Konjic

Konjic is a town between Sarajevo and Mostar on the Neretva river in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Understand

History

The early history of Konjic dates back 4 millennia, with remains of various settlements dating back 2000 years ago found along the Neretva river. Its existence was first recorded by the Republic of Ragusa in 1382. The city was later incorporated in the Ottoman Empire, which left it Islamic architecture and its Ottoman bridge. During Austro-Hungarian occupation, Konjic adopted a European architectural style which forms a blend with Ottoman architecture as seen in many cities and towns around Herzegovina.

After the First World War, which was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in nearby Sarajevo, Konjic became part of Yugoslavia. During the Cold War, the city was selected by president Josip Broz Tito for his military command centre, therefore known as Tito's Bunker, which is today its best known tourist attraction. The bunker opened in May 2011 for the first edition of the Bijenale, a bi-annual contemporary art exhibition in the bunker.

Orientation

Konjic developed near the eastern end of Jablanica Lake, along the Neretva river. Its location in the Neretva valley forced it to remain a thin strip of residential and industrial areas along the river shores. Those visiting Herzegovina from Bosnia must pass through Konjic, either by rail or road, giving the city a strategic role.

Get in

By train

The most comfortable way to reach Konjic is by train, which stop at the 1 Zeljeznicka stanica Konjic station. The journey from Sarajevo is recommendable, because the train meanders itself over the mountain pass between Herzegovina and Bosnia, and only cuts off the highest peak with a railway tunnel, rewarding travelers with many amazing views. The last stop in Herzegovina is 2 Bradina.

Konjic can also be reached with a direct connection from Croatia, starting in Ploce and passing through Mostar and Jablanica. Most of the trajectory follows the Neretva river canyon, which by itself makes the journey more than worthwhile particularly if the weather is good.

As a general issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, trains run infrequent, and if they do, the rolling stock is outdated. Expect overheated carriages in summer (bring lots of water) and near zero temperatures in winter.

By bus

A bus journey from Sarajevo to Konjic takes travelers over the 1 Ivan-sedlo mountain pass at an elevation of 955 m, and costs ca. 8 KM for a one way ticket. The journey takes 80 - 90 minutes.

Get around

Konjic is small enough to explore by foot. Beware of traffic near the M-115 where some drivers are occasionally seen driving down the mountain pass rather recklessly. Instead of crossing the Neretva over the Novi Most, consider Stari Most to the south.

See

Konjic's museum & art gallery opened in 2011. It has a small ethnographic collection, and paintings by local artists. The Mulić Record Museum holds a nationally-important collection of wooden furniture. The Ottoman bridge (built 1682, restored 2007-2010) in the centre of the town.

Stari Most bridge over the Neretva

• 1 Lukomir Village (Selo Lukomir) (1496 m). Lukomir village is the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lukomir is a symbol of historical, cultural, architectural and ambient heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The way of life has remained unchanged for centuries and traditional medieval way of life of Bosnian nomads is still practiced here. Approachable only on skies or on foot between December and April. (updated Sep 2017)
• 2 Tito's Bunker (D-0 ARK) (near the Neretva, 2 km southeast), ☏ +387 61 482 400, d0.ark.info@gmail.com. 10:00-14:00. Officially designated "Armijska Ratna Komanda D-0" or simply "the ARK", this bunker built between 1953 and 1979 served as a Cold War atomic shelter to safeguard the military command and 350 members of president Tito's government in the event of a nuclear attack. The complex, excavated in the southern flank of the Bjelašnica mountain, consists of extensive underground facilities designed to sustain inhabitants for up to half a year. It includes residential areas, meeting rooms, dormitories, communication facilities and energy supplies. Built in complete secrecy, the bunker remained one of Yugoslavia's best kept military secrets until its collapse in the 1990s, when it was revealed that 3 ordinary looking houses at the shore of the Neretva river concealed the entrance to the country's largest military command centre. The bunker is still under command of the Bosnian military, and a platoon is permanently detached to guard it. It can be visited only on a guided tour. It is well worth as one of the best preserved remains of Cold War era Yugoslavia. Not open on Mondays. 20 KM. (updated Sep 2018)

Do

Go rafting on the Neretva!

• 1 Džajica buk (Neretva river rafting), Džajići, ☏ +387 61 482 400, dzajick@bih.net.ba. A more elaborate package for rafting on the Neretva river, including an overnight stay in the town of Džajići, and an animation program. (updated Jul 2017)
• 2 RaftKor (Neretva river rafting), Varda 40, Konjic, ☏ +387 61 474 507, neretva@neretvarafting.com. White water rafting on the Neretva, starting points in Konjic or Mostar, about 75 minutes from Sarajevo. A shuttle bus is provided for an additional 50 KM. from 70 KM. (updated Jul 2017)
• 3 Canyoning Rakitnica river (Visit Konjic), Donje Polje bb, poslovni prostor 2, 88400 Konjic, ☏ +387 61 072 027, info@visitkonjic.com. The best of the best, Rakitnica canyon takes canyoning to the ultimate level. It is the second deepest canyon in Europe. Rakitnica is physically demanding and technical canyon with high adrenaline factor, full of new surprises in the untouched nature. Between Bjelasnica and Visocica mountains, Rakitnica runs with a unique altitude difference of 800 m (source and estuary). Canyoning tour starts off with a road drive from Konjic to the village of Dubučani. The entire length of the canyoning tour the crystal clear mountain water is drinkable. 160 KM. (updated Jul 2017)
• 4 Canoeing Neretva river (Visit Konjic), Donje Polje bb, poslovni prostor 2, 88400 Konjic, ☏ +387 61 072 027, info@visitkonjic.com. Canoeing on the Neretva river is less wild than rafting, allowing more time to appreciate the exceptional beauty of nature. Starting at 90 KM per person, the price includes transport to the starting point and pick-up afterwards, including dry towels. 90 KM. (updated Jul 2017)
• 5 Extreme Rafting (Neretva river rafting), Polje Bijela bb, 88400 Konjic, ☏ +387 61 62 85 73. One day rafting down the upper course of the Neretva river without staying overnight. The upper course is in length of 18 km. Starting point just below Bjelimici village and track ends just before Glavaticevo village. The best water level is in April and June, depending on amount of rain during the season. Rapids on this part are up to level 4 and they for sure offer the most adrenaline on Bosnian rivers. Extreme rafting is based on full board, including breakfast, snack and a lunch. The price also includes all taxes, insurance, skipper services, transportation (along the course), equipment and all similar expenses. (updated Jul 2017)
• 6 TudupRaft (Rakitnica river canyoning), Polje Bijela b.b, Konjic, ☏ +387 61 628 573. Rakitnica river canyon is one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. On this river, around 28 km in length, canyoning tours are available from one up to three days. The one day adventure is 8 km in length through the lower course of the river from Dubrocani village till the firth to the Neretva river. (updated Jul 2017)
• 7 White Water Rafting Europe (Neretva river rafting), Kolonija 16, 88400 Konjic, ☏ +387 61 817 209, samir.krivic@icloud.com. Rafting tours on the Neretva river, with pick-up and return to Sarajevo. Child friendly service. (updated Jul 2017)

Sleep

Splurge

• 1 Džajića Buk Rooms, Konjic (Džajići (6 km from Konjica)), ☏ +387 61577000, dzajick@bih.net.ba. Džajića Buk Rooms is set next to Neretva River and features a private beach with sun loungers and parasols, a bar and barbecue facilities. The on-site restaurant and bar feature a terrace with views of the surrounding mountains. All rooms at Rooms Džajića Buk feature natural materials and wood-panelled walls and ceilings, as well as wooden furniture. Rooms feature a safe and a coffee maker. Guests have access to a shared bathroom with shower. The restaurant is decorated in rustic style and serves local specialties and a selection of local wines. Breakfast buffet is served each day. Football and basketball courts are located on site. Guests can park for free on site. The owners can arrange rafting excursions on Neretva River, hiking trips to Prenj Mountain, fishing and hunting trips. Excursions to Boračko Lake and Rakitnice Canyon can also be organised upon request. All guests are offered free pick up service from the bus and train station in Konjic. 20 KM. (updated Oct 2023)

Go next

• Sarajevo — National capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the border between European and oriental culture
• Jablanica — Pearl on the Neretva, and home to the Stecci UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Mostar — Famous for its Ottoman bridge, and cultural diversity