Tuzla is the third-largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative center of Tuzla Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tuzla is a modern multicultural city with rich history goes back to the 9th century, in touristic meaning the most known for salt lake.
You understand, it is impossible to see Bosnia and Herzegovina just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Tuzla, along with other Bosnia and Herzegovina' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Tuzla, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!
Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina Monterrasol small group car tours to
Blagaj - Known for architecture, bridge, cave, fortress, landmark, museum, river, viewpoint, islam monastery; monastery is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Bobovac - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint
Bosnian Pyramids - Known for ancient settlement, landmark, museum, nature, park
Doboj - Known for fortress, historical center, museum
Jablanica - Known for lake, landmark, monument, river
Jajce - Known for fortress, historical center, historical landmark, museum (history), nature, park, river, viewpoint, waterfall, franciscan monastery; historical center is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Mogorjelo - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, nature
Mostar - Known for brewery, bridge, historical center, medieval old town, museum, old bazaar, river, franciscan monastery, islam mosque, orthodox cathedral; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Počitelj (Pocitelj) - Known for fortified town, fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint; medieval old town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Radimlja - Known for infocenter, necropolis; necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sarajevo - Known for brewery, bridge, fortress, fountain, funicular, historical center, museum (archaeological), museum (National), old bazaar, park, river, viewpoint, catholic cathedral, orthodox cathedral, islam mosque; historical center is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Šćit (Scit) - Known for museum, peninsula, franciscan monastery
Stolac - Known for ancient megalites, fortress, river, viewpoint, waterfall; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Tešanj (Tesanj) - Known for fortress, historical center, viewpoint
Travnik - Known for fortress, historical center, river, viewpoint
Trebinje - Known for bridge, historical center, museum (ethnographic), museum (history), river, viewpoint, winery + wine tasting, orthodox cathedral, orthodox monastery
Zavala - Known for cave, frescos, paintings, viewpoint, orthodox monastery
Last reviewed: 27 June 2021
Tuzla description
Tuzla is located in the northeastern part of Bosnia, settled just underneath the Majevica mountain range, on the Jala River. The name Tuzla is the Ottoman Turkish word for salt mine, and refers to the extensive salt deposits found underneath the city.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Tuzla was a rich Neolithic settlement. Being inhabited continuously for more than 6,000 years, Tuzla is one of the oldest European sustained settlements. During the period of the Roman Republic (before the area was conquered by Rome), Tuzla (or Salines as it was called at the time) was ruled by the Illyrian tribe Breuci.
The city was first mentioned in 950 by Constantine Porphyrogenitus in his De Administrando Imperio as a fort named Salines. The name Soli was used for Tuzla in the Middle Ages. It means "salts" in Bosnian and the city's present name means "place of salt" in Ottoman Turkish.
During the Middle Ages Tuzla belonged mostly to the medieval Kingdom of Bosnia. After the fall of the kingdom to the Ottoman Empire in 1463, the region was controlled by local rulers Berislavic before the Ottomans occupied the few villages around 1512, and took control of the entire region in the 1530s.
Tuzla remained under Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years, where it was administered as part of the Sanjak of Zvornik. In 1878 it was occupied by Austria-Hungary. After the dissolution of the monarchy it became the part of the newly formed Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
During the Second World War, Tuzla was included in the puppet Independent State of Croatia and controlled by the mainly Muslim Legion of the Croatian Home Guard. Tuzla was among the first areas in Europe to be liberated, when Tito's Yugoslav Partisans freed it from the German occupiers on 2 October 1943. Many members of the Legion deserted to the Partisans at this time. In December 1944, the city was unsuccessfully attacked by Chetnik forces of Draza Mihailovic along with the Serbian State Guard.
After the war it developed into a major industrial and cultural center during the Communist period in the former Yugoslavia. After Bosnia's war, following the Dayton Peace Accords, Tuzla was the headquarters of the U.S. forces for the Multinational Division (MND) during Operation Joint Endeavour IFOR and subsequent SFOR.
Today Tuzla is the economic, cultural, educational, health and tourist center of northeast Bosnia. It is an educational center and is home to two universities. It is also the main industrial machine and one of the leading economic strongholds of Bosnia with a wide and varied industrial sector including an expanding service sector thanks to its salt lake tourism.
The ancient Pannonian Sea dried up around 10 million years ago, but work by researchers and scientists has now enabled a level of saline water to be kept stable at the surface, and in 2003 the Pannonian Lake was opened. So, today the salt lake tourism in Tuzla is possible because of Tuzla is the only city in Europe that has a salt lake at its center.
An artificial second lake (built in 2008) and a third lake (was completed in 2012) are part of the archaeological park, with artificial waterfalls and replica of Neolithic lake dwellings, providing information about the different cultures which left their material and spiritual mark here.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tuzla is also regarded as one of the most multicultural cities in the country and has managed to keep the pluralist character of the city throughout the Bosnian War and after, with Bosniaks, Serbs, Croats and a small minority of Bosnian Jews residing in Tuzla.
Tuzla related tours
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Tuzla during multi-day small group car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Tuzla.
We have developed several small group tours that visiting beautiful Tuzla. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
tour destinations: Banja Luka, Doboj, Etno avlija Mačkovac, Jajce, Krupa, Ljubačke doline, Srebrenik, Tešanj, Travnik, Tunnel of Hope, Tuzla
Day 1. After beginning our tour in Sarajevo, we will first travel to the Tunnel of Hope museum, a powerful testament to the city's resilience during the 1992-1996 siege. Continuing our journey, we will come to Etno avlija Mackovac, a charming ethno village showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture, crafts, and rural hospitality. After that, we will come to the city of Tuzla for our overnight accommodation.
Day 2. After an overnight in Tuzla, we travel to Srebrenik to explore its magnificent fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the country, first mentioned in 1333. From there, we continue to Doboj to see its imposing fortress, dating from the early 13th century and strategically positioned above the Bosna River. After that, we will come to Doboj for our overnight stay.
Day 3. After an overnight in Doboj, we travel to Tesanj to explore its ancient castle, whose origins trace back to the 14th century, later serving as an important Ottoman stronghold. Continuing to Banja Luka, we will visit the modern Christ the Savior Cathedral, an Orthodox cathedral completed in 2004, explore the historic Kastel fortress dating from Roman times, and discover the local brewery, renowned for traditional beer craftsmanship since 1873. After that, we will come to Banja Luka for our overnight accommodation.
Day 4. After an overnight in Banja Luka, we travel to Ljubacke doline to explore this picturesque ethno village nestled in a valley, offering insights into traditional rural life and architecture. We will then admire the serene Krupa waterfall, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery, followed by a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the emerald-green Vrbas river canyon. Our journey continues to Jajce, where we will enjoy a peaceful walk through Mlincici park with its historic watermills. After that, we will come to the historic town of Jajce for the next two nights.
Day 5. After an overnight in Jajce, we dedicate the day to exploring this remarkable town. We will marvel at the unique Jajce waterfall where the Pliva River plunges 22 meters directly into the town center, explore the 14th-century fortress that once served as the seat of Bosnian kings, and wander through the well-preserved historical center (UNESCO Tentative List Site) with its charming streets and ancient churches. We will remain in Jajce for a second night.
Day 6. After 2 nights in Jajce, we travel to Travnik to explore its impressive 15th-century fortress, once the residence of Ottoman viziers and offering panoramic views of the town. We will also stroll along the scenic Travnik river, with its picturesque old mills and bridges that have inspired poets for centuries. After that, we will return to Sarajevo, where our memorable tour concludes.
tour destinations: Blagaj, Bosnian Pyramids, Doboj, Jajce, Kravica, Međugorje, Mostar, Počitelj, Radimlja, Sarajevo, Srebrenik, Stolac, Tešanj, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Šćit
All seasons 9 days discovery tour over Bosnia-Herzegovina from Tuzla. Visit this medieval land and see old towns, fortresses and monasteries. Think on this tour as good example off the beaten path travel, out of touristy areas, and safer to take in current situation.
During this tour we going to visit medieval fortresses Srebrenik, Doboj, Tesanj, Jajce, Travnik, and Stolac, old town Jajce, historical center of Mostar (UNESCO World Heritage site) and its famous bridge, visit Radimlja (UNESCO World Heritage site) with unique carved tombstones, visit calm sunny town Trebinje with its cute historical center, beautiful river, Ottoman bridge and hilly cathedral, silent Tvrdos monastery with old winery and taste its white, rose, and red wines, walk in streets of medieval fortified town Pocitelj, enjoy Stolac hilly fortress, wonder on beauty of Kravica waterfalls, walk streets of multicultural Sarajevo, and wonder on the beauty of Bosnian nature all the time.
tour destinations: Banja Luka, Bijambare, Doboj, Etno avlija Mačkovac, Jajce, Konjic, Krupa, Ljubačke doline, Sarajevo, Srebrenik, Tešanj, Travnik, Tunnel of Hope, Tuzla, Šćit
Day 1. We depart from Mostar and travel to Konjic to see its iconic Old Stone Bridge from the 17th century, a beautiful example of Ottoman engineering spanning the emerald Neretva River. We then continue to Sarajevo, the captivating capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and explore the city's historical center (UNESCO Tentative List Site), a vibrant mosaic of Eastern and Western influences. We visit the Gazi Husrev-beg History museum, wander through the bustling Bascarsija old bazaar, and admire the elegant Sebilj fountain at the heart of the old town. We will stay overnight in Sarajevo.
Day 2. After staying in Sarajevo, we ascend via the city's charming funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of the capital nestled in the valley. We then travel to the poignant Tunnel of Hope museum, a preserved underground passage that served as a vital lifeline during the city's siege in the 1990s, a powerful reminder of human resilience. After that, we will return to Sarajevo for accommodation.
Day 3. After 2 nights in Sarajevo, we travel to Bijambare, a beautiful cave system located on the slopes of Mount Igman, known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes. We then continue to Etno avlija Mackovac, a charming ethno village showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture and rural life. After that, we will come to Tuzla for accommodation.
Day 4. After staying in Tuzla, we travel to Srebrenik to explore its imposing medieval fortress, one of the best preserved in the country, with origins dating to the 14th century. We then continue to Doboj to visit its historic fortress, a strategic stronghold rebuilt in the early 15th century overlooking the city. Our accommodation for the night is in Doboj.
Day 5. After staying in Doboj, we travel to Tesanj to explore its well-preserved Ottoman-era castle, which dominates the old town. We then continue to Banja Luka to see the Kastel fortress, a medieval castle dating back to Roman times, located on the banks of the Vrbas River. We will stay in Banja Luka.
Day 6. After 2 nights in Banja Luka, we explore the city's historical center. We visit St. Bonaventure Cathedral, the main Roman Catholic church in Banja Luka, built in the 1970s in a striking modern architectural style. We also admire the magnificent Serbian Orthodox Christ the Savior Cathedral, originally built in the 1920s and meticulously rebuilt after being destroyed during the 1990s war, known for its golden domes and beautiful frescoes. We then see Ferhadija Mosque, a 16th-century Ottoman mosque that was completely destroyed during the war and later reconstructed using original materials and traditional methods. We then enjoy a tasting at The Master Craft brewery, sampling some of the best local craft beers. We stay another night in Banja Luka.
Day 7. After 2 nights in Banja Luka, we travel to Ljubacke doline, an ethno village showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture and customs. We then continue to Krupa to see the stunning Krupa waterfall and visit the Orthodox monastery Krupa on the Vrbas, a 13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery nestled in a beautiful canyon. We also stop at the Vrbas river mountain view viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. After that, we will come to Jajce for accommodation.
Day 8. After staying in Jajce, we admire the spectacular Pliva waterfall, where the river plunges directly into the Vrbas, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the country. We explore the unique Mithras Temple, a rare 2nd-century Roman monument dedicated to the mystery god Mithras. We then stroll through Jajce's historical center (UNESCO Tentative List Site) with its medieval fortress, and relax in the tranquil Mlincici park. We stay another night in Jajce.
Day 9. After 2 nights in Jajce, we travel to Travnik to explore its imposing medieval fortress, dating back to the 14th century and once the seat of Ottoman viziers, and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the scenic Travnik river. After that, we will come to Bugojno for accommodation.
Day 10. After staying in Bugojno, we travel to Scit to visit its serene Franciscan (Roman Catholic) monastery, a key spiritual and cultural center, and explore the Scit Ethnographic museum, which beautifully showcases traditional rural life and customs. Finally, we return to Mostar, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Banja Luka, Bijambare, Blagaj, Doboj, Etno avlija Mačkovac, Jajce, Kravica, Krupa, Ljubačke doline, Međugorje, Podrumi Andrija, Počitelj, Radimlja, Sarajevo, Srebrenik, Stolac, Sutjeska National Park, Tešanj, Travnik, Trebinje, Tunnel of Hope, Tuzla, Tvrdoš, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Šćit
Day 1. We depart from Mostar and take a short drive to Blagaj to visit the stunning Dervish monastery (Tekija) (UNESCO Tentative List Site), a 16th-century Sufi (Islamic) retreat dramatically built at the source of the emerald Buna River. We then travel to Podrumi Andrija, a family-owned winery where we sample their premium white wines, including Žilavka, a crisp Herzegovinian varietal with floral and fruit notes. Our day continues to Medjugorje, a world-famous Roman Catholic pilgrimage center that has attracted millions of visitors since reported apparitions began in 1981. We will stay in Medjugorje.
Day 2. After staying in Medjugorje, we travel to the spectacular Kravica waterfalls, a natural amphitheater of cascades on the Trebizat River, ideal for swimming and photography. We then visit the enchanting Ottoman-era hill town of Pocitelj (UNESCO Tentative List Site), renowned for its beautifully preserved stone architecture and panoramic views. After that, we will come to Stolac for accommodation.
Day 3. After staying in Stolac, we travel to Radimlja to see the remarkable medieval stecci (tombstone) necropolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from the 15th-16th centuries, one of the best preserved collections of these unique carved monuments. We then admire the ancient hilltop fortress of Stolac (UNESCO Tentative List Site), with origins dating to the 5th century. Our journey continues to the fascinating Vjetrenica cave system (UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, and then to Trebinje to see the elegant Arslanagic Bridge from the 16th century. After that, we will come to Trebinje for accommodation.
Day 4. After staying in Trebinje, we travel to Tvrdos to explore its Serbian Orthodox monastery, originally founded in the 15th century, and enjoy a tasting of their excellent red wines, particularly the local Vranec variety, known for its deep color and robust body. We return to Trebinje to visit the hilltop Hercegovacka Gracanica church, wander through the charming historical center, and explore the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord cathedral. We stay another night in Trebinje.
Day 5. After 2 nights in Trebinje, we enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Sutjeska National Park, one of Bosnia's oldest and most beautiful protected areas, famous for its primeval forest Perućica and the WWII battle site. We then travel to Visegrad to see the magnificent Mehmed Pasha Sokolovich Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 16th-century Ottoman masterpiece with eleven stone arches spanning the Drina River, and explore the nearby Andrich-Grad, a stone town dedicated to Nobel laureate Ivo Andric. We will stay in Visegrad.
Day 6. After staying in Visegrad, we enjoy a small boat trip on the Drina River, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes and the famous Mehmed Pasha Sokolovich Bridge from the water. We then continue to Sarajevo, the captivating capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and explore the city's historical center (UNESCO Tentative List Site), a vibrant mosaic of Eastern and Western influences. We visit the Gazi Husrev-beg History museum (Islamic), wander through the bustling Bascarsija old bazaar, and admire the elegant Sebilj fountain at the heart of the old town. We will stay in Sarajevo.
Day 7. After staying in Sarajevo, we ascend via the city's charming funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of the capital nestled in the valley. We then travel to the poignant Tunnel of Hope museum, a preserved underground passage that served as a vital lifeline during the city's siege in the 1990s. After that, we will return to Sarajevo for accommodation.
Day 8. After 2 nights in Sarajevo, we travel to Bijambare, a beautiful cave system located on the slopes of Mount Igman, known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes. We then continue to Etno avlija Mackovac, a charming ethno village showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture and rural life. After that, we will come to Tuzla for accommodation.
Day 9. After staying in Tuzla, we travel to Srebrenik to explore its imposing medieval fortress, one of the best preserved in the country, with origins dating to the 14th century. We then continue to Doboj to visit its historic fortress, a strategic stronghold rebuilt in the early 15th century overlooking the city. We will stay in Doboj.
Day 10. After staying in Doboj, we travel to Tesanj to explore its well-preserved Ottoman-era castle, which dominates the old town. We then continue to Banja Luka to see the Kastel fortress, a medieval castle dating back to Roman times, located on the banks of the Vrbas River. We will stay in Banja Luka.
Day 11. After staying in Banja Luka, we explore the city's historical center. We visit St. Bonaventure Cathedral, the main Roman Catholic church in Banja Luka, built in the 1970s in a striking modern architectural style. We also admire the magnificent Serbian Orthodox Christ the Savior Cathedral, originally built in the 1920s and meticulously rebuilt after being destroyed during the 1990s war, known for its golden domes and beautiful frescoes. We then see Ferhadija Mosque, a 16th-century Ottoman mosque that was completely destroyed during the war and later reconstructed using original materials and traditional methods. We then enjoy a tasting at The Master Craft brewery, sampling some of the best local craft beers. We stay another night in Banja Luka.
Day 12. After 2 nights in Banja Luka, we travel to Ljubacke doline, an ethno village showcasing traditional Bosnian architecture and customs. We then continue to Krupa to see the stunning Krupa waterfall and visit the Orthodox monastery Krupa on the Vrbas, a 13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery nestled in a beautiful canyon. We also stop at the Vrbas river mountain view viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas. After that, we will come to Jajce for accommodation.
Day 13. After staying in Jajce, we admire the spectacular Pliva waterfall, where the river plunges directly into the Vrbas, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the country. We explore the unique Mithras Temple, a rare 2nd-century Roman monument dedicated to the mystery god Mithras. We then stroll through Jajce's historical center (UNESCO Tentative List Site) with its medieval fortress, and relax in the tranquil Mlincici park. We stay another night in Jajce.
Day 14. After 2 nights in Jajce, we travel to Travnik to explore its imposing medieval fortress, dating back to the 14th century and once the seat of Ottoman viziers, and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the scenic Travnik river. After that, we will come to Bugojno for accommodation.
Day 15. After staying in Bugojno, we travel to Scit to visit its serene Franciscan (Roman Catholic) monastery, a key spiritual and cultural center, and explore the Scit Ethnographic museum, which beautifully showcases traditional rural life and customs. Finally, we return to Mostar, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Banja Luka, Bihać, Blagaj, Bosnian Pyramids, Doboj, Jajce, Ključ, Kravica, Livno, Ljubačke doline, Martin Brod, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Počitelj, Radimlja, Sarajevo, Srebrenik, Stolac, Tešanj, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Vranduk, Zavala, Štrbački buk, Šćit
We welcome you to travel all across Bosnia-Herzegovina with our all seasons 17 days discovery tour starting from Tuzla. Visit the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina and see old towns, fortresses and monasteries, as well as most of the existing UNESCO World Heritage sites. This tour is a good example of off the beaten path travel, out of touristy areas, and still in Europe.
During this tour, we are going to visit several medieval fortresses: Srebrenik, Doboj, Tesanj, Banja Luka, Kljuc, Jajce, Stolac, Travnik, and Vranduk. We will come to see wonders of nature, waterfalls Strbacki Buk, Martin Brod, and Kravica. We will pass small roads across National Parks Una and Sutjeska. We will visit medieval towns Jajce, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Stolac, and Visegrad. We will stay on bridges from the Ottoman era in Visegrad, Mostar, and Trebinje.
The whole tour will open for you the history and nature of the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina. You will learn local traditions, see museums and monasteries, try local food and drinks, and will remember this tour full of unexpected positive impressions.
April 28, 2026 Ljubačke doline (Ljubacke doline), Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ethno village Ljubacke doline is designed and set as an open-air museum with the intention of showing the life of a community that used to inhabit this area, its traditional architecture, material culture, and furniture from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
March 25, 2026 Brauron, Greece. Brauron is an ancient archaeological site in eastern Attica, Greece, famous for its sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and nature. Brauron draws visitors with its well-preserved ruins and ties to ancient rituals. Tourists love exploring this peaceful archaeological park for a glimpse into classical Greek worship and daily life.
January 12, 2026 Ávila (Avila), Spain. Avila, a charming town in central Spain, is famous for its impressive medieval walls that surround the historic center. These stone fortifications are remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past and its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
December 28, 2025 Baeza, Spain. Baeza, a picturesque town in Andalusia, southern Spain, is famous for its outstanding Renaissance architecture. Together with neighboring Ubeda, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 under the name Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza, for its cultural significance.
December 6, 2025 Veria, Greece. Veria, also spelled Veroia or Beroea, is a city in Central Macedonia, northern Greece, known for its rich history, Byzantine architecture, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aigai (modern Vergina). Historically an important center since antiquity and the Byzantine era, it is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo. The city has numerous churches, and is nicknamed ＂Little Jerusalem＂ for its many religious sites.
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Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.
