Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring awakening means fewer tourists at major sites like Mostar's Old Bridge and Sarajevo's Baščaršija - you'll actually get photos without crowds and can explore at your own pace, unlike the packed summer months
- Accommodation prices drop 30-40% compared to peak summer - expect to pay 50-80 KM (26-41 USD / 25-39 EUR) per night for solid mid-range hotels instead of 90-120 KM in July
- Nature comes alive with wildflowers across the highlands and waterfalls run at full force from snowmelt - places like Kravica Falls and Vrelo Bosne are spectacular, and hiking trails around Lukomir and Bjelašnica are accessible again
- Local cafes and restaurants aren't overrun yet, so you'll get genuine interactions with owners and actually taste what Bosnians eat (not just tourist menus) - April is when seasonal dishes like wild asparagus and nettle pita start appearing
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get 15°C (59°F) sunshine one day and 2°C (36°F) with sleet the next, especially in higher elevations like Jahorina or Bjelašnica where late snow still happens
- Mountain roads to places like Lukomir village or Sutjeska National Park can still be muddy or occasionally closed after heavy rain or late snowfall - always check conditions before heading to elevations above 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
- Some smaller guesthouses and rural tourism spots don't fully open until May, particularly in Herzegovina wine country around Trebinje and Mostar's countryside - call ahead if you're planning rural stays
Best Activities in April
Sarajevo Old Town Walking and War History Tours
April weather is actually ideal for exploring Sarajevo on foot - cool enough that you won't overheat climbing the hills to Yellow Fortress (about 20 minutes uphill), but warm enough that outdoor cafe culture is back. The city looks beautiful as trees leaf out along the Miljacka River. War history tours work particularly well now because you're not dealing with summer heat while walking through tunnel museum sites or standing at sniper alley locations. Expect tours to run 3-4 hours, typically 40-60 KM (20-31 USD) per person.
Mostar and Herzegovina Day Trips
April is brilliant for Herzegovina because summer crowds haven't arrived but the weather is milder than Sarajevo - typically 3-5°C (5-9°F) warmer. Mostar's Old Bridge isn't surrounded by tour groups yet, and you can actually enjoy Blagaj Tekke (the monastery built into a cliff) without queues. The Neretva River runs emerald green from snowmelt. Day trips from Sarajevo take about 2.5 hours each way, or base yourself in Mostar for 2-3 nights. Full-day tours typically run 80-120 KM (41-62 USD) including transport and guide.
Kravica Waterfalls and Nature Excursions
April is peak waterfall season because snowmelt from the mountains means maximum flow - Kravica Falls are genuinely impressive now, not the trickle you sometimes get in late summer. The 25 m (82 ft) wide cascades are powerful and the surrounding greenery is fresh. Too cold for swimming but perfect for photography and short hikes. Located 40 km (25 miles) south of Mostar, about 45 minutes drive. Entry is 10 KM (5 USD) in April versus 15 KM in summer.
Bjelašnica and Jahorina Mountain Hiking
Late April is the transition period when ski season ends but hiking season begins - you'll find trails at lower elevations (below 1,400 m / 4,593 ft) clear and accessible with stunning views of remaining snow on peaks. Bjelašnica and Jahorina, the 1984 Olympic mountains, offer easy to moderate trails through forests just coming to life. The air is crisp and visibility is excellent for mountain photography. Trails can be muddy, so proper boots are essential.
Trebinje Wine Region Tours
Herzegovina's wine country around Trebinje wakes up in April as vineyards start budding and wineries fully reopen after winter. The region produces excellent Žilavka (white) and Vranac (red) wines, and April tastings are intimate - you'll often meet the winemakers themselves. The town of Trebinje is beautiful, with a riverside old town and Orthodox monastery. Located in the far south near Montenegro border, about 2.5 hours from Mostar or Dubrovnik. Tastings typically cost 20-40 KM (10-21 USD) for 4-5 wines.
Vrelo Bosne Park and Traditional Cuisine Experiences
This spring-fed park at the source of the Bosna River, just 12 km (7.5 miles) from Sarajevo center, is magical in April when everything greens up but crowds are minimal. Take a traditional horse-drawn carriage (fayton) through the park - it's touristy but actually lovely - for about 20 KM (10 USD) return. Combine this with visits to traditional restaurants serving seasonal dishes like wild asparagus with eggs or nettle pita that only appear in spring. The park has walking paths along crystal-clear streams under plane trees.
April Events & Festivals
Sarajevo Film Festival Preparation Period
While the main Sarajevo Film Festival happens in August, April is when the city's film scene activates with pre-festival screenings and cultural events. Worth noting if you're interested in the arts scene, though not a major tourist draw.