The Making of Modern Mostar Free Walking Tour: A Century of Conflict & Transformation

Sheva’s Making of Modern Mostar Free Walking Tour picks up Mostar’s story from the late 19th century during the brief but transformative 40-year period during which the power and influence of the Ottoman Empire declined, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire took administrative control. This tour traverses Mostar’s tumultuous history during the 20th century, the development of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and its eventual violent dissolution during the Wars of Yugoslav Succession (1992 – 1995).

Tour price

Free / Tip

Length

2 hours

Distance

4 kilometers

Language

English

Intensity

Moderate

Meeting point

See here

While much has changed over the last 30 years, evidence of these wars is still visible on Mostar’s landscape and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sheva’s Making of Modern Mostar Free Walking Tour will explore Mostar and the region’s modern history in detail with historical reference to WWI and WWII. Particular attention will be given to the two conflicts which occurred in Mostar following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s declaration of independence in 1992.

Hear the most recent history from those who experienced and were impacted by it firsthand, having spent their childhood as a Yugoslav and come of age in an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina on the brink of war. Learn how the conflict ended and peace was established with the brokering of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995 and come to understand the current socio-economic condition of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well the country’s political set-up and demographic make-up.

Tour Price: Free Tours are entirely dependent on the contributions of guests. At the conclusion of the tour, you are “free” to choose the amount of your contribution. The amount you choose to give is typically based on what you feel the tour experience was worth. The goal of Free Tours is to provide access to a great tour while also supporting your tour guide and a locally operated business. Collectively, contributions from each individual participant enable us to provide the Free Tour service.

If you have any questions about booking Sheva’s Making of Modern Mostar Free Walking Tour, feel free to contact us.

Length: about 2 hours

Distance: about 2.5 miles/4 kilometers

Intensity: Moderate

Ages: Because this is a larger group tour focusing on difficult themes (i.e. war, violence, genocide), we recommend travelers with young children consider booking this experience as a private tour. This ensures a quality experience for all participants.

Please note: while the tour route is relatively short, the pathways are cobblestone. Please wear suitable footwear and, if necessary, bring a cane or walking sticks for support.

Inclusions:

Guided Tour of Mostar
Licensed Guide
Supplemental Materials, including historic photographs and maps
Recommendations for local handicrafts, restaurants, cafes, and attractions
Local Taxes

Exclusions: This tour does not include entrance to local museums or attractions. The landscape serves as an open-air museum.

Language: English

Booking Information: We now require reservations for our Free Tours. Requiring bookings helps us to provide a high-quality tour by keeping group numbers to a reasonable size. If we see that one tour time is overbooked, we can easily schedule an additional tour guide.

“Highlight of our trip to Mostar”
“Sevko’s walking tour was the highlight of our trip to Mostar. He is incredibly knowledgable and loves to answer any and all questions about his home. Having grown up in Mostar, Sevko is able to share his personal photographs and stories to bring Mostar’s history to life for those who get the privilege of taking his tour. On top of that you can tell that he is loved by people all over the city as he is stopping to greet friends throughout the tour. His tour lasted 2 hours! The best I have ever taken in a city. On top of that, he helped us in a completely unrelated situation the following day. We asked a lot of him and he had zero hesitation. Do yourself a favor and do not miss this opportunity. Thank you, Sevko!!!!!!”

– Elizabeth DiRenzo (San Francisco, USA)

“Highly recommended for anyone coming to Mostar”
“Absolutely the highlight of our time in Mostar! Sevko was an absolutely fantastic guide. He has an intimate knowledge of Mostar and its history – from ancient times until present day. He was charming and open to questions… Highly recommended for anyone coming to Mostar. You will certainly get a more authentic and informative experience than going with one of the many other tour groups in Mostar. The small size of the tour and the quality of the guide made this the highlight of our entire trip!”

– Robbie Ellenhorn (Washington, USA)