This medieval town in western Bosnia is known for its 14th-century fortress, traditional cheese production, and wild horses that roam the surrounding plains.
Livno, a small city in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, sits at the foot of Mount Krug. You can watch wild horses roam freely across the karst fields, walk through streets lined with 17th-century Ottoman mosques, or paddle down the Sturba River. In the Museum Stari Grad, you'll find thousands of local artifacts, including traditional tools, religious items, and photographs documenting the city's past.
Getting to Livno
Livno lies 96 kilometers from Split, Croatia, and 127 kilometers from Mostar. The M16 road connects the city with Croatia and Central Bosnia through Kupres, while the M6.1 road leads to Mostar through Tomislavgrad. The drive from Split takes about one hour along a well-maintained road.
Wild Horses of Livno
Between Koričina and Borova Glava, more than 200 wild horses roam the Krug plateau. These animals descended from farm horses left behind after farmers switched to mechanized agriculture in the 1960s. Local guides run daily off-road vehicle tours across the plateau, taking you within 50-100 meters of the herds.
Museums and Art Collections
The Museum Stari Grad displays 700 historical photographs of Livno and more than 7,000 objects in a converted garage and workshop. The collection spans from the 5th to 20th centuries, including traditional farming tools, household items, and religious artifacts. At the Franciscan Museum in Gorica Monastery, you can see a rare portable altar from 1804 and a collection of manuscripts dating back to the 15th century.
Ottoman Architecture in Old Town
Walk through the Old Town's narrow streets to see well-preserved 17th-century buildings. Dukatar's mosque, built between 1562 and 1574, stands out with its high dome and low minaret typical of 14th-century Ottoman design. Next to it, you'll find a working clock tower. Cross the 17th-century single-arch bridge over the Bistrica River to reach the older part of town.
Rivers and Mountains
The Sturba River runs for 14.5 kilometers through Livno Field. Local outfitters rent canoes and organize guided trips down the calm sections of the river. Mount Tušnica reaches 1,679 meters at its peak Vitrenik, with hiking trails leading to viewpoints overlooking Kamešnica, Cincar, and Biokovo mountains. The Bistrica River begins at the Duman spring, creating a small pool similar to the one at Buna spring.
Local Food
Livno cheese, made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk, is sold in most local markets and cheese shops. Many restaurants in town serve traditional dishes cooked under a bell (peka), grilled meats, and pies baked under lids. Local farmers in the surrounding karst fields grow organic vegetables and herbs used in traditional recipes.
