Day 10 Baklans, Split to Sarajevo

 April 26 – Travel Day: Split to Sarajevo

Departed Split Hotel Balatura after breakfast:

Driving North out of Split, we crossed the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina and the guard, after asking where we were headed, smiled and said: “Sarajevo… good luck.” Hard to tell if he meant it as a warning or encouragement, but we took it as part of the adventure.

The drive from Split to Sarajevo turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly beautiful stretches of the trip. It felt a lot like Colorado—rolling mountains, pine forests, and that same wide-open feel. We passed near Pločno Peak, which rises to about 2,228 meters (7,310 feet), its upper slopes still capped with snow, and cruised alongside Blidinje Lake in Blidinje Nature Park. The area had a real alpine charm—A-frames, quiet mountain villages, and scenery that felt more like Summit County than the Balkans.

Coming into Sarajevo, the view from the highway was fantastic—red-tiled roofs spread across the valley with mountains rising all around. It’s a city that immediately feels unique, with layers of history visible everywhere you look. Nestled among the neighborhoods are green parks and open spaces that give the city a relaxed, livable feel. Bullet-ridden façades of apartment buildings were immediately visible and clearly reminded us that we were in a city that had been under siege just over 30 years ago.

We had a brief moment of uncertainty when Hotel Central Sarajevo couldn’t find our reservation, but it all worked out—just one of those little travel hiccups that keeps things interesting.  Kurt’s planning, and organizational binder was there to save the day. We were also advised to keep an eye out for pickpockets, a pretty standard heads-up in most major cities but seeming a little more critical here.

In the afternoon, we visited the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide, which offers an important look into the Bosnian War. It’s a powerful and eye-opening experience—definitely not light, but meaningful. It also made me realize how much more there is to learn about this region and its recent history, especially given that it all unfolded within our lifetime.

I am a little ashamed to admit that I did not know too much about this horrific war, especially since I was serving on active duty Navy during the conflicts and brutality.  Here is a YouTube video to recap the highlights of said war:

Back at the hotel, a pleasant surprise: a really solid gym. Always a win on the road—helps reset after a long day and keeps the routine going.

Dinner was a highlight. We ate at Lola in the old town, and it was excellent. Even better, our waitress was from Louisville—her parents had come to the U.S. as Bosnian refugees. Small world moment, and a great conversation that added a personal touch to the evening.

All in, Sarajevo made a strong first impression—scenic, welcoming, and full of character. A day that started with a simple “good luck” ended up being one of the more memorable travel days so far.