Goražde, the heart of the Drina Valley, is a hidden gem where tradition meets breathtaking landscapes.
Nestled in the upper course of the emerald Drina River, Goražde is one of the most picturesque towns in eastern Bosnia. Surrounded by forested hills Mišjak, Biserna, Samari, Gubavica, and Površnica the town enjoys a mild continental climate with short winters and long, warm summers, making it pleasant to visit year-round.
Thanks to its strategic location on the banks of the Drina and the slopes of Mount Jahorina, Goražde has for centuries been a crossroads of cultures and trade. First mentioned in 1379 as a trading hub with Dubrovnik, the town later grew into the economic and cultural center of the Upper Drina region.
Today, with around 32,000 inhabitants, Goražde is the heart of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty. The graceful flow of the Drina, once wild and untamed, remains the town’s greatest jewel and an invitation to explore its scenic landscapes and rich heritage.
Goražde – A Brief History
The area of Goražde has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with the first written mention of the town in 1379, related to Dubrovnik caravan trade. During the Middle Ages, it was part of the Raška state and later Bosnia under Ban Tvrtko and the Kosača family.
Until 1878, Goražde was under Ottoman rule, featuring a lively bazaar, caravanserais, and inns. Austro-Hungarian rule introduced schools, roads, and modern administration.
Between the world wars, Goražde had basic infrastructure: schools, post office, hospital, and electricity. After 1945, rapid development brought residential, industrial, and cultural buildings, shaping Goražde into a modern town.
During the 1992–1995 war, the city was besieged. Residents endured harsh conditions, making Goražde a symbol of resilience and survival in extreme hardship.
Today, Goražde is a modern town that preserves its rich history and spirit of resilience.
Come and explore Goražde – more information here.