From Sarajevo: Day Trip to Travnik, Jajce Pliva Lakes, Watermills

Our first stop will be Travnik Town, which is located at a distance of 93 kilometers or 57 miles from Sarajevo. Historically, Travnik was the capital city of the governors of Bosnia from 1699 to 1850, and it has a rich cultural heritage dating back to that period. Travnik has a small downtown area, and we will be visiting its most attractive objects during our visit.

The Šarena Džamija, or Sulejmanija, is an unmissable mosque in the heart of Travnik's historical district. Built in the 16th century and reconstructed in the early 19th century following a fire, this mosque boasts stunning decorations both inside and outside. Its floral and geometric motifs, adorned with a variety of colors, are bold and striking, commanding attention and admiration. The Šarena Džamija is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Travnik and a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.

Travnik Castle is a really cool spot to check out if you're interested in history and architecture. Back in the days of pre-Ottoman Bosnia, this fortress was built to defend the region against the Ottoman Turks. Although we're not exactly sure when it was constructed, experts think it was sometime between the late 1300s and early 1400s. During that time, the region was ruled by a Christian Kingdom, and the Travnik fortress was likely built during the reign of Bosnian Kings Tvrtko II or Ostoja. Later on, it was expanded by Stephen Thomas. Despite its impressive defenses, the Travnik fortress was ultimately unable to stop the Ottoman advance. Nevertheless, it remains a fascinating piece of history that you won't want to miss. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out and step back in time to the medieval era!

The distance between Travnik and Jajce is approximately 65 kilometers, or 40 miles, and can be covered in about an hour by car. While most cities have a central square or a fountain, Jajce's defining feature is the natural cascade that falls right in the middle of the town, towering at 17 meters high. Jajce Waterfall is an impressive sight, set amidst the compact and laid-back environment of this small city in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite its modest appearance, there is more to Jajce than meets the eye. The city has a rich history as a medieval fortification and the final stronghold of the Bosnian Kingdom, making it a worthy destination for visitors. Additionally, its proximity to Pliva Lakes and other natural treasures make it a great place to explore. If you are a fan of photography, the Jajce Waterfall is the perfect spot to capture some amazing shots of the splashing water. It's definitely a place to visit at the beginning of your tour.

We will begin our journey from a beautiful location with a stunning waterfall and move towards the old town of Jajce, where we will visit the Jajce Fortress. The fortress dates back to a time before the first written reference to Jajce in 1396. Jajce was once the residence of Stjepan Tomasevic, the last Bosnian king, who was executed by the Ottomans after they besieged the town. However, their rule lasted only for six months, before the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus took it over, establishing the Banovina of Jajce. In 1501, Skenderbeg Mihajlović attempted to besiege Jajce but was unsuccessful in defeating Ivaniš Korvin, who was assisted by Zrinski, Frankopan, Karlović and Cubor. During this period, Queen Catherine restored St. Mary's Church in Jajce, now the oldest church in the town. In 1527, Jajce became the last Bosnian town to fall under Ottoman rule, and thereafter, it lost its strategic importance as the border moved further north and west.

We'll be heading to our next destination, Pliva Lake, from the Jajce Fortress. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the lake by car. The Small and Large Pliva Lakes offer numerous opportunities for recreation. You can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, or even jump and swim in the lakes. Moreover, you can engage in activities on the shores like playing volleyball, cycling, walking, and finally, enjoy barbecuing at the famous picnic area near the watermills.

As we continue our journey from the stunning Pliva Lake, we come across the charming Jajce Watermills. These 20 small mills, made of oak wood, are a true reflection of the amazing carpentry skills of the past. The Watermills are approximately 400 years old and are a unique and treasured part of Jajce's history. Located between the Great and Small Pliva Lakes, the Watermills are a national treasure that preserves the tradition of the state and the way cereals have been processed in Bosnia and Herzegovina for centuries. According to ancient stories, these Watermills were owned by wealthy landowners who gave them to residents for use in exchange for taxes paid on their flour production. It's an amazing place that preserves the tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Watermills were renovated in 2005, and six of them were brought back to life, while the others were restored to their original appearance with minimal renovation to maintain their authenticity.

After visiting the watermills in Jajce, we will be traveling back to Sarajevo. If you're feeling hungry and haven't had lunch at any of the restaurants in Jajce, I highly recommend stopping in Travnik to try some delicious Travnicki Cevapcici. Afterward, I will drop you off at your hotel or apartment in Sarajevo.