Travnik

Why visit Travnik?

For about 150 years, Travnik was the capital of Ottoman Bosnia and the seat of its viziers (governors), which is why it is still called the "City of Viziers." European consuls lived here too, and their story is told in Bosnian Chronicle by Ivo Andrić, the Nobel Prize winning writer who was born in Travnik in 1892.

Today it is a calm, green town in the Lašva valley, an easy stop between Sarajevo and Jajce.

Things to do

• Travnik Fortress (Stari grad): A well-preserved medieval fortress on the hill above town, with a small museum and good views.
• The Colorful Mosque (Šarena džamija): Named for its painted facade. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Bosnia.
• Plava Voda: A cold blue spring at the foot of the old town, lined with restaurants and cafés.
• Ivo Andrić Birth House: A small museum on the writer's life and work.
• The viziers' tombs (turbe): Ottoman graves in the center of town.

Getting there

About 1.5 hours by car or bus from Sarajevo, 1 hour from Jajce.

Food

Travnik is known for its own style of ćevapi and for Vlašić cheese (travnički sir), a white sheep's cheese from the mountain above town.

Practical info

Entry

Fortress about 5 KM. Ivo Andrić house about 3 KM

Pairs with

Jajce in one day trip from Sarajevo

Last checked

October 2026. Prices and hours change, so confirm before you go.

FAQ

What is Travnik known for?

It was the seat of the Ottoman viziers of Bosnia and is the birthplace of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić.

Is Travnik worth visiting?

Yes, especially as a stop on the way from Sarajevo to Jajce.

What should I eat in Travnik?

Travnik ćevapi and Vlašić cheese, ideally at the restaurants by the Plava Voda spring.

Also nearby

• Vranduk Fortress Near Zenica

  A 14th-century fortress on a cliff above the Bosna river gorge near Zenica. History, the medieval festival and how to visit.

• Vlašić Above Travnik

  The mountain above Travnik, home to a ski resort, paragliding and the famous Vlašić cheese. Winter and summer tips.