Fojnica between Thermal Springs, Mountains and History

The municipality of Fojnica is bordered to the southwest by the high mountain ranges of Vranica and Bitovinja. Forests, abundant water and thermal springs shape this landscape. Near Fojnica, Prokoško jezero lies on Mount Vranica at an altitude of 1,636 metres. The lake is of glacial origin and is managed as the “Spomenik prirode Prokoško jezero” nature monument. The rare endemic Reiser’s alpine newt (Triturus alpestris reiseri) is also found in the area. Swimming in Prokoško jezero is possible in summer.

Notable destinations in the immediate surroundings include the Kozice Waterfalls. They are located ten kilometres north of the town and consist of three waterfalls, each between 10 and 20 metres high. The Brusnica recreational centre is also located near Fojnica. In summer, it offers horse riding, mountain biking and walks along marked and well-maintained trails. The centre also includes a 33-kilometre mountain hiking trail to Prokoško jezero.

Reumal is a modern, specialised facility in Fojnica equipped for rehabilitation, relaxation, active holidays and planned sporting activities. Reumal’s rehabilitation services are based on radioactive thermal water. Alongside the mountain and lake landscapes, this provides the town with a distinct focus combining physical treatments, relaxation and sporting programmes.

In medieval Bosnia, Fojnica developed into an important mining and trading centre. In medieval Fojnica, the Bosnian rulers also operated a mint. Another historical trace can be found at the Banja site above the present-day settlement: remains of Roman works for collecting and protecting the thermal spring have been preserved there.

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Spirit offers visits to the monastery, library and museum. The museum collection and library holdings are registered as movable cultural heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The library preserves more than 50,000 books, including 13 incunabula. The museum also preserves the Ahdnama of 1463. In this document, Sultan Mehmed II el-Fatih granted the Bosnian Franciscans, at the request of Fra Anđelo Zvizdović, freedom of movement in Bosnia and permission to carry out their activities among the population.

Fojnica is also home to the Atik Mosque, built in 1551 and considered one of the oldest mosques in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the summer katuns around Prokoško jezero, visitors can find sheep’s cheese, kajmak, pita and bread baked under a sač. The Fojničko ljeto adds a communal accent: it is a traditional festival for residents and guests organised by the municipality of Fojnica.

Near Fojnica, on the road from Fojnica to Prokoško jezero, accommodation is available at an altitude of 1,100 metres. It is located 12 kilometres from Fojnica and 8 kilometres from Prokoško jezero, offering opportunities for relaxation, recreation, mountain hiking and walks along forest paths in unspoilt nature.

Further destinations: Milanovići, Kiseljak, Jajce, Nova Bila, Čardaci, Busovača, Kreševo, Travnik.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Bosnia Canton/Middle Bosnia.