Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming an increasingly popular destination for nature lovers.
Why? Over 80% of its 51 000 km2 area is covered by hills and mountains, some of the most famous being Bjelašnica, Vlašić, Maglić and Prenj.
There are over 200 rivers and lakes, both artificial and natural.There are also four national parks: Sutjeska, Una, Kozara and Drina.
Sounds like an ideal place to visit with a roof tent, doesn't it?
Here you will find the necessary information you need to know before you go!
Is wild camping legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska constitute BiH as a country so the laws that apply to camping may vary. Although it is stated in many places online that wild camping is allowed, according to the current laws is prohibited. It is allowed only in marked camping sites and in the yard of private individuals if they have obtained a permit for accepting campers. Complicated on paper, but is it so in reality?
Penalties for wild camping:
According to the law of the FBiH, a person who camps outside the camp will be fined in the amount of 50 KM to 500 KM. Penalties are not specified in the law of the RS. Unfortunately, there are many loopholes in the law in BiH, so higher fines are also mentioned, which can go up to 1,500 KM. The "good" news is that, so far, the authorities and residents are okay with wild camping, so fines are very rare.
Where to go wild camping?
Wild camping is strictly prohibited in national parks. It will be difficult to hide there and avoid a fine, so follow the rules. If you want to spend the night in one of the national parks, some have organized camps where it is allowed.
Camping on private land, although officially prohibited, with the owner's permission should not be a problem. The inhabitants of BiH are warm people and do not be surprised if they offer you rakija with permission. Of course, emphasize that you will pick up all the trash after yourself and stick to it.
It is recommended not to camp in tourist areas, but this applies more to campers because it is not very convenient to open a roof tent in a parking lot in the city center. Honestly, I don't think any of us want that kind of view, do we?
Camping along the road outside of settlements is tolerated as long as you don't take up the road side rest area, as they can be small. In more rural areas, there is often no internet signal, or it is weak, so make sure you have an offline version of the maps.
Camping in the mountains, along rivers and lakes is what we are most interested in! Places that are more remote or are difficult to access require additional planning, but the likelihood of meeting anyone or even worse getting a fine decrease - we know from experience!
Safety and wild camping
Unfortunately, there are still mine-suspected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the 1990s war. Before your trip, download the BH Mine Suspected Area app (AppleStore, GooglePlay) and update the map from time to time. Be sure to check if the area you want to go to is marked as covered with mines. You can also have the app notify you if you approach a minefield at a distance you set. If you approach such an area, do not get off the marked road and return to a safe area. Also, do the same if you come across a “caution mines” sign.
Research the roads to the location well. Beautiful locations are sometimes preceded by poorly accessible roads, for example muddy roads or sharp rocks. Leave on time to reach the desired location during the day, as there is a possibility that you will not be able to make it further by car. Some locations are only accessible to 4x4 vehicles and it is better to give up if you are not sure that you can pass. One of these is the climb to mountain Cincar, where the road requires good driving skills and an adequate vehicle. If you see any of the locals, ask what the road is like further along the way, because they know best.
Given the large hilly and mountainous area, it is not surprising that Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to three large carnivores: the bear, the lynx and the wolf. Although they mostly avoid contact with humans, they sometimes descend into villages when there is a lack of food. It is safest to keep all food in a closed car, not in a tent, so that it is harder for them to smell it.
In addition to bears, lynxes and wolves, there are also snakes in BiH, only three of which are venomous. These are the horned viper, the European adder and the Bosnian viper. They can share its habitat with each other, so you should seek medical help in the event of a bite!
When to go wild camping in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The ideal period is from May to September due to pleasant temperatures and long days. In higher areas, snow can stay until April, sometimes even until mid-May. Frequent rains in early spring and autumn can make the gravel roads difficult to pass, so you may not be able to see what you planned. However, spring brings meadows full of flowers and streams full of water, and autumn brings peace and a fairy-tale palette of colours. Winters are harsh and cold, so don't go without experience, winter equipment for your car, thick bags, and additional tent insulation.
Whichever period you choose, prepare for all conditions, the weather in BiH can vary throughout the day.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country that offers a lot to see and experience. If you decide to wild camp, respect the locals, local customs and regulations. Protect nature, be in harmony with it and leave everything as it was. In the next post I will bring you which locations we visited and where we slept. I wish you a nice stay!
