Sightseeing stop in Travnik: discover beautiful places in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Travnik highlight

We at Monterrasol Transfers specialize in private car transfers. Together with the transfer itself, we propose that you visit some beautiful places along the transfer route. We call such places optional sightseeing stops (short excursions).

One of the places we selected to propose as a sightseeing stop is a beautiful Travnik in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sightseeing stops are a perfect easy opportunity to see new places during your transfer across Bosnia-Herzegovina, especially during long distance transfers. Take it as a great option to get in touch with local culture and history. It's good to combine transportation and sightseeing together!

Travnik is a charming small town located 90 km northeast of Sarajevo, and it is one of Bosnia-Herzegovina's most historically important towns. The town's centerpiece is the medieval Travnik fortress, which was originally established and controlled by Bosnian rulers before the Ottoman takeover of the 15th century. The town has a cultural heritage dating from the Ottoman period, with landmarks such as the Hadji Ali-bey Mosque, the Regional Museum, and the elaborate gymnasium built in the Austro-Hungarian architectural style.

Last reviewed: 11 May 2024

Travnik description

Travnik has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of Roman settlement in the region during the first few centuries AD. The town itself was first mentioned by the Ottomans during their conquest of nearby town Jajce, and it became an important fortified town in the region.

The name Travnik came from the Middle Ages and referring to the grass, and is about grazing sheep in the area. Nearby mountain Vlašić is one of the tallest peaks in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and an excellent spot for skiing, hiking, and sledding. Travnik located in the heart of Bosnia, sunk into the green mountain landscape and small mountain streams passing through the town.

The medieval fortress ＂Old Town＂ in Travnik, one of the most beautiful and preserved fortified objects in Bosnia-Herzegovina, was built in the second half of the 14th century or in the first half of the 15th century. The construction type and other characteristics indicate that it was built by the order of king Tvrtko Kotromanić II or King Stjepan Dabiša, and it was later developed and expanded by the Ottomans.

In 1463, Travnik fell to the Ottomans, and it became part of the Sanjak (region) of Bosnia. The conquering Ottomans saw the significance of this strategic location for the military, and they transformed the castle into a fortress with watchtowers. From 1463 until 1878, Travnik was under Ottoman rule, becoming an important economic and traffic center. The town was the capital city of the governors of Bosnia from 1699 to 1850, and it has a cultural heritage dating from that period.

During the period of Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Travnik became an important economic and traffic center. The medieval fortress ＂Old Town＂ in Travnik was renamed to Kastel or Kaštel by the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and it was marked so in their military charts. The town was a military garrison of the Austro-Hungarian army, and the old train was used for the transportation of soldiers, officers, and wounded soldiers, while military equipment, weapons, and ammunition were brought in and dispatched.

Today, the fortress is one of the best-preserved in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with a small museum dedicated to its history and an ethnographic section inside. The Old Fortress of Travnik is inscribed into a register of the National Monuments of Bosnia-Herzegovina on 25 January 2005. The fortress is not only a monument of the past but also a colorful part of today's Travnik, with various cultural events, festivals, and reenactments held there, bringing history closer to life and connecting visitors with the region's rich heritage.

Travnik is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature. The Travnik fortress, perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque town, is a historical monument that tells the story of centuries gone by. The fortress is not only an architectural wonder but also a symbol of the region's rich and turbulent history, with its imposing stone walls and towers transporting visitors to a bygone era. Inside the fortress, visitors can explore the remains of its defensive structures, including watchtowers, cannons, and walls that have withstood the test of time.

The town center is also worth exploring, with landmarks such as the Hadji Ali-bey Mosque, the Regional Museum, and the elaborate gymnasium built in the Austro-Hungarian architectural style. The Regional Museum is worth a quick visit, with a natural history section, a small collection of archaeological artifacts, and an impressive display of preserved furniture, costumes, and jewelry from the Ottoman era. The museum's collection of photographs of local life is also notable, explaining local traditions and customs.

Travnik is a town that offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its rich history, impressive views, and cultural significance. The town's cultural heritage is evident in its architecture, with Ottoman influences visible throughout the structure of the fortress and other landmarks. Visitors can almost hear the echoes of history as they wander the fort, with every stone having its own story to tell. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Travnik is a destination that should not be missed.

Numerous structures of Travnik dating to the Ottoman era have survived in near perfect condition, such as many mosques, oriental homes, two clock towers, and Travnik is the only city in Bosnia-Herzegovina to have two clock towers, and fountains. The city's old town dates back to the early 15th century, making it one of the most popular widely accessible sites from that time.

Travnik have unique panorama from medieval fortress, numerous minarets and church towers. Town itself have two parts, the lower and the upper, each with one own clock tower. The touristic attractions of Travnik are: Andric's house, clock towers, Blue water mosque, Vizier's grave (turbe), old watermill in the location Plava voda. Plava Voda is a large spring, which creates approximately 350 meters long eponymous river. It rises under Vlašić mountain, just below Travnik fortress, in the center of Old Town of Travnik.

We know good things to see in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We know the roads, well-known tourist attractions like UNESCO sites, and off-the-beaten-path places.

If you would like to learn more about Bosnia-Herzegovina and explore it by visiting different attractions, come with us for a private tour. We can travel all across Bosnia-Herzegovina and we will show you all the important tourist attractions together with the hidden gems of this beautiful country. Feel free to contact us!

We have developed numerous itineraries for private car tours in Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as in neighboring countries, including tours passing through several countries as one journey. Solo private tours and tours for Seniors are available also.

Transfers to Travnik

Currently we know prices for these car transfers to Travnik:

Private transfers from Bosnia-Herzegovina

• private car transfer Trebinje to Travnik

Private transfers from Croatia

• private car transfer Dubrovnik to Travnik

• private car transfer Slano to Travnik

Private transfers from Montenegro

• private car transfer Budva to Travnik

• private car transfer Podgorica to Travnik

• private car transfer Portonovi to Travnik

Unable to find your transfer?

If the transfer you need not exist in the list of our transfers, feel free to ask us for custom transfer by this form: ask for a custom private transfer to Travnik, Bosnia-Herzegovina.