Zdravo and Dobrodošli! Hello and Welcome to Banja Luka!

Located in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Banja Luka is the capital of the Rupublika Srpska entity. It is easily accessible, has a cosmopolitan feel, and is an important centre of education and culture. The city lies along the beautiful Vrbas River, and is pleasing with its leafy avenues, parks and gardens. Because of all the greenery around, Banja Luka is often referred to as “green city”. It is also increasingly popular as an eco tourism destination for Banja Luka tours and excursions.

The place has an interesting history that dates back to the Roman times. It was a military base for imports when under Ottoman occupation. This was followed by Austro-Hungarian rule before its stint with socialism as part of Yugoslavia. Banja Luka’s more recent history is, however, one of its bleakest periods because of the Bosnian war (1992–95) and the atrocities that happened.

Things, fortunately, are getting back to normal and Banja Luka even sports a youthful look and ambience these days. Cafes, bistros and bars line the streets, and are usually abuzz with activity. Music streams out late into the night at several of these places frequented by a young, hip crowd, many belonging to the sizable student community. There are also plenty of Banja Luka hotels available to cope with the increasing numbers of visitors journeying to discover the city.

A slew of new infrastructure projects have also played a part in the transformation of the city. Amidst all the new structures in downtown Banja Luka, the ancient Kastel fortress along with the amphitheatre – built originally by the Romans and later fortified by the Ottoman rulers – stands apart. This impressive cultural and historical heritage structure is a major Banja Luka tourist attraction. Other noteworthy buildings include the beautiful Banski Dvor Cultural Centre, the newly reconstructed Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church right in the centre of the city, and old monasteries and medieval forts around the outskirts. Take a look at the Banja Luka map to get a better idea of the city’s layout.

Banja Luka’s traditional cultural events and its growing reputation as an extreme sports destination attract many visitors every year. Summer season is usually busy with cultural events which include the Banja Luka Summer Games, the Neofest-International Summer Peace Festival, theatre festivals, film festivals, music festivals and the fashion week. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers exciting Banja Luka tours, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain climbing, trekking, fishing and other activities for things to do in Banja Luka.

Several eco lodges, secluded resorts and health spas dot the countryside, offering guests all sorts of Banja Luka accommodation options. On top of all the pleasures, what thrills many travellers is that Banja Luka is so affordable and easy on the budget! There are heaps of locally owned Banja Luka hotels available to easily book online and Banja Luka tours ready to help you explore all that Banja Luka has to offer!