Lukomir Village is a fascinating settlement tucked away high in the mountains on the Via Dinarica hiking trail which spans eight countries in the Western Balkans from Slovenia to Macedonia. The village is home to the Highlanders, a close-knit community that has preserved their traditions with pride. Lukomir is a living museum, where every stone and pathway has a story to tell – but did you know that it is a village that was saved by tourism? I had the privilege of visiting Lukomir during my time in Bosnia & Herzegovina and hearing the story of how the country's most isolated mountain village has been given new life thanks to curious visitors and avid hikers.

I'm a solo travel and adventure travel expert with a passion for helping to ease over-tourism and finding alternative ways for us to travel and lesser-known destinations. So I was really excited to finally hear a positive story about the impact of tourism breathing new life into a community that almost died out. Set against the rugged mountains and deep ravines, Lukomir village stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

So, when you ask me, as no doubt you will – if Lukomir Village is worth visiting? Let me assure you that not only is Lukomir worth visiting as a unique and special experience of witnessing the most rural and isolated life in Bosnia & Herzegovina, a county with a tumultuous past. But it is also worth visiting because the tourism you are bringing to the town have created the jobs and the money to keep the spirit of the village alive.

Lukomir Village in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Why Should I Visit Lukomir Village?

There are lots of reasons to visit Lukomir Village in Bosnia & Herzegovina beyond just supporting tourism in the area. It's a haven for adventure-seekers and hikers and has been hailed by National Geographic as one of the Best of the World Destinations. High in the rugged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lukomir sits at an elevation of 1,495 meters on the Bjelašnica mountain. As the highest and most remote village in the country, it is something of a time capsule, offering a glimpse into a different way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. If you're looking for a slow travel experience and authentic connection with the local people of Bosnia & Herzegovina, this provides an experience unlike any other.

Everywhere you turn, Lukomir is a living museum full of stories and rich in history. Experience the peace of rural life, the tranquility of the mountains and the simplicity of a slower pace. You can wander through the village and see the ancient stone houses, meet the local ladies selling their knitted gloves and slippers, don't forget to go and see the village mosque.

A highlight of visiting Lukomir Village is taking in the spectacular view across Rakitnica Canyon, which lies just beyond the village and offers breathtaking panoramas. Back in the village, you can also try the best Bosnian pie in the whole country – burek – the classic spinach and cheese really can't be beaten and was my favourite thing I ate while travelling the country. You can even watch as they prepare and cook the pie before eating – all made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Burek – bosnian pie – lukomir village, bosnia

How Responsible Tourism Saved Lukomir

I hear so many stories about the negative impact of tourism, but I love to share the positive impact travellers can have on supporting local communities. Part of being a responsible traveller means making choices that reflect your values and ensure that you leave a positive impact behind you. 

Did you know that Lukomir Village was actually saved by tourism? The village was on the verge of dying out as many of the younger members of the close-knit community left to travel to Bosnia's cities to find work and raise families. As the population's average age increased, the community struggled to survive on the age-old traditions of shepherding and small-scale farming to sustain themselves in the most remote mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It was only when tours started to visit this remote area bringing tourism to Lukomir Village and another way to create jobs and income for the locals which actively helped to preserve the community's customs and traditions, turning the village into a living museum. Now the locals welcome visitors with pride and share stories of their ancestors and the rich history of their village. A huge highlight of a visit to the village is trying the famous Bosnian pie – which I'm told is the best in the entire country – and is freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

Travelling to Lukomir from Sarajevo

If you're interested in visiting Lukomir, there are a couple of different ways to reach Bosnia's highest and most isolated mountain village. I don't recommend driving to Lukomir (particularly if you have hired a car) as the road is mostly unpaved and is quite rocky, while it isn't unsafe, I think it would be a stressful journey and can be avoided by choosing one of the below options instead:

Group Tour or Travelling With a Tour Guide

I recommend joining a group tour or travelling with a guide so you can learn more about the village during your visit. Here's some great tours that include a visit to Lukomir Village:

There are also tours available through Green Visions & Exodus Travel.

Hiking or Cycling to Lukomir

There are also lots of opportunities to hike or cycle to Lukomir Village on activities from Bosnia & Herzegovina's capital city, Sarajevo, if you prefer an active trip and want to make the most of the incredible scenery! Check out these amazing tours:

Hiking near Lukomir Village

If  you love hiking – you'll be spoiled for choice with the trails around Lukomir Village which sits on the Via Dinarica hiking trail which spans eight countries in the Western Balkans from Slovenia to Macedonia. There are also lots of other great hiking trails that you can take in this paradise for keen trekkers. Picture a halo of mountain capes encircling the village and the nearby canyons and gorges.

Don't miss the breathtaking views across Rakitnica Canyon, which lies just beyond the village with dramatic cliff faces and deep ravines. This part of Bosnia is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts who can enjoy the unparalleled hiking opportunities and of course, the jaw-dropping panoramas across endless meadows and pastures full of wildflowers and bleating sheep.