I arrived in Trebinje. I arrived after dark and could not help but notice it. The next day, as I strolled toward the centre of town in 40-degree heat, I looked up again and knew I just had to go up and visit. Heat or no heat.

I am so glad I did! Hercegovačka Gračanica is a breathtaking sight! Both inside and out! I visited a few Serbian Orthodox churches during my stay in Bosnia, and I always found them beautifully decorated. Hercegovačka Gračanica is no deffernt.

But the whole top of the hill is absolutely wonderful. The walk up there is not as bad as it looks at first, in fact, it is quite pleasant. Once you get to the top, you will be greeted by a beautiful garden, a nice little cafe, and a gorgeous panoramic view! It is definitely one of the best things to do in Trebinje.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Take a Dip at the City (River) Pool – Bazen Bregovi

As I sat in the café on the Hercegovačka Gračanica admiring the view of the city, I noticed something in the distance that looked like some kind of river island, so I decided to go there and discover it.

To my surprise, when I got there (on a very hot day!), I found an urban bathing island formed from the riverbank (with fresh river water pumped into it) and locals taking a refreshing dip and enjoying the sun in deck chairs!

I am pretty sure I was the only tourist there! It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day, so if you visit Trebinje in the summer, be sure to stop by.

More of my Bosnia and Herzegovine Guides!

Wondering if Bosnia and Herzegovina is safe to travel? Read my complete guide to Bosnia Travel Safety ! And if are wondering how to budget for your Bosnia trip, read my guide to Budget Travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Are you heading to Sarajevo  and wondering where to stay? Here is my full guide to  all the areas and best accommodation in Sarajevo  and one specifically dedicated to the  best hostels !

If you like going off the beaten path then maybe you should consider visiting  Banja Luka  or  Jajce !

Relax at the Gradski park

The small Gradski Park (or Park Trebinje) is a pretty interesting attraction in Trebinje. The park itself is very pleasant and a really nice place to hide away from the sun. But this is also where you will find the “I Love Trebinje” sign (yes, they have it too!) as well as the Cathedral Temple of Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, which is worth a visit if you like beautiful churches.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Enjoy Wine Tasting / One of the Best Things to do in Trebinje

Trebinje is located in the heart of the Herzegovinian wine country so one of the best things to do in Trebinje is sampling the local wine.

Not far from the city centre is Vinarija Vukoje , a beautiful wine bar and restaurant where you can taste the local wines and also eat very well. Here you can taste some of the best wines of Herzegovina, accompanied by a breathtaking view.

On the other hand, in the cellars of the Tvrdoš Monastery , the award-winning wine is made by the monks. The monastery is worth a visit not only for wine connoisseurs. It is a beautiful Orthodox monastery located about 5 km outside the town. You can visit the church and the wine cellars, where wine tastings are offered.

Please note that when visiting the church grounds, your legs and shoulders should be covered. However, the shawls are available at the entrance but if you are only visiting the wine cellars, it is not necessary.

Travel Guide to Trebinje / Things to do in Trebinje

Tips and Useful Info for Visiting Trebinje

How long should you stay in Trebinje?

The centre of Trebinje is very walkable, and although you can see all the most important Trebinje attractions in one day (even in a couple of hours), I recommend spending at least 2 days in Trebinje. Trebinje is such a charming, laid back and beautiful town that you will not regret stopping in for a little longer.

But if you only have time for a day trip to Trebinje, by all means, visit this lovely city anyway!

Can you drink tap water in Trebinje?

You can drink the tap water in Trebinje, which is also true for the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are also some water fountains in the town so bring your reusable water bottle!

Is Trebinje safe to visit?

Trebinje, just like the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is very safe for any type of traveller to visit. As a solo female traveller, I never felt in any kind of danger and often walked to my accommodation after dark. Of course, nowhere is safe for those who do not use common sense, but Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Trebinje, was one of the safest places I have ever visited.

I loved Trebinje so much that I can see myself coming back for more. So put Trebinje on your Bosnia and Herzegovina travel itinerary and if you do, please let me know how did your visit go!

Until then, happy travels!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Your Balkans Cheatsheet

If you are travelling around the Balkans by bus, Flixbus covers a  lot of the routes but they often cooperate with local operators. It is convenient to book on the Flixbus website if you want to pay for your journey upfront.

If you prefer to pay directly with the local operator, be prepared to pay in cash . To check the timetable BusTicket4.me is the most reliable. But I still recommend only using it for checking the times and purchasing the ticket at the bus station.

In the majority of Balkan countries, you will pay a 1€ (or equivalent in local currency) fee for luggage.

The bus is the best way to travel between Balkan countries but there are a couple of stunning train routes you cannot miss like Sarajevo to Mostar or Belgrade to Bar!

If you are considering renting a car you can browse all rental companies via Expedia!

Always, always triple-check the information you were given, especially when it comes to inter-city travel. Only because one person, in one place says there are no busses, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Triple check.

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#GoTrebinje

  • About Trebinje
  • River Trebišnjica
  • The museum of Herzegovina
  • Summer patio Platani
  • Cultural-historical monuments
  • Religious objects
  • The path of St. Basil
  • Picnic grounds
  • Camping sites
  • Swimming pools/beaches
  • Natural attractions
  • City of Sun
  • Adventurism
  • Field trips
  • Private accommodation
  • Country accommodation
  • Other types of accommodation
  • Herzegovinian cuisine
  • Herzeg house
  • Green market
  • Trebinje city market
  • Taverns and restaurants
  • Wine degustation halls
  • Honey and medical herbs
  • Honey degustation
  • How to arrive?
  • Tourist info center
  • Bus station
  • Tourist agencies
  • Gas stations
  • ATMs and currency exchange offices
  • Rent a car & Taxi
  • Rent e-bike
  • Important phone numbers
  • Tourist organization of Trebinje

The history of Trebinje

Trebinje is first mentioned in Constantine VI Porphyrogennetos’ records in 10 th century as Travunia. During that time, Trebinje was on the caravan road that lead from Kotor and Dubrovnik to Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. The oldest material evidence with ‘Trebinje’ inscription was carved on county ruler Grd’s tombstone from the second part of 12 th century, which was found in the part of the city called Police.

First urban outlines of Trebinje were formed in The Middle Ages. Originally, Trebinje was a part of the then Byzantine archontia (province) and after that all the way to 14 th century it was the center of Travunia, a state that was a part of the kingdom of Nemanjići. Trebinje area was developing under a strong influence of Byzantine empire during the Middle Ages, and in 15 th century, after the period of long independence, it fell under the Ottoman reign which lasted for many centuries. After that it was a part of Austro-Hungarian empire until 1918. For almost 200 years in The Middle Ages Trebinje was ruled by Nemanjić dynasty and after that by Tvrtko Kotromanić. From 1337 to 1466 (the fall under Turkish reign) Trebinje was a part of Bosnian banate (territory subdivision) ruled by the Kosača family. Turkish reign lasted from 1446 to 1878.

Each of these epochs and rules left its mark and branded local culture, both spiritually and materially.

Geographical position

Trebinje area is located in the southernmost part of Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also the hinterland of south Adriatic coast – the hinterland of Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik coastline.

Trebinje has an area of 904 m 2 and it is classified as average size municipality in Republic of Srpska.

To the north the municipality is bordered with Bileća, to the northwest with Ljubinje, to the south and southwest with the Municipality of Ravno (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina), to the south and southeast with the Municipality of Dubrovnik (Croatia) and to the east with the Municipality of Nikšić (Montenegro).

Mediterranean (semi-continental) climate with 260 sunny days is the reason for a warm and pleasant appearance of this area and people who live in it. Favorable climate enables good conditions for agriculture, especially for vine, early-season fruit and vegetables, which enrich Herzegovinian gastronomic offer for tourists.

Together with large number of sunny days, Trebinje’s climate has mild humidity and cloudiness, increased air currencies, rains during winter and warm summers. Interestingly, falls are warmer than springs. Average year temperature is around 15,5 °C.

trebinje tourist information

A Guide to Trebinje: Exploring East Herzegovina

Last Updated on: 5th August 2024, 01:14 pm

Situated within the region of Eastern Herzegovina and the political entity of Republika Srpska, Trebinje gets considerably less attention than its neighbors. It feels like a world away from the nearby tourism hotspots of Dubrovnik and Kotor , and that makes it an ideal place to escape the crowds. In the following Trebinje guide, we’ll be going over the top things to do and see in one of the region’s most overlooked towns.

Mentioned for the first time in the 10th century, Trebinje largely took its current shape and form during centuries of Ottoman rule. Be that as it may, the Serb-majority city is full of Orthodox churches, giving it a look and feel distinct from other cities in Herzegovina like Mostar .

Given the city’s size, most of the locations in the Trebinje guide below can be easily accessed on foot. For more information on transportation and accommodation, be sure to check the very end of the article .

Around Central Trebinje

Central Trebinje is small enough that you can explore it all on foot within an hour or so. But given its beautiful scenery and laid-back vibes, you’ll definitely want to take things slow.

Situated alongside the Trebišnjica River, Trebinje is widely regarded as one of the most charming cities in Republika Srpska.

Trebinje Guide

The city’s main square is known as Trg Slobode. Surrounded by cafes, this is also where local farmers and craftsmen come to sell their wares. 

Also nearby is Gradski Park, home to the Cathedral Temple of Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, known for its vivid frescoes.

Trebinje Guide

The city center is also where you’ll find the historic walled Old Town. If you’re just coming from Montenegro or Croatia, you may be surprised to find this one largely deserted – both in terms of people and attractions.

It does, however, contain a few interesting landmarks, such as the city’s oldest mosques. Interestingly, despite centuries of Ottoman occupation, they weren’t constructed until the early 18th century, around the same time as the rest of the walled city.

Trebinje Guide

There used to be many more mosques in Trebinje, though they were mostly destroyed during the civil war of the 1990s. While always majority Serb, Trebinje used to be home to a sizable Muslim Bosniak population as well, though they currently make up just around 6% of the populace.

Other landmarks around the walled city include the clock tower, the former city gates and the Herzegovina Museum.

The Herzegovina Museum

The Herzegovina Museum is undoubtedly Trebinje’s top museum (and probably the only!). But before talking about its collection, let’s briefly go over the name.

As mentioned above, Trebinje is situated in Republika Srpska – a separate entity from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Together, however, these two entities make up the country that’s simply called Bosnia & Herzegovina. If you’re feeling confused, you’re certainly not alone!

trebinje tourist information

While Republika Srpska is a political entity, Herzegovina is a geographical region. And following the civil war of the 1990s (another complex topic for another time), the territory of Herzegovina was split between the two federations. As a result, much of Eastern Herzegovina now lies within Republika Srpska. 

To make matters even more confusing, you’ll also encounter a Museum of Herzegovina in Mostar, the largest city in Herzegovina as a whole.

But what is there to see inside this museum? 

Most items on display once belonged to the private collection of Jovan Dučić, a local poet and Yugoslav ambassador who was born in Trebinje in 1874. He served as a diplomat for over 30 years in countries like Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and others, during which he developed a great passion for ancient cultures.

Throughout his life, he collected many sarcophagi and sculptures from the Greco-Roman era, many of which he’d donate to his hometown. 

trebinje tourist information

The museum also details the history of resistance by the Serbs of Eastern Herzegovina against the long Ottoman occupation. After the Ottomans, the area was briefly occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire before the formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

The upper floor of the museum contains an ethnographic section with costumes and furniture from these periods, along with detailed info on the region’s colorful history.

Church of St. Archangel Michael

Aside from the famous Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery (more below), Trebinje is home to yet another hilltop church that most visitors miss. 

Built at the spot where an Austro-Hungarian tower once stood, information on the church’s history is hard to come by. And at the time of writing, it’s not even normally open.

Trebinje Guide

So why come? Aside from admiring its unique architecture, which utilizes multiple pillars, it’s also a good place to catch views of the city below. Unfortunately, it was terribly hazy at the time of my climb due to nearby forest fires. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck.

The Arslanagić Bridge

Lots of towns and cities throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina have at least one prominent Ottoman bridge, and Trebinje is no exception. 

This one was completed in 1574 during the Ottoman period when the region was ruled by a local vizier named Mehmed Pasha Sokolović. This is the same pasha responsible for the more famous bridge over the Drina in Višegrad, also in Republika Srpska.

Trebinje Guide

Interestingly, while one would never guess it today, the bridge was once located about 10 km further upstream. The original was destroyed by the flooding of a reservoir in 1965, and it had to be reassembled from scratch in this new location.

The process took around six years and amazingly, most of the stones are original.

For those doing further travels throughout Herzegovina, you’ll encounter a famous Ottoman bridge in Mostar that also had to be rebuilt. But that was a result of the much more recent conflict of the ’90s.

Trebinje Guide

Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery

The highlight of this Trebinje guide would have to be the hilltop Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery, which offers amazing views of the town and surrounding mountains.

Hercegovačka Gračanica Trebinje Guide

If you’re doing more extensive travels around the Balkans, the name Gračanica may sound familiar to you. The 14th-century Gračanica Monastery , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo.

And this church, only built in the year 2000, pays homage to it.

trebinje tourist information

Having been to both, the architecture is indeed nearly identical, though Trebinje’s version appears much smaller. But the hilltop setting of Hercegovačka Gračanica makes it an altogether different visiting experience.

Hercegovačka Gračanica Trebinje Guide

Another interesting fact about Hercegovačka Gračanica is that it now houses the remains of Jovan Dučić. As mentioned earlier, Dučić, born in Trebinje, was a long-term Yugoslav ambassador and renowned poet.

He died in 1943 when visiting a relative in the US, and his remains were kept at the Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois. It wasn’t until the year 2000, upon this church’s completion, that his remains were finally transported to his hometown.

After admiring the beautiful views, be sure to step inside to see the colorful frescoes.

Hercegovačka Gračanica Trebinje Guide

Tvrdoš Monastery

Those spending more than a full day in Trebinje should also consider visiting Tvrdoš Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in the region.

It’s situated about 5 km from the center of town. If you don’t want to hire a taxi, the monastery can be reached in about 70 minutes on foot. While not a very exciting walk, the terrain is flat and the road doesn’t see too much traffic.

Tvrdoš Monastery Trebinje Guide

Originally built in the 4th century, the main church is dedicated to Saint Mary. The monastery had to be rebuilt in the Middle Ages following one of the Ottoman-Venetian wars. And more recently, it was refurbished in 1955.

Tvrdoš Monastery Trebinje Guide

Stepping inside, visitors can still see some of the original foundations by looking down through the glass flooring. While photography is discouraged, the frescoes here are also excellent.

Tvrdoš Monastery has been well-known for its wine since at least the 15th century. And today, it attracts all sorts of visitors who come for a taste. 

Tvrdoš Monastery Trebinje Guide

In the cellar area, you’ll find a small bar and plenty of tables, and you can order a glass for the equivalent of a couple of euros. The glass I ordered ended up being one of the tastier wines I tried in the Balkans.

Aside from its wine, the main reason Tvrdoš Monastery is so popular is due to its association with St. Basil, one of the most prominent saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Tvrdoš Monastery Trebinje Guide

St. Basil started his religious career here before going on to be a monk at the cliffside Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro. His remains would be kept there upon his death, and over time, word spread of all sorts of miracles happening to those who’d make pilgrimages to see them.

As such, Ostrog is now packed daily with hundreds of devotees. Tvrdoš Monastery, on the other hand, is more what you’d expect from a monastery – quiet and relaxed, much like Trebinje as a whole.

Tvrdoš Monastery Trebinje Guide

Additional Info

The best way to reach Trebinje is by bus. Coming from within Bosnia & Herzegovina, you can find direct buses from Mostar or Sarajevo .

Coming from Montenegro, you can find direct buses from Kotor, Herceg Novi and Podgorica.

In my case, I came by bus from Kotor, which departed at 7:40. After passing through Herceg Novi and then the international border, we arrived in Trebinje a few hours later.

There are also numerous buses from Dubrovnik, Croatia, just 30 km away. Even if you don’t have plans to travel through Croatia, you could consider flying into Dubrovnik and then taking a bus or taxi.

Speaking of Dubrovnik, it used to be quite common for people to visit Trebinje as a day trip from there. Or, conversely, budget-savvy travelers could base themselves in Trebinje and visit Dubrovnik for the day. While this wouldn’t have been practical at the time of my visit due to pandemic border restrictions, things appear to be largely back to normal now.

While Trebinje isn’t nearly as touristy as Mostar, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding somewhere to stay within your budget.

I stayed at a place called Hostel Guest Centar , which is one of the best values I found in the Balkans. I had a private room with air conditioning and a private shower (but with a shared toilet, strangely) for €21 for 3 nights.

The entry is tricky to find, but it’s above an agricultural store and the manager of that store is the one who runs the guest house. It was fairly centrally located and I could get everywhere in the above Trebinje guide on foot.

The manager spoke no English, but check-in went smoothly enough. Just be sure to get a police registration form if you’re just arriving in the country!

Warning: If you’re leaving Bosnia & Herzegovina by land, you will likely be asked by the border guard to show a police registration form that you must obtain from your hotel within 24 hours of arriving in the country.

During my travels, I had no idea about this rule, as nobody at my hotel in Trebinje mentioned anything. Later on, when leaving Bosnia & Herzegovina on a Serbia-bound bus, the border guard threatened me with a 50 euro fine for not having the documents!

But as nobody else on my bus was aware of this rule either, he eventually let us all go with a warning. It’s best to play it safe, so if Trebinje happens to be your first stop in the country, demand that your accommodation provide you with the proper forms.

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The Best Things To Do In Trebinje, the Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Wine Country

In a picturesque valley beside a gently flowing river we found Trebinje; a peaceful and charming town in the heart of Bosnia and Hezegovina ‘s wine country.

In the centre, sprawling cafes come to life as locals and tourists alike shelter from the intense summer heat. While the rustic suburbs remain sleepy and simply beaming with vibrantly-coloured flowers and plump seasonal fruit.

Residents work proudly in their gardens and munch the spoils on their patios.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Little Trebinje is easily navigable on foot, making it a perfect day trip from nearby Dubrovnik or Mostar in Croatia, or Kotor or Herceg Novi on Montenegro’s coast, all of which are within an easy 2-hour drive. Or if you’d rather indulge in the wining and dining culture that the region is known for, it’s an ideal place for a slow-paced weekend escape.

Whichever way you choose to visit, these are the best things to do in Trebinje.

** This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. **

The old town is quiet and quaint with greyed stone walls draped in vines and cafes with colourful patio furniture spread out across the small alleyways.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

It may appear a little lacklustre compared with other historic cities in the Balkans, but we found it a nice enough place to explore for an hour or two before settling into a comfortable chair with a glass of the regions famed produce – wine.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

While the old town is perfectly charming, we found the real heart of the city to be in the residential streets sprawled across the opposite bank of the river.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Old ladies sit on their patios escaping the afternoon heat beneath a thick weave of grape vines. Fragrant rose bushes spill onto the streets through small iron gates, pomegranate trees show the first signs of budding fruit and branches hang low under the weight of juicy plums.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

As the shadows grow long leathery-skinned men in worn dress shirts, drenched in sweat from the day’s heat, begin their work in the small cultivated plots fronting each house. They tend to the tomato plants, dig up a few potatoes and chat cordially over tattered fences.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Our daily walk to and from town through these unpretentious back streets was where we found the real charm of the city.

HEADING TO MOSTAR?   DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE TO THE CITY.

The usually still river perfectly reflects the world passing by above its surface – the two bridges a reminder of a time long gone.

Trebinje

Follow the dusty path leading away from the old town along the impossibly clear waters of the Trebišnjika River towards the Arslanagić Bridge.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

When in wine country there’s no better way to escape the heat and while away the afternoon than sipping on a chilled glass of white under the shade of the plane trees. And so, every afternoon, that is exactly what we did.

Many local restaurants serve up a great selection of Bosnian wines by the bottle or glass for just a couple of Mark.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Hotel Platani , with a separate restaurant and bar, is the most popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Set on the sprawling leafy plaza across from the fresh produce market, it’s one of the best places to nurse your wine and watch the world go by. The food is also excellent although a little more expensive than the average Bosnian restaurant.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Considering the area is famous for its wine, there aren’t many wineries in the area that are accessible by independent travellers. 

The main winery located within walking distance from the old town is  Vinski Podrum Vukoje 1982 . It’s a fairly upmarket place and the interior is a little sterile, but the views over Trebinje and the vineyards are lovely, as are the wines. They do self-directed tastings priced per glass and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with prices ranging from 12 to 24 KM (€6 to €12).  

Trebinje

Several kilometre outside of town are the Cellars of the Tvrdoš Monastery and Andjelic Wine Cellars , both of which do tastings. We weren’t able to visit these but the monastery in particular looks to be in a beautiful setting by the river.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Unmissable on a hill overlooking the city is Hercegovačka Gračanica, a Serbian Orthodox church, built here in 2000.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

From here the views are the real highlight looking out over the clunkily put together jigsaw that is Trebinje nestled in the mountains. Clusters of identical Soviet-style apartments, the grey walls of the old town and the red roofs of the suburbs dotted between a lush tangle of grape vines and fig trees.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Take the short uphill climb out of town at sunset when the river shines golden between the verdant hills.

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

DON’T MISS:   THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN KOTOR .

Trebinje may be a small town but there are a number of charming accommodation options on offer.

Hotel Platani , set right in the heart of town is the perfect choice for those seeking some affordable luxury on a weekend escape to wine country. This historical establishment is near to all the main attractions and is home to our favourite restaurant in town. Search for rates and availability here .

Trebinje is also known for its selection of small, locally run guesthouses that are sprinkled throughout the town getting you up close with the laid-back, rural feel of the suburbs while still being within an easy walking distance of the centre. Search rates and availability here .

Things To Do In Trebinje: The Heart Of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country

Trebinje is well connected to other major centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina with five daily buses to Mostar and three to Sarajevo . Several services also run to major destinations in Montenegro and there is a daily bus to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Check the timetable inside the terminal when you arrive.

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, you can also visit Trebinje on a day trip. Check rates and availability here.

One thing that confused us to no end on arrival in Trebinje is that given this is very much a Serbian influenced state, most signs – including street signs – use the Cyrillic rather than the Latin alphabet. Have a clear idea of where you are going on a map because the street names won’t be able to help you – unless, of course, you can read Cyrillic text.

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Your photos tell it all! It showed how beautiful and interesting the place is. With all those street foods, and the beautiful places that your eyes can enjoy. A trip to Trebinje is all worth the time.

Thanks for your comment. We are so happy to hear the pictures captured the essence of this cute little place. For such a little town that is often overlooked, Trebinje really has a lot to offer.

We visited Trebinje by travelling from Dubrovnik to the Kotor Bay. It is really a nice place to see. Cosy atmosphere, friendly people, lovely city centre, especially on saturday = market day. We can recommend it! Fam. Bruggeman, Belgium

It’s a great little town, hey! Glad you enjoyed your visit 🙂

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  • Bosnia-Herzegovina

Trebinje Travel Guide: What to do and where to eat

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  • Posted by by Sam
  • 4 minute read

Trebinje, a little gem in Hercegovina. Not many cities is Bosnia-Hercegovina is very pretty, but Trebinje really is. The climate was also quite different, much more mediterranean. In general, the landscape of Hercegovina is quite different from the rest of the country, less mountains and less lush but very beautiful. There is also many wineries around the region. This is our Trebinje travel guide, the super picturesque city of Hercegovina.

All places listed are added on our Bosnia-Hercegovina travel map .

What to do in Trebinje

Trebinje is not a touristy city so it doesn’t cater to tourists, which we find very nice. But it also means there arean’t loads of places that you should go and see. We prefer these kind of places to the touristy ones full with monuments you ”should” visit.

Walk Around

Just walk around the city and stumble upon random places. That is what we love doing wherever we go and Trebinje is perfect for that. Not too much traffic and small enough to walk in. Make sure to stroll along the river, there are some great photo spots with great views over the old town and the old bridge.

trebinje tourist information

Visit Arslanagic Bridge

If you walk further along the river you will find the Arslanagic Bridge, a beautiful old bridge. We found this bridge much more beautiful than the one in Mostar. Definitely worth a visit.

trebinje tourist information

Visit Hercegovacka Gracanica

This orthodox church is located on a hill overlooking the whole city. It is walkable but quite a steep walk up. The church is beautiful, but it is the views that’s the star. They are breathtakingly beautiful. You can see the whole city with the mountains as a backdrop. Make sure to head up here if you visit Trebinje. Also stay for a coffee at the cafe next to the church.

trebinje tourist information

Visit the Church of St. Archangel Michael

This place is so local that I can’t even find the name in latin letters on google. It is also an orthodox church on a hill. The church itself is closed or underconstruction, but you can climb up on the stairs on the outside and you get beautiful views over the city and the surrounding area. The walk up is quite steep, but very beautiful. You walk through a villa area on a hill, where life happens.

trebinje tourist information

Visit the Pijaca, the central Market

Come on a Saturday before lunch to see this market at its busiest. People come in from all the surrounding villages to sell their products. You will find loads of vegetables, but also home made cheese, honey and other products. As it’s a local market, the prices are also very affordable. After strolling through the market, sit down at one of the cafes on the square for some people watching.

Walk around old town in Trebinje, it’s not as beautiful as other old towns in Bosnia-Hercegovina, but this is where many people meet for drinks or coffee during weekends. Join the locals and sit down at one of the many cafes or bars and just soak in the vibes.

Drink coffee

As everywhere else in Bosnia-Hercegovina, there’s a strong coffee culture in Trebinje. There’s many nice places around the main square and in old town. But our favourite ones was Botanik, with great coffee just outside the centre of town – also very cheap. Kafe bar Jaz was another favourite, a very nice spot for a coffee by the river, close to the old bridge.

trebinje tourist information

Where to Eat in Trebinje

Trebinje was the only place in Bosnia where we had issues finding good food. It seems like people here doesn’t really go out to eat, so evenings was pretty dead (at least when we were there Saturday and Sunday evening). It was mainly hotels that served food, but they were overpriced and not great. Other than that mostly pizza places. According to google many good restaurants are located quite a bit outside the city, but as we didn’t have a car we didn’t visit these. But if you do have a car, try them out.

We did manage to find one really nice restaurant, MG’s. Located close to the main square. The interior looks like it’s coming straight out of a 70s movie, but they served really nice traditional food and the waiter very friendly. The prices was higher than what we were used to in other places in Bosnia-Hercegovina, but it was ok for our budget.

More Bosnia and Herzegovina!

Make sure to see our Bosnia and Herzegovina page  with all our travel tips, travel map and all our blog posts about Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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What to Do in Borobudur off the Beaten Path 

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trebinje tourist information

Where to Eat in Yogyakarta

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Zagreb Travel Guide: What to do and where to eat

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Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country in Balkans in Southeastern Europe, is home to some of the best and beautiful attractions in the Balkan Peninsula . Visit medieval villages, rivers, and lakes.

H ave a taste of some of the most authentic wines in the country. With its rich history and culture, visitors would definitely not regret spending their holiday vacation here. To fully understand what we’re talking about, just continue reading this article.

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you’re not familiar with this country, then we will introduce it to you by giving you some of the things to do in Trebinje , Bosnia and Herzegovina . With all these activities and experiences, you would absolutely fall in love with the place, the culture, and the people. Not only you will gain new information and unforgettable memories, but you’d also bring home some of the most valuable local products.

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You’d get to encounter some of the friendliest and welcoming people in the world. So if you’re ready to explore this wonderful country, then let’s start. 

Here are the things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

1. hercegovacka gracanica.

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This monastery is in a wonderful location that offers tranquility and beautiful views. It’s on a hill above Trebinje. From the top, you’ll be greeted by the view of Trebinje and the best view on the Arslanagića bridge. The monastery is built in the same style as the Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. The interior and exterior are exceptional. The Serbian Orthodox surely know how to decorate the interior of their buildings. Near the monastery, there’s a cafe wherein you can chill and enjoy the surroundings.

2. Tvrdos Monastery

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Another monastery that’s worth your visit. Tvrdos Monastery is rich in history and filled with holiness. Upon visiting here, you need to pay attention to your clothing. Wear long skirts or shorts. Long enough to cover your knees. The grounds date back to the 15th-century with some touch of the 4th-century Roman architecture but most recent buildings dated back to 1924. You will also get the chance to see and taste wonderful wines in the historic stone. Their gift shop where you can buy local products and wine is a must-visit as well. 

3. Trebinje Old City

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A small but very picturesque old town. Trebinje Old City has huge trees, wonderful cafés, restaurants, two mosques and lovely views of the river around the area. The Trebisnjica river is very clear that you can see through it. Nearby is the famous Arslanagica bridge. This old city is always a good idea when you’re in Herzegovina. Good wine, beautiful architecture and history, all these are waiting for your visit.

4. Arslanagica Bridge

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

With a measure of 92m-long, this vaulted stone bridge over the Trebisnjica river was built in the 16th century. The water under the bridge is clean enough that you’d enjoy taking a lot of pictures. Staying here is an opportunity for great pictures of the buildings and a bridge when the sun is setting. 

5. Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Cathedral

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This beautiful Serbian Orthodox Cathedral is situated in the center of the city, next to the Old Town. The Orthodox Cathedral was completed in 1908. It was built for 20 years. The architecture style is predominantly Roman. The fresco work inside is also modern that is very impressive and colorful. Take your time to admire the artwork that your naked eyes are seeing. This cathedral definitely provides visitors a taste of the local culture. Well worth a visit.

6. Vukoje Cellars

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Have good food in a great location at Vukoje Cellars. It is a very beautiful and modern cellar, which is situated in the surroundings of the city. You can find one of the best wines in Herzegovina here. If you want to fully enjoy your meal and your wine, the best time to visit is at sunset, and when the moon is full, expect a phenomenal view.

7. Hercegovina Museum

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hercegovina Museum is a museum located in the old town of Trebinje. Lots of historical information an be found inside. When you see the museum, you might think that it’s close, however, please take your time to get closer to the entrance and you’ll see that it’s actually open. The museum contains permanent and some temporary exhibits. Each piece in the exhibit has an audio component, where a full description may be heard. It will only take you at least 30-45 minutes to complete the tour inside.

8. Trebisnjica River

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Have a lovely walk at the Trebisnjica River. The cool flowing water will make a hot day very pleasant. It offers a romantic atmosphere as it is lined with trees and quiet trails you can walk along. The river is 187 km in length above and underground, making it one of the longest sinking rivers in the world.  

9. Grad Sunca – Aqua & Dino Park

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you’re traveling with kids and you’re experiencing scorching hot weather, this is the place to be. Just a few kilometers from the town of Trebinje, this water park offers activities both for children and adults. Enjoy splashing in the water or sliding down the slides that are kids and adult-friendly. 

10. Andjelic Wine Cellar

This winery is a family business. Andjelic Wine Cellar produces several labels of wines made of grapes from the family’s own vineyards situated in Trebinje as part of the East Hercegovina wine region. The cellar is open for wine tasting visits whether you’re traveling alone or with a group. So if you’re into wine or you just want to try the best and authentic wine in town, you know where to go. 

Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

With all these things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, you’d surely have a great experience while spending your holiday. Just don’t forget to bring your camera as you’d surely spend a lot of time taking pictures. Whether you’re traveling with a friend, family, or alone, it doesn’t matter at all. We can ensure that you’ll get to enjoy these attractions. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that flight and start wandering around this country. 

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Must-see attractions in Trebinje

trebinje tourist information

Trg Slobode

Doze off at this pretty 'Freedom Square' and when you awake you might think yourself transported to southern France, with its chestnut trees and stone…

Hercegovačka Gračanica

Offering phenomenal views, this hilltop complex comprises a bell tower, gallery, cafe-bar and bishop's palace, but most notably the compact but eye…

Arslanagić Bridge

This unique double-backed structure was built in 1574 under the direction of Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolović, who was also behind the Višegrad bridge,…

Hercegovina Museum

A four-storey former Austro-Hungarian barracks within Trebinje's walled Old Town now houses this haphazard but richly endowed museum. Sarcophagus…

A day in Trebinje: the prettiest city in Bosnia and Herzogovina

Trebinje river walk in Bosnia and Herzogovina

I love nothing more than getting off-the-beaten-track when travelling, so it’s no wonder that I instantly fell in love with Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzogovina . We only stopped over for the day, but that was all it took for this pretty little city to steal my heart with its authentic charm and postcard good looks.

It’s always refreshing to visit somewhere untouched by tourism and Trebinje was a welcome break from the crowds and commercialism of Dubrovnik . So if you find yourself in the Balkans region, be sure to make a beeline for this hidden gem of a city – even if just for the day!

Read more: 24 hours in Dubrovnik – The best things to see and do

How to get to Trebinje:

Trebinje is located in the southernmost part of Bosnia & Herzogovina, less than a 4 hour drive from the capital of Sarajevo and 2 hours from Mostar. Trebinje can also be reached in under an hour from Dubrovnik , making it an ideal day trip from Croatia’s most popular city. Buses run once a day from Dubrovnik bus station (check locally for times) or you can book up a guided tour with Dubrovnik Day Tours .

Alternatively if, like us, you’re planning on road-tripping to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, then Trebinje provides the perfect stopover along the way. We hired a rental car with Hertz and drove across the border at Ivanica-Gornji Brgat. The whole process was quick and easy – it took us less than 10 minutes to make the border crossing and earned us a shiny new passport stamp (just remember to have your passport and cross-border ‘green card’ at the ready!)

Views of Trebinje from Hercegovacka Gracanica Monastery in Bosnia Herzogovina

What to see and do in Trebinje:

The city of Trebinje itself is compact, so a day or even a few hours is enough to appreciate the main sights. But having experienced the city’s laid-back vibe, I can totally imagine whiling away the days here, indulging in the tourist-free serenity.

If you do have longer to spend in Trebinje, you can hike to historic fortresses, sip on local wine in the surrounding valleys, or simply relax and soak up the culture. But if a day is all you have to spare, here are a few experiences in Trebinje you won’t want to miss.

Take in the views from Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery:

There’s no better way to get your first glimpse of Trebinje than from above and the beautiful Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery offers up the best panoramic views in town.

This Serbian Orthodox monastery is located at the top of a hill with stunning 360-degree views of Trebinje and the Trebišnjica River below, surrounded by rugged mountains.

There was a wedding taking place when we visited, so we didn’t get a chance to peek inside, but the monastery is normally open for the public to explore. There’s also a cafe and souvenir shop at the top of the hill, so you can sit back and enjoy a coffee with those jaw-dropping views.

Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery in Trebinje Bosnia

Step back in time in the Old City:

Trebinje’s walled old city is so tiny that we very nearly missed it! But what this old town lacks in size, it more than makes up for in rustic charm. Admire the picture-perfect stone houses, shuttered buildings and leafy squares before joining the locals for a beer in one of the quaint bars or cafes.

Trebinje Old Town in Bosnia and Herzogovina

Take a riverside walk:

Running right through the centre of Trebinje is the  Trebišnjica River – the world’s longest sinking river (I had no idea what this meant either but apparently the river runs for 116 miles, largely underground!) Follow the pedestrian pathway along the river banks, admiring the mirror-effect of the old buildings and trees as you go. Be sure to look out for ‘Kameni Most’ (Stone Bridge) and even go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters at marked swimming spots along the way.

Trebišnjica River Trebinje Bosnia

Visit Perović (Arslanagić) Bridge:

Bosnia and Herzogovina sure knows a thing or two about bridges and one of the country’s most beautiful Ottoman structures can be found right here, in Trebinje.

The iconic 16th century Arslanagić Bridge is the most famous spot along the river path and is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Trebinje. Look out for the iconic water-mills and step on to the historic bridge itself for gorgeous views of the river and surrounding valleys.

Arslanagica Bridge in Trebinje Bosnia and Herzogovina

Head to the market square:

At the heart of Trebinje is a leafy piazza, lined with unpretentious hotels, restaurants and al fresco seating. Every morning, the square bursts into life with local market stalls, selling everything from traditional wine to traditional flat-breads.

Be sure to grab yourself a home-made lemonade and slice of baklava (more like a slab, if you head to the wonderful Hotel Platani !) and people-watch until your heart is content.

Trebinje Bosnia and Herzogovina

So there you have it – Trebinje in a nutshell. This lovely little city was the perfect introduction to Bosnia and Herzogovina and has put the country high up on our return-to list! Heading to Croatia next? Take a look at my guide to spending 24 hours in Dubrovnik .

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Trebinje Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - June, September - October

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"Southern Beauty in Trebinje"

Trebinje tourism.

Trebinje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Balkans. It is a destination full of history and culture, with plenty of activities to keep any traveler occupied. Located in the south of Bosnia, Trebinje is a city surrounded by stunning scenery, traditional villages, and lush green hills.

The main reason to visit Trebinje is because of its rich cultural heritage. There are many attractions to explore including the 17th century Old Town, the Trebinje Fortress, and the Monastery of Tvrdos. All these sites offer a unique insight into the city’s past, and are great places to explore and take photographs. The old town is a particularly interesting place to visit, with its cobblestone streets and old-world charm. Another highlight of Trebinje is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by stunning hills and mountains, making it the perfect place to go for a hike or a leisurely stroll. There are also many lovely beaches nearby, so you can go swimming or relax in the sun. Trebinje is a great place for foodies, with its many restaurants and cafés serving up delicious dishes. There are also several wineries in the area, so you can sample some of the region’s best wines. For those looking for a bit of adventure, Trebinje has plenty to offer. There are several activities such as rafting, canyoning, and mountain biking. You can also take a boat tour of the Neretva River, which is a great way to see the stunning scenery. When visiting Trebinje, it is important to remember that the city is very safe and welcoming. The locals are friendly and accommodating, and there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. It is also important to note that the city is quite small and compact, so it is easy to explore on foot

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trebinje tourist information

This southernmost town of Bosnia and Herzegovina is only 28km away from the city of Dubrovnik . Going about 10 kilometers further, you can reach Herceg-Novi in Montenegro . If you head up north, after two hours of driving, you will find Mostar . Therefore, Trebinje is often a resting place for those that want to grab a cup of coffee before continuing their travels. However, the indisputable beauty of Trebinje is big reason for some tourists to visit.

Trebinje ranks with Mostar and Stolac in terms of beauty but fortunately escaped the fates of these two towns and was not heavily damaged during the war, leaving its old town intact.

The old town of Trebinje dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Today’s old town, Kastel, has emerged from a former trade-craft center. Almost so in Herzegovina there is no city that is not built on the banks of the river. Trebinje is considered to be the city of sun and stone. But Trebinje is something much more than that.

Trebinje is no exception: the old part of the town is lying on the banks of the Trebisnjica River, one of the largest steelmaking in Europe, which flows through the heart of the city. River and the city were always known for their old mills – the ones on the river Trebišnjica. Even though they are not in full function today, they remain a symbol, not so long ago of Herzegovina, as it all directly depended on the power of nature.

There were many different settlers in the history of Trebinje. First came the Illyrians, then came the Greek, Romans and lastly Slovenians in the 7. century. The empire of Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians left an important mark on the architecture as well. Therefore, there are many places of worship for Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims. The Cathedral of The Blessed Virgin Mary’s Birth is located on the town square. The Cathedral of Transfiguration of Jesus is located in the town park. Finally, the Ottoman’s and Emperor’s mosque are in the old part of the town.

The Old Town and Fort Kastel, which were named by the town’s folks have been built in 1715. The Museum of Hercegovina, the narrow alleys, causeways and gates especially the most famous one Anđelkina where the tv series ”Ranjeni Orao” were shoot make this part of the town authentic and interesting for the tourists.

Emperor Constantine has allegedly built many abbeys including Duži, Zavala, Dobrićevo and Tvrdoš. They serve as a proof for the spirituality and tradition caring in this area.

In Trebinje, that power of nature was bigger before the river had been curtailed by the Grancarevo dam, some 15 km north-east from Trebinje. This dam was bound to swallow the Arslanagic Bridge.

This dam would surely flood the Arslanagica Bridge, built in 1574. In order to save this beautiful example of Ottoman stone bridging, the bridge was demolished in 1965 and the rock stone was moved from a village just a few kilometers down the river to the city center.

Klobuk is the largest fortress in Trebinje. It is located at the very border of Herzegovina with Montenegro. It is assumed that it was built in the 9th century and that Pavlimir and Tešimir, the Slovenian princes of Krajina, were buried there. Since the XII century, this region was part of the state of Nemanjic, until 1377 when it was under the extended Bosnian state. Today there are only the remains of the ramparts.

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Trebinje – a beautiful combination of the Mediterranean and the Orient

Discovering trebinje.

Trebinje is located in the southern part of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers an area of 904 km2. The climate is Mediterranean (modified continental) with 260 sunny days a year which makes Trebinje the hottest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the valley of the river Trebišnjica, on the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia and in the hinterland of the southern Adriatic.

Many famous poets and writers have written about Trebinje, and while many of them thinks that Trebinje is most beautiful Serbian town, others thinks that Trebinje is an oasis of peace and sun, only 27 kilometers away from the blue Adriatic. Epits for the town of Trebišnjica have also been given by ecologists who say that Trebinje is an oasis, while archaeologists compared it to Eldorado – the legend of South American Indians, according to which Eldorado is a place with a huge wealth in gold.

Trebinje Old Town

old town

Although not located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the center of Trebinje you have the impression that you are in one of the coastal cities, since the center and the old part of the city were built in a recognizable stony Mediterranean style. The old town of Kastel (or the City on the Water, as many call it) was built in the XVIII century and is located on the right bank of the river Trebišnjica. Old architecture is still untouched. Within the walls of the Old Town today there are numerous cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, while in the central city square there is a unique and colorful green market, where you can find the autochthonous products of this region (Herzegovinian prosciutto, cheeses, medicinal herbs, vegetables, fruit etc.).

Trebinje Summer patio Platani

Trebinje - hotel platani

Plane trees are one of the most recognizable symbols of Trebinje. For many visitors during hot days, summer patio Platani represents an oasis where they can find refreshment in the shade of trees that are more than 120 years old.Natural shade of those 16 tremendous trees located in the heart of the city and over 500 seats make this patio a unique and favorite meeting place for all generations in Trebinje, and for the visitors passing through this city en route to the Adriatic coast as well.

Trebinje – City of wine

To come to Trebinje, and not to visit the wineries and try the best wines of this region, it would be unforgivable, so it is advisable to devote one day to this hedonism. Considering the numerous national and international awards that have passed into the hands of Trebinje winemakers in recent years, it is no wonder that Trebinje has become recognizable in wine tourism.

Religious objects

Religious tourism is on the most developed branches of tourism in Trebinje. City territory has a great number of religious objects from various time periods. This area, as well the whole area of Bosnia and Herzegovina has Orthodox, Catholic and Islam religious objects.

Some of the most known medieval monasteries are located in Trebinje and its surroundings .These are: St Paul and Peter’s Monastery in Crnač, Petrovo polje , Monastery Zavala on the periphery of Popovo polje, Tvrdoš Monastery with its seat in The Eparchy of Zahumlje , Herzegovina and the Littoral . Duži Monastery that was once the seat of the Eparchy and many others.

On Crkvina hill above Trebinje is Hercegovačka Gračanica, very famous for its. By Ducic’s wish, the poet’s remains are buried in this church. In Mrkonjići near Trebinje, there is a newly built temple built on the foundations of  the birth house of St. Basil of Ostrog and Tvrdoš, a saint and a performer of miracles.

Cultural and historical monuments

Rich cultural heritage, numerous cultural and historical monuments, wide cultural tradition and luxurious and preserved nature give the city of Trebinje a unique charm and beauty. As a genuine pearl of Herzegovina, whose charm and hospitality are enchanting, the city on the river Trebišnjica offers numerous facilities – from museums, cultural and historical monuments and monasteries, through the beautiful old town core to the enjoyment in aqua park and local wineries.

Trebinje is extremely rich in cultural and historical monuments. Located in a small town area there is a large number of cultural and historical monuments such as the monument to Jovan Dučić, the famous Trebinje poet, the monument to Peter II Petrović Njegoš, the monument to the fallen warriors from the First World War, the figure of Jelena Anžujska, the fountain in the park, Ducic’s fountain, figures of lions …

Picnic places

trebinje-  picnic places

Thanks to the rich nature, on the territory of Trebinje there are some of the most beautiful picnic places in Herzegovina. Jazina, Ubla, Lastva, Studenac are the most famous picnic places that will satisfy everyones needs. In these locations, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Trebinje as well as picnic, barbecue and other activities in the countryside.

Outdoor activities near Trebinje

The surroundings of Trebinje, with it’s beautiful nature, offer each and every nature lovers a range of opportunities to experience an unforgettable adventure through paragliding, hiking, biking, mountain biking, diving, nomads, canoes and photo safary.

If you prefer adrenaline sports, you can try out one of the six marked hiking paths or try the traditional “Stone Race”. The goal of „Stone Race“ is to get first to the top of mountain Leotar (960 m.n.). If you find that these hiking tracks are not a challenge for you, then we suggest you visit Foča, known as the best place for outdoor activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Foča is some 130 km away from Trebinje and offers various one-day hiking tours . And for those more demanding, it also offers multi-day hiking tours .

outdoor adventure park

Outdoor adventures near Trebinje

The city of Trebinje is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure. From canyoning in Hrcavka to hiking in National Park Sutjeska, there are plenty of outdoor activities near Trebinje. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go rafting on the Tara River or take a canoe. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day in nature or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Trebinje has something for everyone!

Hrcavka Canyoning

Canyoning Hrcavka is a thrilling and immersive adventure that takes you deep into the stunning canyon located near Trebinje. This adrenaline-pumping activity combines elements of hiking, scrambling, climbing, and swimming as you make your way through the natural obstacles and breathtaking landscapes.

Equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and other necessary safety gear, you’ll embark on a guided journey through the Hrcavka Canyon. The canyon boasts impressive rock formations, vertical walls, and enchanting water features, offering a picturesque backdrop for your daring escapade.

As you navigate the canyon, you’ll encounter various challenges such as sliding down natural rock slides, jumping into crystal-clear pools, rappelling down waterfalls, and maneuvering through narrow passageways. Each step brings a new surge of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment as you conquer the obstacles along the way.

Canyoning park

Canyoning Hrcavka is suitable for adventurers of different skill levels, as there are options for both beginners and experienced canyoners. Outdoor Tara expert guides will provide instruction and ensure your safety throughout the excursion, making it a thrilling yet secure experience.

Apart from the exhilarating physical activities, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. The lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and the sound of rushing water create an unforgettable atmosphere, making every moment spent in Hrcavka Canyon a feast for the senses.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, a chance to connect with nature, or simply an unforgettable adventure, Canyoning Hrcavka in Trebinje is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and excitement of the great outdoors.

Tara Rafting

Tara rafting near Trebinje presents an incredible opportunity to explore the untamed beauty of the Tara River, a natural wonder that winds its way through the breathtaking canyons of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This exhilarating adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Setting off from Trebinje, you’ll venture into the rugged landscapes surrounding the Tara River. As you approach the starting point, anticipation builds, and you’ll be equipped with safety gear and receive a comprehensive briefing from experienced guides who will ensure your journey is both exciting and secure.

tara river rafting

Once on the river, you’ll navigate through a series of heart-pounding rapids, with the roaring water propelling your raft forward. The Tara River offers a range of rapids suitable for different skill levels, from moderate to challenging, making it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced rafters alike. The adrenaline rush as you conquer each rapid is matched only by the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you.

You’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of steep Tara canyon walls covered in lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The sheer beauty of the surroundings creates a sense of wonder and serves as a reminder of the raw power of nature.

Throughout the rafting experience, your expert guides will provide instructions, ensuring you feel confident and secure. They will also share their knowledge about the local flora, fauna, and the rich history of the area, adding an educational aspect to the adventure.

The journey down the Tara River is not just about exhilarating rapids; it’s also an opportunity to soak in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. During calmer stretches, you’ll have a chance to take in the serene beauty of the untouched landscapes, listen to the gentle sounds of nature, and perhaps even spot some wildlife along the riverbanks.

Tara rafting near Trebinje offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping thrills and immersive natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, a connection with nature, or simply an unforgettable adventure, rafting on the Tara River promises an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the power and magnificence of the great outdoors.

Hiking in National Park Sutjeska

Hiking in National Park Sutjeska near Trebinje opens up a world of natural wonders and breathtaking vistas, offering outdoor enthusiasts a paradise to explore. Located in the heart of the Dinaric Alps, this pristine national park is home to rugged peaks, dense forests, glacial lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.

With a variety of trails catering to different skill levels, there is something for everyone in National Park Sutjeska. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice adventurer, you’ll find a route that suits your preferences and abilities.

tara rafting

One of the highlights of hiking in Sutjeska is the opportunity to conquer Maglić Mountain, the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, standing at an impressive 2,386 meters (7,828 feet) above sea level. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the sparkling waters of the Trnovačko Lake below.

women hiking lake

For those seeking a less challenging hike, the Perućica Primeval Forest trail offers a mesmerizing journey through one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests. This ancient woodland is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walking amidst the towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora is a truly enchanting experience.

Skakavac Waterfall

The park also boasts the renowned Skakavac Waterfall. Skakavac is  a 75-meter (246-foot) high waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The hike to Skakavac takes you through serene forest trails, eventually leading to the thundering cascade that rewards you with a refreshing mist and a sense of awe.

Throughout your hike in Sutjeska, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, chamois, and a rich array of bird species. The park is committed to preserving the natural habitats and promoting ecological diversity, making it a haven for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts.

It is important to note that while hiking in Sutjeska offers incredible rewards, it is essential to come prepared with proper gear, sufficient supplies, and a respect for the environment. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so checking forecasts and seeking advice from park authorities before setting off is highly recommended.

Hiking in National Park Sutjeska near Trebinje is an unforgettable adventure. The combination of stunning landscapes, diverse trails, and the sense of serenity that comes from being surrounded by nature makes it an experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the remarkable landscapes of this region.

Via Dinarica

Trebinje is included in the Blue Trail Via Dinarica . Trebinje gives adrenalin tourists the possibility for more hiking and cycling.

Through revitalization of the old narrow-gauge railway “Ćiro”, narrow-gauge railway is now adapted for bicycles. This route includes the route from Neum, Capljina, Mostar, through Ravnog and Trebinje, and goes further towards the Konavle municipality of Dubrovnik. From here, alongside the stopping stations, is starting point for tourist with their bicycles.

Natural attractions

Trebinje  boasts some of the most stunning natural attractions in the Balkans. Among the top natural attractions in Trebinje are the Orijen massif, Vjetrenica cave, Sušica river, Trebišnjica river. Trebinje is known for Olm Observatory , located in the settlement of Gorica. Olm Observatory is the world’s first and only observatory dedicated to observing the human fish, found in the Vruljak cave.

Swimming pools and beaches

Thanks to the extraordinary richness of water in Trebinje. There is a large number of natural beaches and swimming pools. The natural beach of the hotel Jazina, the Ušće camp and the Stapovi na Sušici stand out if you like to swim in the river. There are also many swimming pools such as the Bregovi swimming pool, the Olympic swimming pool of Banje and the City of the Sun . In City of the Sun you will find a beautiful Aqua Park and Dino Park with adrenaline and entertainment facilities.

Trebinje - city of the sun

The hospitality of Trebinje are recognizable, will surely make your visit of this oasis of peace and sun an unforgettable experience. So dont wait long and head south, you will not regret it.

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Kathmandu & Beyond

Trebinje: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best kept secret

by Mark | April 24, 2015 | Bosnia & Herzegovina , Off the Beaten Path | 21 comments

Trebinje: Bosnia and Herzegovina Off the Beaten Path

Everybody has heard of Dubrovnik, the stunning but impossibly overcrowded Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, and quite a few people will know about Mostar , the most important cultural city in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), just across the border. Indeed the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar is probably the most iconic historical landmark in the entire country. 

Mention the town of Trebinje however and it’s safe to assume that most people will draw a blank, us included until we decided to visit BiH during our travels through the Balkans.

Trebinje, the southernmost town in BiH, is only 28km from Dubrovnik but tourist-wise it is a world apart from its more famous neighbour and an excellent place to break the journey if travelling between Dubrovnik and Mostar. We arrived on the daily bus (see Getting there and away below ) at around 2.30pm and headed to the nearby tourist board to pick up a map. The young guy behind the counter was extremely enthusiastic about his town, friendly and spoke very good English. We had already booked a hotel but he pointed us in the right direction and highlighted the interesting things to see and do in and around the town.

By 3pm (Trebinje is small) we were out and about, camera in hand and ready to explore. We started with a hike up to Arhangel Mihailo Church, a brand new church with excellent views back over the town and the surrounding hills.

Arhangel Mihailo Church Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina (1)

We then walked along the Trebišnjica River to get to the double-backed Arslanagic Bridge , Trebinje’s most famous landmark.

photographs of Bosnia & Herzegovina

By the late afternoon the light was perfect so after photographing the bridge we climbed up Hercegovacka Gracanica hilltop for yet more great views and to see the imposing Presvete Bogorodice Church .

Presvete Bogorodice Church Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina (4)

The walk up and down Hercegovacka Gracanica was a bit tedious (we could have done with transport) but as it didn’t get dark until 8.30pm, we still had time to look around the Old Town, relax with a beer or two and eat a yummy kebab before calling it a day.

Old Town Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina (5)

The next morning we spent a couple more hours wandering through the Old Town (and giving our (positive) feedback to the nice man at the tourist board) before catching the 10am bus to Mostar. We felt that we did Trebinje justice in the short time we were there but if we had known it was such a nice place, we would possibly have had one night less in Dubrovnik and another one in Trebinje and relaxed our pace a little.

Old Town Trebinje Bosnia and Herzegovina

All in all, though, we would highly recommend an overnight stay in Trebinje and for us, it was a great way to start our time in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trebinje: Getting There and Away

There is only one daily 16-seater bus between Dubrovnik and Trebinje that leaves at 1.30pm and takes approximately 1 hour including formalities at the border (*). On the return journey, the bus leaves Trebinje at 10am. Note there is no Sunday service. The journey travels through some superb craggy mountain scenery, a characteristic we were to experience throughout southern BiH.

There are three daily buses from Trebinje to Mostar (6.15am, 10am and 2.30pm) and the journey takes approximately 3 hours.

Alternatively, there are three daily buses between Dubrovnik and Mostar via the more direct, partly coastal route.

(*) Annoyance of the day. When you travel as much as we do, every bit of space in your passport is precious. Up until this point in Europe we hadn’t received one stamp in our passports and we were very happy about this but when we left Croatia, the border official stamped a completely clean page in both of them and to make things even worse the BiH official did exactly the same thing. I was livid (Kirsty doesn’t really do livid!), especially as the Croatian official didn’t even need to stamp our passports (Croatia is EU, BiH is not).

Where to Stay in Trebinje

We stayed at the newly opened Motel San (address; Popi 4, 89101 Trebinje). Located near the hospital and €25 per room per night (including a big breakfast), it was perfect for our needs. It was quiet, the staff were friendly, the room was big and we had a private bathroom.

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21 Comments

Ariana

beautiful post! This town will always be in my heart. I was born there in 1988, and was only 4 when the war started and had to leave. I went back here 20 years later with my mum, and she showed me the park i played in, the hospital i was born in and our old home. Its a beautiful town, and despite having a good life in Australia, i always wonder what would have it been like to grow up here.

Ariana Kajic thebosnianaussie.com

Kirsty

That must have been quite an emotional trip for both you and your mum. But also fascinating to learn about your roots. It’s a fascinating region to travel through and so beautiful! Stay tuned … we’ve got more posts on the Balkans coming soon including Sarajevo.

Conor Hubert

The photos on your posts are brilliant, they really convey the feel of the place. I’m doing a Balkans trip this summer so will be looking at all your posts to get inspiration. Have a great day.

Thank you! Let us know if you have any questions – we just got back from a second trip to the Balkans but it may take a bit of time before all the posts are up! 🙂

Kartik Gera

Hi, Its really nice to read about Trebinje. I was visiting Bosnia last year and was in Trebinje for a week. It is such a beautiful place. Still so old school and charming in its own way. I hardly spoke serbian but managed pretty well. The whole town is completely walkable and its great to visit sea side in Croatia and Montenegro by car. One must spend time at the square and try the bosnian coffee.

Thanks for your comment. We agree – we don’t speak more than a few words of Serbian but got by just fine. And yes … coffee in the square is a must all over the region! 🙂

Julia

Hey, nice tips about Trebinje. I’m planning on stopping there in August, between Mostar and Podgorica, I think I’ll have a great time. Just one thing though, they actually had to stamp your passport in Croatia. It’s part of the EU, but not of Schengen Area (like the UK and Ireland).

Thanks Julia. What passport do you hold? For us, being from the UK, Schengen doesn’t apply, so as far as I know we shouldn’t need to get stamps from EU countries. Enjoy your trip – we love this region! 🙂

Janeen @ Green Global Travel

Beautiful pictures of Trebinje! IT has gorgeous architecture. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂

Ricardo Ribeiro

Thanks for the article. I was in Trebinje in 2012 it was a major hazard to find a way how to get there from Dubrovnik. Croats really don’t want people to go Trebinje, for obvious historical reasons. But I did it and I am not planning a return, in May.

There is a distinct lack of buses between Croatia and BiH (as you say, for historical reasons) but it is possible now, although the one we went on was pretty old in contrast to all the other shiny buses you see at Dubrovnik bus station!

Oh but it was possible by then too… still a hazard. Girl in the reception of the hostel: “Trebinje? No idea, sorry”. Lady in the tourism office: “Trebinje? No, we don’t have any information about it”. Meanwhile I found out about a bus going everyday around noon. Went to the bus station. Lady: “Trebinje? No bus today”. “What do you mean, no bus today?”; “Ah sometimes it comes, sometimes not, not today”. “Ah OK, a ticket to Mostar then”.

I am waiting outside, canceling my booking in Trebinje and checking where to stay in Mostar, an old man taps my shoulder: “Hey, Portuguese, bus to Trebinje”. And he points and I can’t believe it… the bus was there. So I go to the ticket office, not happy (also I had to exchange money three times because of the mess, losing in the process). The ladies still made me pay a penalty for changing the ticket!

What a pain! We didn’t find people quite that obstructive we were definitely made to feel like maybe we shouldn’t be rushing off to BiH!

Amy info about the price of the bus Trebinje – Mostar?

We don’t have very clear notes, but I believe we paid about 10 Euros for the bus from Trebinje to Mostar.

Ana

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

Mark

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!!

Marc and Svetlana

My wife (Svetlana) and I (Marc) are Swiss tourists and visit Trebinje on a regular basis. We think this region has a lots of unexploited potential. The historic inheritance combined with the geographic attractions – near the Mediterrean Sea, close to Montenegro and surrounded by beautiful mountains, a picturesque river valley – make Trebinije a unique destination particulary for tourists appreciating the authenticity of a holiday destination. To exploit the full potential of this region and make it popular around the world Trebinje must upgrade its infrastructure, the quality (accomodation and food) and frequency of services (transport) and last but not least revive its inheritance (for example – the Napoleon route or the old rail tracks). Benchmark for the quality level of Trebinje’s tourist industry should be Austria in our opinion. We know this sounds ambitious but with full commitment from all for the same vision it is possible. But there is also low hanging fruit to harvest. By cleaning the river sidewalks, keeping the traffic outside the old town, upgrading hiking trails, promoting the region for unique green sport activities (hiking, biking, canoeing) Trebinje could become one of the most promising hotspots of tourism for the next decades. All responsible authorities should get it together, develop a masterplan for the region, start looking for investors sharing the common vision and setting timetables and benchmarks for the objectives to be achieved or in a nutshell do whatever is necessary to let the wonderful seeds of Trebinje and its surroundings flourish. Thank you very much for all the efforts in the future and the payback will be plentiful. We are highly convinced. Sincerely yours Svetlana and Marc

Thank you for your comments. We couldn’t agree more! You are right that it is a beautiful part of the world and are happy if our article encourages people to visit. As you say, tourism is very under developed and that goes to the entire region (with the exception of Croatia) but we think that is part of its charm. Having said that, it would be very beneficial for the local economy if tourism could be boosted!

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Ultimate Guide to a Day Trip to Trebinje Bosnia from Dubrovnik.

I’d wanted to visit Bosnia every year since I first started blogging in 2011. It featured heavily on all of my ‘Travel Wish Lists’ I used to do every New Year. And finally, in 2023, I made it.

It ended up being part of mine and Aftab’s roadtrip from Croatia to Montenegro , and while we didn’t get to go to Mostar, we did get to go to Trebinje, a beautiful little town just a short drive between Dubrovnik and Kotor that’s full of stunning scenery and very cheap food and drink.

You see, Mostar is actually quite a long day trip away from Dubrovnik , but Trebinje is just one-hour away from Dubrovnik, and by travelling between Dubrovnik and Kotor via Trebinje, you actually miss the huge immigration border queues between Croatia and Montenegro . So really, it’s a win-win!

Trebinje Bosnia

Immigration between Croatia/Montenegro and Bosnia

We had heard horror stories of the hugely long queues between the Croatian and Montenegrin borders, but thankfully our border crossing from Croatia to Montenegro was fairly seamless and quick. However, on the way back to Croatia from Montenegro, a taxi driver we had used the night before warned us that it’s much, much worse, and queues can often be hours long.

So, he said the best thing to do is to just cut through Bosnia as the borders on the Bosnian side are always empty. He also said the scenery was really beautiful. Keen to see another country while we were there, we decided to go for it!

Thankfully, he was right. The morning we left Montenegro we checked Google maps, and sure enough there was a huge red queue at the border between Montenegro and Croatia. When we arrived at the border with Bosnia high up in the mountains, it was practically empty. There was maybe one or two cars in front of us and within 5-minutes we were through!

kotor montenegro to trebinje bosnia drive

Arriving into Trebinje

The drive down the mountains from the border control to Trebinje was absolutely breathtaking. We were in awe! It felt very different to both Montenegro and Croatia – firstly, it’s landlocked – and the weather was also a bit moody and rubbish, but once we were down the mountains it was much flatter and more ‘hilly’ than mountainous in a lot of the area.

We had internet issues going into Trebinje when we realised that Bosnia wasn’t included in our European roaming plans, so we followed the road signs to a 4-star hotel, Hotel Nar, and figured we could either use their wifi, or ask them where to go and where to park and what to do etc.

They were SO nice you guys! They were super lovely and let us use their toilets, wifi, AND gave us tips on what to do. They also allowed us to park our car in their car park while we went and explored.

Things to do in Trebinje

There isn’t a huge amount to do in Trebinje, it’s a very, very small place and isn’t really set-up for tourism. But we enjoyed a lovely couple of hours in the pretty old town.

Most Iva Andrića

The view from the Most Iva Andrića bridge is really beautiful. We stopped to take photos here because it was so stunning, even with the grey clouds behind it!

Most Iva Andrića bridge Trebinje Bosnia

Pod platanima & Trg Slobode Squares

We absolutely adored the cute little squares of Pod platanima and Trg Slobode in the old town of Trebinje! Strangely, they actually reminded me a little bit of the squares in France – filled with trees, and with tables and chairs pouring onto the squares from the restaurants in old buildings that surrounded them.

trebinje tourist information

Cathedral Temple of Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord

The churches in Trebinje are really quite something. The Church of The Holy Transfiguration of God is located in Gradski park, and while its construction was started in 1888, it wasn’t finished until 1908. The interiors are stunning and it’s worth stopping in and seeing the inside of the cathedral!

Interior of Cathedral Temple of Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord in Trebinje Bosnia

Gradski park

Gradski park is also known as Jovanu Dučiću park as there’s a statue of him at one of the entrances. It’s a lovely park full of mature trees and is a tranquil and peaceful place to visit while you’re in Trebinje. We walked through it and enjoyed seeing all the local families and groups of friends out and about enjoying it.

trebinje tourist information

Spomenik Jovanu Dučiću

The Spomenik Jovanu Dučiću is a historical landmark in Trebinje, and is a statue of Jovanu Dučiću, one of the most influential Serbian lyricists and modernist poets. He was born in Trebinje in 1871, at the time part of Bosnia Vilayet within the Ottoman Empire, so you’ll find his picture and depictions of him all over Trebinje!

He was actually exiled to the US and lived there until his death in 1943, but his will requested that he be buried in Trebinje. He was finally brought back to Trebinje and reburied here in 2000, in the newly built Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery.

trebinje tourist information

Hercegovačka Gračanica monastery

The road up to the Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery is terrifying ! Aftab and I were both squealing the entire journey up – it’s really steep and full of tiny roads and super sharp twisting turns. But boy, was it worth the journey! The views from the top were incredible !

Hercegovačka Gračanica was completed in 2000, and is a Serbian Orthodox monastery that’s  largely a copy of the Gračanica monastery in Kosovo. The monastery is located above the city, on the historic Crkvina Hill, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s very small but well worth a visit and we really loved the views from the top and the beautiful interior of the monastery.

trebinje tourist information

Food in Trebinje – Eating at Restaurant “Humsko”

Our new friends at Hotel Nar recommended Restaurant “Humsko” , which is set right on the river in Trebinje. It was the best recommendation ever – we honestly had the best meal here!

The staff were super friendly, and allowed us to choose whether sat indoors or out. We decided to brave the weather and sit outdoors as the view of the river was so pretty! Trebinje is actually super well known for its wine and vineyards, so we chose a glass of local red wine to accompany our meal. This glass of wine was only around £1!

Trebinje Bosnia

Food-wise, we really wanted some warm comfort food, so we both chose the Goulash with rice, a side of boiled potatoes, a tomato side salad, and we also got a basket of bread for dipping into the Goulash! It looks *so* unappetizing, but it was ridiculously delicious! The boiled potatoes were the best potatoes I’ve ever tasted in my life, and the flavour of the tomatoes were unreal . It also only cost about £6. An absolute bargain!

Trebinje Bosnia

Afterwards, we shared two desserts: the baklava, and Tufahija, a local dish of walnut-stuff apples soaked in sugar water. Both were delicious, and suitably full, we were ready to continue on our way.

A bowl of Tufahija, a local Bosnian dish of walnut-stuff apples soaked in sugar water, alongside a plate of Baklava pieces

Things to know when travelling to Bosnia

We messed up a couple of times, with a couple of very major things, when we travelled into Bosnia. The first was with internet and roaming, and the second was with currency.

Roaming in Bosnia

We stupidly assumed that Bosnia was included in our European roaming packages with our mobile providers, but when we were rudely interrupted on our drive from the border to Trebinje by our mobile providers texting us to say “You’ve spent £xxx” since arriving in Bosnia”, we had to pull over the car and investigate.

It turns out that Bosnia is not included in European roaming packages, and as such we were both charged around £6 per mb for internet usage. My phone provider actually puts a block on my phone roaming usage if I spent more than £50 a month on roaming charges, so my phone then became useless until we got back to Croatia. Aftab, in a panic, switched his roaming off.

So suddenly we were in a country we had never visited before, in the middle of the countryside, with NO internet. No SatNav, no Maps, no nothing. We basically had to just wing-it and as soon as we drove into Trebinje we had to do the old-fashioned thing and follow random road signs – we followed a sign to a 4* hotel in the hope that they would have wifi we could use, and the staff there actually ended up allowing us to use their car park for free as well as giving us some great tips on what to do in Trebinje!

Currency in Bosnia

The other issue we had, was when we were in a little supermarket trying to buy a drink…and we tried to pay in Euros. It turns out Bosnia does not accept Euros – oops! Instead, the convertible mark is the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s divided into 100 Pfenig or Fening and locally abbreviated KM! So we ended up having to use our credit cards for everything (warning: nowhere accepts AMEX).

Is it worth doing a Dubrovnik to Bosnia day trip?

Yes, 100% yes! We really, really loved our day trip into Bosnia. It’s such a beautiful country and is super duper cheap – especially compared to Dubrovnik – so it’s not going to cost you a huge amount to do it. I would recommend hiring a car and driving yourself, but you can also do an organised day trip with a tour company.

Read more: Visiting Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands on a Private Boat Trip

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Catherine Lux

Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of Content Marketing at Amazon by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.

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IMAGES

  1. Trebinje Old City : 2022 Ce qu'il faut savoir pour votre visite

    trebinje tourist information

  2. Things to do in Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    trebinje tourist information

  3. Trebinje aerial panoramic view

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  4. Visit Trebinje: 2024 Travel Guide for Trebinje, Republika Srpska

    trebinje tourist information

  5. Trebinje Travel Guide: What to do and where to eat ⋆ LBSB World

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  6. Top Attractions in Trebinje

    trebinje tourist information

COMMENTS

  1. My Complete Trebinje Travel Guide

    In this Trebinje Travel Guide, you will learn why Trebinje is worth visiting for more than just one day and find out what are the best things to do in Trebinje, the charming hidden gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trebinje took me by surprise. After travelling around Bosnia and Herzegovina for 5 weeks, I chose this city to slow down, catch up on ...

  2. Homepage

    Tourist organization of Trebinje. On Instagram. Follow on Instagram. www.gotrebinje.com [email protected] Телефон: ++387 (0) 59 273 410. Useful information. How to arrive? Map; Gas stations; ATMs and currency exchange offices; Herzegovinian cuisine; Guide. City sights; Natural attractions;

  3. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Trebinje (2024)

    Andjelic Wine Cellar. 11. Wineries & Vineyards. Anjdelic winery is a family business and passion. We produce several labels of wines made of grapes from our own vineyards located in Trebinje as part of the East Hercegovina wine region. Cellar is…. 11. Fort Strac (Tvrđava Strac) 6.

  4. Trebinje travel

    Trebinje. By far the prettiest city in Republika Srpska, Trebinje has a compact centre with a tiny walled Old Town flanked by a leafy market square. The Trebišnjica River is slow and shallow as it passes through, its banks lined with swimming spots and replicas of waterwheels, which were once used for irrigation.

  5. Tourist info center

    Jovana Dučića bb, 89101 Trebinje. +387 59 273-410. +387 59 273-411. [email protected]. www.gotrebinje.com. Tourist info center is located in the heart of the city, in the shade of 120 years old plane trees - the symbol of Trebinje, on the most attractive and most visited location in the city. With its modern interior and up-to-date ...

  6. About Trebinje

    The history of Trebinje. Trebinje is first mentioned in Constantine VI Porphyrogennetos' records in 10 th century as Travunia. During that time, Trebinje was on the caravan road that lead from Kotor and Dubrovnik to Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. ... Tourist organization of Trebinje. On Instagram. Follow on Instagram. www.gotrebinje.com ...

  7. A Guide to Trebinje: Exploring East Herzegovina

    Mentioned for the first time in the 10th century, Trebinje largely took its current shape and form during centuries of Ottoman rule. Be that as it may, the Serb-majority city is full of Orthodox churches, giving it a look and feel distinct from other cities in Herzegovina like Mostar. Given the city's size, most of the locations in the ...

  8. Our Guide to Trebinje: the Heart of Bosnia's Wine Country

    The Best Things To Do In Trebinje, the Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Wine Country. In a picturesque valley beside a gently flowing river we found Trebinje; a peaceful and charming town in the heart of Bosnia and Hezegovina 's wine country. In the centre, sprawling cafes come to life as locals and tourists alike shelter from the intense ...

  9. Trebinje

    Understand. Aerial view of Trebinje. Trebinje is a small city in the Trebišnjica river valley in south eastern Herzegovina, about 30 km by road from Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the Adriatic coast. Despite its small size, there is plenty going on in this town in the way of live music, festivals, outdoor activities, and nightlife.

  10. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Trebinje

    Tourist organization of Trebinje is established in order to valorize, preserve and protect tourist values on the territory of City Trebinje. The tourist organization of City Trebinje is in charge … 1. 2. Other Top Attractions around Trebinje. 2023. Mostar Old Bridge. 4,483. 82 km away. Mostar. Historic Sites. Kravice Falls. 1,752. 77 km away.

  11. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Trebinje (2024)

    Andjelic Wine Cellar. 11. Wineries & Vineyards. Anjdelic winery is a family business and passion. We produce several labels of wines made of grapes from our own vineyards located in Trebinje as part of the East Hercegovina wine region. Cellar is…. 11. Fort Strac (Tvrđava Strac) 6.

  12. Trebinje Travel Guide: What to do and where to eat ⋆ LBSB World

    This is our Trebinje travel guide, the super picturesque city of Hercegovina. All places listed are added on our Bosnia-Hercegovina travel map. What to do in Trebinje. Trebinje is not a touristy city so it doesn't cater to tourists, which we find very nice. But it also means there arean't loads of places that you should go and see.

  13. THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Trebinje (UPDATED 2024)

    11. Wineries & Vineyards. Anjdelic winery is a family business and passion. We produce several labels of wines made of grapes from our own vineyards located in Trebinje as part of the East Hercegovina wine region. Cellar is…. 11. Fort Strac (Tvrđava Strac) 6. Historic Sites.

  14. Things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Here are the things to do in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1. Hercegovacka Gracanica. This monastery is in a wonderful location that offers tranquility and beautiful views. It's on a hill above Trebinje. From the top, you'll be greeted by the view of Trebinje and the best view on the Arslanagića bridge.

  15. Must-see attractions Trebinje, Hercegovina

    Trebinje. A four-storey former Austro-Hungarian barracks within Trebinje's walled Old Town now houses this haphazard but richly endowed museum. Sarcophagus…. Discover the best attractions in Trebinje including Trg Slobode, Hercegovačka Gračanica, and Arslanagić Bridge.

  16. A day in Trebinje: the prettiest city in Bosnia and Herzogovina

    Trebinje is located in the southernmost part of Bosnia & Herzogovina, less than a 4 hour drive from the capital of Sarajevo and 2 hours from Mostar. Trebinje can also be reached in under an hour from Dubrovnik, making it an ideal day trip from Croatia's most popular city. Buses run once a day from Dubrovnik bus station (check locally for ...

  17. Trebinje Tourism (2023)

    Located in the south of Bosnia, Trebinje is a city surrounded by stunning scenery, traditional villages, and lush green hills. The main reason to visit Trebinje is because of its rich cultural heritage. There are many attractions to explore including the 17th century Old Town, the Trebinje Fortress, and the Monastery of Tvrdos.

  18. Trebinje

    Trebinje ( Serbian Cyrillic: Требиње, pronounced [trěːbiɲe]) is a city and municipality in Republika Srpska entity, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is situated on the banks of the Trebišnjica river in the region of East Herzegovina. As of 2013, it has a population of 31,433 inhabitants.

  19. Visit Trebinje

    This southernmost town of Bosnia and Herzegovina is only 28km away from the city of Dubrovnik.Going about 10 kilometers further, you can reach Herceg-Novi in Montenegro.If you head up north, after two hours of driving, you will find Mostar.Therefore, Trebinje is often a resting place for those that want to grab a cup of coffee before continuing their travels.

  20. Trebinje: Beautiful combination of the Mediterranean and the Orient

    Trebinje is located in the southern part of the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers an area of 904 km2. The climate is Mediterranean (modified continental) with 260 sunny days a year which makes Trebinje the hottest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the valley of the river Trebišnjica, on the border of ...

  21. Trebinje: Bosnia and Herzegovina's best kept secret

    There are three daily buses from Trebinje to Mostar (6.15am, 10am and 2.30pm) and the journey takes approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, there are three daily buses between Dubrovnik and Mostar via the more direct, partly coastal route. (*) Annoyance of the day. When you travel as much as we do, every bit of space in your passport is precious.

  22. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Trebinje (Updated 2024)

    Andjelic Wine Cellar. 11. Wineries & Vineyards. Anjdelic winery is a family business and passion. We produce several labels of wines made of grapes from our own vineyards located in Trebinje as part of the East Hercegovina wine region. Cellar is…. 11. Fort Strac (Tvrđava Strac) 6.

  23. Day Trip to Trebinje in Bosnia from Dubrovnik [Guide]

    Things to do in Trebinje. There isn't a huge amount to do in Trebinje, it's a very, very small place and isn't really set-up for tourism. But we enjoyed a lovely couple of hours in the pretty old town. Most Iva Andrića. The view from the Most Iva Andrića bridge is really beautiful.