Bosnian-Podrinje Canton: Stećci, the Drina and culture

The Goršić-polje necropolis of stećci combines significant cultural heritage with a specific route through Bosnian-Podrinje Canton. The area also offers places along the Drina, events in Goražde, and trails for hiking and cycling. You can prioritize cultural attractions, river activities and excursions into the countryside according to your interests.

Cultural sites and history

The Goršić-polje necropolis is the largest stećci necropolis in Bosnian-Podrinje Canton of Goražde. It is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From Goražde, the route runs via Osanica on the M20 and then via Ilovača on the R-448a to the necropolis; the total distance is 31 kilometres. As road conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.

Another excursion destination near Goražde is Rorovi, two kilometres from the city centre. Its war exhibits include tanks, artillery pieces and anti-aircraft equipment; the site also includes the memorial house of commander Zaim Imamović. Check local access conditions in advance before visiting. At the Zavičajni muzej Goražde, the “Ratna izložba” exhibition depicts Goražde and its inhabitants from 1992 to 1995.

You can also find a historical landmark in Goražde’s central park: Most ispod mosta is considered a symbol of wartime and represents resourcefulness, the ability to improvise and wisdom. The mineral spring area of Kiseljak offers a different focus and is designated a natural monument. Together, these places offer varied insights into the canton’s cultural and historical profile.

Events in Goražde

The annual Festival prijateljstva brings together music, dance, theatre, film screenings and artistic performances. In 2008, it was recognized in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a cultural event of importance and interest to the Federation. The festival programme also includes a regatta, games at Žanj, bridge jumps, exhibitions, book presentations and fairs. Individual programme items may vary from one edition to another, so check the dates and programme for your planned visit.

The 21st “Dani jabuke” economic and cultural event brought together more than 80 exhibitors from the region in Goražde in 2025. The event promotes healthy eating and the tourism potential of Bosnian-Podrinje Canton.

The Drina, beaches and water activities

Žanj is a city beach in the centre of Goražde, on an island in the river. Visitors can swim, sunbathe and kayak there; seasonal conditions may vary. Zelena is in the Zupčići neighbourhood and is a developed sandy beach with tourist signage. Local facilities offer opportunities for walks, swimming, fishing and spending time in nature; these may change.

In Sadba on the Drina, you will find shelters and extensive beaches, as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking, rafting and camping. River conditions and facilities may vary. The Drina, along with the Prača, Kolina and Kosovska rijeka rivers, has abundant fish stocks and offers opportunities for sport fishing. Rafting on the Drina is organized by the tourism office of the BPK Goražde Cantonal Tourism Association; check current availability before your trip.

The Drina Regatta follows a section of the Drina about 20 kilometres long, from Modran near Ustikolina to Goražde. Dates and registration requirements may change, so it is advisable to check the information for the relevant edition. The Ada tourist settlement is on a river island in the Drina, three kilometres from Ustikolina in the municipality of Foča in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The settlement comprises wooden houses surrounded by a flower park. If Ada is a potential stop on your trip, check current availability.

Cycling, hiking and scenery

The canton has 92 kilometres of developed cycling routes. They pass through natural landscapes and by cultural and historical monuments, including the Goršić-polje necropolis and the Rimski most at Kožetin. Near the Nedim Pilav Jogi mountain lodge on Ruda Glava, there are trails for walking, hiking and cycling. Check trail conditions locally. Klek is an alpine climbing area; access conditions there can also change.

As a broad overview of the landscape, about 75 percent of the canton is covered by forest and pastureland at elevations above 500 metres. The remaining 25 percent consists of areas below 500 metres. The M5 (Sarajevo–Višegrad), M18 (Sarajevo–Brod na Drini) and M20 (Ustiprača–Foča) trunk roads are the canton’s main road connections to the wider area. The landscape, cultural sites and riverside activities therefore offer different ways to shape your travel plans.

More destinations

Explore more destinations: Goražde, Foča, Osječani. Other cantons: Tuzla Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Central Bosnia Canton, Sarajevo Canton.

Return to the main travel overview: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.