Visegrad

• Spring (April to June): This is arguably the best time to visit Višegrad. Nature around the Drina River and Drina Canyon is at its most beautiful, and it’s easy and enjoyable to explore nearby attractions, go for walks, and take boat rides. There are fewer tourists compared to the summer months, and temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
• Summer (July to August): Summer in Višegrad is usually quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. During this time, tourists typically attend local events such as cultural evenings and festivals in Andrićgrad. Summer is great for boat rides on the Drina and trips to Mokra Gora and Drvengrad. However, expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during this season.
• Autumn (September to October): Autumn in Višegrad brings pleasant temperatures and stunning, colorful scenery. Photographers often visit during this season to capture the beauty of the landscape, and tourists enjoy exploring the local cuisine and sightseeing at a more relaxed pace.
• Winter (November to March): In winter, Višegrad is quiet and peaceful, with fewer tourists, and the view of the snow-covered Drina is simply enchanting. While there aren’t many activities during winter, it’s a good time for spa tourism and visiting the Višegrad Spa.

• From Belgrade (221–270 km): Via the M5 main road through Užice and the Ibar highway, or via the Višegrad – Kremna – Bajina Bašta – Debelo Brdo – Valjevo – Belgrade route.
• From Sarajevo (110–130 km): Via the M5 main road through Ustiprača to Sarajevo, or from Sarajevo through the Bentbaša tunnel toward the M5 road.
• From Trebinje (208 km): Via Foča.
• From Foča: Take the M20 road to Ustiprača, then join the M5 road.
• Distances from other locations: Dubrovnik—236 km, Zlatibor—64 km, Tara—42 km, Jahorina—115 km, Budva—280 km, Herceg Novi—240 km.

• There are daily bus lines to Višegrad from Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, Foča, Banja Luka, and Mostar.
• Bus lines also connect Višegrad with Belgrade and Novi Sad.
• Direct lines: Višegrad has direct bus routes to Banja Luka (via Sarajevo), Foča (via Goražde), and Bijeljina (via Zvornik).
• Note: Višegrad does not have a central bus station - buses stop at designated roadside areas.
• To reach the coast (e.g., Dubrovnik), transfer buses are available in Foča and Ustiprača.
• You can check the bus schedule from Višegrad here.

• There is no regular railway service in Višegrad. The nearest train station is in Sarajevo, about 130 km away.
• A tourist train to Višegrad departs from Mokra Gora on weekends, but it operates only during the summer season.
• Train stations with access to Višegrad also include those in Užice and Priboj.

• Like the train, air travel is handled through Sarajevo (120 km away). If arriving this way, you can reach Višegrad by taxi, bus, or a rental car.
• If arriving via Tuzla Airport (160 km), be aware there is no direct public transport to Višegrad from there.

• You can enter Višegrad from Serbia via the Uvac and Vardište border crossings and from Montenegro via Šćepan Polje.
• During your trip, you can use navigation apps such as Google Maps, Waze, or HereWeGo.

• Exploring Višegrad: The town's tourist organization offers several city tour programs ranging from just an hour and a half to several days. You can find more details on the official website of Višegrad’s tourist organization.
• Drina river cruise: Cruises on the Drina River have been organized since 2006 using three tourist boats: Zelenika, Lotika, and Sonja. There are organized group excursions and options for individual visits. Cruises usually start around 10 AM and end around 6 PM, depending on demand.
• Boat rides on the Drina: Tourist boats offer half-hour rides on the Drina River, giving passengers a chance to see the town from the water, the famous bridge on the Drina, and parts around Andrićgrad. Operators include River Bus, Marina Travel, Ćiro, Lotika, and Marija.
• Canyon tours by speedboat: The Water Taxi speedboat tour lasts about one to two hours and includes visits to the Stari Brod memorial complex, the confluence of the Žepa River, and sections of the Drina Canyon. More information about these rides is available via the provided link.
• Kayaking, hiking, and trekking: The Kanjon Adventures active tourism ccenter organizes kayaking and paddleboarding tours around the Višegrad bridge, through the Drina canyons, and around Lake Drina, as well as hiking and trekking tours in the surrounding area.
• Swimming in the Rzav at the “Beach of Love”: This beach is located 13 km from Višegrad, in the village of Dobrun. Guests have access to a bar and barbecue equipment for a peaceful family outing.
• Zip line: See Višegrad from the air on an adrenaline-pumping zip line ride nearly 500 meters long.
• Hiking: The Stolac Mountaineering Club offers overnight stays at the Gostilja Mountain Lodge and organizes two main hiking events: “A Walk through the Hills of Rzav” in May and “Ascent to Great Stolac (1673 m above sea level)” in September, along with smaller tourist hikes (through Višegrad's mountains, Drina and Rzav canyon tours, and visits to the habitat of the endemic Serbian spruce - Picea omorika). If you're in town during these periods, feel free to join them.
• Fishing: The Drina River is home to about thirty fish species, most notably huchen (Hucho hucho), trout, roach, barbel, carp, catfish, chub, and others. Huchen, a protected species, attracts many anglers. Fishing is possible at two artificial lakes, Perućac and the Višegrad hydropower plant, as well as on the Rzav River. Near the bridge, there’s a 2-kilometer fishing trail where you can also fish from boats.
• Ćiro Train Ride: The nostalgic tourist train runs the Višegrad—Vardište—Mokra Gora route, passing through the Rzav Valley and visiting the Dobrun Monastery and a 14th-century church.

• Lovačko veče (Hunters' Night): Held in January at the ceremonial hall Bikavac, organized by the hunting association Panos.
• Srpsko sijelo: A traditional evening of folk songs and dances, also held in January at the same venue, organized by a gusle performers' association.
• Plivanje za bogojavljenski krst (Epiphany Cross Swimming): This event takes place every year on January 19th for the Orthodox holiday Bogojavljenje (Epiphany), next to the Višegrad bridge.
• Belgrade—Banja Luka bicycle race: A long-standing event held every April since 2007. The race passes through 21 cities in the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, followed by around 300,000 live spectators and many more via media. It brings together participants from over forty countries across all continents.
• Kayak and canoe regatta “Admiral Kuk”: Organized by the association Srpski veslači (Serbian rowers), with about 80 participants from ten countries. During the day, rowers travel 30–60 km, starting from the Višegrad Bridge, through the Stari Brod ethno camp near Perućac, and further down the Drina and Sava rivers to Sremska Mitrovica.
• Pasuljijada: Held in May on the banks of the Drina, it’s the town’s main gastronomic event, dedicated to traditional bean stew dishes.
• Prošetajmo rzavskim bregovima (Let’s walk the Rzav hills): A hiking tour organized by the Stolac mountaineering association, covering approximately 20 km around Višegrad and the Rzav river. The trail is of medium physical difficulty.
• Zlatne ruke Podrinja (Golden hands of Podrinje): A regional event promoting traditional crafts and entrepreneurship, held since 2012. Around twenty women’s associations exhibit their handmade works, preserve folk crafts, and sell homemade products. The event takes place at the Byzantine Square in Andrićgrad in June.

Other events include the: Commemoration of the First Serbian Uprising Day (February), Vidoje Andrić memorial karate tournament (May), Day of RS army veterans (May), Višegrad brigade day (May), Commemoration of the Stari Brod massacre (May), International folklore festival (May), Višegradska staza (Višegrad trail) (June), Vidovdan (St. Vitus day) (June), Višegrad regatta (July), Licidersko srce (Licider’s heart) (August), Bridge diving from the Višegrad bridge (August), Craft beer festival (August), International art gathering (August), Proslava Velike Gospojine – narodni vašar (Feast of the Assumption – Traditional fair) (August), Honey fair (August), Drinski kotlić (Drina cauldron – Fish stew contest) (September), Sabor srpskog izvornog pjevanja (Gathering of traditional Serbian singing) (September), Ivo Andrić’s birthday celebration (October), Cheese and wine festival (October), Winter days of Višegrad (December).

• Swimming in the Drina River: The best place for swimming in the Drina is Jaz Beach in nearby Međeđa, about 12 km from Višegrad. The complex includes a café bar, restaurant, children's pools and playgrounds, as well as a camping area. Kids especially enjoy renting pedal boats, canoes, and motorboats.
• City tour by tourist train: Višegrad can be explored aboard the Golden Train. This 20-minute ride from the Višegrad Bridge through town includes sights like Andrićgrad and other attractions. It’s suitable for both kids and adults and is a popular option for school trips. Tickets cost €5 for adults and €2.5 for children and larger groups.
• Višegrad bicycle ride (Višegradska biciklijada): If your kids enjoy cycling, they can join this notable Višegrad event, which includes short rides through the town’s streets.
• Internet & gaming café “Čoki”: For older children, there's an internet and gaming café located on King Peter I Karađorđević Street, open daily from 9 AM to midnight.
• Children’s playground: The town’s open-air playground is located near the old train station in Višegrad, close to the Rzav River.
• Multiplex “Dolly Bell”: Located in Andrićgrad, this cinema screens movies that you can enjoy together with your kids.

• Andrićgrad (Stone Town): Andrićgrad, or the "Stone Town," is a themed town located at the confluence of the Rzav and Drina rivers, inspired by the works of Ivo Andrić and designed by Emir Kusturica. It features architecture representing different historical periods—Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian. Inside are squares, a theater, galleries, cafes, and a monument to Ivo Andrić.
• Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge: The most iconic symbol of Višegrad and a classic example of Ottoman architecture. Built in the late 16th century by order of Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović and designed by architect Sinan, it consists of eleven stone arches and stretches approximately 180 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbolic link between East and West, past and present—immortalized in Ivo Andrić’s masterpiece The Bridge on the Drina.
• Ivo Andrić Institute: Located in Andrićgrad, this cultural institution is dedicated to the study of literature, history, and culture. It organizes scientific conferences, exhibitions, and workshops on Balkan heritage. Its primary mission is to promote the legacy of Ivo Andrić.
• Višegrad City Gallery: A key hub of visual arts in the town, this gallery hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. It's a meeting place for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
• Museum of the First Serbian Uprising: Located near Dobrun Monastery, this museum preserves important artifacts related to the history of Višegrad and its surroundings, especially from the Ottoman era and the time of liberation. Its collection includes weapons, documents, and uniforms.
• Stari Brod Memorial Complex: Downstream along the Drina River lies a memorial complex at the site of a 1942 massacre of Serbian civilians. The complex features sculptures commemorating the innocent victims.
• Old Town Dobrun: Also known as the “Town of the Cursed Jerina” (although her involvement is historically unconfirmed), this fortress lies above the Rzav River in Dobrun, near Višegrad. It was important in the 15th century, serving as a trading post for merchants from Dubrovnik. It is believed to have fallen due to betrayal by local leader Jovan Kalauz.
• Monument to Serbian Soldiers: This monument honors soldiers who died in all the wars of the 20th century. It is located in central Višegrad and is a site of public commemorations.
• Monument to Mehmed Paša Sokolović: Erected in honor of the famed Grand Vizier born near Višegrad, who commissioned the iconic bridge. The monument stands close to the bridge itself.

• Emperor’s Mosque (Careva džamija): One of the oldest mosques in Višegrad, dating back to the 16th century. Built in oriental style, it holds great significance for the local Muslim population. Located in the town center, it is open to visitors.
• Gazanfer-beg Mosque: Another example of Ottoman architecture from the 17th century, dedicated to the famous military commander Gazanfer-beg. It has been restored over time and remains a frequently visited religious site.
• Dobrun Monastery: A Serbian Orthodox monastery from the 14th century, dedicated to the Annunciation. Nestled in the Rzav Canyon, it is renowned for its frescoes, historical importance, and spiritual value for Orthodox Christians in the area. A memorial museum is also located nearby.
• Monastery of Saint Sava on Gornja Lijeska: A newer monastery built in honor of Saint Sava, located in a peaceful natural setting. It is open to both worshippers and visitors.
• Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Dobrunska Rijeka: Another recently built complex near Dobrun Monastery, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, serving as a spiritual center for Višegrad and the nearby villages.
• Ascension of the Lord Monastery in Vardište: A Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the village of Vardište near Višegrad, known for its active monastic life and serene natural surroundings.

• Drina River Canyon: One of the most stunning canyons in the Balkans, with steep cliffs, turquoise water, and rich surrounding flora and fauna. It is a major attraction for visitors who enjoy nature, photography, rafting, and hiking.
• Turkish Baths in the Vilina Vlas Spa: Known for its healing waters and treatments for rheumatic conditions, the spa includes remains of Turkish baths from the Ottoman era. The complex has been renovated and modernized, preserving elements of the original architecture.
• Drina National Park: The youngest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, proclaimed in 2017, located near Srebrenica and the Tara National Park in Serbia. It stretches along the left bank of the Drina—from the Perućac Dam to the municipalities of Rogatica and Višegrad. The park is home to the endemic Pančić spruce and species like the Derventa cornflower, as well as animals such as chamois, brown bears, and golden eagles. It also features medieval fortresses like Đurđevac and Klotjevac.

• Apartments: The majority of apartments for rent in Višegrad are smaller in size and available at very affordable prices. Studio and one-bedroom apartments can be rented for €20–35 per night, while two-bedroom apartments range from €30–50 per night. All listed prices are for one person per night.
• Hotel accommodation: The average price of a hotel room per night is around €40 per person, with some hotels charging up to €70. Notable hotels in Višegrad include the Tourist Center Andrićgrad, Hotel Višegrad, and Motel Aura.
• Rental houses: In Višegrad, it is possible to rent one- or two-bedroom cottages or holiday homes, typically ranging from 40m² to 60m², though larger houses are also available. Prices range from €50 to €90 per night per person.
• Rooms: Rooms in Višegrad range in price from €20 to €65 per night.

• Postal code: 73240
• Area code: 058
• Tourist guides: +387 58 620 821 or tovgd@teol.net 

• Information center: 121
• Police: 122
• Fire department: 123
• Emergency medical services: 124
• Road assistance and traffic conditions: 1282
• SOS hotline: 1209
• Emergency call (international number): 112 

• Restaurants: Kod Zoke, Motel Aura Restaurant, Summer Garden “Stara Banja,” Almi, Panorama Resort – Međeđa, Anika, Jezero Restaurant, Tomiks, Kruna, Hotel Višegrad Restaurant, Summer Garden Jaz “Sara,” Ušće, Mandić Restaurant, Zlatna Moruna, and Vilina Vlas Hotel Restaurant
• Bakeries: Peca, Zrno, Lotika, Jevđević
• Pizzerias: Anika Jonđa, Drim, Goja, Sport, Parma
• Pastry shops: Belvedere, Secesija
• Ćevab bars: Gurman, Kasaba

• Club Paragon: Located near Andrićgrad, it’s the main nightlife spot in town. The club has two floors and several zones, with DJs performing or themed parties organized every weekend. Open from 10 PM to 4 AM.
• Popular places for daytime outings: Kafe & Bar, Kafe Baron, Paragon Rooftop Bar, Intermeco Kafe, Knjižara Cafeteria, Kafe Napoleon, Kafe Bambola, Kafe Galerija, and Kafe Bar Retro

• Nebojša Pejović (+387 65 364 268)
• Ranko Jokšić (+387 66 214 125)
• Zoran Sofijanić (+387 65 889 054)
• Nebojša Kujundžić (+387 65 994 46)
• Srećko Tadić (+387 65 529 003
• Goran Milosavljević (+387 65 678 582)
• Žarko Neđić (+387 65 542 067)

The main taxi stand is located at Trg palih boraca near the Tropik market.

• To Dobrun Monastery: €7.7
• To Vilina Vlas Spa: around €5
• To Mokra Gora (Mećavnik): around €20
• To Sarajevo Airport: around €77
• To Sokolac, Foča, or Užice: around €41

• For cars: €0.70 per hour
• For buses: €2.00 per hour

• For cars: €2.00 per day
• For buses: €5.00 per day
• Payment methods: Parking can be paid via electronic machines or directly in cash to parking service workers.

Electric car drivers have access to a charging station located at the entrance to Andrićgrad.

• Mokra Gora and Drvengrad (Mećavnik): Located in Serbia, about 40 km from Višegrad. This is a cultural-historical complex built according to the wishes of Emir Kusturica. Drvengrad is an authentic village with old houses, galleries, a cinema, and cultural programs.
• Šargan Eight (Šarganska osmica): Near Drvengrad, you can take a ride on the Šargan Eight, a museum railway that passes through mountainous landscapes. The tourist train goes through 22 tunnels and over several bridges. It dates back to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia era.
• Foča: About 80 km from Višegrad, Foča is a town with a rich history and culture, blending Oriental and Serbian traditions. Near the town is the entrance to Sutjeska National Park and Perućica, one of Europe’s last primeval forests.
• Vilina Vlas Spa: A thermal spa with healing waters, located 10 km from Višegrad. It is suitable for tourists seeking treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. The spa complex includes Turkish baths and pools in a forest setting, offering peace and quiet.
• Viewpoints: In the surroundings of Višegrad, there are several viewpoints offering vistas of the Drina River and the area.
  • The Crkvine viewpoint is just 1.5 km from the center and offers views of Andrićgrad, the Drina Bridge, and the river itself.
  • The viewpoint near Dobrun Monastery (10 km away) is accessible via a local road above the monastery, providing views of the monastery, mountainous landscapes, and the Rzav River.
  • The viewpoint above Vardište, about 6 km from the city center, can be reached by paved road with parking available nearby. It overlooks the Drina valley and the Serbian border near Mokra Gora.
  • For a panoramic view above Višegrad, visit the viewpoint on Grad Hill, about 2 km away, reachable by gravel road. From there, you can see the entire town, the Drina, the bridge, and surrounding villages.

• Period before Ottoman rule: On the hill above the town, known as Pavlovina, there was once a medieval settlement, about which little is known today. It is assumed to have belonged to a noble family. On a rock above the Drina River stands a tower better known as Prince Marko’s Tower, which once served as a lookout and a dungeon during the Ottoman period. The oldest traces of life in the area date back to 1500 BCE, when Illyrian tribes inhabited the region. Tombs from that era have been discovered, and from the Roman period—when Višegrad was part of the province of Malavico—Roman coins and fragments of pottery have been found. The medieval heritage of Višegrad is also visible in the medieval tombstones (stećci) located in Velika and Mala Gostilja.
• Ottoman period: During the 16th century, Višegrad was an important administrative center with developed waqf (Islamic endowment) institutions. The most well-known monument from this time is the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, built in 1577 by order of Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović. Višegrad held strategic significance, as the bridge was the only crossing over the Drina River at that time. After several uprisings against Ottoman rule, the town often became the site of battles and retaliatory raids. Rebels would set the town on fire, while the authorities constructed fortifications to defend it.
• Education and cultural development: The first Serbian school in Višegrad was opened in the mid-19th century, with support from priests from the Principality of Serbia. The school played a vital role in promoting education and fostering national awareness during that period.
• Austro-Hungarian period: Bosnia and Herzegovina were occupied by Austro-Hungarian forces in 1878, and Višegrad was taken without much resistance. During this period, the town experienced significant natural disasters, including a major flood of the Drina River that caused extensive damage.
• World War I and II: Višegrad was occupied in 1914 by Serbian military forces. During World War II, it was liberated by Yugoslav Partisans, followed by retaliatory actions against collaborators with the occupying forces.
• Bosnian War: At the start of the Bosnian War in the 1990s, Višegrad became a site of armed conflict between opposing factions. The front lines shifted multiple times throughout the war. 

• Location: Višegrad is situated in the eastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the entity of Republika Srpska, right next to the border with the Republic of Serbia, at 43° 46′ 58″ North latitude and 19° 17′ 28″ East longitude.
• Area: The municipality covers approximately 448 km².
• Average altitude: 591 meters above sea level.
• Neighboring municipalities and settlements: It borders the municipalities of Foča to the southwest, Rogatica to the west, Novo Goražde to the northwest, and Serbia to the east. According to the latest data, the Višegrad municipality includes around 40–50 settlements. Some of the larger ones are Batkovica, Dobrun, Mokra Gora, Gornji and Donji Dobrun, Andrićgrad (part of the town and a tourist and cultural center), Gornja and Donja Lijeska, and Donje Vardište.
• Relief: Višegrad lies in a predominantly mountainous area, surrounded by Dinaric mountain ranges covered with forests. The Drina River flows through the municipality, with the town located in its valley, while the surrounding terrain is elevated and steep. The area features significant elevation differences—from valleys to mountain peaks exceeding 1,000 meters above sea level. The relief has been shaped by tectonic and erosive processes, resulting in many gorges, canyons, and rocky landscapes. Višegrad’s natural resources include forests, water resources (Drina River), marble, limestone, gravel, arable land, and rich biodiversity.

• Climate type: Višegrad has a temperate continental climate, with long, warm summers and cold winters, and clearly defined seasons.
• Precipitation: Annual precipitation ranges from 800 to 1,200 liters per square meter, with higher levels in mountainous areas.
• Average temperatures: The average summer temperature is 19.1°C, while the average winter temperature is -1.3°C. The overall annual average is 9.5°C. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C, while winter temperatures may drop below -15°C.

•  Population: According to the latest census (2013), the town of Višegrad has 5,379 residents. It is estimated that the entire municipality currently has around 8,000 inhabitants, with approximately 6,000 living in the urban area.
• Language: As in the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is no single official language. Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian are all used in parallel.
• Population density: 24 inhabitants per km²
• Ethnic composition (2013 census): Serbs – 96.73%, Bosniaks – 1.56%, Croats – 0.71%, Others – 1.00%
• Religious affiliation: The majority of the population are Orthodox Christian Serbs, while the Bosniak population mostly follows Islam.
• Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM), with a fixed exchange rate of approximately 1.95 BAM for 1 Euro.