Family Bosnia: 15 Kid Approved Stays and Easy Adventures around Jajce, Travnik, Vlašić and the Una
- By StayBa
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an easy win for families. Drives are short, food is simple and good, prices are friendly, and there is real variety packed into a small area. Lakes you can paddle on. Forest paths that work for little legs. Rivers that feel wild in the best way. This guide gives you a clear plan built around three family bases in the centre and north west of the country, plus a hand picked set of places to stay that make life simple.
At a glance
- Best months for families: late May to September for warm lake days and stable weather. October can be lovely for leaf colour and crowd free towns.
- Suggested bases: Jajce and the Pliva Lakes, Travnik and Vlašić, Bihać and Una National Park.
- Typical loop from Sarajevo: Sarajevo to Jajce about three hours, Jajce to Travnik about one hour, Travnik to Vlašić about forty minutes, Travnik to Bihać about three hours.
- Trip style: two or three nights in each base so you are never packing every day.
- Stays to prioritise: fenced gardens, lake access, river decks with safety railings, parking on site, and kitchen space for quick breakfasts.
Base 1: Jajce and the Pliva Lakes
Why it works
Jajce is small and walkable with a waterfall in the centre of town. The Pliva Lakes sit a few minutes away with wooden watermills and calm water that suits paddle hire and short boat trips. This is an easy start for families.
Easy adventures
- Old town stroll to the fortress for views over the valley. Stairs are fine for active kids.
- Visit the Pliva watermills then hire kayaks or a pedal boat on the large lake.
- Picnic on the shore. Bring bread and fruit from town and make the day slow.
Family stay ideas
- Lakeside cottage with a private pier so you can swim or paddle at your own pace.
- Family home with a fenced garden near the lakes so kids can run between outings.
- Apartment in Jajce town for quick walks to cafés and the castle.
Food tips
Grilled trout, simple soups, kajmak with bread, and pancakes for dessert. Carry reusable water bottles. Supermarkets have everything you need for quick breakfasts.
Base 2: Travnik and Vlašić
Why it works
Travnik is a compact Ottoman era town with a colourful mosque and a hilltop fortress. Vlašić mountain sits above it with easy woodland paths and meadows. You can mix town days and mountain days without a long drive.
Easy adventures
- Travnik Fortress with short climbs, city views, and cafés at the base.
- The Colourful Mosque with painted woodwork. Dress modestly and be respectful.
- Vlašić walks on signed tracks, berry picking in summer, snow play in winter.
Family stay ideas
- Modern Travnik apartment within a short walk of shops and bakeries.
- Cabin or chalet on Vlašić with a fireplace and a simple terrace for evening games.
- Apartment with two bedrooms and parking so loading the car is quick.
Food tips
Ćevapi in flatbread, grilled meats with salad and chips, soft cheeses and yoghurt. Look for small pastry shops selling burek and sweet rolls for quick snacks.
Base 3: Bihać and Una National Park
Why it works
The Una is emerald, clear, and full of energy. Towns are calm and green. Waterfalls and wooden bridges keep children interested and there are plenty of places where you can sit safely by the water.
Easy adventures
- Štrbački Buk for big waterfall views from safe platforms. Morning mist is beautiful.
- Martin Brod for smaller cascades, wooden footbridges, and picnic spots.
- Gentle rafting or kayaking with a licensed guide in summer. Guides will tell you what is suitable for children.
Family stay ideas
- Riverside lodge with a deck above the water and railings you can trust.
- Cottage with a fenced garden in Lohovo or Ripač so children can play while you prepare meals.
- Small guesthouse near Martin Brod for early access to quiet walking paths.
Food tips
Grilled trout, simple stews, fresh bread, local honey and cheeses. Look for riverside places that do one or two dishes well. Bring a warm layer for evenings near the water.
Fifteen kid approved stay types that make the trip easy
You do not need the exact same home as another family. You need the right type in the right place. Use these ideas to narrow your search on Stay.ba, then pick the one that feels right for your group size and budget.
- Lakeside cottage on the large Pliva Lake
- A short jetty, calm water in the morning, and a picnic table in the shade. Great for paddle boats and first swims.
- Family home with fenced garden near the small Pliva Lake
- Space for ball games, a barbecue, and nap time indoors. Walk to the mills in the late afternoon.
- Two bedroom apartment inside Jajce old town
- Stairs to the fortress become an evening walk. Easy to pop back for snacks or a change of clothes.
- Modern apartment in Travnik near the fortress path
- Breakfast at a nearby bakery, a quick climb for views, back in time for a rest.
- Vlašić chalet with fireplace and simple kitchen
- Board games after dinner, cool nights for good sleep, and stars when clouds clear.
- Vlašić cabin close to meadow trails
- Walk a loop after breakfast, return for lunch, then a second loop at sunset.
- Riverside lodge in Bihać with secure railings
- Watch the river from the deck with coffee while children read or draw inside. Choose a lodge with flat access.
- Cottage in Lohovo with fenced yard and swing set
- Children tire themselves out in the garden. Parents cook and chat on the terrace.
- Guesthouse near Martin Brod with easy water access
- Short steps to shallow channels, safe places to sit at the edge, and lots of photos.
- Apartment in Bihać centre with river promenade nearby
- Scooters or pushchairs on flat paths, cafés for ice cream, and a safe evening stroll.
- Family villa near Ljubuški for a day trip to Kravice
- If you want a warm pool day plus a waterfall swim, base here for one night on the way south.
- Pet friendly home with enclosed garden near Travnik
- Children and dog both happy. Trails a short drive away.
- Large family house near Pliva with a covered outdoor table
- Eat outside even if the sun is strong. Plan games on the lawn in the late afternoon.
- Simple chalet near Rakitnica trailheads
- For families with older children who like short hikes. Choose a place with clear driving directions and parking.
- Apartment with two bathrooms in Jajce or Bihać
- Mornings run faster when everyone can get ready at the same time.
Sample family routes you can copy
Five nights for first timers
- Two nights Jajce for waterfall, mills, and lake time.
- Two nights Travnik or Vlašić for fortress and mountain walks.
- One night Bihać for Štrbački Buk and a short raft float.
Seven nights with more Una time
- Two nights Jajce and Pliva Lakes.
- Two nights Travnik and Vlašić.
- Three nights Bihać for waterfalls, a river day, and a slow picnic afternoon.
One week around Sarajevo with a short north loop
- Two nights Travnik and Vlašić.
- Two nights Jajce.
- Back to Sarajevo for two nights, with an optional final night in Bihać if you want more river time.
Water fun and safety
- Lakes are best for young families. Pliva and Boračko have rental points in summer and calmer water.
- Rivers are cold even in summer. Limit time in the water and warm up quickly after.
- Never jump from bridges or rocks. Enter from a beach or steps where locals swim.
- At Kravice you must stay within the marked swim area when it is open. The water is cool and can feel very cold at first.
- For rafting and kayak trips choose licensed guides who provide helmets and buoyancy aids and who are clear about age and size limits for children.
- Always keep an eye on children near water. Even calm lakes deserve your full attention.
Driving and logistics
- Car seats are required by law for children. Request the correct size from your rental company and check the fit.
- Fuel and shops are easy to find in towns. Carry some cash for small stalls and local parking.
- Mountain roads can be narrow. Drive slowly and plan daylight arrivals.
- Always check the weather and roadworks when you plan a long move.
What to pack for a stress free family trip
- Light layers, swimwear, water shoes, sun hats, and sunscreen.
- Refillable bottles and a small cool bag for fruit and yoghurt.
- A travel towel and a warm layer for after swims.
- Simple first aid kit and motion sickness tablets if needed.
- Entertainment for the car and a torch for evening walks.
Food families actually enjoy
- Grilled trout, chicken skewers, soups, fresh salads, and hot bread are on most menus.
- Burek and other pastries make easy breakfasts on the go.
- Good ice cream is everywhere. Look for local honey at markets as a souvenir.
- Portion sizes can be generous. Share a few plates rather than over ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for children ?
Yes. Tourist areas and the towns in this guide are safe. Use normal common sense and take extra care near water and on mountain roads.
Do I need a car ?
For a family trip with lakes and national parks a car makes life far easier. You can carry what you need and stop when you like.
Are trails pushchair friendly ?
Old town lanes are cobbled and uneven. Lakeside paths are often flat. Mountain tracks are better with carriers. Bring a light pushchair for towns and a carrier for hills.
Can we swim at the waterfalls ?
At Kravice you can swim inside marked zones when conditions allow. At Štrbački Buk you watch from platforms only. Follow signs and staff advice everywhere.
What about mobile coverage and wifi ?
Coverage is good in towns and around bases. Most stays provide wifi. It can be slower in remote mountain areas.
Continue your discovery
- Family friendly stays with pools and gardens
- Pet friendly homes with fenced gardens
- Central Bosnia stays
- Krajina and Una National Park stays
- Jajce stays
- Travnik stays
- Vlašić stays
- Bihać stays
Final word
A good family trip is simple. Short drives, clear plans, places to stay that feel safe and welcoming, and time outside every day. Bosnia and Herzegovina makes that possible without straining your budget. Pick two or three bases, choose stays that do the heavy lifting for you, and build your days around water, walks, and easy meals. The rest will take care of itself.