Visiting Počitelj in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Our guide called Počitelj Bosnia and Herzegovina's "open-air museum" and living history of this beautiful country. Throughout history, Počitelj was occupied by Bosnian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian forces, before being abandoned as a military post. This idyllic little village is nestled 30km south of Mostar and was once home to hundreds of families. Now, much of the village lies in ruins thanks to the wars of the 90s, and many inhabitants left the region, although about a dozen of the families still call it home.

I was already so impressed by what I had seen of Bosnia and Herzegovina so far and it really felt like what our guide said was true.

→ Check out all my guides from Bosnia and Herzegovina!

The best thing to do at Počitelj is to wander the quaint paths and hike up to the fortress overlooking the whole town. Much is in ruins, but the inner spiral staircase remains strong and intact inviting visitors to gingerly climb up the dark steps for seriously magnificent views of the entire village below and the river glistening in both directions.

It is hot and shadeless in Počitelj, and some families do still live here, so be cautious not to enter any privte properties as you wander through the village.