Located on the banks of the Jala River, Tuzla is the economic and cultural hub of north-east Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was established in the 9th century and flourished as an Ottoman Empire garrison town before becoming a leading industrial centre. Today, Tuzla is one of the most multicultural cities in the country.
Things to do in Tuzla
In the heart of Tuzla is Freedom Square, which was built on the remains of a centuries-old archaeological site and is the largest public square in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It centres around an ornately decorated fountain and is watched over by a reconstructed Baroque building that dates from the Austro-Hungarian period. You can relax at one of the restaurants surrounding the square or watch the world go by from the shaded benches.
A short walk east takes you to Gradski Park, which is traversed by paved walking trails and dotted with monuments to influential locals. At its heart is a statue dedicated to the first Bosnian king, Tvrtko I Kotromanic. If you don’t feel like walking, you can admire the greenery from the sightseeing train that chugs its way through the park.
A pedestrian bridge links Gradski Park to the Pannonica Salt Lakes, a series of three saltwater lakes where you can swim and sunbathe in the summer months. In addition to several man-made pools, there are water slides and cascades to enjoy. Forming part of the complex is an archaeological site where a Neolithic stilt-house settlement has been recreated.
Getting around Tuzla
Tuzla is around 2.5 hours' drive from Sarajevo and Sarajevo International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Tuzla railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Tuzla can easily be explored on foot.