The Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge spans the Drina in Višegrad, connecting the city’s history with a striking riverside setting. Other highlights include Andrićgrad, Dobrun Monastery and a range of activities on the water. When choosing accommodation, you can first decide whether you want to focus on architectural and cultural history, events or experiences on the Drina.
Bridge, literature and art
The bridge was built in the late 16th century by court architect Mimar Koca Sinan on the orders of Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolović. It is considered characteristic of the peak of Ottoman monumental architecture and civil engineering. Its construction date, architect and patron give the structure a clear cultural and historical context.
Andrićgrad follows a different idea: conceived as a stone medieval town, it is inspired by the works and characters of Ivo Andrić. The Lubarda Gallery at the Andrić Institute offers another connection to the arts and is open to visitors. Its fine art provides a different focus from the literary inspiration behind Andrićgrad.
Dobrun and places of remembrance
The medieval urban complex of Dobrun consists of an eastern section with three towers on the left bank of the Rzav and a western section, where a castle with walls and a gate once stood. Dobrun Monastery is 12 km from Višegrad, in the Rzav gorge. Its complex includes the Museum of the First Serbian Uprising. The monastery’s surviving frescoes depict Emperor Dušan with Jelena and Uroš, as well as the monastery’s founder, Prefect Pribil, and his family.
The Stari Brod Memorial Museum contains 27 sculptures with 39 figures. They symbolise Serbian mothers fleeing with their children into the swollen Drina. The official tour of Višegrad also includes Ivo Andrić’s Memorial Classroom; admission costs 3 KM per person.
Art, events and local cuisine
The Višegrad City Gallery is located in the Cultural Centre building. It regularly displays paintings, prints and sculptures created at the International Art Symposium in Višegrad; individual exhibitions may change. The symposium has been held every year in early August since 1993 and brings together artists from around 15 countries.
Another recurring event is the Višegrad Staza, established in 1976 and held every June. Exact dates may vary. The traditional “Zlatne ruke Podrinja” event brings together exhibitors of handicrafts, homemade products and traditional crafts. The programme and number of exhibitors may also vary, so check the event dates before your trip. Višegrad stew is also recommended to try. Specific restaurants and menus may change.
The Drina and outdoor activities
The options vary depending on the activity: within the town, upstream from the Višegrad Bridge, there is a 2 km fishing stretch; next to the bridge is a 480 m zipline. Canyon Adventures offers various kayaking and SUP tours on the Drina. A trip may pass beneath the arches of the old bridge.
Jaz Beach is in Međeđa, 12 km upstream from Višegrad. Swimming is available there, along with canoe, pedal boat and motorboat rentals. Facilities and rentals may change seasonally; check what is available for your travel dates. The lower lake in the Drina Canyon is 54 km long. A few kilometres from Višegrad, it gives way to a completely wild landscape without roads or settlements.
Another option is the hamam in Višegradska Banja: it is still in use and can be rented by the hour through Hotel Vilina Vlas. As booking arrangements may change, confirm them in advance.
Getting there and practical information
Višegrad has daily bus connections to Sarajevo, Istočno Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka and Foča, as well as routes to Belgrade and Novi Sad. Routes and frequencies may change, so check the timetable before setting off.
The narrow-gauge railway line Višegrad–Vardište–Mokra Gora runs through the scenic Rzav Valley and is used for special tourist trips. At present, only private trips are available to tourist groups, who must hire the entire train. Confirm availability before planning a trip.
The last 5 km from Miloševići to Stari Brod are on a road that is not fully paved; off-road vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are recommended. Check road conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Opetci, Prnjavor, Nevesinje, Vučja Luka, Mišići, Njemanica, Teslić, Donje Vardište
For the regional travel overview: Republika Srpska.
