Sarajevo to Mostar is one hell of a ride. It can be done as a road trip or one can take the train (one of the most stunning train routes in the Balkans). Sarajevo used to have trains running to Zagreb (Croatia) and Belgrade (Serbia) but that ended a few years ago, leaving the trains only for domestic usage. The scheduled time between Sarajevo and Mostar (160kms) is just under 2 hours - however, it is better to build in a bit of extra time for things not going according to plan. The train runs twice daily in both directions.
Tip - Remember to sit on the left side window seat (train) or right side window seat (bus), so that you can enjoy the awesome views.
As Sarajevo was left behind, we started to gain height. We crossed several quite long & high viaducts and after about half an hour entered the 3221m long Ivan tunnel. The descent down to Konjic is spectacular, with the road and the railway line clinging to the steep mountains, crossing many viaducts and tunnels.
From Konjic, the route runs along the Neretva river. The valley is not very wide and both railway and road do not have much space between the river and the mountains on both sides. I stayed glued to the window, marvelling at the stunning scenery. This route is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world and no wonder why it is rated so high.
The rail route was destroyed during the war with Serbia in 1992 and it has been rebuilt at a considerable cost by the Bosnian government. It is a great way to see the natural and raw beauty of this country, which has left me totally in awe.
The train line belongs to 1800s and it was used to connect these cities to the European major cities and in particular, Istanbul through the Orient Express. But the 1992 war destroyed everything.
You just cannot get bored during this journey and are constantly looking outside your window - no chance to read a book or fiddle with your mobile during this journey. The Neretva gorge is really impressive and as you travel on the route hugging the mountains, the scale of the landscape in front of you leaves you speechless.
Before reaching Mostar, the valley widens again.
As I disembark in Mostar, I just had one wish on my lips - "Oh Bosnia, please stay as beautiful and special as you are today". To this day, it remains one of the my favorite countries which I would love to visit again.
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