The second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the largest city in the Republic of Srpska with the population of about 280 000. Banja Luka today stands for the city of youth and greenery. Situated on a mountain river Vrbas, surrounded by other smaller rivers, hills, mountains and other natural beauties. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, and it is characterized by a continental climate with warm to hot summers and colder winters.
On every street corner in Banja Luka there are numerous tourist signs pointing to local tourist attractions, historical and cultural monuments, so getting around the city will not be a problem for you. There are also tourist offices with all the information you might need.
Banja Luka hosts many international sports competitions, music, and cultural events, the most popular so far has been the European Rafting Championship 2005, World Rafting Championship 2009 and European Kayak and Canoe Championship in 2011. Starting from 2015 the city organizes The International Half Marathon Race which hosts more than 5000 participants from 40 countries every year.
Numerous nightclubs, festival, concerts, and parties will make sure that you have an unforgettable time in the city of Banja Luka.
The surrounding hills, mountains, rivers, and nature allow you to enjoy camping, hiking and climbing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking and other adventurous and recreational activities.
This city has a very rich history and numerous historical and cultural monuments but largest and most impressive historical monument in Banja Luka is definitely the fortress Kastel, which is located on the left bank of the Vrbas river in the city center. The fortress dates back to Roman times, and it served as a military fortress to defend the city and river routes.