This medieval town on the Drina River dates to the 10th century, with stone streets winding past fortress ruins. Visitors can go rafting or explore nearby mountain trails.
Višegrad sits at the meeting point of the Drina and Rzav rivers in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can walk across the 16th-century Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić's novel "The Bridge on the Drina." Stop at stone-paved Andrićgrad to visit museums and cafes, take a boat through the Drina canyon's limestone cliffs, or soak in the 34°C waters at Višegrad Spa.
The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge
The 180-meter stone bridge crosses the Drina River with 11 arches. Ottoman architect Mimar Koca Sinan designed and built it between 1571 and 1577. Two central terraces, called kapias, serve as meeting points where you'll see locals drinking coffee and chatting. The bridge went through several restorations after damage in both World Wars, with workers preserving its original stone elements and architectural details.
Exploring Andrićgrad
Built in 2014, this cultural district pays tribute to writer Ivo Andrić. Walking through the stone-paved streets, you'll pass the Ivo Andrić Institute, Town Hall, the Church of Saint Lazar, and the Fine Arts Academy. The district's craft shops and cafes reflect the 1920s period when Andrić wrote his famous novel.
Drina River Activities
The Drina River cuts through Europe's third-largest canyon, with limestone cliffs rising above the emerald water. Boat tours take you through the canyon, passing dense forests and mountain slopes. You can fish or swim in Perućac Lake during summer months.
Višegrad Spa Experience
You'll find Višegrad Spa 5 kilometers from the town center, with roots dating to Ottoman times. The mineral-rich waters maintain 34°C year-round. The complex includes traditional Turkish baths and the Vilina Vlas hotel. Pine forests surround the spa, with marked paths for walking between treatments.
Getting Around
Regular buses connect Višegrad to Sarajevo International Airport, 120 kilometers away. The town center is compact - you can walk to most sights from the bridge. For trips to the spa or Dobrun Monastery, local taxis are available.
Dobrun Monastery
This Orthodox monastery from the 14th century lies 12 kilometers from town along the Rzav River. Inside, you'll find 15th-century frescoes showing religious scenes and medieval daily life. The white stone building stands against a valley wall, particularly visible during morning hours when sunlight hits its facade.
