Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview of Travnik
Nestled in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, Travnik is a historic town with a unique charm. Known for its Ottoman-era architecture, Travnik provides an enchanting look into the past. The cobbled streets and terraced houses create a romantic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Mountains surround the valley where Travnik sits, providing stunning scenery. Travnik has plenty to offer travelers looking to experience Bosnia’s history and culture.
Reasons to visit
There are many great reasons to visit Travnik. The well-preserved Ottoman architecture transports you to another era. The surrounding nature offers excellent hiking, skiing, and rafting opportunities. Travnik also has great food, handicraft shopping, and historic sites. Overall, Travnik provides a destination to immerse yourself in Bosnian history and culture.
History and culture
Origins and development
Travnik has a long and storied history. First recorded in the early 15th century, it was ruled by medieval Bosnian kings before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1699. The Ottomans greatly influenced Travnik’s culture and architecture. When the Austro-Hungarian Empire took control in 1878, Travnik served as the capital of Bosnia. This left a mark as well. Travnik continued developing through Yugoslav times into the present day.
Influence of different rulers
The various rulers of Travnik shaped its unique character. The medieval Bosnian kings originated Travnik. The Ottoman Empire greatly influenced the town’s culture and architecture seen today. You’ll find mosques, cobblestone streets, and oriental style houses. When the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled, they built villas and churches. This blend of Eastern and Western elements makes Travnik so fascinating.
Cultural landmarks
Travnik has many cultural landmarks showcasing its past. The 16th century Plava Voda, a 20-meter high Ottoman-era wall, encircled the town. Parts still stand. Mosques like the İbrahimpaşa Mosque date back four centuries. Sahat Kula, an 18th century clock tower, still keeps time in the old bazaar. Travnik Castle from the medieval period overlooks the town. These sites give Travnik its unique character.
Main attractions
Old town area
Travnik’s main attractions are centered in the old town. Here you’ll find Ottoman houses, mosques, and shops centered around the bazaar. Walking the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel immersed in Travnik’s past. Make sure to see the Ottoman-era townhouses and the 16th century Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque with its huge dome. Stop for a Turkish coffee in one of the many cafes. The old town is Travnik’s crown jewel.
Plava Voda
Plava Voda is a stunning Ottoman-era wall that once encircled Travnik. Built in the 16th century, stretches of the 20-meter high wall still stand. Walk along Plava Voda to admire this architectural marvel that protected Travnik for centuries. The views from the top overlooking Travnik are excellent as well.
Fortresses
Two fortresses tower over Travnik on nearby hills. Travnik Castle is a seriously impressive medieval fortress that defended the town. Dating back to the 14th century, you can climb the walls and towers for panoramic views of Travnik. On the other side of town sits the partially ruined fortress of Stari Grad. Both fortresses allow you to admire Travnik from above.
Cuisine
Local specialties
Travnik has delicious Bosnian cuisine with some local specialties. Burek features flaky phyllo dough with fillings like cheese, meat, or spinach. Ćevapi are grilled minced meat sausages served with bread. Try tufahije, cored baked apples stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream. Bosanski Lonac features meat and veggies stewed in a clay pot. Finish with tulumbe, fried sweet dough dusted in sugar.
Places to eat
For traditional Bosnian fare, try Male Ćevabdžije Travnik, dishing out tasty cevapi and more since 1959. Kod Tapana has great pizzas plus classic dishes like sarma rolls of minced meat and rice in pickled cabbage leaves. In the old town, Cafe Oscar is perfect for coffee, sweets, and light meals on the outdoor terrace. Brajlovic serves local cuisine like bosanski lonac in a 19th century villa with mountain views.
Shopping
Handicrafts
Travnik is a great place in Bosnia to shop for handicrafts. You’ll find handmade copper wares, embroidered linens, knitted socks and sweaters, carved wooden spoons, painted ceramics, antiques, and more. Check out the old bazaar where craftsmen demonstrate their skills and sell traditional items. Bosnian coffee sets make excellent souvenirs. Brand name stores fill the newer parts of town.
Markets
Travnik has markets where you can mingle with locals while shopping for fresh produce, meat, cheese, and household items. Visit the lively bazaar area in the old town on Wednesdays and Fridays. The daily Green Market offers fruits, vegetables and cheeses from area farms. For a unique experience, walk through Travnik’s flea market hunting for antiques and knick-knacks.
Activities
Hiking
With mountains surrounding the area, Travnik is a great base for hiking. The town itself has nice nature walks following the Lašva River and through Guča Gora park’s shady trails. More advanced hikes ascend Vlasic Mountain, with its stunning views and ski resort. Consult the local tourist office for the best area hikes. Guides can also lead you on overnight treks in the mountains.
Skiing
Come winter, Vlasic Mountain transforms into a top skiing and snowboarding destination in Bosnia with over 17 miles of slopes. There are runs for all levels, plus cross-country skiing, sledding, and more. The ski resort has hotels, equipment rentals, lessons, and great mountain views. It’s about 30 minutes by car from Travnik to the slopes.
Rafting
Rafting adventures await on the Vrbas River near Travnik from spring through fall. Riding Class II-IV rapids is exhilarating. You’ll pass through deep gorges lined with pine forests. Outfitters like Raftrek provide day trips and multi-day excursions combining rafting with zip lines, canyoning, and hiking. No experience is necessary to join the fun.
Accommodation
Hotels
Travnik has cozy hotels for any budget. For four-star luxury, Hotel Central features a spa, indoor pool, restaurant and bar. Hotel Termag has modern rooms with balconies and an outdoor pool with mountain views. Villa Wien offers affordable rooms in a restored 19th century villa in the old town. Hotel Platana is a budget choice right downtown.
Guesthouses
For a local experience, overnight in one of Travnik’s guesthouses. Emir’s Guesthouse has beautiful rooms in a historic home with a courtyard. Dedić Guesthouse serves home-cooked meals in their garden overlooking the Ottoman walls. Guesthouse Rose and Guesthouse Konak also provide warm hospitality with comfortable rooms.
Transportation
Getting there
Travnik is easily reached by bus or car. Buses connect Travnik to nearby cities like Sarajevo and Zenica for cheap. Renting a car allows you more flexibility to stop along the way. The town is about 50 miles from Sarajevo International Airport. Consider flying into Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia to combine Travnik with coastal destinations.
Getting around
Travnik’s small old town is very walkable. But if you want to reach farther destinations, taxis and buses are affordable options. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for side trips. Reputable companies like Hertz and Sixt have offices in town. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called by phone. Buses connect Travnik to other cities inexpensively.
Conclusion
Summary
With its Ottoman-era architecture, fascinating history and culture, surrounding mountains, and wealth of activities, Travnik is an enchanting destination for travelers. Walking Travnik’s cobblestone lanes transports you back in time, while natural sites like Plava Voda and Vlasic Mountain represent the area’s beauty. Travnik truly offers an unforgettable experience.
Final thoughts
If you seek a unique gateway to Bosnia’s past and culture in a charming mountain setting, add Travnik to your itinerary. This historic town rewards exploration on foot, letting you soak up its many sights and subtle charms. The excellent local cuisine, abundance of handicrafts, and wealth of activities provide something for all interests. Wandering through Travnik’s enchanting streets is sure to become one of your favorite travel memories.
FAQs
What is Travnik best known for?
Travnik is best known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and era atmosphere in the old town area, which transports visitors back in time. The surrounding mountains are another draw.
When was Travnik founded?
Travnik was first recorded in the early 15th century. It was ruled by medieval Bosnian kings before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1699.
What are the top things to do in Travnik?
The top activities in Travnik include wandering through the atmospheric old town, visiting Ottoman-era sites like Plava Voda, exploring the medieval fortresses, hiking in the mountains, rafting the Vrbas River, and skiing at Vlasic in winter.
What traditional cuisine should visitors try in Travnik?
Visitors to Travnik should try local Bosnian specialties like burek, ćevapi, bosanski lonac (meat and veggie stew), and tufahije (baked stuffed apples). The old town has many eateries serving these dishes.
How do you get to Travnik?
You can get to Travnik by bus from nearby cities like Sarajevo and Zenica. Renting a car or taking a taxi allows more flexibility. The nearest international airport is in Sarajevo, around 50 miles away.