Ethno village is a tourist concept that showcases traditional Bosnian architecture, customs, and way of life. It is a village or a settlement that preserves the traditional lifestyle and culture of the region, and offers tourists an opportunity to experience and learn about the local customs, crafts, and cuisine.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are several ethno villages that offer a unique and authentic experience for tourists.
Begovo Selo near Bijambare
Nestled in the serene forests of the Nišići Plateau, at an altitude of 1,400 meters, Begovo Selo offers an authentic Bosnian village experience just 30 minutes from Sarajevo. This ethno village is a living museum, showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture, culture, and cuisine in a tranquil natural setting.
Visitors can immerse themselves in daily village life by participating in activities such as picking medicinal herbs and mushrooms, tending to sheep, mowing grass, fishing, knitting, and preparing traditional Bosnian dishes. The village features a central square with a mosque and artisan workshops.
Accommodation options include cozy double rooms, family cottages, and forest camping spots, all designed to provide comfort while maintaining traditional aesthetics. Guests can savor home-cooked Bosnian meals made from locally sourced ingredients at the on-site restaurant.
For adventure seekers, Begovo Selo offers horseback riding, quad biking, and jeep tours through the picturesque Bijambare Nature Park, located just a short distance away. The park is renowned for its stunning caves, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic hiking and biking trails.
Čardaci in Vitez
Located in the heart of Bosnia, in Vitez, Etno Village Čardaci is a charming hotel and tourist complex rated 4 stars. Nestled on the banks of the Lašva River and just off the main Zenica–Travnik road, Čardaci offers the perfect blend of accessibility and peaceful seclusion. With excellent connections to Zenica, Travnik, and Sarajevo, it’s an ideal destination for both quick getaways and extended countryside retreats.
The complex features over 60 beautifully crafted accommodation units built with natural materials and styled after traditional Bosnian houses. Every detail is designed to create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, providing guests with a fairytale-like experience.
Guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine at Restaurant Kod Mlina, overlooking the river, or relax in the lively pub Kod Crnog Mačka in the village center. For full relaxation, the Spa & Wellness Center offers saunas, salt rooms, jacuzzis, swimming pools, and halotherapy zones. In summer, the Ribica Waterpark provides fun for all ages with pools, slides, and sports fields, while the modern Plavi Mačak Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art training equipment and health-focused amenities.
Čardaklije near National Park Una
Located near Bosanski Petrovac in the picturesque village of Vrtoče, Ethno Village Čardaklije offers a truly authentic Bosnian countryside experience. Just 12 km from National Park Una, 70 km from Plitvice Lakes, and about 2 hours from the Adriatic Sea, Čardaklije is perfectly positioned for nature lovers and explorers.
Situated along the main Bihać–Sarajevo road (30th kilometer), this charming rural estate combines stunning natural surroundings, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to traditional Bosnian culture.
Enjoy home-cooked meals made from local ingredients, served in a rustic setting that captures the spirit of the region.
Guests can make their stay even more memorable with horseback riding or e-bike rentals, allowing for a peaceful journey through untouched forests and meadows that surround the village.
Dolina Sreće Near Vitez
Just a short drive from Vitez, nestled in the serene village of Nadioci, lies Etno Village Dolina Sreće—a picturesque retreat that feels like stepping into a childhood fairy tale. Surrounded by untouched nature, this charming village features uniquely designed cottages with whimsical names like “Crvenkapica” and “Pahuljica,” each offering a cozy and enchanting stay.
Guests can indulge in traditional Bosnian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy live music on weekends, or relax by the pool during warmer months. For adventure seekers, Dolina Sreće offers activities such as horseback riding on well-trained horses and quad rentals to explore the scenic surroundings. The village is also home to friendly animals like rabbits, ducks, and horses, adding to its idyllic charm.
Located approximately 11 km from the historic town of Travnik and 18 km from Zenica, Dolina Sreće provides an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and a touch of magic in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Herceg near Međugorje
Just a few minutes from the world-renowned pilgrimage site of Međugorje, Etno Village Herceg offers a unique blend of traditional Herzegovinian charm and modern comfort. Set in the picturesque village of Gornji Veliki Ograđenik, this ethno village is ideally located for those seeking peace, nature, and cultural authenticity.
Built entirely from natural stone and wood, the village reflects the architecture and spirit of old Herzegovina. Guests can stay in beautifully designed stone houses, enjoy authentic local cuisine at the tavern, and relax by the outdoor pool surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
Ljubačke Doline near Banja Luka
Located just 17 km from Banja Luka and only 10 km from the scenic waterfalls of Krupa na Vrbasu, Ethno Village Ljubačke Doline offers an unforgettable step back in time. Nestled in the tranquil village of Ljubačevo, this unique open-air museum spans over 20,000 m² and immerses visitors in the traditional way of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Dinaric region.
Spanning over 2 hectares, this open-air museum showcases authentic 19th and early 20th-century architecture, with 40 meticulously restored buildings including homes, barns, workshops, and a wooden church from 1939.
The village features functional artisan workshops—blacksmith, carpenter, cooper, tailor, and weaver—equipped with period tools, reflecting the vibrant craftsmanship of the era. The central tavern serves traditional dishes like veal under the bell, cicvara, and homemade uštipci, complemented by locally produced rakija and organic produce from the village garden.
A highlight is the on-site museum housing over 6,000 artifacts across ethnological, natural history, numismatic, and archaeological collections, including items from the former Yugoslavia and beyond. Visitors can also explore the unique Ljubačke doline—natural depressions exclusive to this region—and enjoy panoramic views of the Vrbas River canyon.
Mačkovac near Tuzla
Etno Village Mačkovac is a hidden cultural gem located about 40 minutes southeast of Tuzla, nestled in the tranquil forests near Banovići. Though it may not be on every tourist’s radar, this open-air museum offers a rare and authentic glimpse into traditional Bosnian life.
Visitors can explore beautifully preserved antique artifacts and heritage buildings that showcase how people once lived in the region. The village feels like a living museum, rich in stories and craftsmanship.
A visit isn’t complete without enjoying a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, known for its home-cooked Bosnian specialties. The warm hospitality, rustic atmosphere, and frequent live music performances make the dining experience truly memorable.
Raj u raju near Konjic
Nestled in the heart of Herzegovina, between Konjic and Jablanica, just minutes from the serene shores of Jablanicko Lake, Raj u Raju (translated as “Paradise Within Paradise“) offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Located approximately 15 km from Konjic and 10 km from Jablanica, this charming ethno village combines traditional Herzegovinian style with the untouched beauty of the region.
Here, guests can unwind in cozy wooden cottages, enjoy homemade local cuisine, and reconnect with nature. From fresh river trout and dishes prepared under the traditional bell to tranquil forest walks and riverside views, every moment at Raj u Raju invites rest and reflection. With the lake nearby for swimming, kayaking or fishing, and scenic trails all around, it’s the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Semešnica near Travnik & Jajce
Eco Village Semešnica, located just 3 km from Donji Vakuf, offers a peaceful escape into the untouched nature of central Bosnia. Nestled along the crystal-clear Semešnica River—a tributary of the Vrbas—this authentic village is a true paradise for nature lovers.
With natural springs, fresh air, and a thriving ecosystem (including the rare return of wild beavers), the area is alive with ponies, donkeys, ducks, swans, and peacocks that roam freely—making it especially magical for families with children. Visitors can enjoy locally prepared trout from the on-site fishpond, homemade delicacies like buckwheat fritters with cheese and cream, and refreshing seasonal juices.
The complex features rustic bungalows, traditional architecture, and a restaurant built from natural materials like travertine and hand-split wood shingles—blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
Stanišići near Bijeljina
Just a few kilometers from Bijeljina, near the border with Serbia, Etno Village Stanišići offers a unique blend of tradition, spirituality, and tranquility. Set in the vast plains of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, this ethno village is easily accessible and just a short drive from the city, yet it feels like a journey into a different time.
Built to reflect the traditional architecture of the region, Stanišići is a living museum where visitors can explore authentic wooden houses, mills, and a beautiful Orthodox monastery complex. With cobblestone paths, scenic bridges, and a peaceful lake at its center, the village creates a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
Guests can enjoy hearty local cuisine in the on-site restaurants, stay in charming rustic-style accommodations, and even take a carriage ride or feed farm animals – making it especially appealing to families.
Each ethno village has its own distinct features and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, rafting, fishing, traditional crafts workshops, and traditional Bosnian cuisine.
