Bosnia and Montenegro are two of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans, and combining them into one road trip makes for such an incredible adventure. In just two weeks, you can explore historic cities, turquoise rivers, dramatic mountain roads, charming old towns, national parks, waterfalls, glacial lakes, and some of the most scenic viewpoints in Europe.
We spent two weeks road tripping through Bosnia and Montenegro, and this itinerary was the perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. From Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, and Una National Park in Bosnia to the Bay of Kotor, Skadar Lake, Durmitor National Park, and Biogradska Gora in Montenegro, every few days felt completely different.
In this 2 week Bosnia and Montenegro itinerary, I’m sharing our exact road trip route, where to stay, how long to spend in each place, the best things to do along the way, and practical tips to help you plan your own Balkan road trip.
Where to start & end your Balkan road trip
For this 2 week Bosnia and Montenegro itinerary, I’d recommend starting and ending your road trip in Sarajevo. This makes the most sense if you want to follow the route as a loop, without having to backtrack too much or pay an extra fee for returning your rental car in a different country or city.
Sarajevo is also a great place to begin your trip. You can pick up your rental car at Sarajevo International Airport, and then start making your way through Bosnia and Herzegovina before continuing towards Montenegro.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
By ending the trip back in Sarajevo, the route feels much more practical and budget-friendly. It also gives you a nice mix of city, nature, mountains, waterfalls, historic towns, coastal views, and national parks, without the itinerary feeling like one long drive in a straight line.
If you’re planning this trip as part of a bigger Balkan adventure, you could also combine it with Croatia, but for this specific itinerary, Sarajevo is the easiest and most convenient place to start and finish.
How much time do you need for this Balkan itinerary
For this Bosnia and Montenegro itinerary, I’d recommend spending at least 2 weeks. This gives you enough time to explore both countries without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to the next.
Bosnia and Montenegro may look fairly small on the map, but driving times can be longer than expected. The roads are often winding, especially in the mountains, and you’ll want to stop a lot along the way for viewpoints, small towns, waterfalls, lakes, and scenic drives.
With 2 weeks, you can visit the main highlights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Una National Park, and Kravica Waterfalls, while still having enough time for Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, Skadar Lake, Biogradska Gora, and Durmitor National Park.
If you only have 10 days, you can still do a shortened version, but you’ll need to make some choices and skip a few stops. For a more relaxed trip, especially if you’re traveling with kids, I’d say 14 days is the sweet spot. It gives you a good mix of culture, nature, mountain scenery, coastal towns, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy the journey.
Transportation for this Balkan itinerary
The best way to follow this Bosnia and Montenegro itinerary is by rental car. Public transport does exist between some of the bigger cities, but if you want to visit national parks, waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, lakes, small villages, and scenic road trip stops, having your own car makes everything so much easier.
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
We picked up our rental car in Sarajevo and returned it there at the end of the trip, which worked perfectly for this route. Since this itinerary is designed as a loop, you don’t need to pay an extra fee for dropping off the car in a different city or country. It also makes the trip a lot more practical, especially if you’re flying in and out of Sarajevo.
Driving in Bosnia and Montenegro is very doable, but don’t underestimate the roads. Distances can look short on the map, but mountain roads, border crossings, slow traffic, and scenic stops can all add extra time. Some roads are wide and easy, while others are narrow, winding, or a little rougher, especially in more remote areas.
If you’re crossing from Bosnia into Montenegro with a rental car, make sure your rental company allows border crossings. You’ll also need the correct car documents and insurance papers, so double-check this before leaving Sarajevo. I’d also recommend keeping some cash with you for parking, tolls, entrance fees, and smaller restaurants along the way.
For this kind of Balkan road trip, a regular car is enough, but you do need to be comfortable driving on mountain roads. Take your time, avoid driving after dark when possible, and don’t plan too many long drives back to back.
💡 TIP – Make sure to stick to the speed limits in Bosnia cause there are speed cameras around every corner. In Montenegro on the other hand we didn’t encounter a single traffic camera. Also, people in Montenegro drive a lot more reckless than in Bosnia!
Best time to visit Bosnia – Herzegovina & Montenegro
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro is in late spring or early autumn, especially in May, June, September, and early October. During these months, the weather is usually warm enough for exploring cities, waterfalls, lakes, beaches, and mountain areas, but without the intense heat and crowds of peak summer.
We did this road trip in June and honestly thought it was a great time to visit both countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina was beautifully green, the waterfalls and rivers still had plenty of water, and Montenegro was already warm enough for beach time along the coast. At the same time, places like the Bay of Kotor, Mostar, and Durmitor National Park were lively but still manageable.
Where to stay during this Balkan road trip
Before we dive into our 2 week Balkan itinerary itself, here’s a list of the exact accommodations that we stayed at and how many days.
Cottages Relax – 2 nights
Cottages Relax is the perfect base for exploring the area of Jajce and Pliva Lake, without a big price ticket being attached to it. The location is absolutely perfect and the view from the chalet is a million dollar one! The chalet comes with its own jacuzzi and also has an infra-red sauna inside.
The Cozy Chalet – 1 night
The Cozy Chalet is the perfect place to stay when visiting Una National Park. You’re staying completely off the grid (though the WiFi and TV are excellent) in a luxury chalet in the woods. There’s an indoor and outdoor fireplace, a grill and a hot tub to soak and relax in after a day of exploring. We absolutely loved staying here!
Old Town Oasis – 2 nights
If you’re looking for a stay in Mostar that combines epic views with a very good price, then Old Town Oasis is the one you should book! The appartement itself is simple with 1 bedroom, a kitchen, a living area and a small bathroom. But the view, the location and the price simply can’t be beat! We booked the appartement on the ground floor, the ones on the top floor don’t come with a garden terrace.
Dekaderon Lux Apartments – 3 nights
Dekaderon Lux Apartments were the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Located right on the opposite side of the bay and offering a direct view over the old town of Kotor.
The apartments are modern and stylish but one of the highlights is the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
There’s daily room service and the possibility to have dinner in the garden every evening. But the best part for us? The staff was incredibly kind towards our son César!
Cottage retreat – Skadar Lake – 1 night
When visiting Skadar Lake a lot of people stay in the small town of Virpazar. However I wanted to find a place a little more secluded but still close by.
Cottage retreat – Skadar Lake offered just that! There are two wooden chalets overlooking the mountains and a lot of space outside for a kid to blow off some steam.
Traditional House Srna – 1 night
For our 1 night near Biogradska Gora I wanted to stay as local as possible. Hence why I booked us a stay at Traditional House Srna.
The two bedroom apartment is located on the owner’s property and we were greeted by his mother. An incredibly kind woman who cooked us a traditional Montenegrin dish and provided Christof with some locally brewed liquor.
César on the other hand had the time of his life running after all of the chickens and playing with her grandchildren’s toy cars.
Durmitor Villas Taiga – 2 nights
The best place to base yourself in Durmitor National Park is Žabljak. We stayed at Durmitor Villas Taiga, which consists of two separate 2 bedroom villas.
They are wonderfully furnished but when you book make sure to check that you book the villa which is located the most in the front. This will grant you a direct view over the stunning mountains both from your terrace downstairs and upstairs.
Central Apartments Sarajevo – 1 night
If you’re looking for a stay in Sarajevo then I highly recommend staying at Central Apartments Sarajevo. As their name already suggests, these modern and stylishly decorated apartments are centrally located in the capital city. Within 15 minutes walking you’ll find yourself in the heart of Old Town Sarajevo.
The apartments have 2 bedrooms and right across from it is a shopping mall with an underground parking lot.
The Ultimate Bosnia and Montenegro Itinerary for 2 Weeks
Day 1 – 2
Jajce & Piva Lakes
Driving time – 2.5 hours ( 158km)
After landing in Sarajevo and picking up our rental car, it was time to properly start our Balkan road trip. We left the capital behind and made our way towards Jajce, one of the most beautiful and underrated towns in the country.
Jajce is best known for its impressive waterfall, which is located right in the middle of town. It’s not every day that you see a waterfall crashing down at the edge of a historic city center, and it makes Jajce feel incredibly special from the moment you arrive. The town itself is also lovely to explore, with its old fortress, charming streets, and beautiful views over the surrounding landscape.
We spent our time wandering around the historic center, visiting the waterfall, and taking in the views from above. Jajce has a much quieter feel than Sarajevo, which made it a perfect second stop on our itinerary.
Close to Jajce, you’ll find the beautiful Pliva Lakes, which ended up being one of our favorite places in the area. The water is calm and surrounded by greenery, making it a lovely spot to slow down, go for a walk, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery.
One of the highlights near Pliva Lakes is the collection of old wooden watermills. They’re incredibly photogenic and give this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina such a fairytale-like feeling. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a packed schedule; just take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
I recommend spending two days in this area so you don’t have to rush. You can use one day to explore Jajce itself and another to enjoy Pliva Lakes, the watermills, and the nearby viewpoints. It’s a wonderful combination of history, nature, and peaceful landscapes, and a great contrast after the buzz of Sarajevo.
🎫 TOUR – From Sarajevo: Jajce, Travnik, Pliva Lake & Watermill Tour
📖 READ MORE – 7 Top Things To Do in Jajce
Day 3
Una National Park
Driving time – 2.5 hours ( 166km)
On day 3 of our Balkan itinerary, we visited Una National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country. Located in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border, this national park is all about emerald rivers, waterfalls, forested landscapes, and peaceful scenery.
The star of Una National Park is the Una River, famous for its incredibly clear turquoise water. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you want to slow down and spend the day surrounded by nature.
One of the main highlights in the park is Štrbački Buk, a spectacular series of waterfalls and cascades surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the water, the bright blue-green colors, and the wooden walkways make it one of the most impressive places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Another beautiful place to visit inside Una National Park is Martin Brod. This peaceful village is home to more waterfalls, wooden bridges, and some truly beautiful river scenery. It feels quieter and a little more tucked away than Štrbački Buk, which makes it a lovely stop if you want to explore a different side of the park.
Una National Park does require a bit of a detour compared to the more classic Sarajevo–Mostar route, but for us, it was absolutely worth it. It adds a completely different side to the itinerary and shows just how diverse Bosnia and Herzegovina really is.
I recommend setting aside most of the day for this visit, especially because the driving distances in this part of the country can take longer than expected. Take your time, enjoy the waterfalls, stop for photos along the way, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before continuing your road trip.
🎫 TOUR – Bihać: Rafting adventure in the heart of the national park
📖 READ MORE – Visiting Una National Park – The Ultimate Guide
Day 4-6
Mostar
Driving time – 4.5 hours ( 292km)
For our final days in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we made our way to Mostar, one of the most beautiful and iconic places in the country. After the waterfalls, lakes, and national parks of the previous days, Mostar felt like the perfect place to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
We spent the next couple of days exploring the Old Town, crossing the famous Stari Most, wandering through the old bazaar, and enjoying the views over the turquoise Neretva River. Mostar is definitely the kind of place that is best experienced early in the morning or later in the evening, when the day-trippers have left and the city feels much calmer.
This is also why I recommend staying at least two nights in Mostar. During the day, you can use the city as a base for nearby day trips, such as Blagaj Tekija, Počitelj, and Kravica Waterfalls. Then in the morning and evening, you can enjoy Mostar itself at its most magical.
Some of our favorite moments were simply walking through the cobbled streets, watching the light change over Stari Most, and sitting down for Bosnian coffee with a view. Mostar may be one of the most visited places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it absolutely lives up to the hype.
💡 TIP – Make sure to grab breakfast at URBAN taste of orient in Mostar for the best oriental breakfast with a 5-star view.
🎫 TOUR – From Mostar: day tour to Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice Waterfalls
📖 READ MORE – Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Day 6 – 9
Kotor Bay
Driving time – 3.5 hours ( 187km)
Herceg Novi
Today it’s time to cross the border from Bosnia to Montenegro! Our first stop was Herceg Novi, a lovely town at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. It’s a great place to ease into your Montenegro itinerary, with its old town, seaside promenade, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. We spent the afternoon wandering around for a bit, stretching our legs after the journey, and getting our first proper views of the bay.
🎫 TOUR – Herceg Novi: wine tasting of 3 different wines and canapés
Savina Monastery
Before driving down to our stay near Kotor, we also stopped at Savina Monastery. This was such an easy and peaceful stop to add to the route, and it doesn’t take a lot of time to visit. The monastery is located just outside Herceg Novi and has beautiful views over the bay, making it a lovely place to slow down for a moment before continuing the drive.
Perast
On our second day in Montenegro, we started the morning in Perast, one of the prettiest little towns along the Bay of Kotor. It’s small, but absolutely worth visiting, especially early in the day before it gets too busy. We wandered along the waterfront and enjoyed the views over the bay.
🎫 TOUR – From Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave – Pick up
Plavi Horizonti Plaža
After exploring Perast, we drove towards Plavi Horizonti Plaža for a relaxed beach break. This ended up being such a good choice with César. Unlike many beaches in Montenegro, Plavi Horizonti has soft sand and very shallow water, which made it much easier and safer for César to play near the shore. It’s the kind of beach where you can actually relax a little as a parent, instead of constantly worrying about slippery pebbles or the water getting deep too quickly.
Rose
In the late afternoon, we continued to Rose, a tiny village on the Luštica Peninsula. There isn’t a lot to do here, but that’s exactly why we liked it. It’s quiet, laid-back, and perfect for a slow walk by the water or dinner by the sea. Visiting Rose in the evening was a lovely way to end the day, away from the busier towns around the Bay of Kotor.
Kotor
On day 3, we explored two of the absolute highlights of the Bay of Kotor: Kotor Old Town and Lovćen National Park. I’d recommend starting early in Kotor, especially if you want to hike up to Kotor Fortress before it gets too hot.
We began the day in Kotor Old Town and then hiked up to San Giovanni Fortress for that famous view over the bay. The hike is short, but there are a lot of stairs and barely any shade, so don’t underestimate it. César walked all the way up by himself until the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, which already has a beautiful view over Kotor. After that, we carried him the rest of the way in our Thule child carrier.
📖 READ MORE – Kotor Fortress Hike: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro
Lovćen National Park
After the hike, spend some time wandering through Kotor Old Town. It’s small, but full of narrow streets, little squares, churches, cafés, and plenty of cats casually taking over the city.
In the late morning, drive up towards Lovćen National Park on the Kotor Serpentine Road, one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro, with incredible views over the Bay of Kotor along the way. Just keep in mind that the road is narrow and can have seasonal traffic restrictions, so always check the latest signs before starting the drive.
The main highlight in Lovćen National Park is the Njegoš Mausoleum. From the parking area, you’ll still need to climb a long staircase to reach the top, but the views are absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can see the Bay of Kotor, the surrounding mountains, and a huge part of Montenegro from the viewpoint behind the mausoleum.
🎫 TOUR – Montenegro: Full-day tour to Lovcen National Park & more
📖 READ MORE – How to visit Lovćen National Park – A Complete Travel Guide
Budva
On day 4, it’s time to leave the Bay of Kotor behind and make your way towards Skadar Lake, with a few beautiful coastal stops along the way.
Start the morning in Budva, but don’t plan too much time here. Budva is one of the busiest places on the Montenegrin coast, and for me, the Old Town is really the only part that’s worth visiting. Go for a short wander through the narrow streets, walk along the old walls, and enjoy breakfast one of the many terraces before continuing your road trip.
🎫 TOUR – Diving in Budva: boat trip and underwater tunnels
Sveti Stefan
After Budva, drive towards Sveti Stefan, one of the most iconic places in Montenegro. The island itself is a luxury hotel and not freely accessible, but the beaches on both sides are free to visit and absolutely beautiful with their pink pebbles and clear blue water. For one of the best views over Sveti Stefan, drive up to St. Sava Church. The viewpoint from there is stunning and gives you that classic postcard view over the island and coastline.
Petrovac
From Sveti Stefan, continue along the coast to Petrovac. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Budva, with a lovely seaside promenade and plenty of restaurants by the water. It’s not somewhere you need to spend an entire day, but it makes a great lunch stop before heading inland.
Day 9-10
Skadar Lake
Driving time – 1.5 hours ( 67km)
The landscape changes completely here, with winding roads, small villages, lake views, and a much slower atmosphere. Before going to our accommodation, we stopped at Pavlova Strana, one of the most famous viewpoints over Skadar Lake, and continued towards Karuč, a tiny lakeside village that makes a lovely short stop.
We had lunch at Konoba Ceklin, which has one of the best views over the lake and made for such a beautiful first impression of the area. After lunch, continue to your stay near Skadar Lake and enjoy a slower evening. After a few busy days around the coast and the Bay of Kotor, this is the perfect place to unwind for a bit.
Start day 10 with a boat ride on Skadar Lake. This is one of the best ways to experience the area, especially in the morning when the water is calm and the light is soft. From the boat, you’ll get to see a completely different side of Montenegro, with water lilies, quiet lake views, mountain backdrops, and plenty of birdlife along the way.
💡 TIP – I highly recommend booking a private morning tour with Kingfisher Boat & Kayak. They have more than 20 years of experience and are one of the only tour companies offering tours on the original wooden boats.
📖 READ MORE – Skadar Lake Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Viewpoints & Practical Tips
Day 10
Biogradska Gora
Driving time – 1.5 hours ( 104km)
After your boat ride, it’s time to leave Skadar Lake behind and drive towards Biogradska Gora National Park. The landscape changes again completely on this part of the itinerary, from peaceful lake roads to the greener mountain scenery of northern Montenegro.
Once you arrive at Biogradska Gora, spend the afternoon hiking around Biogradsko Lake. This was one of those stops that really surprised us during our Montenegro road trip. The hike around the lake is easy and very doable, but the scenery is absolutely stunning. The trail takes you through the forest, along wooden paths, and around the edge of the lake, with beautiful views the entire way.
🎫 TOUR – Biogradska Gora National Park, day tour through the ancient rainforest
📖 READ MORE – Discover Biogradska Gora – The hidden gem of Montenegro
Day 11 – 13
Durmitor National Park
Driving time – 1.5 hours ( 80km)
Black Lake
Start your day at Black Lake, also known as Crno Jezero. This is the most famous lake in Durmitor National Park and one of the easiest places to visit. You can walk around the lake, enjoy the mountain views, and take your time along the forest trail. We found it beautiful, but it can get busy, so I’d recommend visiting early in the day if you want a quieter experience.
Devil’s Lake
This lake feels much quieter and more open than Black Lake, with wide mountain scenery and a completely different atmosphere. It’s an easy stop by car and definitely worth adding if you want to see another side of Durmitor beyond the main tourist area around Žabljak.
Ćurevac Peak Loop
The hike isn’t extremely long, but it still gives you that proper Durmitor feeling with forest trails, open landscapes, and incredible views over Tara Canyon. It was one of our favorite viewpoints in the area and a great way to end the day.
Durmitor Ring Road
The Durmitor Ring Road is one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro, with winding mountain roads, small villages, dramatic peaks, and viewpoints around every corner. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll want to stop constantly, so don’t plan it too tightly.
Piva Lake
From there, continue towards Piva Lake, one of the most impressive drives of the trip. The road winds through mountains, tunnels, and dramatic landscapes before opening up to the bright blue water of the lake. It’s a long detour, but absolutely worth it if you have enough time.
Sušičko Jezero
Depending on the season, the water level can vary a lot, but the setting is stunning and feels much quieter than the area around Black Lake. The road to get there is part of the adventure, with remote mountain views and that wild Durmitor feeling.
Jablan Lake
If you still have energy left, end your time in Durmitor with the hike to Jablan Lake. This was a beautiful final hike for us, taking us through peaceful forest trails and mountain scenery before reaching the lake. It’s a lovely way to say goodbye to Durmitor before continuing your drive back towards Podgorica.
📖 READ MORE – Durmitor National Park Travel Guide: Best Hikes, Viewpoints & Things to Do
Day 14
Sarajevo
Sarajevo was the perfect ending to our Balkan roadtrip! The city has such a unique atmosphere, with a fascinating mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, lively streets, traditional cafés, and so much history around every corner.
We absolutely loved exploring the old town, also known as Baščaršija. Wandering through its narrow streets, admiring the old wooden shopfronts, watching the copper craftsmen at work, and sitting down for Bosnian coffee immediately made us fall in love with the city.
That being said, we only had one night in Sarajevo and honestly, we both wished we had one extra day here. The city was that amazing. There’s so much more to see and experience, from viewpoints and museums to hidden corners, local restaurants, and surrounding mountain scenery.
So while this itinerary ends with one night in Sarajevo, I would definitely recommend adding an extra day if your schedule allows it.
💡 TIP – Grab the best Cevapi in the country at Ćevabdžinica Petica
If you have any questions about how to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Bosnia & Herzegovina
1 Month Balkan Itinerary – Discover Bosnia, Croatia & Montenegro
Bosnia & Croatia Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Week Balkan Road Trip
Bosnia and Montenegro Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Week Balkan Road Trip
Traveling in Bosnia & Herzegovina – 10 Practical Tips
Bosnia & Herzegovina in 7 Days: The Best 1 Week Itinerary
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Visiting Una National Park – The Ultimate Guide
7 Top Things To Do in Jajce
If you have any questions about how to visit Montenegro or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Montenegro
1 Month Balkan Itinerary – Discover Bosnia, Croatia & Montenegro
22 Beautiful Places in Montenegro you Can’t Miss
7 Days in Montenegro: The Perfect One Week Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary
13 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro: Complete Travel Guide
Kotor Fortress Hike: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking San Giovanni Fortress in Montenegro
How to visit Lovćen National Park – A Complete Travel Guide
Discover Biogradska Gora – The hidden gem of Montenegro
Skadar Lake Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Viewpoints & Practical Tips
Durmitor National Park Travel Guide: Best Hikes, Viewpoints & Things to Do
The Balkan Trail – A 5 Day Hiking Adventure Through The Peaks Of The Balkans
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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