Happy TravellerWelcome to Visoko, a city located in the Zenica-Doboj Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This hidden gem boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Located between Zenica and Sarajevo, Visoko lies where the river Fojnica joins the Bosna. The Visoko region has evidence of long continuous occupation, with the first traces of life dating back to the 5th millennium BC.
Visoko is a city with a rich and diverse history. Archaeological excavations of Okolište have found one of the biggest neolithic settlements of the Butmir culture in southeastern Europe. It was an early political and commercial center of the Bosnian medieval state, and the site where the first Bosnian king Tvrtko I was crowned. The Old town Visoki, located on Visočica hill, was a politically important fortress, and its inner bailey Podvisoki was an early example of a Bosnian medieval urban area. After the fall of the Kingdom of Bosnia, medieval Visoko grew as an Ottoman town. A key role in its development was played by the local Bosnian Ajas-pasha. Ottoman rule ended in 1878 when the Bosnian Vilayet was occupied by Austria-Hungary. On 11 November 1911, in the last years of Austro-Hungarian rule, it was almost completely burned down by an accidental fire. Before the Bosnian War, Visoko was the largest exporter of textile and leather in socialist Yugoslavia.
Visoko’s natural environment is defined by the river-valleys of the Bosna and Fojnica rivers, with several characteristic, morphologically distinctive valleys formed by the foothills of the Central Bosnian mountains including Ozren, Vranica and Zvijezda. The altitude of the region ranges from 400 to 1,050 metres. The municipality borders the towns of Kiseljak, Busovača, Kakanj, Vareš, Breza, Ilijaš and Ilidža, and is connected by rail to the Adriatic coast.
Visoko is directly connected to a highway along the European route E73 (A1 motorway) which directly connects it with Zenica and Sarajevo, which then continues to M17 road. It is connected to other places by the regional road R443 (Visoko – Kiseljak – Kreševo – Tarčin). It is located along the Šamac-Sarajevo railway. Visokogas is a public company in charge of the supply of natural gas, which supplies majority of city itself and some surrounding local communities.
Visoko’s demographics are reflective of its diverse history, with a mix of Bosniak, Croat, and Serb populations. The city’s infrastructure has grown to meet the needs of its residents, with a variety of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and sport stadiums. Culture blooms in Visoko, with a theatre, museum, cinema, and library available for visitors to explore. The local cuisine is not to be missed, with mouthwatering dishes like cevapi and burek available in the city’s many restaurants.
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Visoko is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore the hidden gems of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tens of thousands of tourists flock to Visoko every year, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or food, you’re sure to find something to love in this enchanting city.
